Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism is a neurological development disorder that occurs in early childhood which leads to defective verbal and non-verbal communication. Such children may refrain from social interaction. They may also have difficulties in expressing themselves. The symptoms can be observed in first three years of age. There are 2 persons behind 10,000 people who are affected with autism. The number of males affected with autism is 3 to 4 times more than females.

Not two children show exactly same signs of autism. So there is range described for autism also called as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) which categorizes the same. Let us see some major spectra below.

The first one in spectrum is called Autism. Here child fails to interact effectively with the people, lack in developing relationships, sharing thoughts, empathizing with others etc. You can isolate an autistic person from others by the typical signs such as their stereotypic movements, restricted and repeated use of words while speaking. An autistic child may look like a normal child but its behavior is different in comparison with others. Persons affected with autism may not like the changes in their daily activities and are obsessed some activities. Autism may last with the person forever.

Another spectrum is Asperger's syndrome, the name given after Hans Asperger, who described the distinctive behavioral patterns of children, in 1944. The typically observed characteristics in this syndrome are abnormal and delayed responses in the child. For example, the child may not respond immediately if you call by its name. One may need to call him/her several times. Some may also lack in language development skills. The child may carry some symptoms of autism also but are less severe than autism. The Asperger's patients are usually diagnosed in the age between 5 to 9 years. The syndrome can be cured over period of time.

The third one in the list is Pervasive Development Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) which carries some features specified in autism but some of them are severe and others are not. These people are very close to their parents. The child especially lacks in communication and social skills. The child has limited interests.

One more important category is Rett Syndrome found only in girls characterized by developmental disorders in using language and defect in using hands purposefully.

Even though autism patients behave differently, they show some great qualities. These people may have normal or very high I.Q. The cognitive skills may develop fast in such kids while lacking in language development skills. In fact, some skills they may learn faster than other children. The good thing about them is that they do not carry any lies most of the times but the problem is that they may trust on anybody around them.

There are no medicines, injections or pills available to cure autism. Some pills are available which help to decrease anxiety or depression but they are not curative measures. However, an autistic person can be helped providing different therapies, like speech therapy. Picture presentation, pointing towards the things can help such people to understand better. One may use sign language for better understanding. With the support of parents, doctors, therapists, teachers an autistic person can be live a normal life others.

Disclaimer: The article does not promote any treatment or therapy for autism. One should consult doctor before using any kind of pills. There is lot more information available than described above. The article contains only primary guidelines to help people to know about the syndrome.

Original article

Teenagers and Sensory Processing Disorder: The Special Challenges

Teens with sensory processing disorder have special challenges because of the stage of development they're in and the fact that until now, their sensory issues may have gone unaddressed.

1. Finding the right OT can be difficult. Few occupational therapists are trained or experienced in working with teenagers who have sensory processing disorder. Play-based SI therapy may seem silly and embarrassing to teens.

2. Poor self-esteem. Teenagers who have had sensory issues for years will have learned at least some accommodations to get around them and are less likely to experience the extreme behaviors and responses they did when they were younger. However, years of feeling different and not knowing why, and noticing that they have never been quite as mature and self-controlled as their peers, take their toll. Teens with sensory processing issues usually struggle with self-esteem. They need a lot of encouragement to admit they have sensory issues and need some help.

3. Need for independence. Teenagers need to have their independence respected, so being told, "You need to do X, Y, and Z to manage your sensory issues" usually doesn't go over very well!

4. Desire to fit in. Even teenagers who don't feel the need to have a lot of friends or be conformist want to have some friends they feel they fit in with. Sensory challenges can embarrass them and may make them feel isolated, and different in a negative way.

5. Changing hormones. Teenagers have ever-changing hormones that can exacerbate sensory issues by making them more sensitive to input than they were in the past. The normal changes of adolescence can also make them more moody and emotionally sensitive.

6. New expectations. People are less likely to see your teen as a young, immature person with a hidden disability and more likely to see him or her as a young adult whose behavior is willful.

What's a parent, teacher, or therapist to do?

1. Modify traditional SI therapy techniques to be more teen friendly. As a substitute for playing with a tray of shaving cream or finger-paints, encourage the teen to cook, garden, do art or arts and crafts, and engage in other activities that challenge his tactile issues. Work with a sensory-smart occupational therapist who is willing to alter her approach to helping your teenage son or daughter to reduce any embarrassment or defensiveness.

2. Talk about sensory issues positively. Reassure your teenager that sensory issues are simply a difference in brain wiring that can have advantages but that can also be controlled and addressed to make life a little easier. Explain what SPD is and why in some cases, it's good to be extra sensitive or to crave certain sensations, and that people with sensory issues often have other gifts as well, such as the ability to "think in pictures." Then explain that there are "tricks" you and/or an OT can teach them to "make their lives easier." Everyone wants his life to be a little easier! Acknowledge how hard your teen has to work to be organized or tolerate certain sensations and praise her for her efforts.

3. Offer accommodations and sensory diet ideas for him or her to choose from. Present accommodations and activities to teenagers and let them decide which they would like to use. Honor and respect their choices and encourage them to engage in collaborative problem solving with you. If they don't want to be seen doing a brushing protocol for tactile issues, can they do it discreetly in the bathroom at school? If all the kids are wearing loose clothes and they prefer them tight, can the teen wear tight clothing, such as bicycle shorts, underneath looser clothes that seem more stylish?

4.Help your teen with sensory issues to feel okay as he is and find a group of peers he's comfortable with. Practical solutions for grooming, picky eating, and dressing, and encouraging talks about the upside of being different, can help your teen with sensory issues feel more comfortable among his peers. However, he may also feel better about himself if he expands his group of friends. Encourage your teen to develop hobbies and engage in new activities from individualized sports that don't require high levels of skill and competitiveness to enjoy them to groups that engage in the arts, community service, spiritual growth, etc. Extracurricular activities can help kids find their "tribe" and feel the power to make a difference in the world as well.

5. Accept that your child may be more emotionally sensitive at this stage. Be alert to signs of increased anxiety and depression and consult a medical health professional with any concerns you have. Remember, addressing sensory issues will reduce overall anxiety that can lead to mild or moderate depression (when you feel you can't manage your discomfort, over time, you can develop depression). Don't forget some of the most effective treatments for mild or moderate anxiety and depression include physical exercise, time spent outdoors, meditation, and breathing exercises. Mindfulness practices from yoga and tai chi to tai kwan do and karate can help, too.

6. Focus on self-awareness and accountability for self-regulating. It's very difficult to get others to accept poor self-regulation in a teen, even if you educate them on hidden disabilities. Therefore, the sooner you collaborate with your teen in creating a workable sensory diet that prevents negative behaviors, the better. It will be easier for your teen to develop better self-regulation if she is trained in using specific self-calming and self-alerting techniques that she knows work for her. Hold her accountable for using her alerting music and gum, taking time out to sit in a quiet space and do breathing exercises or use a brushing protocol, etc. Have her participate in creating a sensory diet tailored to her needs to keep her sensory needs met and to prevent fight-or-flight behaviors. Let her experience the natural consequences if she refuses to use her calming, focusing, alerting techniques.

Above all, never forget that kids with sensory issues need a "just right" challenge, a balance of accommodations to make them more comfortable and challenges that take them out of their comfort zone. Sensory diet activities for teenagers help them to develop a higher tolerance for situations and activities they'll encounter in life, and over time, retrain their brains to process sensory information more typically. Be creative and encouraging in setting up a sensory diet for a teenager, and always be collaborative to respect the teen's need for independence.

Finally, if you're a parent frustrated by trying to get your teenager's sensory issues under control, consider joining an in-person or online support group or creating one. Knowing that you aren't alone, and having practical and emotional support from other parents going through the same experiences with their teen, can help you enormously at this stage of your child's development.

Nancy Peske is the coauthor of the book Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues. Learn more about sensory issues at http://www.sensorysmartparent.com/ and visit Raising a Sensory Smart Child on Facebook.

Original article

My Child Has Been Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - What Do I Do Now?

Once your child has been diagnosed with ASD, begin researching best practices for effective learning. Autism is a lifelong disability, however, research indicates early intervention using the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) can make significant changes in your child's ability to learn and meet his or her potential. ABA therapy is one of many programs available however, when researching different programs, talk to other parents who have gone through the program, examine data, and research the professionals in the program's credentials as a therapist. Be cautious of programs offering "cures" or "recovery" as autism is a lifelong challenge and effective means to prevent or cure autism do not exist at this time.

Although most public schools do not offer the intense ABA therapy needed for a child diagnosed with autism, there are many private agencies or professionals that can help develop an appropriate program to meet your child's individual needs. The most important step for a parent is to make sure the professional you choose is licensed by the state in which you live and or is a board certified behavior analyst with experience in working with children on the spectrum.

Programs should be individualized, use positive reinforcement strategies and increase wanted behaviors while decreasing unwanted behaviors. The philosophy of applied behavior analysis is to look at the function of a behavior. For instance, if your child screams every time you run water for a bath, then you either postpone the bath or skip the bath, the function of the screaming is to avoid a bath. By giving in and delaying or skipping the bath, the parent is then reinforcing the escape and avoidance behavior. At the same time, screaming can also mean something different when it occurs when a child wants a cookie and the parent says no. If the parent gives the child a cookie to stop the screaming, the behavior has been reinforced again, thus guaranteeing the behavior will be repeated again in the future because it worked for the child; he got what he wanted.

Parents should be involved in the development of the plan and asked what they would like to see their child learn in the process. Be thinking of what is most important to you, your child and family. Therapy should be preformed 20-30 hours per week even with children as young as 3 years. Early intervention and intensity are keys to success with someone diagnosed with ASD.

Kerri Duncan has been supporting families with children diagnosed with autism. She aims to increase awareness and educate those involved in the lives of individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. If you need more information and support, click here to see how she can help you and your child reach a brighter tomorrow.

For more information contact Kerri Duncan, Ed.D., BCaBA at 417.860.7640 or at http://www.facebook.com/hart4autism

Original article

At What Age Does Autism Spectrum Disorder Begin?

Autism spectrum disorder can be complicated to diagnose because there are no set symptoms that everyone can look for. It varies from child to child and so does the severity. Each disorder has a range of symptoms that sometimes can imitate more than one condition. However, with a parent's awareness and a doctor's diagnosis, a child's autism spectrum disorder can be diagnosed and progress made.

Signs that Autism spectrum disorder should be suspected

If by the age of twelve months your child is not making cooing sounds or babbling like babies do by this age, you may want to mention it to your Pediatrician. Your child should be gesturing at the age of twelve months; pointing, waving hello or good-bye, grasping at toys or a bottle. When your child doesn't do any of these then you may want to talk to your Pediatrician by the time the child is twelve months old. By the age of sixteen months, a child should be able to say their first word.

This is a single word that is plain, simple, and easy to interpret however if your child does not say the word by this age then you may also want to mention it to your child's doctor to make him aware of it. He or she may want to send your child to a speech therapist to determine if there is something else causing the interruption in speech or if your child could possibly have the autism spectrum disorder. By the age of two, your child should be saying two-word phrases without assistance or without mimicking you. If your child has started talking but suddenly stops saying anything or suddenly has a change in their social skills no matter what age, then you need to mention that to your doctor.

So a child can begin developing symptoms of autism spectrum disorder as early as twelve months of age but the most common is around sixteen to eighteen months when you are sure that the developmental milestones are not being reached. Your child may not make eye contact with you by this age, may have trouble pretending to play, cannot imitate you, has delayed communication skills, cannot point to people, objects, or animals to have you look at what they see, or cannot show attention to anything.

By the age of three, autism spectrum disorder symptoms are easy to recognize and should be treated as quickly as possible to help the child understand and learn to live with the symptoms too. They will need support from their parents, siblings, family members, caregivers, teachers, friends, neighbors, and more. Autism spectrum disorders can control how the day goes for everyone in the house so its important to seek help as soon as you find out whether your child has it or not. If your child is suffering from autism, you need to team up with other parents who may have children who are dealing with autism as well.

When you notice that your child is not reaching developmental milestones then you need to make your doctor aware even if he or she does not think that anything is wrong. Keep a watchful eye on your child and when it is time for the next developmental milestone to be crossed he or she may catch up and make it however if they do not then your doctor needs to listen to your concerns because you are the one taking care of your child and you are his or her advocate.

For the latest videos and training information on child development as well as books and curricula on Autism please visit childdevelopmentmedia.com.

Original article

Coping With Autism Spectrum Disorder Meltdowns and Behaviours

What is an Autism Related Meltdown?
A child with Autism can be very prone to meltdowns in public and unfamiliar places. Meltdowns can be described as a tantrum or fit of rage as the child may be confused or stressed due over loaded sensory inputs or an unfamiliar place and situation.

An Autistic or ASD meltdown can be difficult to control and can be a very emotional trauma for both the ASD child / person and the carer. It can also put the ASD child / person and carer in danger of personal injury purely from a reaction to a situation, event or even emotional vibes.

To add to the drama of a meltdown in public places there is always the onlookers and concerned individuals. It is only human nature to be concerned if a child / person is acting in a manner which may be perceived as if the person is in danger or in trouble. It would be a sad world if this wasn't the case, as in a recent event in China where a small child was hit by a vehicle and ignored on the street by passers by.

I recall when Isybee was just 3 or 4 years old, one of the first outings we had in a busy shopping center, the surroundings, lights, noise and crowd was too much for her to handle and she had a meltdown. For passers by it would have seemed as if we were trying to harm her or kidnap her, people were trying to intervene and looked upset and concerned, we felt like we had to try and explain that our daughter was Autistic, however at the time your focus is on calming the child. Some even went as far as commenting on what terrible parents we were. We ignored them however it still affects you.

Coping with an Awkward Situation
So how do you go about coping with these sort of situations? Everyone would have their own way of dealing with such an event, and you have to quickly learn to not let others perceptions bother you. You could try and avoid outings, social gatherings or anywhere where there might be a chance of the ASD child having a meltdown, however at some stage you will have no choice and at some stage you will need to accustom the child with Autism to everyday living situations and slowly modify their behavior by making them feel comfortable and understanding what is going on around them.

One clever way we found to handle onlookers and concerned citizens when a meltdown or perceived disruptive behavior occurs by your miss-understood child with Autism, is to hand out an Autism Awareness card that gives in brief, an explanation of why the child is in this state. It can be a very effective way of communicating without having to go into verbal explanations and allows you to focus and deal with the task at hand - calming your child!

Print Your Own Autism Awareness Cards
We made up the Autism Awareness cards into a template which can be printed out into business card style and size cards. These can be printed out directly by any home Ink Jet or Laser printer using the IJ39 Business Cards format which matches most word processor software formats. Printing sheets are available at any Office Supplies outlet. This template will print 10 business style cards per sheet. See link below.

Below is a link to the Autism Awareness Cards Template Free Download page:

http://isybeeautism.com/autism-asd-insights/coping-with-autism-spectrum-disorder-meltdowns-and-behaviours/

Hi, my name is Henry, I am Isy Bee's father

My wife and I originally started Isabella's Autism Pages and Isybee Autism web pages to help other parents in similar circumstances, and to give recognition to other people and organisations who have helped them help me.

We hope to cover a lot of ground writing articles and providing information and resources for families and persons affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Please visit our website for more information and resources:

http://isybeeautism.com/ - Autism information and resources.

Original article

Autism Treatment - Managing the Disorder

There is no secret to the fact that the earlier Autism is diagnosed and a course of treatment is prescribed that this not only benefits your child, it benefits you as well. Typically, Autism treatment is not done medically in its entirety. Other variables come into play where this is concerned such as behavioral training and management, community support as well as parental training, and some specialized therapies. In so many words, Autism Treatment can be correlated with managing the disorder.

Treatment strategies

The following strategies for managing and treating Autism have been recommended by the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) and should help your child improve how they function overall as well as reach their potential:

Behavioral management and training - positive reinforcement along with self-help and social skills training are the foundation for behavioral management and training. The primary benefit for you and your child is that it greatly enhances the ability to communicate better and improve their behavior.

Community Parental Support and Training - it is always advisable that you undergo training and join a support group in the community in order to better manage and treat your child's disorder. Your child's doctor or one of the many Autism treatment advocacy and support groups will have all the information you need.

Medication - the same medications that treat other related conditions and behavioral disorders or problems are most the commonly used medications in Autism treatment. These include medications that treat anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder).

Specialized therapies - occupational, physical, and speech therapies are the most common ones applied for managing and treating Autism. However, they are more important where the management of the disorder is concerned rather than the treatment. All of these need to be included in the treatment program that is prescribed.

What causes Autism?

Autism is categorized as a PDD or Pervasive Developmental Disorder which is one of many conditions or illnesses that hamper skills development in children. Unfortunately, the causes of Autism remain unclear, even though research has revealed a few important elements or factors. These factors include genetics, problems during childbirth, and several types of infections.

The most recent studies now suggest that some individuals are genetically pre-disposed to Autism, meaning that parents can pass the condition onto to their children. Currently, a number of researchers are looking for clues regarding specific genes that contribute to being more vulnerable to the disorder. Another speculation is that the environment can be one of the factors that influences the onset and development of the disorder.

Other theories also suggest that abnormalities in the structure of the brain can be at fault or that the child's immune system may be producing certain anti-bodies that attack their brains and cause some damage to it. Another theory suggests that the timing involved with the development and growth of the child's brain is abnormal. So as you can readily see, there is still much that needs to be discovered about Autism in order to treat it properly.

For the latest videos and training information on child development as well as books and curricula on ADHD children please visit childdevelopmentmedia.com.

Original article

More About Autism Spectrum Disorder

Does your child suffer from Autism Spectrum Disorder? If you are not sure, you may be looking for information on this condition in order to learn more and make a more productive choice of care for your child. Autism Spectrum Disorder is a disorder in the brain that affects the child's development. Signs and symptoms may begin as early as infancy or it can be delayed until around the age of two. Autism Spectrum Disorder includes several conditions; Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Development Disorder, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Each disorder has their own characteristics but they all share a common thread - autism.

Behavior

When a child suffers from Autism Spectrum Disorder, they display a variety of behavior problems. These behavioral issues can include repetitive behavior, social withdrawal, or impairments that can hinder the way they child functions everyday. They can be disturbing if others are talking in the room such as a school environment or if a parent has their child out in public. When a child is out of their normal environment such as in a shopping mall or business office, the noises in these areas could seem intense at time for the child and cause the child to act out. Usually the first instinct of that child is to run away as quickly as possible in order to find somewhere they can feel safe again.

Along with behavior disorders in Autism Spectrum Disorder includes repetitive behavior problems. Those who suffer from any type of autism will show repetitive behavior that is restricted to certain areas only.
A child who suffers from Autism Spectrum Disorders will feel more calm and comfortable in a routine that doesn't change. If a child who has established a routine suddenly has their routine changed they may react with anger, verbal problems, or may try to escape the drama completely.

Socialization

When a child socializes with other children they can sit on the floor and play toys, mimic movements, and dance and play with another child. When a child suffers from Autism Spectrum Disorders the way they socialize is completely different. A child may withdraw from a crowd, prefer to play alone, will not talk to others, become fascinated with one particular toy or part of a toy and will not let it go, share, or put it down. Socialization is important to a child's growth and development however if a child has Autism Spectrum Disorders, socialization is no longer a automatic option. A child with autism must be taught to socialize a different way; one that makes them more comfortable and will not increase the symptoms.

Communicating

When a child suffers from Autism Spectrum Disorders, they may not talk after the age of two, even if they were starting to talk. The words that they learned will not longer be a part of their vocabulary. It depends on when the autism actually begin. Again, some children will show symptoms and signs of Autism as early as infancy while others are delayed until they begin making developmental milestones.

For the latest videos and training information on child development as well as books and curricula on ADHD children please visit childdevelopmentmedia.com.

Original article