The Psychiatrist and Your Child With Autism Spectrum Disorders

If you have a child with an intellectual disability such as Autism, Aspergers Syndrome, or Pervasive Development Disorder then chances are you have a psychiatrist in your life. They are responsible for putting mood altering substances into your child. Often times this is very necessary, and is done for good reason. The problem that occurs is that often times the psychiatrist is making their determination based on ten to fifteen minutes of face time. With fewer and fewer providers accepting Medicaid, it is just a fact of life that they are stretched so thin. They are the experts when it comes to pharmacology, but you are the expert when it comes to your child.

Here are a few things to remember when you are going to see the psychiatrist. The first thing that is inevitably going to happen is that they are going to talk to you rather than your child. They may talk briefly to your child, but 90% of their determination of treatment will come from what you have to say. You should be prepared for this ahead of time. Write down your concerns. Possibly in short bullet points and give it to the doctor when you walk into their office. You want these issues thought out ahead of time for two reasons. The first is that you want plenty of time to think about these before you get into the office. You don't want to say "Oh he seems agitated lately", only to think about it later and realize he hasn't been sleeping well. He could be agitated because he hasn't been sleeping. The doctor may prescribe a med to control the agitation, that doesn't address the sleeping. You want the time to think thing through. The second reason is that you want all of your concerns addressed. If you hand the doctor a short concise bullet pointed note, then you have a much better chance of succeeding in this. Don't make it long and drawn out. Remember the psychiatrist is well intentioned and wants the best for your child, but is limited on time.

The last thing you should do before you leave the psychiatrist's office is ask them how they would prefer you communicate with them in between visits. I have found that a lot of doctors would appreciate a short email from time to time. Emphasis on the word short. The psychiatrist is a part of your child's team, but they are often the outsider. Find out from them how, and how much they would like to be informed on your child.

These tips will take you a long way when it comes to your visits with the psychiatrist. Everyone wants whats best for your child, you just have to assert a little. To ensure that your child gets the best care possible.

More information and resources about Autism Spectrum Disorders can be found at my website http://www.autismspectrumresources.blogspot.com/.

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What Are Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)?

ASD is a group of developmental disabilities that greatly affect a person's social, communication and behavioral abilities that a person typically deals with throughout their lifetime. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate the rate of autism occurrence is 1 in 100 children in the United States. This high number of occurrences makes ASD more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. There is not a blood test or x-ray that can detect autism. It is generally diagnosed through observation in the areas listed below. Autism has a wide range of symptoms and looks differently with each child, but typically includes difficulty in one or more areas each category listed:

COMMUNICATION:

* Poor or limited eye contact

* Limited language skills, both receptive and expressive, verbal and nonverbal.

* Repetition or echoing of phrases in place of normal language usage

* Loss of language skills as a toddler

* Lack of reciprocate language skills when language is present

SOCIAL SKILLS:

* Lack of shared attention with others

* Inability to play with other children, parallel play may exist.

* Not showing an interest in other people, sometimes even significant others such as parents.

* Not able to understand and learn social cues most children pick up on naturally.

BEHAVIOR:

* Unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, feel or sound.

* Little or no fear of common things.

* Unusual or unrealistic fears.

* Craving physical contact or avoiding physical contact.

* Restricted or limited interests; repetitive patterns of behavior.

* Difficulty with changes in routine.

* Insistence on things being done the same way.

* Using behavior as a means to communicate needs.

* Using people as objects to get things done.

ASD is a complicated disorder and affects 1 in 100 children according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). It affects boys 4:1 when compared to girls. Most children are diagnosed as young as age 3 by a pediatrician, neurologist or developmental specialist. Some children will show signs of autism but not be diagnosed. The key is know what to look for and be sure all areas listed above have at least one or more characteristic observable in a child. If as a parent you feel certain that something is going on with your child and the doctors won't listen, or feel you are being over protecting, get a second opinion by someone trained in autism. Most of the time, parents are generally accurate in their assessment of their child. After all, a parent knows their child better than anyone else.

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 on ASD, contact Kerri Duncan, Ed.D., BCaBA 417.860.7640 or go to http://www.facebook.com/hart4autism.

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Do Children With Autism Have Other Disorders - Which Are Related? Find Out

Have you ever thought because your child has autism, he or she could have other disorders or difficulties which are related? How would you know if your child is suffering from some other difficulty or disorder? That is an excellent question. Let us find out, if there are some hints or clues, that may be combined or related to autism.

I have learned and experienced, that it can be common for children who have autism, to display and suffer from conditions such as, dyslexia, schizophrenia, ADHD, attachment disorder, and other related disorders.

The question is, how are you going to get a diagnosis that is accurate for your child, to determine if he or she has other disorders,or other difficulties?

First, know your child. If you have concerns or have an inkling something does not seem healthy, balanced, with the behavior of your child, consider having your child diagnosed with a knowledgeable professional. Choose one who knows and understands the disorder of autism and other related disorders that are common to autism.

Second, educate yourself about the symptoms that vary or behaviors that could be suspicious, as a link to another difficulty or disorder that could be related.

For example: Some symptoms that are the most common are dyslexia, schizophrenia, ADHD and attachment disorder.

These symptoms and behaviors might be present in your child who has autism or could be related or interact with the disorder of autism.

DYSLEXIA:

* The individual articulates well, seems to have a difficult time to read, spell and write. These symptoms are apparent when an individual is old enough to learn how to read, spell and write.

* Sometimes the person takes on the appearance of a being dumb, lazy, immature does not comprehend what they are to do, or know how to go ahead and initiate the project.

* Displays a low or poor self-esteem. Feels and acts as though he or she is dumb. Due to this feeling, the individual becomes frustrated while trying to study for tests and gets frustrated about grades.

* Some individuals seem to lose track of time. They space or zone out.

* People with dyslexia seem to learn and pay attention better through visual demonstrations, visual aids, hands-on projects and activities, observations and experimenting.

SCHIZOPHRENIA:

* Social withdrawal.

* Appear to have a gaze that is expressionless.

* They have an inability to share and express sorrow or joy.

* Many have a difficult time to concentrate and they struggle to remember things, because they are forgetful.

* May have delusions.

* Many have hallucinations.

* Display inappropriate laughter or tears.

* Hostility and suspicion is evident.

ADHD:

* Many individuals will take on activities that are dangerous.

* Displays temper tantrums that are extreme and sometimes out of control.

* Shows signs of always being active, restless, has a difficult time settling down, and become difficult even when going to sleep.

* When you are talking to the individual, he or she appears not to be listening.

* Individual may make many mistakes, because he or she is not paying attention to details.

* Disruptive when others are speaking.

* Unable to play quietly. Wants to speak loudly and is rude to others who wants to be quiet.

ATTACHMENT DISORDER:

* They will manipulate others by being charming to people they do not know.

* Will be affectionate to strangers.

* Has a desire that is strong to be in control.

* Become demanding.

* Destructive to self or their property and other individuals.

* Displays values, morals, that are low.

* Many are cruel to animals

* Constantly chattering and asking questions that are silly.

* Show no interest in having friends.

* Learning delays.

* Makes bad choices.

* Fascinated with weapons, fire, evil, blood and gore.

Take action and ave your child diagnosed by a qualified professional, if you feel there may be some of these symptoms or behaviors present. These symptoms can vary with gender, age and the level of autism your child has.

Bonita Darula operates a web sight==> http://www.autismintoawareness.com/ SIGN up to RECEIVE your FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER on current Autistic TOPICS. For example: Possible related disorders, symptoms, behaviors to autism. Order your Autism E-Books to identify symptoms and various treatments listed in your FREE Newsletter for your child and you.

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What Are Autism Spectrum Disorders?

The term Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) refers to the range that experts put people in, based on the various autistic traits that they have. The "low end" of the spectrum includes all of the major characteristics of Autism. Meanwhile, the "high end" of ASD includes fully-socialized people whose behavior is nearly entirely "normal."

While there are several symptoms of ASD, here are some of the most common ones:

1. Communicative Impairment

a. Difficulty comprehending the meaning of figures of speech

People with Autism often have difficulty understanding the implied meaning of various figures of speech. These include:

antithesescolloquialismshumorhyperboleidiomsmetaphorsparadoxessarcasmslang

This is due to the abstract nature of such language functions. The verbal communication of people with Autism tends to be quite literal. To them, the words that they say only have literal meaning. However, the good news is that people with Autism can often be taught the meaning of different figures of speech. This will improve their overall communication skills with other people.

b. Inability to comprehend non-verbal communication

Children with ASD often don't naturally develop the ability to communication by using non-verbal communication. That can significantly impact a person's overall communication skills, since non-verbal communication comprises up to about three-fourths of a person's total communication. People with ASD often avoid eye contact when talking with someone. Sometimes they are unable to perform gestures such as pointing at an object or event. Vocal outbursts often result due a person with ASD becoming frustrated about his or her inability to communicate by using non-verbal communication effectively.

c. Repetition of phrases or sentences

People with Autism often make statements whose meaning and context seem incorrect. This can be due to various causes, such as simply hearing a certain word, phrase, or sentence. It can also result from various sources, such as people, commercials, or TV programs.

2. Imaginative Impairment

a. use of poetic conversation

This involves the expression of strong feelings and thoughts, and sometimes involves rhyme and rhythm.

b. intense focus

This typically involves intense focus on certain things and certain activities.

c. strict adherence to a routine

These routines aren't just ordinary day-to-day schedules, but instead tend to involve rituals and compulsions that can seem absolutely necessary to people with ASD.

d. inability to think abstractly

Just as people with Autism often have difficulty with figures of speech, so they also often have difficulty with the ability to think abstractly. As a result, instruction about abstract concepts is typically done by using concrete visuals.

e. excessive attention to details

Those people with ASD often show a keen sense of attention to detail. This can provide pros and cons in their day-to-day lives. However, it's important to note that it also can be an asset in the job market, where the skill is an extremely valued one.

3. Social Impairment

a. inability to notice tricks and scams

b. indifference or failure to make friends

c. lack of empathy

d. awkwardness

e. avoidance of eye contact

f. awkward social interactions

Get more information about non-invasive, Denver alternative autism treatments at the Life Vessel of the Rockies.

Original article

Autism Spectrum Disorders and Puberty

Explaining Physical and Emotional Changes

At some stage your child within the Autism Spectrum of Disorders will reach puberty. It can be a difficult time for a child and parents of a child without a disability, and so for a child with a disability like Autism it can be all the more difficult.

How do you go about explaining to an Autistic child who has difficulty in communicating and understanding, about how and why their bodies and feelings are making such a drastic change at puberty? For girls it can be an even greater challenge as they go through major physical changes to which if they don't understand can be a very traumatic event.

Expel Myths and Fears

For some cultures and religious beliefs this can be a very difficult situation as it can be deemed taboo to talk about such subjects, however if you want you and your child to get through this unscathed it is time to put these beliefs away. As a parent or carer of a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder you have to take the approach that you have to prepare the child well in advance of the changes and attempt to make them understand or at least be prepared for what is about to come.

When you look at it in a logical way it is only something natural, it is part of who we are and even though it is considered a very personal matter you must make every attempt to make the child feel comfortable to discuss it. Even for a child without a disability this applies.

Resources and Advice

There are some disability services which can help and or guide with tips and reading material on the best methods for getting the child to understand about puberty, however they differ from state to state and country to country. However always seek out as much information as possible - don't be shy, as it is only a natural part of life, always try to see it that way.

We can speak from experience and pass on information which helped us with our daughter's "puberty blues", and thanks to her mum - Liz and her foresight and no nonsense approach it was not an issue.

Recommended Books

There are three books that we used and can recommend; here are the details:

Secret Girls' Business - by Heather Pritchard, Rose Stewart, Julie Davey and Fay Angelo.More Secret Girls' Business - by Heather Anderson, Fay Angelo and Rose Stewart.Secret Boys' Business - by Heather Pritchard, Rose Stewart, Julie Davey and Fay Angelo.The books aim to:Present a simple brief account of changes to boys and girls at puberty.Celebrate changes to the body.Dispel myths, legends and fears by presenting accurate information in a colorful, friendly format.Promote comfortable discussion.Enhance confidence and self-esteem.Provide hints for parents, teachers and carers.

These books are great for reading to the child, Liz started reading these books to Isy around two years before she was a teenager. Isy's mum also made up some social stories explaining how these changes would affect Isy and what she needed to do when it happened. We also bought some cheap pads and showed Isy how to put them on dolls and dolls underwear so she was comfortable with the idea.

Prepare Autistic Children

The end result was when the time came Isy had no surprises, it was all exactly how she had read about it, had been told about it and was prepared for. She now can look after herself in that respect so the preparation was well worth it.

For boys it's pretty much the same, possibly not as challenging as their situation requires somewhat less however the same principles apply. Preparation and understanding, so when the changes occur they are expecting them and know how to deal with them.

As we always say, with children in the Autism Spectrum of Disorders planning and preparation are the main key factors for everything. You have to give them plenty of time to soak up the information and be comfortable with the outcome.

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