Autism: Symptoms, Treatment And Coping

                

 

There is an estimation of three to six of very 1,000 children have autism. Autism is a brain disorder associated with developmental problems mainly in communication and social interaction. The disorder affects boys more often than girls. Signs of this disorder usually appear before age 3.

Diagnosis and treatment has greatly improved in the past few decades, however, autism cannot be cured. It persists throughout life. The recent increase in the number of autism cases in the United States may be more the result of improved diagnosis and changes in diagnostic criteria.

Severity of symptoms is different in each case. Some children are able to grow up and live independently, while others may always need supportive living and working environments. Early, intensive treatment can make a difference.
Signs and symptoms of autism include:

?Fails to respond to his or her name
?Has poor eye contact
?Appears not to hear you at times
?Resists cuddling and holding
?Appears unaware of others? feelings
?Seems to prefer playing alone - - retreats into his or her ?own world?
?Starts talking later than other children
?Loses previously acquired ability to say words or sentences
?Does not make eye contact when making requests
?Speaks with an abnormal tone or rhythm ? may use a singsong voice or robot-like speech
?Can?t start a conversation or keep one going
?May repeat words or phrases verbatim, but does not understand how to use them
?Performs repetitive movements like rocking, spinning or hand-flapping
?Develops specific routines or rituals
?Becomes disturbed at the slightest change in routines or rituals
?Moves constantly
?May be fascinated by parts of an object, such as the spinning wheels of a toy car
?May be unusually sensitive to light, sound and touch

Some children with autism become more engaged with others as they mature. They may show less marked disturbances in behavior. Those with the least severe impairments may eventually lead normal or near-normal lives. Others continue to have severe impairments in language or social skills. The adolescent years may mean a worsening of behavior problems.

The majority of children with autism are slow to acquire new knowledge or skills. However, there is an extremely small number of children with autism who have exceptional skills in a specific are such as art or math.

There is no identifiable cause for autism. Researchers believe the disorder is related to abnormalities in several regions of the brain. Researchers have also identified a number of gene defects associated with autism.

Extensive studies have shown no link between vaccines, particularly the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine and other vaccines containing thimerosal and autism.

When should you seek medical advice? Many babies do not follow the exact timelines found in some parenting books. Children with autism usually show some signs of delayed development by 18 months. The earlier treatment begins the more effective it will be.

If your baby falls into any of the following categories you should check with your doctor about further evaluation:

?Baby does not babble or coo by 12 months of age
?Baby does not point or wave or perform similar gestures by the age of 12 months
?Baby does not say single words by 16 months
?Baby does not use two-word phrases by 24 months
?Baby loses previously acquired language or social skills at any age

Making a diagnosis is difficult because the severity and manifestations of autism varies widely from child to child. There is no medical test to diagnose autism. A formal evaluation may consist of observing the child and talking to you about how the child?s social skills, language skills and behavior have developed and changed over time. Your child may need to undergo a number of developmental tests covering speech, language and psychological issues.

Signs of autism may appear by 18 months of age; however, the diagnosis of autism may not be made until age 2 or 3 when there are more obvious delays in language development. Early diagnosis is important because early intervention, preferably before age 3, seems to be associated with the best chance for significant improvement.

Treatment for autism includes:

?Behavioral and communication therapies
?Drug therapies: Right now there are no medications that directly improve the signs of autism. Some medications can help control the symptoms of hyperactivity, repetitive and aggressive behaviors.
?Complementary approaches: Art therapy, music therapy, special diets, vitamin and mineral supplements and sensory integration that focus on reducing a child?s hypersensitivity to touch or sound. There is no specific proof these therapies work. Always discuss with your child?s doctor before trying any of the complementary approaches.

Children with autism do not outgrow the disorder. They often respond well to highly structured education programs. A child with autism can learn to function within the confines of the disorder especially if treatment begins early.

Review the following tips to help you cope with raising a child who has autism:

?Find a team of trusted professionals
?Take time for yourself and other family members
?Seek out other families of autistic children
?Learn about the disorder

Source: Mayo Clinic

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use the information in this article to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child?s condition.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Written by: Connie Limon. Visit us at http://www.about-autism.info for more information about autism.

Top 5 Common Symtoms Of Autism In Children

                

 

There are more and more children being diagnosed with autism today. There are new forms of higher functioning autistics being diagnosed, and that leads to higher numbers. Many times children were labeled as being shy or painfully introverted when they really had autism. Though the lower functioning and more common form of autism are easily spotted, those with Asperger?s were often missed or dismissed. Parents that know more about the different symtoms of autism in children will have an easier time recognizing if their child needs further evaluation.

Social Relating: There is a common thread that seems to connect all children with any form of autism. These children have problems relating with others, and in particular, have problems with their peers. They struggle to relate, and they have huge anxiety when trying to form or keep relationships. This causes large amounts of frustration, and many end up alone, avoiding those feelings. They can?t really relate to many things emotionally, though that is different for higher functioning children. In many cases, group activities are just too much for them.

Communication: Some with autism never develop any type of verbal communication. There are others who begin to talk, but then regress. Higher functioning children can have a great vocabulary, but are limited in how they choose to share it. Many of them choose to use gestures rather than talk at all. Those who have some skill might latch on to phrases that they hear and repeat them over and over.

Reaction to Stimulus: Another symptom of autism in children that parents often notice early is that they seem to have exaggerated reactions to many things, or that they have no reaction at all. Many respond to things in the most inappropriate manner. They may cover their ears at tiny sounds, or they may not even blink if a horn were to go off nearby. Some have problems with touch, and seem overly sensitive when touched by others. They may seem like they are in pain from a slight brush of the hand or a simple hug. Others can react violently to bright lights maintaining eye contact can be difficult.

Unusual Behavior: There are many different types of problems that appear in autism. Behaviors are often over-the-top and out of whack with others of the same age. They have a tendency to over-react to things and have tantrums at the slightest variation in schedule. They might be misdiagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder before the proper diagnosis is found. Repetitive motions and actions are also quite common.

At Play: There is some play involved for some children with autism, but some do not play at all, at least, not in the traditional way. Many who do play will play on their own most of the time. They often feel great frustration and anxiety when they are expected to play in a group or with one other child. When they play on their own, it is marked by the repetition of the same motions or action. They appear to be in their own world while at play, and may ignore everything exclusive of the thing they are doing.

Many of the symtoms of autism in children are obvious right away, but they can remain hidden. Some function very well, and these things might not come to light until they are in school or pre-school. When a parent thinks there might be something wrong, they should look for evaluation. No matter what the diagnosis might be, it is smart to remember that some mistakes are made, and some children are said to have autism when they don?t, or that they don?t when they do. If the diagnosis seems wrong, consult with another doctor when there is a change in symptoms.

By Rachel Evans. Sign up for a free newsletter about aspergers and discover more on the signs and symptoms of autism.

How To Improve The Behavior Of A Child With Autism

                

 

All children are blessings. The same is the case with those who bear a neurological disorder called autism. As such, just like any blessing, they too should be treasured and cared for. It is our responsibility to make them feel better by guiding them towards a normal and happy life.

As a neurological disorder, autism cannot be dealt with through psychiatric treatments, contrary to the former dominant beliefs of the early 20th century. However, there is still hope when it comes to modifying behavior through the provision of appropriate stimuli. This behavior modification process will take some tools such as autism toys and autism behavior checklists. Some autism behavior management treatments are also advised such as autism behavior cognitive therapy. When combined, these procedures and tools will surely result to an observable positive change in an autistic child?s behavior and outlook in life.

Autism Behavior Checklist

The autism behavior checklist is the first stop to make. This will include certain aspects of behavior which need to be modified such as manners, attention span and a child?s level of maturity. It is crucial to monitor the progress a child is making, or in some cases, failing to develop.

In order to make the checklist work, cognitive behavior therapy should be applied. This can happen with the help of special education centers which teach children with autism the right ways of life through thoroughly researched manners. Hand in hand with such professional help should be the parent?s or guardian?s devotion into reinforcing the lectures whenever the kid spends time with them.

Autism Toys

To reinforce the lessons and therapy, a child with autism should gain access to the best neurological toys. These are playthings which stimulate and enhance the brain?s function, in order to make up for an autistic child?s way of thinking. Mostly, these consist of easy to moderate puzzles and colored toys. The use of these toys will also train the children to lengthen their patience, a trait which most autistic kids lack.

There are also toys which produce sounds and visuals which easily catch a child?s attention. The development of such toys is a clever move since children with autism often suffer from short attention span.

By utilizing all these tools, anyone will be able to treat a child with autism with utter warmth and care. As you can see, these methods are very easy and the tools aren?t too expensive. As such, bringing light and joy to an autistic child?s world is as easy as can be.

If you are experiencing troubles with your child regarding autism, just apply all that you have read in this article. Combine it with a lot of love and care and you?ll see that bringing happiness to life?s greatest blessings is as easy as one- two- three.

Child autism behavior Detect symptoms of autism in a child How to guides

Understanding Autism

                

 

Autism, which is sometimes also referred to Childhood Autism, Early Infantile Autism, or Kanner's Autism, is caused by some neurological malfunction that causes marked delays in the development in the areas of communication and social interaction. Autism is a developmental disability that often occurs during the first three years of a child's life. Autism, generally, affects the perception, attention, and thought of a person, though, it normally occurs at a younger age.

Autism isn't an easy disorder to diagnose. Diagnosing autism is a very subjective process, though the DSM IV lists specific criteria that must be met for a formal diagnosis of autism.

Autism has been known as one of the most severe neurological disorders affecting children for about fifty years, but until recently, it was considered to be fairly rare, affecting less than one in 1000 people. According to figures published by the Department of Education, the incidence of autism and diagnoses of autism have risen a staggering 800% since 1993.

It would be easy if there was a standard treatment for all children with autism spectrum disorder, but unlike disorders like diabetes, there is no 'best' treatment for ASD. Since the mid-90s, there have been numerous anecdotal reports that treatment with secretin results in amazing and immediate improvements in many autistic children and adults. Amongst the commonly used treatments are behavioral interventions, medication, and lifestyle and dietary changes.

What causes autism? Autism is a brain disorder the etiology of which is not yet understood, which means, in basic langauge, the cause is not yet understood. There are lots of theories, and a lot of debate about the reasons for autism, and much of it is involved in the controversy surrounding exactly how common autism is, and whether or not there's been a noticeable rise in actual cases of autism in recent times.

For mothers and fathers, one of the most crucial pieces of information is that autism is not a psychological illness. Specialists quite specifically dismissed the worrying theory that autism is brought on by the absence of a nurturing mother, but the belief still exists in some circles. If your child suffers from autism, don't worry, it is not due to the fact that you were a inadequate parent

The gene connection There is a great deal of research that implies a gene-related cause for autism. For example, the rates of autism in the public is approximately 1.5 in 1000, but families with one autistic child have a 5 percent chance of having another autistic child. In fact, the majority of autism experts think that autism is the most likely to be inherited of all the neurobiological disorders. The most persuasive evidence is the studies completed involving twins. Studying twins can help to identify a genetic link for a condition by analyzing the differencein frequency rates of the complaint in identical (monozygotic) and fraternal (dizygotic) twins. If a disorder is genetic in origin, the frequency rate will be significantly elevated in monozygotic (identical) twins, since they share the very same chromosomes. In the majority of such studies researching autism, the frequency of autism is as much as 90% higher in monozygotic (identical) twins than in fraternal (dizygotic).

On the other hand, the studies raise other questions. The fact that not one of the studies showed 100% concordance in monozygotic twins suggests that there are other factors at play in the causes of autism, for instance. And other familial studies have noted common characteristics, for instance, that autism is more common in families of physicists and engineers, giving rise to the term 'the geek syndrome' to identify autism.

Lifestyle factors A number of doctors suspect that there could be an environmental factor in the progression of autism. Dr. Bernard Rimland, for instance, proposed in 1967 that autism may be a result of mercury and heavy metal toxicity to which a few youngsters have a genetic sensitivity. His treatment of autistic kids with a gluten-free, casein-free diet and mercury chelation therapy (removal of mercury from the system) has shown many success with most children.

Other lifestyle factors that have been suggested to play roles are viral or bacterial infections, vaccines and thalidomide.

The Supermale Brain Theory One particularly interesting recent theory about the etiology of autism is that it's brought on by high levels of testosterone during progression. A study in England measured the testosterone level of the amniotic fluid in mothers, then followed up with testing of youngsters after birth and at four years. It was found that the babies with the highest levels of testosterone pre-birth had a smaller vocabulary and made eye contact less usually at a year old, and were less socially developed at age four. The theory holds that elevated testosterone levels in the brain support the indicence of 'male skills' such as analysis of systems and seeing patterns, but repress the progression of 'female skills' such as communication and empathy

Roger Wakefield is a staff writer at: Information About Autism ... a site dedicated to helping those with family members suffering from Autism

20 Parent Tips To A Tantrum-Free Haircut For A Child With Autism

                

 

Does your child act out or tantrum during a haircut? As a mother of an adolescent child with autism, I can certainly identify with those of you whose children do not tolerate haircuts very well. This article will hopefully lead to more tantrum-free haircuts.

As our son reached his first birthday and beyond, his hair began to grow longer. I would braid his hair twice a week. Eventually, he would lie down on my lap falling asleep while I braided. He wore his hair this way until shortly after his third birthday.

With all the combing and braiding, we were quite surprised to discover after his first haircut at age three, that our son had become highly sensitive to anyone or anything touching his head.

At this time, we didn't know yet that our son had autism. We did know he had a speech delay. He was also beginning to show some really odd behaviors. For example, he began behaving like our new puppy, and became fascinated with our steam iron.

Mostly he was a happy toddler, easy to please and smiled often. At age three he began communicating any unhappiness to us with a long, loud and high-pitched scream. By this time he did not talk at all, never pointed and would walk around our house clutching a plastic coat hanger.

He began closing any open doors, turning the lights on and off, and lining his toys up in a single row. Screaming loudly, he would tantrum if you dared to move any of his toys out of place.

We came to realize he was now also highly sensitive to certain noises. Low humming and high-pitched sounds made him very anxious and uncomfortable. While he was actually attracted to other loud sounds, like our garden tractor.

Years later, we learned he is hyperacusis in his right ear, and borderline in his left ear, meaning he has a hypersensitivity to sounds.

He was now also sensitive to light and needed to wear sunglasses or at least a sun visor whenever he was outdoors. He began blinking his eyes rapidly before having a meltdown. Later when he learned to talk, he told us he was 'making lightning'.

Our son has many sensory issues. He has trouble sitting still and following directions during haircut time. He would become non-compliant and resistant, covering his head with his hands, moving his head quickly from side-to-side, and would cry.

Over the years our son has been to many different barbers. Some of them were more patient with a difficult young client than others.

Sometimes while getting a haircut he would grab your hands or even try to smack you away from him. Often times, it would take at least two of us to manage the situation.

Mostly these sessions would grow worse, and ultimately lead to a full-blown tantrum, or meltdown. His barbers usually found these behaviors to be way too stressful. Eventually it became obvious that both our son and the barbers were miserable whenever we bought him in for a haircut.

My husband believing he had no choice, finally took on a new 'trade.' He learned through trial and error how to cut our son's hair. These experiences were filled with nervous tension. They were terribly stressful and unpleasant times for all of us.

Time and experience soon taught us how to prepare our son to get a haircut. Then later, learn to tolerate a haircut without having a tantrum or meltdown. Today haircuts are readily accepted by our son as part of his bi-weekly grooming routine.


Sensory Problems and Autism

In Autism Spectrum Disorders, the brain seems unable to balance the senses appropriately. It is common for a child with autism to have sensory problems. He may be hypoactive (low sensitivity) or hyper-reactive (high sensitivity) or lack the ability to combine the senses.

Autistic children often have a "fight or flight" response to sensation. This condition is called "sensory defensiveness" and may be diagnosed as a "sensory processing disorder."

A child with autism can be sensitive to many things, like the noise clippers make, the sensation of cutting hair, feeling loose hairs on their body, seeing hair fall on their clothing, or even the floor. Our son told us it also hurts to get a haircut.

When children's perceptions are accurate, they can learn from what they see, feel, or hear. On the other hand, if sensory information is faulty, their experiences of the world can be confusing. Many autistic children are highly attuned or even painfully sensitive to certain sounds, textures, tastes, and smells.

Sensory integration therapy may help desensitize a child. This type of therapy can be provided by an occupational, physical or speech therapist, helping a child to better rearrange his sensory information.

We have found 'desensitizing' our child to be key to a tantrum-free haircut and wish to share our 'tried and true' ideas and tips with you.

Remember to take long, deep breaths and try to be really patient. Don't worry, you will do fine.

Best wishes and good luck!

Tip #1

1. Take each haircut session one at a time. Observe your child, take notes if necessary. You will learn more about your child each time.

Tip #2

2. Buy a good quality home haircutting kit. Look for clippers with blade guards to avoid cutting the hair too short.

Tip #3

3. Use unscented shampoo and conditioner if your child is sensitive to smells or odors. African-American children may use hair pomade or other scalp conditioner to moisturize the hair. Before you begin a haircut wash the hair to remove any hair products build-up. Cutting clean, dry hair with clippers is much faster. The hair will cut easier. Some children do not like having their hair washed. Our son will not lean his head all the way back. So we began washing his hair with a sudsy shampoo on a washcloth, and rinse using a washcloth damp with clear water. We would condition his hair the same way. Now he is able to wash his hair on his own.

Tip #4

4. Schedule a haircut when your child is least likely to be 'sensory overloaded' or feeling overwhelmed by the information he is taking in through the five senses: hearing, vision, touch, smell and taste. Try to avoid scheduling haircuts after school or when your child is ill or tired. Our son appears to be most autistic in the morning. So we do not plan to cut his hair then, preferring to do it later in the day.

Tip #5

5. For a child that is sensitive to the buzzing noise of the clippers or the repeated 'snap' of a scissor, try using soft, flexible ear plugs. Does your child like to sing? Sing a song. Play some of their favorite music.

Tip #6

6. Develop a routine for haircuts. Does your child need a haircut or trim every week, every other week or monthly? Try to schedule them for the same day of the week and time of day whenever possible. For example, every other Saturday morning. Be consistent.

Tip #7

7. Think of a few activities, toys or food your child really enjoys to use as his special reward or bonus. What does he like to do? What makes him happy?

Tip #8

8. Explain to your child exactly what you are planning to do during the haircut. Use short sentences and/or visual supports using personal pictures or icons. Take a picture while your child is getting a haircut. Take a picture of all the items used. You may also use icons or PECS.

Tip #9

9. Be sure your child has a cape, sheet or towel draped over him. Our son hates having any hair fall on his face, body or clothing. He covers his face with a hand towel to keep those fine, cut hairs off his face.

Tip #10

10. Under supervision allow your child to handle the clippers and other items used for the haircut. At home, allow him to help you prepare for it. For example, the child gets a towel, and the comb or brush. Teach him how to clean the clippers. For example, brush off any loose hairs from the blade and oil the clippers. This can be a good motivator and is fun.

Tip #11

11. Observe your child while cutting his hair. Is there anything in particular he dislikes or finds intolerable? If so, try to make it better.

Tip #12

12. Allow your child to give an old doll or teddy bear a haircut while their own hair is being cut. This may help your child learn to generalize the experience. You or the barber can also use the doll or teddy bear to demonstrate what it is you need or expect your child to do. For example, act out directions to 'turn your head to the right' or 'bend your head down.' These are strong visual cues and may be better understood.

Tip #13

13. Unless your child is better able to tolerate a haircut, keep their hairstyles simple. For example, 'fades' and 'parts' may take longer to cut. Try the 'Caesar' style which is a low even-blended cut all around the head.

Tip #14

14. Focus on the task at hand. Try to cut hair as fast as you can without rushing. For example, do not dawdle. Try not to stop cutting hair to talk to others, in person or on the phone.

Tip #15

15. Edge the front, sides and nape of the neck first for a 'shape-up' then cut the hair. Should your child not tolerate a haircut before you or the barber is done, a shape-up will give him a clean, fresh haircut look, even if the hair has not been entirely cut.

Tip #16

16. Reassure your child during the haircut. Explain each step of the way in a slow, steady voice. For example, 'Good job keeping your head still.' 'All done, after...' Let your child know that the is near. This step may be faded out gradually as your child becomes familiar with the process.

Tip #17

17. Once the haircut is done, admire your child's clean-cut appearance. 'You look handsome!' Show him how he looks in the mirror, if tolerated. Take before and after photos so they can see the benefits. Use this opportunity to begin to teach him how to comb and brush his own hair.

Tip #18

18. Remember to give your child a reward or bonus that he will enjoy. Give your child a choice for their bonus. A reward or bonus will show him that although we must do unpleasant things sometimes, at other times we get to do things that we enjoy.

Tip #19

19. At home, use this opportunity to teach other daily living skills, particularly hygiene and grooming. For example, your child may learn how to undress/dress, shower or take a bath independently (run his own bath water at the right temperature, wash his body properly, determine how long to stay in the shower or tub, clean the shower/tub, put his dirty clothes away, use deodorant, choose an appropriate outfit to wear, etc.

Tip #20

20. Other lessons and tasks on daily living activities may be expanded in time as appropriate. For example, your child may help put items away, clean and oil the clippers, sweep or vacuum hair off the floor, put their dirty clothes and towels in the hamper or washing machine. Learn to sort laundry, load and wash his clothes, put clothes in the dryer, fold clothing, learn to iron, etc.

Parent Resources

Click here to read more about a child with autism, find information on autism, autism treatment, autism medication, autism resources, autism symptom, sign of autism, autism characteristics, autism aspergers, autism statistics, history of autism, autism education, autism schools, teaching child with autism, autism in the inclusive classroom, autism support group, autism awareness, adult with autism, autism picture and autism help.


Additional Resources

Below is a list of books, articles and useful products we use to learn how to help our son become better able to process sensory information and grow to better tolerate getting haircuts, and become more independent.


Books on Sensory Integration

The Out of Sync Child
by Carol Stock Kranowitz
ISBN: 0-399-52386-3


The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun
(Activities for Kids with Sensory Integration Dysfunction)
by Carol Stock Kranowitz
ISBN: 0-399-52843-1

Books on Activity Schedules and Visual Supports

Activity Schedules for Children with Autism
(Teaching Independent Behavior)
by Lynnn E. McClannahan, Ph.D. & Patricia J. Krantz, Ph.D.
ISBN: 0-933149-93-X

Making Visual Supports Work in the Home and Community
(Strategies for Individuals with Autism and Asperger Syndrome)
by Jennifer L. Savner & Brenda Smith Myles
ISBN: 0-9672514-6-X

Videos to Help Your Child Learn in Their Natural Environment

Model Me Kids: Videos For Teaching Social Skills by Peer Example



Developmental Products to Help Teach Life Skills

Visit Attainment Company and http://www.attainmentcompany.com/AB1031005/showprod.cfm?&DID=11&CATID=3&ObjectGroup_ID=8&AF_ID=49"> click here for Life Skills



Free or Low Cost Materials

Do 2 Learn offers free picture icons you can download to make visual schedules and to-do lists for your children.



Articles

Home Activities for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder offers parents good ideas for incorporating sensory input into daily activities.



Parent Networking and Support

Sensory Integration Dysfunction

Sensory Integration Disorder Group W.R. Brown is wife, mother of four children, grandmother, volunteer, presenter at parent support groups, member of local autism support groups, national autism organizations, former legal assistant, service coordinator, served as Board member to non-profit organizations, autism Advisory Groups, appeared on Cable 6 TV and XM Radio One.

Does Your Child Suffer From Autism?

                

 

As parents we all want to believe that our children are perfect and we want the very best for them. How would you feel if you learned that your child suffered from Autism? As a parent of three children I am still in denial after learning that my youngest has characteristics in the Autism Spectrum. What exactly does this mean? Well, doctors have said to me that this means he has a few of the autism symptoms, but he is not exactly or totally autistic. He may start out slow (in some areas), but in a few years he could catch up with the other kids in the areas he was lagging in. What does this mean? Plain and simple it means there is hope. My son has delayed speech and withdraws from social interaction. Mind you he is only 4 years old, but this behavior is still in the autism spectrum. After attending a seminar with parents who's children have autism I am starting to believe that my son may be Autistic.

My first response was there is no way that my son is handicapped. As I learned more about autism I learned that I was right. Autism is not a handicap it is a disadvantage. Autistic children may be great or even geniuses in math, but during P.E. (Physical Education) they may with draw. There other classes could be average or above, but socially they have no interest. These are a few examples, but the more you learn about autistic children the easier it is to understand your autistic child.

Should they be put in special education classes? My theory is while in the beginning this may sound good it could also be bad for the long-term progress of your child. Have you ever heard of monkey see monkey do? Over time your child could regress do to the progress of the other children. If the class your child is in has children with Down syndrome, or epilepsy the class my not be advanced enough for your autistic child. You could lose ground by not challenging them enough. The key here is to meet with the school officials and have them meet the requirements for your child. Let's be realistic as well. Your school district may not be equipped to handle your child's needs at first, but you the parent must insist that your school district make efforts to accommodate your child. My son started speech therapy at age three, and the school administrator made accommodations for this. This has helped him in several areas where he was challenged before. In 6 months he is speaking in full sentences, but the gibberish talk is still there just not as bad as before. He has improved socially in some areas as well. He plays beside the other kids, but he still won't interact, but before he would hide in a corner. He is progressing, and my goal as a parent is for my son to have every opportunity as the rest of the kids in school.

In my efforts to make parents aware that autism is real. I also want to give hope to those parents that are frustrated and feel helpless. Join the support seminars, and read about autism. The knowledge you receive about autism will better equip you to handle the pressure of being the parent of an autistic child. Remember this one point and don't forget it. This is your child and your child is at a disadvantage, but he or she is not paralyzed. Your child has a chance to live a normal life. Follow the programs available to you, and do the research. Keep the hope in your heart. You will only have regret if you do nothing at all.

Don is the owner of several free information websites and the sole proprietor of Java Jakes Gourmet Coffee Co. http://www.megainfosource.com http://www.javajakes.com http://www.healthyinfosource.com Visit these sites today and become informed.

Cure Autism Now with a Silver Charm

                

 

 Purchasing a silver charm is just one of the ways that you can help support autism research. Autism is a brain disorder that affects ones ability to communicate and associate with others normally. Symptoms are usually detected in the first three years of life. Autism affects about 1 out of every 166 people in the United States; however, there is currently very little information about autism. Cure Autism Now (CAN) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to increasing the quantity and quality of autism research in order to find better treatments. If you are searching for a way to help, there are several different ways, including: purchasing one of the organizations silver charm bracelets, participating in a WALK NOW event, becoming a corporate partner, starting your own fundraiser, or making a monetary donation.

Silver charm bracelets are now available through the CAN website to raise more money for autism research. Each silver charm bracelet comes with a silver charm heart. For an extra donation, you may also receive five additional silver charms with different designs (a boy, a girl, a cross, a peace sign, and a Star of David). This silver charm bracelet was designed by actress Rene Russo, an honorary board member of CAN. The charm bracelet is also available in gold along with other accessories that will help benefit CAN with your purchase.

In addition to the silver charm bracelet, one can support CAN by participating in a WALK NOW event. WALK NOW is a 5 K (just over 3 miles) walk to raise money and provide awareness for autism. At each WALK NOW event there is an information center where parents and others can learn more about autism and what the current research has found. There are also arts, crafts and other activities to keep the children entertained. There are several WALK NOW events every year in different locations to give a chance for everyone to participate.

Another way to help CAN is to become a corporate partner. CAN is always looking for corporate sponsorship. Some of CANs current corporate partners include Johnson and Johnson, RBC Mortgage, and MBNA America. If you have a company that would like to become a corporate partner, CAN would truly appreciate any help you can offer.

You can also help out CAN by creating your own fundraising event or campaign. This method takes a great deal of planning and organization, however, it is a way that you can let your imagination run wild. One of the more creative fundraising events for CAN was the Express Your Love Motorcycle Ride in Chicago. However, there are some guidelines and procedures from CAN that must be followed if you want to create your own charity event.

Lastly, if you would like to make a cash donation but are not interested in a silver charm bracelet, there are several other ways to make a monetary donation. You can do it online, by mail, or through United Way. You also have the option to donate appreciated stocks and mutual funds or you can even include CAN in your will. CAN will appreciate any way that you can possibly help them out financially so they can continue to provide quality autism research.

Purchasing a silver charm bracelet, participating in a WALK NOW event, becoming a corporate partner, creating your own fundraising event, making a donation are all ways that you can help support CAN in the goal to find suitable treatments for autism. With this research, there is hope for tens of thousands of people to find decent treatment or possibly even a cure for autism. CAN works to bring hope.

Kaitlin Carruth is a client account specialist with http://www.10xMarketing.com More Visitors. More Buyers. More Revenue. For information on other silver charms, please visit http://www.harrismichaeljewelry.com/learning-center/resources/silver-charm.html