Autism - A Problem That Needs More Scientific Study

                

 

Statistics say that there are more than a half million people in the U.K. affected by autism, and the number of diagnosed cases is rising rapidly. It was seen that boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism, and twelve times more predisposed to have asperger syndrome. Autism is a lifelong disability that affects the way a person communicates and relates to other people. People with autism have problems with social interaction and with imagination. People with autism can say that reality is confusing, and it is difficult to interact with people, places, events, sounds and lights.

The causes for autism are not clear at this time, no one knows if there is an external factor like diet, an infection or exposure to toxins in the home that can lead to autism. There exists the suspicion that there are genetic factors involved.

It is known that the degree of this disability varies. That is why the term autistic spectrum disorder or ASD is often used. For example there are people with classic autism, that may have severe learning disabilities or little speech. Other people, that have Asperger syndrome could be able to live and work independently and may have an average or above average intelligence.

Many parents of children having autism may experience a serious dilemma: there exist a lot of websites on the internet, there are a lot of practitioners from private surgeries, that offer treatments or sustain that they can even cure autism. Of course this may be a lie, and that is why the decision is hard to take. The problem is that there is not enough information about autism, scientific trials have to be done in the future. It is good to know that there exists a large number of support groups, charities and web sites made for people with autism and by the people with autism.

It was seen that the number of persons diagnosed with autism is rising rapidly, but, unfortunately, there is still too little knowledge about this condition. The autism is affecting the way a person communicates and relates to other people, but the factors that cause this are not known. There are only some suspicions, like the possibility that genetic factors to be involved, but we will find the real causes that lead to this condition only after more researches will be done.

For more information about autism please review http://www.autism-info-center.com/autism-symptoms-checklist.htm or even http://www.autism-info-center.com/autism-symptoms.htm

What Are The Different Autism Types in Children

                

 

As more and more is understood about autism, it would seem there are more and more autism types. Though the term autism is a blanket term, there are different degrees. No two children with this condition will be exactly the same, but there can be similarities. Some children are very high functioning, and they have very few problems, and there are others who seem almost unreachable. These different autism types do have different names, and there are more and more things being learned about each of them.

Asperger?s Disorder

Asperger?s is a relatively new diagnosis, and you might hear this term many times when you hear about autism. People with this type of autism are usually socially awkward and do not mix well with others. They tend to have an obsessive interest in patterns of all types. However, they do have good language skills and have great adaptation skills. They are, however, often impaired somewhat when it comes to motor skills. This is often misdiagnosed as other things like Attention Deficit Disorder or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. It is also thought that those with Asperger?s have a sort of genius. They normally have a talent that they spend much of their time on. Some suggest that Albert Einstein may have had Asperger?s.

Kanner?s Syndrome (classic autistic disorder)

This was named for Dr. Kanner, who first put a name to this disorder in the 1930s and 40s. This is probably the most well known type of autism, and the one many think of when they hear the term. These children seem to have extremely limited emotional outreach or connections with others. They thrive on exact routines, and have learning disabilities. They are often fascinated with objects and movements. Kanner?s Syndrome is often the lowest functioning end of the disorder, and these children (and adults) tend to be very drawn into themselves and have extremely limited communication skills. They often get agitated if the do not eat the same foods and watch the same things on television day in and day out.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder--Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).

The differences between this type of autism and classic autism are very slight indeed. Children diagnosed as having PDD-NOS tend to display the same characteristics with only really doctors and researchers able to distinguish the differences. The type of care and interventions required will be similar.

Rett?s Syndrome

Rett?s is fairly uncommon, and seems to be diagnosed exclusively in girls. It was named for Dr Rett of Australia. These girls often have severe muscular problems, and are prone to autistic behaviors. They may make and do obsessive things with their hands on a constant basis. Those with Rett?s will be very low functioning and will probably need life long care, as they are usually mentally retarded. Though this condition has been known since the 60s, a gene thought to be responsible was found in the late 90s.

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

This happens to children who appear to be healthy at birth. Somewhere between the ages of two and four they suddenly regress. They may not potty train, and they lose the ability to socialize with other children. All speech development may stop, or even regress. They may also lose interest in playing and have problems with motor skills that they once had mastered.

These are a few of the more common autism types, but there are others out there. Each comes with its own unique set of challenges, and each child is different. These traits will go on into adulthood, and many will require lifelong care, and even though they may show a strong sense of independence, the mundane things we can all do for ourselves seem to be lost in the shuffle of repetition and routine.

By Rachel Evans. Sign up for a free newsletter for more information on autistic.In the newsletter you'll find out more about the signs and symptoms of autism.

Understanding The Autism And Diet Link

                

 

When the initial diagnosis of autism is made, parents often feel very scared, and incredibly lost. It is hard to know what to do next, and even where to begin. All parents want to help their children, but because there is no exact cause or cure known at the current time, finding and exploring options are often some of the first steps parents will take. One thing parents may come across in their research is the connection between autism and diet.

Though a change in eating habits and implementing a GFCF diet might not cure autism, there are many that believe this diet can help a child with this condition.

The initials GFCF stand for gluten free and casein free. Glutens are special proteins that are found in foods like grains or wheat, oats, and barley. Gluten can also be found in soy sauces, vinegar, some starches, and in many different types of food preservatives, artificial flavors and even dyes for colorings. Casein is also a protein, and is found in milk and almost every product made from milk. Think ice cream, cheese, and yogurts. Both of these proteins can be hidden in other types of food as well.

The link between the foods containing gluten and casein and autism is still being studied. It is believed that some autistic children struggle to digest these foods, and they are instead a toxin to the body.

This toxin then has an affect on personality and behaviors that are associated with autism. For someone with intolerance to foods containing gluten and casein, eating them could also create a huge disturbance in the digestive system causing bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and sometimes vomiting.

Though many parents hope that this diet will help with all of autism symptoms, some rely on it mostly to help with the physical problems associated with ingesting these foods and proteins.

Any parent that thinks autism and diet are related should talk with their doctor before trying such a diet. Eliminating milk might be one of the first steps, but it also means eliminating a major source of calcium.

Continue reading for more information about GFCF diets and to sign up to the newsletter for additional information on managing autism with dietary changes.

When many of the foods are eliminated in order to try the GFCF diet, there can be deficiencies in some of the important vitamins and minerals a child needs. A doctor can help decide what to eliminate from the diet and what might be added to make up any nutritional shortfall. A doctor will also help monitor the over-all health of the child as the diet progresses, something that is essential for good health.

Results and conclusions about the effectiveness of avoiding GFCF foods on autistic behavior are still debated. Some parents have noticed significant changes, while other parents have found that is has had no real benefit for their child.

While enforcing a GFCF regime, some parents? report marked improvement with not only the physical problems, but with social and emotional difficulties facing their children too. The frustrating part is as all children are different it is impossible to know what will happen until you put the GFCF diet to the test.

If you chose to go down the autism and diet treatment route, as long as your child is under a doctor?s care, and the foods being avoided are replaced with nutritional equivalents, there should be no harm in trying it.

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

Understanding Autism And Irrational Fears - 5 Ideas You Can Try Today

                

 

Part of supporting an autistic means understanding autism and helping autistics cope with their fears. An autistic may fear many things including sudden loud sounds, physical contact, the dark, strange smells, etc. In fact, many autistics fear things they have no control over. However, not every autistic person has the same fears. Therefore, you need to learn what upsets your child and find ways to help them cope.

The following are 5 common fears suffered by autistics, and how you can effectively handle the situation to create a more positive experience for your child.

1. Fear of the dentist ? Many autistic children are afraid of the dentist. This shouldn?t be too surprising, considering the dentist can be hard to take for the average person.

Understanding autism and fear of the dentist is a matter of introducing your child to the right dentist. You need to find a dentist who is experienced with children with disabilities, particularly autism. If you have trouble finding a dentist with such experience, your best option is to choose one who has compassion and a willingness to learn.

Overcoming the dentist fear is about slowly introducing your child to the environment. The first few visits should only consist of getting your child to sit in the chair and the dentist looking in his/her mouth. Furthermore, distractions such as TV can help make the process easier to take. This process can take several months.

2. Fear of the dark ? Many autistic children fear the dark because they can?t control it and fear the unknown.

To help your child overcome this fear, try a game of peek-a-boo with the blanket, allowing your child to move from dark to light at their control. Other methods that may work in understanding autism fears of the dark include providing your child with a flashlight, lamp or nightlight.

3. Fear of loud sudden noises ? Loud sudden noises such as a fire alarm or thunder, often startles and upsets autistics. Sensitivity to sound may be desensitized through sound recording. Provide your child with a recording of the sound that upsets him/her and allow them to start the sound and slowly increase its volume. Having control over the playback of sound can help the child become familiar with the noise, allowing them to recognize it when it occurs.

4. Fear of looking at people ? Many autistics don?t look directly at others. Many researchers believe this is because autistics cannot accurately interpret expressions and emotions. Thus, autistics generally find it disturbing to look at people?s faces.

New studies on understanding autism have found that autistics respond well to cartoons that feature trains and cars that have people?s faces superimposed on them. These particular cartoons known as ?The Transporters? have been particularly successful at helping autistics learn about emotions.

5. Fear of socializing ? One of the biggest autistic fears is socializing. This means that it is often difficult for them to make friends. The following are ways you can help encourage them to socialize with those their own age:

- Encourage your child to get phone numbers of some of his/her schoolmates and bring them home so you can make calls.

- Schedule a playtime or invite another family of a fellow schoolmate over to your home for brief interaction (2 hour limit)

- Don?t rely on the friendship of only one child. Invite more than one child over.

- Ask your child what he/she wants to do when the friend comes over. Create a list of activities so things remain entertaining. Just remember, you need to teach your child to be flexible and accept suggestions from others. This can take time.

The more knowledge people have in understanding autism, the easier it will be for your child to make and keep friends.

By Rachel Evans. Sign up for a free newsletter & discover how understanding autism & autism symptoms can give your child a big advantage.

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

Children with autism syndrome and dental anesthesia

                

 

A surgical procedure can be a frightening experience for any parent and their child, specially for a child with autism syndrome. If your child needs a surgical procedure with anesthesia, you must know that anesthesia can be broken down into three basic types: general anesthesia, regional anesthesia and sedation anesthesia. There are some suggestions and information for parents that have children with autism syndrome.

First of all you must schedule a preoperative visit with your child's anesthesiologist or call him. You may speak with the anesthesiologist that will take care of your child or ask that child's anesthesiologist could call you before the date of surgery. To reduce stress and anxiety you must discuss about your child's particular needs, fears, communication level and ability to understand what is happening so that your child with autism syndrome and dental anesthesia can be prepared for the event.

If your child with autism syndrome is on medication, the anesthesiologist will have some directions for your child. It is important for a child with autism syndrome and dental anesthesia not to have food before surgery.

Also a story and visual picture you learn of the preoperative visit at the anesthesiologist will help your child with autism syndrome and dental anesthesia.

Once you arrive to the consulting room you must ask lots of questions so that you know what will happen with your child with autism syndrome and dental anesthesia during surgery.

It is important to ask about the sequence of events leading up to the surgery, if your child will go into a holding area or induction room so that you can be present. You must know if your child will have an injection or a mask because some children are afraid of needles. Also, you must ask if you will be there when the child wakes up or when can you visit him after surgery.

If your child with autism syndrome has a favorite blanket, toy or stuffed animal bring them to him because it will help pass the time during the wait.

Children with autism syndrome need sameness and continuity in their environment. A gradual and slow exposure to the dental office is therefore recommended.

More informations about autism symptoms or about autism symptoms checklist can be found by visiting http://www.autism-info-center.com/

My Child has Autism! What is My Role in His Education?

                

 

I am the proud mother of two young children that were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder a few years ago. One is now in grade one and the other will register for kindergarten in the spring.

As a teacher, I already had some experience with IEP (Individualized Educational Plan) meetings which helped me a great deal with my son?s first IEP. I was able to also inform my husband which also did a lot of research on the matter so he was already well prepared to face our son?s IEP.

Over the 17 years of teaching experience that I possess, I soon discovered that most parents tend to lack both information and confidence in their role and what type of services they can obtain for their child.

One of the sad things that I also have learned is that depending on the school, the services vary and if you do not ask for them, you will not necessarily have them offered to you either.

Both my children are situated on opposite ends of the spectrum, my daughter being on the higher end making her diagnosis ?light Autism? while my son is non-verbal which puts him on the lower end, diagnosed with ?moderate to severe Autism?.

Having both their special needs, they also need different services. For example, my daughter needed some physiotherapy but my son benefits from the use of the sensory room at school as he is hypersensitive in several areas.

What does the term ?special needs? really mean? Well, it simply means that your child needs special services and material to help him grow and reach his full potential in life. Henry Winkler, the actor known as the Fonz in Happy Days, who gave an amazing presentation as a keynote speaker at the NMSA (National Middle School Association) annual conference held at Minneapolis two years ago, explained his challenges with Dyslexia and the way education and his parents helped him out succeed in life. He also made it clear that his Dyslexia made him a child with special needs. This child has grown up as a successful man and actor cherished by his fans. One of the things that I remember the most is the fact that he thanked both educators and his parents for not giving up on him.

All this made me realize that the role of a parent of a child with ASD is not only to raise him with love and patience but also to provide him with the best services, materials and tools possible to help him live a full and happy life. And one of the multiple roles that a parent has to fill is the role of advocate. It does not matter if your child is verbal or not, if his diagnosis is light, moderate or severe on the spectrum. You have to remember that your child has a disorder that affect his communication skills and makes him unable to fend for himself. But foremost, your child is four going on five years old and sees you as his voice. The person that he can trust will fight for him, his best interests and his rights.

As your child advocate, it is not only your role to fight for your child but also to research the various schools, their services and all the opportunities that are available to your child. Do not enter the meeting room like a bull in a china shop as doors will be closing on you?and your child. Don?t be shy! Ask questions; investigate the various services that can be offered to your child. Meet with various school administrators, school divisions and the people responsible for the special needs programs.

For instance, in several schools where I taught, the following services which are provided in my son?s school were never an option there. Such services are: Music Therapy, occupational therapy activities including: bowling, skating and swimming, sensory room, physiotherapy equipment such as a swinging beam, a modified bike, a weighted vest, a special chair, a pressure vest, the use of PECS (Pictures Exchange Communication System), the participation to Special Olympics activities and more.

Another tip that I can give you is to set up a meeting with the administrator of your school prior to the first day of school. Share with them your child?s habits, needs and explain to them how to deal with their frustrations, hypersensitivities issues, needs, routines and more. Introduce your child to them. At the IEP meeting, ask them for the creation of a social story book to introduce your child to his new surroundings by looking at various pictures in advance: future teacher(s), classroom, gym, teacher aid, music room, sensory room, secretary, administrators, etc. You will see the level of anxiety diminishing in both your child and you.

Let your love for your child guide you. Be your child?s advocate and his voice.

If you wish to have more information on how to participate actively to an IEP meeting and other important matters and tips related to Autism, I encourage you to visit the following site: http://autism-spectrum-disorder.com Believe me, my husband and I would have appreciated to get all this information prior to our children's diagnosis of Autism.

A Look at the Evolution of Autism Research

                

 

Pervasive developmental disorders first began to appear in the early 1980's. Pervasive development disorders like autism are relatively new on the diagnostic scene. Professionals use the DSM IV as the primary diagnostic tool to classify these disorders. Autism research and other studies dedicated to these modern disorders are still in their early stages.

Autism research has yet to make significant progress in uncovering the causes of the condition. Numerous professionals have spent countless hours, weeks, and even years in an effort to obtain significant results to expand our understanding of the disorder.

One in every 175 children are said to be diagnosed with autism or related pervasive development disorders. Last year's statistics show that one in every 166 was diagnosed.

This drop although positive, is sadly insignificant considering that only one in 10,000 was diagnosed about ten years ago. The alarming increase in the number of children who were diagnosed has increased the clamor for more autism research.

Recent autism research has discovered some valuable information about the disorder and the data can be organized into three major categories: causes, treatment, and cure.

The exact causes of the disorder are still unknown but some tests indicate that genetics may be responsible. However, more information are still being gathered and results so far have been inconclusive.

Some experts have proposed that the cause of the disorder lies in vaccination shots, specifically MMR vaccines that were administered to infants when they were around eighteen months of age. However, no autism research has supported this claim and the debate about the disorder continue.

Fortunately, research has helped determine what treatments might work best for this population. Programs like Applied Behavior Analysis have proven to be successful in treating some cases of autism. Some agencies across the country use a combination of strategies and interventions to aid children and adults to function to the best of their capacity.

The efforts of experts and researchers involved in autism research have not yet found a cure. This disorder are still a mystery even to the most knowledgeable doctors in the world. It continues to frustrate numerous professionals, parents, and care givers who are eager to put autism and related pervasive developmental disorders to rest.

The treatment for autistic disorders has come a long way. Our understanding of the problem has grown almost as quickly as the rate of diagnosis. Hopefully, autism research will come up with more answers to help children and adults around the world just as quickly.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Autism Research. Visit our site for more helpful information about Autism Research and other similar topics.

A Review of Autism Research

                

 

The surprisingly high rate of the condition known as autism is reported by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to be one in 166 children. Most people find it even a bit scary, especially ones who have never been exposed to statistics or to anyone affected by this condition. The lack of publicity on the problem causes troubles to autism research, as those research funds are being diverted to other causes with much bigger publicity as cancer and heart disease. We don't try to say that those are not important, we just say that with such a high rate of people affected by autism it should be considered a worthy cause too.

Despite the high number of affected children, their parents often complain about the lack of intensity in that research if any is done nowadays. Of the total amount of the National Health Budget, which adds up to $30 million, the part that goes to autism research is as tiny as two thirds of a percent, according to Mr. Wright of Autism Speaks. And that is not at all enough, according to the affected ones and their relatives.

That foundation called Autism Speaks, is trying to raise research funds that most people hope will eventually provide a cure for that disease. Such a cure for autism will not only help children escape their trapped worlds but will help their families too.

At this time one of the most important factors that are being handled in autism research, is determining the cause of that disease, because you first need to know what causes that condition in order to be able to cure it.

Although not many of the researchers believe it there are some who think that there is a relation between exposure to mercury and autism. Having the autism research focused in parts on environmental factors too is good but of course an adequate funding is necessary in order to reach any further in the search of autism's actual cause.

Some of the projects for autism research concentrate their efforts on analyzing high-functioning autistic toddlers. As these children still can not speak well enough due to their early age, the tests they are given are non-verbal and are made with the use of a computer. The age of the children which are chosen for those tests is 18 months to 2 years as this is the age when the basis of everybody's character is formed. The aim is to be studied how the information is assimilated by autistic children and what is their development during these early years of their lives.

Tests are also made with children who have autistic brothers or sisters. Thus a comparison can be made between an autistic child and his siblings provided that they have one and the same living conditions and are exposed to the same environmental conditions and stimuli. Unfortunately the chance for a child with an autistic brother or sister to become autistic himself is higher and this fact is used by researchers. What they want to do is to have a control group of children with autistic siblings which to examine from the moment they were born. Researchers hope that thus they can gather a lot of useful information.

In spite of all the above mentioned efforts, there is a long way to be passed in order to find a cure. This main aim can be only reached with doing much more researches that of course will require much bigger funding.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning science and research. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting Autism Research

The Different Types Of Autism Treatment

                

 

Autism refers to a brain disorder, which typically affects a child's ability to communicate, form relationships, and respond appropriately to the environment. While some people suffering from Autism are relatively high functioning, there are others who are mentally retarded, have serious language delays, or are mute.

The actual cause of Autism is not known. But Autism is relatively easy to spot, and children as young as 18 months start showing symptoms. It is futile to believe that children will just grow out of it. In fact, the early years provide the best time for progress and improvement. So, intensive therapy should begin as early as possible. While different children suffering from Autism may have different problems, parents of such children have to face one overwhelming challenge - there is no single agreed upon method for treating this condition. Parents, researchers, and doctors have not been able to reach common ground here.

Autism treatment usually consists of a combination of behavioral therapy, language and speech therapy, and special education in schools. Reports suggest that play-based behavioral therapies and alternative treatments involving dietary restrictions and vitamin supplements are beneficial. But, there is no solid proof to support this. What makes matters worse is that many children are beset with additional problems like sleeping difficulties, anxiety, or gastrointestinal problems.

ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis)
This is often referred to as the Intensive Behavioral Intervention (though there are differences between the two). Studies show that children suffering from Autism can make dramatic progress when they receive this kind of instruction. Parents and doctors mostly accept this treatment because this is one of the most researched of all treatments. This program involves intensive one-to-one interaction between the child and the teacher. Each skill is broken down into sub-skills and each of these sub-skills is taught intensely, one at a time. It is a reward-based program where toddlers receive a lot of positive reinforcement. Activities begin from simple actions (identifying colors) and progress to more advanced activities (language). ABA depends on prompting, positive reinforcement, and differential reinforcement.

Nutritional Therapy
This therapy is based on the surmise that certain ingredients in food can have a damaging effect on the brain of an autistic person. Leaving some substances out of the diet (milk and gluten, for instance) have shown startling positive changes in patients. Additionally, vitamin-B12 and magnesium supplements are administered to cover any deficiencies. These kinds of special diets curtail some of the more distressing symptoms like disruptive outbursts, restlessness, and sleeping disorders.

Anti-fungal Treatment
Since autistic children often suffer from poor bowel ecology, overgrowth of fungi and microbes is a problem. Therefore, autistic children respond well to anti-fungal treatments. These children are also found to have high concentrations of yeast and anaerobic bacteria. Evidence suggests that Candida Albicans, a form of yeast, may cause Autism and may also exacerbate the behavioral and health problems found in autistic children.

A detoxification treatment called Chelation Therapy is slowly gaining popularity among doctors. This treatment is based on the theory that some children's vaccines are exceptionally high in heavy metals like mercury preservatives, and this causes autism.

It is because of the vast multitude of therapies that many desperate parents opt for combination treatments. An estimated 30% of parents try special diets, non-traditional methods, or vitamin treatments. Music, vision therapy treatments, yoga and horseback riding are also used to treat autism. Unfortunately, it is not possible to predict which children will benefit from a program or whether there is light at the end of that particular tunnel at all.
Gray Rollins is a featured writer for ForAutism.com. To learn more about autism treatment and autism causes, visit us.

Choosing an Autism Treatment Center

                

 

I don't have experience with?using Autism treatment centers?for ABA programs; but, in our area, more clinics are opening, so these opportunities are present for parents now.? I can't speak to the structure or scenarios that are best to look for when choosing a clinic, if you go that direction, but I can tell you what you should look for in a consultant regardless of the setting.

Consultants, whether in a clinic or at home, should provide the following at minimum:

1. Ongoing analysis of your child, his programming and behavior.

2. Knowledge of multiple training procedures for training the same thing?( each child is different. One size does not fit all.)

3. A high prioritized systematic approach for data collection and it's use.

4. Training and honest critique of your child's therapists.

5. Regular team meetings (two to three times?a month) with therapists and parents present.

6. In home visits for training for the carry through of clinic principles in the home.

7. Ongoing training of parents in behavioral principles.

8. Regular (once to twice a month) meetings with the parents to address concerns.

9. An ear to listen and a heart to include parents as a major?partner in decision making for their child.

10. A positive outlook for the children and a determination to help each child reach his and her best outcome

Good luck in your pursuit of treatment for your child.

My heart is with you,

Katherine Lee

Katherine Lee is a highly regarded consultant in the areas of Applied Behavior Analysis and & Relationship Development Intervention. She is author to numerous columns on Autism, ABA and RDI. Join Kat for her popular WEBLOG- "'Reality ABA' - An Online Autism Diary" at http://www.autismtreatment.info/reality+aba.aspx

Awareness of Autism

                

 

Promoting awareness can help people understand what autism is, how it affects people and appreciate that this is a condition that many people have. If everyone knew the symptoms, the behaviors and the way it affects others then autistic people would be treated according to who they are and how they think.

As long as there are people that don't understand autism, there are still people that stare at autistic people as if they are strange or don't understand why parents are taking care of their children in a certain way.

But awareness is not just about teaching the public about what autism is, it is also for people that don't recognise symptom behaviors in their children. It is for people that have autistic children but don't know all the facts or techniques available. It is for governments to be reminded there is a large population who have needs that should be respected. It is for schools and teachers to understand how autistic people think and feel so that they can talk to them and teach them in a way they can understand.

And Remember...

The more people are reminded that autism is around then we will see more things like child friendly places where autistic children are welcome, special foods that are sold on the supermarket shelves for autistic children that are on special diets or schools that have special needs teachers.

How to Promote Awareness - There are many ways to promote autism awareness in which you can help spread understanding without it seemingly as if you are preaching.

Display your support - Currently there are several products that you can buy that let you show your support. These are things like wristbands, and autism pins or ribbons.

Events - The autistic groups and societies are the best places to go to see the local events that are happening in your area.

Donate to your national society - The national autistic societies in your country are on the front line of medical research, government legislation and so on. Their role is to represent the entire population of autistic people. For this reason, donating to your national society groups goes a long way to advancing research and development and making sure the governments and all the small government organisations keep autistic people in mind.

Donate to your local support group - You can donate to your local group or your national society. Donating to your local group is a great way to give to the local autism community. It helps them with raising funds to organise forums, meetings and events. Helping these groups grow provides a local community of people that all understand what other parents and carers are going through.

Talk to people - Also, you can simply talk to people and ask them what they know and tell them what you know. The community works in a similar way to many other minority groups, the more people that are supporting the drive for awareness and recognition, the more people will take notice and accept their views.

Ben Sidman is a Parent of an amazing autistic child and founder of http://www.autism-support-community.com - an informative and friendly web site for parents with autistic children.