The Advantages Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy In Treating Autism

The Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy was used for centuries. But its popularity gained momentum from the twentieth century. This method was used effectively to decompress the divers of their sickness. More recently, this was thought to be a viable treatment for poisoning by carbon monoxide and other ailments. In the 1990s scientists and other medical researchers began to realize that there was more to this treatment than previously thought. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was found to decrease the neurological inflammation and facilitate faster metabolism with the increased blood flow.

This therapy is not limited to the divers and the poisoned. Increased oxygen in the blood has been found to maximize the production of the white blood cells which staves away other diseases. This means improved immunity with a healthier life than that of the average Joe. This therapy's augments the healing process of the individual. Serious accidents with severe hemorrhages can lead to disabled life. This therapy has the inherent quality to improve the value of life. What prevented the individual to continue with their professions, this treatment can now endow them with improved abilities which would confer them to continue their way of lifestyle.

Today the hyperbaric chambers have their own set of purposes. They have their own usage in the cosmetics industry as well as for other preventative measures. One of the most researched, this therapy has been found to benefit the individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The positive impact of the oxygen in the deprived areas has shown to have significant improvements in speech of the individual, socialization, eye contact and ameliorate the sleep and behavior of the affected person.

There are different procedures to go about this treatment. The most common of them is visiting the clinic where one can undergo the therapy. The chambers used by the clinics are known as the hard shell hyperbaric chambers. The atmospheric levels can be varied as per the requirements. The scale can be adjusted from one atmosphere to two+ atmospheres.

The other option available to the patients is the inflatable chambers. Portable, they can be set up in the homes or even be rented. The chambers can mostly reach up to 1.2 atmospheres or 1.5 atmospheres. This is considered a preferable option for children of the autism spectrum. The treatment can be availed from the comforts of the home and greatly benefit those who need regular therapies.

The oxygen spectrum also varies in these two types of hyperbaric chambers. The clinics would have 100 percent of pure grade oxygen while the ones at home usually have 50 to 75 percent. In the home, for the portable chambers, the air is cleansed and converted to pure oxygen by the filter. The home hyperbaric chambers still continues to be the favorable choice for the autistic children.

Autism is one of those diseases that do not have any treatments available which would eradicate the problem from its roots. However, the hyperbaric oxygen therapy at least shows some positive hope for the individuals with autism. Research has shown some improvements in the brain activity after children undergoes some hours of exposure. The benefits of this therapy surmount its detrimental side effects of dizziness and ear blockages. The therapy should be only taken with proper consultation.

Mark Zubaric, a reputed writer, evaluated the great potentialities of the hyperbaric oxygen therapy especially for the individuals in the autistic spectrum disorder. She acknowledges the availability of the clinical hyperbaric chambers and the inflatable Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber for those who wish to avail the therapy.

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Verbal Behavior Is Enhanced By ABA Therapy

When it comes to autism spectrum disorder, the list of possible symptoms is enormous. Different forms of the disorder can present in a variety of ways, and for many children, they present with problems in verbal communication. Some children simply do not start speaking within the accepted time frame, and some never learn to communicate verbally on their own at all. ABA therapy is designed to help teach verbal behavior and can make a world of difference for children with autism spectrum disorder. It is also the most commonly approved treatment for autism in schools and with state insurance companies.

There is a very good reason why most insurers only recognize ABA therapy as an acceptable treatment for autism, and that is because there are decades of studies and evidence that the treatment not only helps children learn, but offers them continued benefit for the rest of their lives. Many children who receive ABA therapy at an early age are able to exhibit verbal behavior skills that they carry with them into adulthood and that they are able to use not only in school, but in their careers as well.

Verbal behavior, like other behaviors, is taught through discrete trial teaching. With ABA therapy, behaviors are taught by breaking them down into their most basic steps. Each step is taught until it can be mimicked without prompting until behaviors and concepts have been learned. The treatment offers more than just rote memorization, however, as it is also shown to help create new pathways in the brain that help children learn new skills on their own. ABA therapy also works to eliminate offering attention for negative behaviors by ignoring them and instead offering verbal or physical rewards for positive and appropriate verbal or physical behaviors.

Verbal difficulties are incredibly common for children with autism spectrum disorder, but ABA therapy can offer significant help. Many children who receive early intervention with ABA therapy can learn to communicate on the same level as their peers, and many eventually move on to traditional classrooms with very little difficulty. The earlier a child receives ABA, the more beneficial it can be, and studies show that a combination of both home and school based therapy can be the most effective. With DVD courses available for both parents and educators, it can be easy to provide consistent training, greatly improving verbal behavior for any child with autism spectrum disorder.

Garrett Butch is the father of a 6 year old with autism and the founder of Maximum Potential Group.

Maximum Potential has developed courses that train parents and school systems how to work with children with autism.

http://www.maximumpotentialkids.com

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Learn More About Autism in Babies - Signs and Symptoms

Autism is only one of the five Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). It is a neurological disorder that impairs the development of a child. It affects the social and communication skills of the child as well as his or her activities and interests. Parents must be able to recognize as early as possible the early signs of autism in babies. Signs may vary in severity and symptom in every child and in every type of ASD.

Here are the five different Autism Spectrum Disorders:

Classic Autism
Asperger Syndrome
Rett Syndrome
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
Pervasive Developmental Disorder

Recognizing which spectrum your child belongs is very important in your endeavor in helping your child and treating him or her. You do not have to be an expert about autism in babies. Signs must be recognized and you must understand the effects, and know what to do about it.

Children with ASD are affected differently, with unique challenges, symptoms, and abilities. The level of disability and the combination of symptoms vary from one child to another. This is what makes ASD difficult to deal with - its diversity.

Here are the red flags of autism in babies - Signs and Symptoms:

Social interaction - Do not make eye contact. They prefer to be alone. Do not want to be touched, hugged, or cuddled and they line up toys or other objects such as cans or water bottles. Do not smile or respond when played.

Communication skills - In most cases, the loss of speech or the delay in its development is the biggest red flag for autism in babies. Signs such as not using single words upon reaching 16 months and two word phrases upon reaching 24 months are the most common in autism cases. Not babbling, pointing on things of interest, or similar gestures may also be apparent.

Repetitive movements - Unusual sensory interest or unusual body movement such as repetitive tapping and flapping can be observed. Stereotype interest is also common like eating the same food and adherence to specific routines or rituals.

It is important to remember that no one sign automatically means autism in babies. Signs must be convincing or evident and it must be the combination of several signs or all of it that must make you concern. If you suspect your child to be autistic or if he exhibits the signs and symptoms, he must be brought to his pediatrician immediately for evaluation.

Also, a child with ASD will develop differently from others. Children may be able to walk early and talk later or vice versa. Or talk early but have trouble with basic motor skills such as walking and running.

There are still a lot of things that we have to work on about autism in babies. Signs of autism become apparent usually before the child is 3 years old. But the thing is that the child is usually diagnosed only upon reaching 4 years.

In most cases, parents report not noticing the early warning signs of autism until years later when they watched early home videos of their children. This is why it is very important for parents to observe carefully their babies in their development.

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability and is now the third most common childhood disorder. Parents should educate themselves about the disorder to give their child a brighter future. Understanding more about the different autism spectrum disorders will help you understand the condition of your child. Visit AUTISM IN BABIES and learn more about the top 3 books online about autism.

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How Autism Visual Schedules May Help Your Child

Autism visual schedules are an important part of a structured environment for a child with autism spectrum disorder. This is because the visual schedule informs the child which activities will be occurring at a certain period of time, and in which order throughout the day that those activities will be occurring.

Visual schedules are beneficial for children on the autism spectrum as they:

- Help children who struggle with language comprehension to understand the expectations of them throughout the day.

- Focus on the challenge that many autistic children face with time organization and sequential memory.

- Help to minimize the anxiety levels of autistic children as structure is provided so that the children may organize and anticipate their daily and weekly activities, therefore reducing the possibility of behavioral symptoms. The use of pictorial schedules helps demonstrate the order of individual activities within a specific time frame. For example, it may demonstrate that lunchtime is coming, but work time comes first. Any changes to a schedule can also be illustrated through this tool.

- Help autistic children to transition independently among the various events and environments by instructing them where they will be headed next. Autism visual schedules can be applied to any event or place.

The format of the schedules is based on a strategy of "first-then". An example of this approach is "First you wash your hands, then you eat your lunch". This format demonstrates the expectation of what is to come first, and what is to follow. Each can be modified as required. Modifications are made in terms of the completion of each task, and the ability of the child to function with the provided details. It also includes the child's ability to transition among tasks smoothly and with minimal interruption.

This is achieved through the format's encouragement to move from one task to the next. That one thing comes first, and then another follows it.

These types of schedules also help children with their social interactions as they can work social moments into their daily routines. For example, "first you arrive, then you greet your teacher and classmates".

Parents and teachers are finding that the autism visual schedules also contribute to the child's motivation level even when faced with less desirable tasks, as it shows that there will be a progression to a task that is more preferred later on.

When visual schedules are used, they must be taught directly to the children, and then used on a consistent basis. They aren't crutches from which the children will gradually work their way free. They are tools that should be considered to be assistive technology on an ongoing level, and the longer the child uses this tool, the better it will help him or her function. This is true even beyond childhood and into adult life.

When developing a schedule, a set layout should be established and consistently applied. They should move either from left to right, or top to bottom. There should also be a method that allows the child to manipulate the schedule to indicate the completion of an activity; for example, allowing the child to cross off the activity with a dry erase marker. The schedule should present at least two items at any given time so that the child can begin to comprehend that events do not happen in isolation. They occur in sequence one after the other.

Autism visual schedules can be designed to fit the unique needs and understanding level of the child, and therefore provide a tailored experience for each person. Through symbols, images, the right number of activities per presentation, and consistency of use, this method can provide substantial support and understanding to an autistic child.

Grab your free copy of Rachel Evans' brand new Autism Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you and your family find out about the benefits of autism visual schedules and for information on autism education please visit The Essential Guide To Autism.

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Helping Your Autistic Toddler to Recover

Silas was our fourth child and from very early on we knew something was different about him. Much to our dismay he did not want to cuddle, he cried constantly, broke things, and at 23 months still could not talk. We had him observed and were not surprised with the diagnosis of autism. We enrolled him in an early childhood intervention program but he was not progressing and was still tantrumming many, many times a day. We decided to look further for some help for him.

Here are some of the therapies/treatments that have been successful many times over in recovering autistic children and they have helped Silas wonders!

Methyl b12 supplementation - By far the most successful in treating autism. I know it sounds scary but the "methyl" part just means that it has already been processed for their body. Typical bodies methylate b12 from vitamins and food, for some reason autistic children are unable to do this process. B12 is necessary in aiding the body in toxin removal. We started with a dissolvable pill and gave it everyday. We now give him a b-12 shot every three days. The shots have been shown to be far superior to the pills. Silas responded quickly. Within ten days he finally mimicked two of my words and he was making eye contact with us. As the days went by, he noticed his brothers and sister and he began to enjoy us in little bits. He is now turning 3 and talks almost non-stop. He laughs when something funny happens and he can now be in a crowd with minimal fear. He is counting down the days until his birthday party. Of course we will have a big one this year since he has been terrified of his party in the past!

Liquid Multivitamin with borage and fish oils - I found a liquid multivitamin on-line that included trace minerals and borage oil. It also includes enzymes to aid in digestion. Fish oils and borage oils have also been reported to be in short supply in autistic children. They help with language and learning skills. Find a multivitamin that is food derived, not mechanically formed.

Get rid of toxins! - Autistic children have been shown to be in toxic overload. For some reason, they are not able to get rid of their toxins at the rate of a typical person. This causes all kinds of behavioral and immune problems. Install a reverse osmosis water filtration system in your home. Chlorine, fluoride, and the other elements present in water are toxic to your child! Replace home cleaning supplies with naturally derived cleaning supplies. If you need a "clean smell", use essential oils. Use natural bath soaps and for detox, add 1 cup of epsom salts to every bath. Read food labels; if they contain words that you cannot pronounce, put the food back on the shelf. Eat fresh vegetables and meats whenever possible, food preservatives are toxins!

Melatonin supplementation - A large number of children on the spectrum do not sleep much. Silas happens to be one of these. He stays up late, finally goes to sleep only for a few hours, and is up around two in the morning ready to start the day. Melatonin not only helps him to sleep but is required for the brain to produce glutathione (helps rid body of toxins). This is a two-fold benefit for autistic children. I give Silas 6 mg of Melatonin every night.

Gluten/Dairy free diet - Because of their sensitive and weakened immune systems, autistic children cannot tolerate gluten and many times cannot tolerate the dairy protein casein. Some children have been reported to start talking only after dairy was removed from their diet. This diet can be very difficult at first, it requires some creativity. As long as you stick with mostly fresh meat, fruits, and vegetables, you will be gluten free. Gluten is found in wheat, barley (malt), and rye and some oats. There are so many options these days for other types of flour, even ways to make your own. Some examples of substitute flours are sorghum, bean, rice, corn, flax, almond, etc. There are even gluten free sections in most grocery stores and superstores.

Even harder for us was the dairy free. We drink and cook with almond milk, coconut milk, rice milk, or soy milk. What Silas misses the most is cheese. The health food stores carry some cheese substitutions and some grocery stores carry soy or vegetable cheese. This diet is very important for Silas's immune system. Gluten and dairy cause inflammation in his digestive system which then triggers an immune response. Silas is then highly susceptible to strep and other viral infections. The immune response can also cause swelling in the brain. The swelling in the brain causes the autistic behaviors. Those are scary words and are the reason we have decided it is worth the inconvenience of the diet!

Raising an autistic child has proven to be the most difficult task of my life. It is a long bumpy road and sometimes it seemed there was no reward for our efforts. It is stressful controlling everything that enters his body and dealing with his behaviors but he is now making progress that astounds medical doctors.

For additional information on recovering autistic children, check out the resources below:

TACA - Talk About Curing Autism http://www.tacanow.org

AutismOne - http://www.autismone.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melissa_Ann_Walters

Increase Eye Contact in Children With Autism

The lack of eye contact is one of the first noticeable signs of Autism. This becomes clear somewhere between 13 and 24 months. However, trying it can be for parents, all is not lost. A proactive program can be used to increase eye contact in children with Autism.

Most children with Autism start to develop normally, but after their first birthday their temperament and socialization begins to change. Children with Autism start to avoid interaction with other people. Things that would make them smile and giggle before, now makes them cry. Before they would look at faces and recognize people. Then as if over night, children with Autism will wiggle and jerk their heads purposely not looking at other faces. When a parent tries to turn the children and look into his/her eyes, he/she with look up or down, anywhere but at the parents eyes.

Why does this happen and why is it important to correct it? Autism is first and foremost a socialization disorder. Eye contact is very personal. It requires a certain level of self esteem to look another person in the eye. Take for example, an interview situation. The person being interviewed feels nervous and unsure of what the interviewer will say or do. It is very difficult to maintain eye contact and often it is easier to look around the room or focus on an inanimate object. The person being interviewed will do anything not to look the other person in the eye and reveal their true feelings. After all, the eyes are the windows to the soul.

It is important to teach and reassure children with Autism that it is safe and socially important to look at other people. In order to let someone else know that you hear or understand them it is necessary to look at them. Especially, with the lack of language that most children with Autism have, they cannot answer verbally.

This is actually rather simple procedure, but will be met with resistance which adds a level of difficultly.

1.) Use an object that the child seems interested in or is attached to. For children with autism this can be just about anything, a blanket, toys, or household objects. It needs to be small. Nothing bigger than a face. Do not use anything that they hold all the time. This object needs to be removed from sight for a length of time, so security objects will not work.

2.) Hold the object at arms length to the side of your body in front of the child.

3.) Wiggle or shake the object to get the child to look at it. DO NOT make any noise yourself. Let the object draw all of their attention.

4.) Once the child looks that the object of the count of five, give it to them to hold for about 10 mins. They may cry when it is taken away just redirect with a security object.

5.) Remove object from sight for an hour and then reintroduce the object.

6.) This time hold the object away from the body, get their attention, then move the object half way to your body. Hold their attention for the count of five and let them have the object for 10 mins.

7.) Repeat the process, halving the distance each time, until the object is in front of your face.

8.) Once they are able to look at the object in front of your face, then silently make smiling and surprised faces at them. This will get their attention and learn that it is safe and secure.

9.) When the eyes begin match yours, say lightly "Look at me". This will teach them to pair the phrase with your eyes.

10.) Once they can look at your eyes consistently, phase out the toy and just use the phrase 'Look at me.' Sometimes you might need to hold up your finger to catch their gaze and bring it back to your face.

The method does work. My son has classical autism and is now 11 years old. Even as I write this he is moving my face to his so that I look him in the eye. He wants my attention. Try it. Good luck!

Dawn has an 11 year old son with Classical Autism.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dawn_Ernst

All Available Treatment Options Of Autism

How dreadful it would be if we couldn't be able to speak out our feelings and thought? That's what 'autism' does to you. Under the influence of this terrible neurological disorder, one's mind and body stays under developed. Symptoms of this disease can be seen after first three years of a child's life. It's curable but information about it is scarce. There are several ways to cure autism as the experts believe. So, let's talk about how it can be treated.

Effects of vitamins and nutrients

Doctors have many theories for the cause of Autism. Some believe the lack of vitamins and minerals like calcium, folic acid, iron, magnesium and chromium is the reason of this disorder. Therefore it has become a common practice to prescribe multivitamin or mineral nutrient supplements to kids who are suffering from this disease. It has been proven through many tests that, treating autism patients with vitamin and nutrition shows improvement in their learning, speaking and behavioral skills.

Oral medicines

It was first known as an experimental therapy but soon it proved to be one of the most efficient therapy to cure autism. As per the doctors, it should be given thrice a day with vitamin pills as support. The statistics say, that kids treated by this therapy show change in behavior in less than 4 days. They were less irritable and more responsive than before and this therapy is affordable too.

Stem Cell Therapy

In this therapy one's own cell from bone marrow is used. Why stem cells? Well, because these cells are able to change into other cell types, they can travel faster to the damaged tissues and has the capability to merge with other cells. When injected, a stem cell travels to the damaged tissue location being attracted by the chemicals that damaged tissues release in the blood stream. Then it connects itself to the damaged tissue and transforms into the same tissue afterwards.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

This is the latest and most efficient therapy to cure autism. It is a process in which, the patient breathes pure oxygen at high atmospheric pressure. This high altitude does the trick as it forces more oxygen in one's bloodstream and accelerates healing process. A few years earlier people didn't even know its name but now, all the researches are giving the credibility to Hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

So, gone are the days to feel terrified of this disease, as we have Hyperbaric oxygen therapy by our side.

Kevin Halls is a well published and certified autism treatment specialist. He is a member of Autism Wisconsin and tries his best to treat his patients well. He has witnessed unbelievable recovery of his patients through hyperbaric treatment. Thus he is sharing his thoughts with us.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Halls

Children With Autism and Structure

Children with autism have many struggles placed before them in life. You as a Parent of a child with autism want nothing but the best for them. One of the best ways you can help your child is to provide them a home environment in which they feel safe and secure. You can do this through structure and consistency. Through all of the chaos that children with autism feel, you can help keep them grounded. Follow a few simple steps and your home life could be very calm and serene. Well at least as serene as it can be with a child of any sort keeping you on your toes.

One of the first things you should do is set up a schedule for your child with an autism spectrum disorder. Make a pictorial schedule and place somewhere the child can see and refer to it often. Stick by the schedule, try to make sure that the days typically remain the same. You will want to use pictures, as a lot of children with autism are visual learners. If an occasion should arise that you need to change the schedule, try preparing the child in advance. Possibly try rehearsing with them the situation that is going to arise that will interrupt the schedule. You will surely want to do some preparing around big events such as holidays and birthdays. These will be huge disruptions in the normalcy of their schedule. The concreteness of the schedule will help your autistic child feel safe.

Speaking of safe, you will want to set up a place set aside specifically for the child. This will be their safety area. This should be a place where they can go to relax free from any stressors. Maybe this is a chair in the den, or someplace quiet. Make sure this spot is theirs, and theirs alone. This maybe where they need to go when they feel overwhelmed. You will want to clearly define this place so your child know where to go.

Being consistent is also a big key. How you interact with children with autism should remain consistent. This will further their sense of safety and comfort. If something is off limits, it should be off limits all the time. Don't be wishy washy when it comes to your child with autism. This may only confuse them, and make them feel unsafe, or turbulent.

Your actions will directly contribute to how secure you child with autism feels. Make sure you follow these simple steps and you should do well by your child.

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

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Should Parents Provide ABA Therapy?

If you have a child who has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, finding the best possible way to treat them can be difficult. Many parents find themselves in a position where they cannot afford to hire special therapists and doctors, and many insurance companies do not pay for treatments for autism. To make the situation worse, many schools do not offer special therapy or classes, instead forcing autistic children into normal classrooms or into the special education classes, where they will not receive the same level of education as their peers. The good news is that there is a better solution.

ABA therapy has long been recognized as the most effective treatment for autism, and there is significant evidence that it can help to reduce symptoms and help many children learn to live a life much more similar to their peers. For parents who cannot afford specialty treatment, is it worthwhile to provide the therapy at home? Absolutely. ABA training courses are available through DVDs, and they can be amazingly effective. These programs include everything needed to provide your child with ABA therapy as well as the training that parents need to offer it properly.

Offering your child ABA therapy at any age can be very effective, and when offered at a very early age, it offers your child the best chance to be able to interact with their peers. Many children who undergo intensive ABA therapy starting near the time of initial diagnosis often make significant enough improvement that they are able to enter into a standard classroom and perform on par with their peers. These children are incredibly bright, and ABA therapy helps to unlock the potential that they hold within themselves. That is why it is such an essential part of autism treatment.

ABA therapy also offers long term benefits that simply cannot be ignored. Kids with autism spectrum disorder who receive ABA are often able to carry on incredibly successful and normal lives, with functional and healthy relationships and great careers. Many people experience a significant enough reduction in symptoms that most people will never guess that they suffer from autism spectrum disorder. As parents, we want to give the very best to our children. ABA therapy is the best way for parents of autistic children to do this. With such an excellent solution available, parents finally have a way to provide a better education even if insurance and finances won't provide the funding needed to hire a professional.

Garrett Butch is the father of a 6 year old with autism and the founder of Maximum Potential Group.

Maximum Potential has developed courses that train parents and school systems how to work with children with autism.

http://www.maximumpotentialkids.com

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Why Is Eye Contact A Puzzle Among Autistic Children?

The ability to make eye contact among autistic children seems to have created a puzzle with a challenge. This puzzle has not yet been resolved or put together, at the present time. This is one of the common symptoms that occurs with the disorder of autism.

Do you wonder why this remains to be an unsolved puzzle with autistic children? I have discovered, that there has been no conclusive way to prove exactly why the symptoms of not having visual contact, is often diagnosed with children who have the disorder of autism.

There have been numerous tests taken from the brains of autistic children, who seem to struggle and do not have proper contact with their eyes. Researchers have many theories, but they do not understand or have proof of why this happens.

After viewing the tests, the researchers have discovered, that autistic children may feel threatened by the faces of people they know. In addition, the familiar faces they trust. This gives them different levels of discomfort. It creates an unsolved puzzle and causes the individual to look away from the person, rather than focus on the eyes of the other person, when interacting with a conversation or listening.

Researchers doing studies, on why autistic children are not making contact with their eyes, have indicated there seems to be a limited understanding, of what the professionals and doctors know about the way the brain, of an autistic child functions and develops.

Have you noticed that many children who have autism, may also have social problems and other disabilities, which could be related to their disorder? This includes the puzzle of not having contact with their eyes to focus, when other people are trying to carry on a conversation with the person who has autism.

There could be a feeling of being threatened when a child tries or wants to make eye contact. This is another puzzle. Many researchers believe part of the puzzle for not creating contact with the eyes, of children who are autistic is, they may be concentrating on another subject, being preoccupied by other things, that are taking place around them.

Scientists have given speculation that there might be some indication of certain mood and anxiety disorders that could have a part in the puzzle of autistic individuals who do not have eye contact.

Professionals are now trying to train children at an early age to develop contact with their eyes, focus and develop concentration. They are doing more and more research on this subject, but have not yet determined why this is such a puzzle.

I believe eye contact is important. I also believe and have seen, some children with autism develop better contact with their eyes, focus, have better concentration with other individuals, as they get older with age.

I feel it is important not to push your child to have eye contact. It is wise to have your child examined by a professional, to find out if lack of visual contact could be related to some other disorder, that may be present in your child.

Always encourage your child to make eye contact. But, keep it simple, without causing it to become stressful. In addition, be patient.

Bonita Darula operates a web sight==> http://www.autismintawareness.com SIGN up to RECEIVE your COMPLIMENTARY WEEKLY AUTISTIC NEWSLETTER on current TOPICS. Take action. Learn about the puzzle of eye contact in autistic children. UPDATED information from your Complimentary Autistic Newsletter.

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Weighted Blankets for Sleep Difficulties in Children With Autism

You may or may not have heard of "Weighted Blankets " - if however, you have endless issues with sleepless or interrupted nights with children with Autism or similar disorders, it may very well be the best thing you have ever heard of.

As a young girl (too many years ago) I spent most of my nights wondering the house without a thought of sleep. As I grew my sleep difficulties came along for the ride. The impact of these sleepless nights was not something I understood for a very long time. Now in my forties I am well and truly understanding what going without sleep can do to not only your energy but also the impact it can have all around our daily lives.

As I said, I am now in my 40's and these issues are still a problem for me, however now-a-days there are bigger issues that led me to my appreciation of using Weighted Blankets for sleep. In late 2010 my two very young sons were diagnosed with Autism. Both of these boys are on the spectrum but are very different in many ways. The one way that they did not differ was that neither of them "Just slept ". Having other members in the family and my own age, made it difficult to deal with the seemingly endless nights of constant battles to obtain sleep. It seemed most nights that we would finally settle one child and the next would step in to take his place, meaning that total sleep for us consisted of maybe a couple of uninterrupted hours and even then it would be either on the floor beside their beds or in our bed with both boys stretched out and pushing against us in the middle of the bed.

Once diagnosed we attempted sleep with the chemist made version of Melatonin. It took a few drops and for the first time both my boys were asleep within 30 minutes. Melatonin was great.... and so it went, however it started to take a few more drops to put them to sleep then it lasted a little less time (wakening at 3am) and then we started to realise how much of this chemist supply we were going through with two children using it. The cost for Melatonin varies but we never found it for less than about $55 per bottle (very small bottle) We were using more and more with less and varied results. This was about the time that I had the opportunity to try a Weighted Blanket. I had heard of them before, I remember that I dismissed the idea because my boys never would leave a sheet or blanket on, so I assumed that they would not leave the blanket on either. Then also there was the cost. Too much I thought to take the risk that they did not use it. --- I could not have been more wrong and I'm very happy that I was, my older son (now 5) took to the blanket quite well and started to sleep better in under a week. Jayden who was then still 2 (almost 3) did not like the idea of his legs being covered and also likes his arms free, for him we placed the blanket across the core of his body and left his legs and arms free. - During that week our last bottle of Melatonin ran out and we have not had to buy one since.

Now I am not saying that life is perfect, that is a bit much to ask from a blanket, however we will never do without the blankets again.

The big question - How do they work?

I could make it complicated and talk about "Deep pressure therapy" and " Spatial Awareness" but to keep it simple I will explain it this way. The Melatonin that was produced by my local chemist can just as easily be produced by our own bodies. A simple example is that when we receive a hug, our bodies' natural response is to release a chemical called Serotonin. This is what makes us feel good. Serotonin is our natural relaxant, but it is also much more. When the sun goes down and it is time for sleep, the Serotonin in our body changes. Melatonin is what is produced at night time and is necessary for sleep. Having the all over cuddle of a weighted blanket helps this Melatonin production and therefore helps with natural calming sleep.

Around April last year I started to stock and sell resources for families in our area with children who have ASD. The first thing we put out to show families were Weighted Blankets. We now stock not only blankets but weighted wraps sized for car travel or school. Both my sons have one of these smaller lap blankets in their bags in the classroom. They use them not for sleep but for calming when pressures in the classroom get too much. We also use blankets for their laps while travelling in the car. It keeps them calmer and allows me to concentrate on driving safely rather than dealing with meltdown. If you are dealing with sleepless children, do not wait. Make one or buy one or if you are lucky enough to find someone who will part with it borrow one. But one way or another give them a try. It took a week for my boys so be prepared that it may not happen the first night, but it may very well be the best investment for yours and you child's health that you ever make.

You are welcome to take a look at our weighted blankets - visit us anytime at http://www.forourspecialsomeone.com

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Social Skills Drastically Improve With ABA Therapy

While children with autism spectrum disorders are remarkably intelligent and capable, they learn differently than other children. Because of this, many autistic children have difficulty knowing how to properly behave in social settings. While many schools and outsiders seem to think that punishment or negative reinforcement would help to resolve the problem, parents and doctors both know that this is simply not true. What does work for adapting social skills in people with ASD, however, is ABA Therapy.
ABA Therapy works by changing behaviors at their most fundamental levels. ABA uses discrete trial teaching to produce a specific result to a specific situation. This process is used in conjunction with a system of praise and reinforcements to teach children with autism that only certain types of behavior are rewarded with attention and praise. By teaching these children the very core of good behavior, it helps them to understand the larger concepts and rules of proper social behavior.
ABA Therapy can teach children the skills they need for all aspects of life. Whether they are preparing for school, their first trip to the store, or even the working world, ABA Therapy lays the foundation for proper behavior skills. Behavior modification is a highly effective way of treating autistic children. It is only with this treatment and with a developed set of social skills and proper behaviors that children are able to participate and exist in a classroom environment. ABA truly gives children a chance to prosper and to live up to their maximum potential by building the groundwork for learning and adapting to a social setting.
ABA Therapy teaches much more than just social skills. It truly helps children with autism to learn to understand fundamental concepts. The repetitive nature of ABA Therapy serves to literally rewire the nerve pathways in the brain, effectively teaching these bright children how to learn the way many children do. What is innate for most children, such as the ability to learn new skills through observing others, is something that must be developed in children with ASD, and ABA Therapy provides that.
All children with ASD can benefit from ABA Therapy. Whether they have mild or severe social symptoms, ABA can help to ease children into a social setting by providing them the skills they need to truly thrive. While ABA is not a cure for autism, it offers a chance for hope and gives children and parents the best chance for the normal life they have always wanted.

Garrett Butch is the father of a 6 year old with autism and the founder of Maximum Potential Group.
Maximum Potential has developed courses that train parents and school systems how to work with children with autism.
http://www.maximumpotentialkids.com

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Encouraging ABA Therapy Within Schools Can Help Many Children

If you are the parent of a child who has been diagnosed with autism, knowing what to do in regards to their education can be difficult. For children with moderate to severe cases of autism, the ability to function and perform well in a classroom can certainly be hindered. Many schools, however, offer no treatment for autism. Instead, the place children in a classroom with other developmentally disabled children to essentially wait out the school day. If you find that your child is in this situation, one of the best things that you can do is to encourage the school to offer ABA therapy.

ABA, or Applied Behavior Analysis, is a therapy designed to teach kids the very basics of behavior and learning. A quality ABA program will offer teachers a comprehensive set of tools for understanding autism as well as for teaching children who have been diagnosed with it. The therapy revolves around a number of principles, all of which have been repeatedly proven by science to be effective. Of all known autism treatments, ABA is still the only treatment most insurers will cover because it is largely known to be the most beneficial to children.

While there is not yet a cure for autism, ABA training can make a significant difference in classroom function and learning ability. ABA breaks down complex behaviors into smaller chains, teaching them one step at a time so that they can be more easily understood. Few educators seem to understand that autistic children are highly capable of learning and adapting and that it is only the way that they process information that is truly different. Studies show that with proper ABA therapy, many kids can learn at equivalent rates to their peers, especially if treatment is started early.

If your school does not offer ABA therapy, it is certainly an excellent idea to encourage them to start teaching it. Schools can find an excellent course that uses DVDs and paper materials to provide all of the information and skills required to teach ABA within the school system. A single course can be used to train an entire school district, and the costs are designed to be affordable for these educators. Every child deserves the absolute best opportunity to learn and grow with their peers, and Applied Behavior Analysis therapy is certainly the most effective way to offer them this opportunity.

Garrett Butch is the father of a 6 year old with autism and the founder of Maximum Potential Group.

Maximum Potential has developed courses that train parents and school systems how to work with children with autism.

http://www.maximumpotentialkids.com

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ABA Therapy Helps Teach Language and Communication Skills

For many parents, the first sign that their child may have an autism spectrum disorder comes around the time when they should be developing language skills. This is almost always the first sign that parents receive that something may be different about their child. While children in the same age group are often learning to say mama and daddy or asking to go to the potty, children with ASD are often content to play with toys and show no desire to communicate. ABA therapy can help to change this.

There has been a great deal of research completed on Applied Behavior Analysis therapy over the past thirty years. Not only do studies show that it is the most effective form of treatment for autism spectrum disorders, they also show that it can be the best tool for teaching language and communication skills. Research states that ABA therapy is most effective when started as early in a child's life as possible, and children diagnosed at the age of early communication certainly tend to see the best results from the therapy. In fact, many children treated this early are able to communicate on par with their peers by the time they reach school age.

ABA offers more than just a chance at language skills, it offers a chance at a better life. With intensive ABA training, which can be as much as forty or more hours per week, these kids learn to express thoughts, emotions, and concepts in an appropriate verbal manner. This often creates positive patterns of behavior that make it easier for them to integrate and fit into a traditional classroom setting. In essence, ABA can help teach kids how to learn.

ABA therapy is excellent at teaching language and communication, but it can do much more. It can also help these children learn how to recognize patterns and sequences. Learning through the discrete trials and repetition of ABA helps to create new synapses in the brain that can enable students with autism to start learning in much the same way as their classmates. This is certainly quite a remarkable feat, and it has given many children a great deal of hope. If you are the parent of a child with autism or an educator looking for a better way to teach your students, ABA therapy is a great choice. Designed to help teach language, social skills, and academic skills, it can equip autistic children with the tools they need to function both in the classroom and in the world as a whole.

Garrett Butch is the father of a 6 year old with autism and the founder of Maximum Potential Group.

Maximum Potential has developed courses that train parents and school systems how to work with children with autism.

http://www.maximumpotentialkids.com

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Having an Autistic Child - What It Means For Your Family

Having to raise a child with autism is difficult to cope, with all the other stresses of modern life. Even having a partner who may understand, the truth is it puts a lot of pressure on your relationship. This is when it is important to stay focus and positive about your situation for the benefit of your child. If necessary you and your partner should try to take some time away and find someone else who your child could respond to, maybe an aunt our grandparent, so you can have sometime for yourselves. By working together it possible to survive the stressful times that comes with having an autistic child.

Finding the right help to code with autism is absolutely vital because understanding what to do will make their world better. There are a lot of myths about the causes of autism such as bad parenting which lead to autism which is totally wrong. Autistic children are sometimes very gifted at art or music above the norm of most people. Some can even play an instrument to a high level without proper training. This shows you that a lot of autistic people are highly intelligent but find it difficult to communicate like other people.

Make some effort to explain to family what autism is about and show them how you cope with your situation so they have an understanding of it. If you've begun to implement a program to get your child to be more affectionate it is important that you get their teacher our other family members to understand your child limitation so as not to undo the work you have done. It is good to be consistent in your program as repetition is absolutely vital when dealing with an autistic child. Autism can be a life long challenge for parents so you have to be patient to connect with your child.

There are many more resources and information about diagnosing, controlling and treating Autism: [http://www.autism-guides.com]

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Is There a Disadvantage of Language Development in Children With Autism?

Many children with autism, have a problem with development of language. One of the first symptoms you will want to be aware of, is if, your child has a problem with talking. This disadvantage may show up as abnormal in the first few months of their early age of being a baby.

As a baby, most babies babble, make variety of sounds, but with a baby who has the disorder of autism, that baby usually has a disadvantage by not making a variety of sounds, or even babble, but may make high-pitched squealing sounds.

The other point to consider, as your baby reaches about twelve months old, there appears to be more delays and disadvantages in their language. Babies with autism, usually do not develop the words or communication skills to say "mama," "dada," while other children know how to speak these words and identify them to their subject and be encouraged to say those words, or other words that are simple at this age.

Your child with the disorder of autism may start slowly to progress with his or her disadvantage of language development about the age of four or five. This can be done by making flash cards with words on them and pictures to identify the words, with repetition. But your child may not be able to communicate these words to you or others, in a sentence form.

Usually, by the age your child reaches four years old, their disadvantage of language development is identified, that he or she is unable to use speech to form sentences to ask for what they want and express their needs. Your child may have an immediate need for milk, juice, water, soda. He or she will say, "juice," instead of perhaps, saying, "I would like some juice." or "where is the juice?"

Many children with autism, have a disadvantage of language development by, using the parrot method by listening to people, who use words, but they do not understand what they are saying or what it means. For example, your child may say the word "shopping" over and over again, but not have a clue what is means or how it relates to their thought pattern. They often times use words in repetition form of not knowing how it relates.

Communication with your child who has autism, may go at a slow pace, but encourage your child to use the language he or she has and continue to reinforce their language, to overcome the areas that will hinder your child from learning how to communicate words and understand what they mean.

It takes patience and time, for your child with the disorder of autism, to make progress that will help overcome the disadvantage of their language development. Never give up on them. There are many updated new techniques available. Some of the best techniques are taught by speech therapists or teachers who understand the disadvantage of their language development and are trained in this area.

"Take action now, and accept this invitation to enter at ==> http://www.autismintoawareness.com to learn more on this topic and other crucial topics. Download your updated e-book, and FREE bonus products, where Bonita Darula breaks the silence about the different levels of autism. You and your child are worth it to receive this imperative information."

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Raising a Child With Autism When Hugs Are In Short Supply

Will a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder limit my emotional connection to my child? As parents we all want to cuddle, kiss and hold our children. Not only do they feel good to hold but they smell good too - most of the time. But what is a parent to do when their child pulls away from their touch, refuses to be embraced or won't hug back?

There is a misconception that children with Autism are incapable of showing affection but many have found they are indeed capable of expressing love, they just do it in non-conventional ways. Another theory is that children with Autism feel emotions so fiercely that they are easily overwhelmed with what to do with them. All children are wired differently and your child's emotional availability will depend on where he or she lies on the Autism spectrum.

The pain of realizing your child may never display the level of physical affection that you had hoped for is not to be treated lightly. It is a loss of an ideal you held about parenting and should be addressed. Accepting it as fact is the first step that will help you move beyond and open yourself up to other signals that may not look the same but carry the same message.

All parents anticipate a reciprocal response to their physical displays of affection but if that is all you seek you can set yourself up for constant disappointment. Recognizing that your child may never initiate a hug or say I love you is very troubling to accept. As unfortunate as this is, it is a situation that calls for a major shift in perspective. As a parent in such circumstances, you have to lower your expectations, increase your patience and develop a special mindset in order to cope. Here are some suggestions to help you get started.

- Invade your child's world.

As adults we tend to make the mistake of expecting our children to conform to our world and respond as we do but a much more productive approach, especially with a child on the Autism spectrum, is to invade their world first. The more a parent can experience the world through their child's Autistic lens, the more easily one can understand and accept their child's unique way of relating. Making an effort to enter into your child's world will help you discover the particular nuances in his behavior that signify expressions of affection and a real connection to you.

- Play detective.

The possibility of a meaningful and loving connection lies in your ability to look upon your circumstance as a new adventure and adopt the role of investigator. As you become alert and watchful for those slight gestures and signs that say, "I care" - you may be pleasantly surprised at what you find. That blank stare focused in your direction may be saying a lot more than you think.

Here are some clues to look for when trying to determine how your child shows affection:

• Occasional eye contact

• Letting you play with or touch a favorite item

• A slight touch or pat

• Drawing you a picture

• A certain noise or tone of voice

• A handshake or a high five

• Squeals of laughter

- Keep hope alive.

Never give up that your child will be able to learn how to show affection towards you because affection is a learned behavior that all children can be taught to some degree. Once you have dissected how you child relates to her environment you can begin to pull her into your world and teach her other ways of relating. Children on the Autism spectrum just need more time and practice to learn how to express themselves spontaneously.

As you gather clues and develop a greater awareness of how your child relates to everything around him or her you will detect revealing patterns. Being alert to behaviors that show a level of caring, even if minimal, will help give the ongoing bonding process with your child a boost. Eventually you and your child will find your own rhythm, your own special dance that says 'I love you'.

Connie Hammer, MSW, parent educator, consultant and coach, guides parents of young children recently diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder to uncover abilities and change possibilities. Visit her website http://www.parentcoachingforautism.com to get your FREE resources - a parenting e-course, Parenting a Child with Autism - 3 Secrets to Thrive and a weekly parenting tip newsletter, The Spectrum.

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Autistic Behavior - Characteristics of Autistic Behaviors

It is not uncommon for a person with Autistic behaviors to not fall under the Autistic Spectrum Disorder classification. There are plenty of other neurological disorders that can produce similar symptoms and characteristics. They include being deaf, mental retardation, disorders of the central nervous system, metabolic disorders, and schizophrenia.

There are three main areas that are affected by Autism - communication, social skills, and behaviors. To be classified as part of the Autism Spectrum Disorder the individual must display a variety of characteristics from these areas. Let's take a closer look at each one of them.

A person with Autism often has trouble effectively communicating with others. They may suffer from improper speech development, underdeveloped communication skills, trouble speaking, and the inability to form language patterns correctly. Social skills can be affected because the individual can't read body language or facial expressions properly. They are often oblivious to the emotions of others so they aren't able to respond appropriately in a given situation.

Socially, those with Autism are often more apt to be alone than with others. They often show no emotion of their own or affection to others. This definitely affects their ability to bond with others and build lasting friendships.

Behavior issues can also make it hard to interact with other people. Many people find the continuous body movements by Autistic individuals distracting and annoying. Common movements include rocking, clapping their hands, and moving their arms. Autistic children desire strict routines and they don't do well with change at all.

These characteristics of Autism are often found in many other disorders so it is vital that a proper diagnosis is completed by a medical professional. This way the child can get the right types of treatments and interventions.

If you found this information on Autistic Behavior useful, you'll also want to read about Autism In Children.

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Bringing Up Bright and Happy Children With Autism

Ask any parent and they'll tell you that parenting a child is the most difficult task they've ever encountered. They'll also tell you it's the most rewarding. Parenting a child with autism, however, can be a little more stressful. It can also be just as rewarding. The key to bringing up bright and happy children with Autism is to love and nurture them, as you would any child.

Once your child has been diagnosed with autism, you may at first go through a typical sort of panic mode. One of the first things you may want to do is set up counseling for yourself to help you deal with any negative feelings you are having about your child. This can help you in this overwhelming time. You may also want to do some research on your own regarding Autism, as it will help you to understand what you may expect with your child.

When you start researching, you'll, of course, want to start with your child's pediatrician. They can certainly help to point you in the right direction. There also may be support groups in your area and you'll find that parents of children with autism can help you deal with this initial period, as well as being a great source for information.

When you are choosing a program for your child with autism, you'll want to seek the advice from professionals, such as your pediatrician and other autism professionals. Research the program to make sure it will deal with all aspects of autism, as well as make sure they are qualified to assist your child.

Once you've come to terms with your child being diagnosed with autism, there are certain things you'll need to take care of in the home. You want to bring your autistic child up in a home that is safe, as well as comfortable for your child. One of the first things you should do is a safety check. For example, if you worry because your child likes to sneak outside, you may want to install security locks on the doors. Make sure, however, the child can get out in case of an emergency. You may also want to consider fencing in the yard where your child can play safely.

Some autistic children are very sensitive to touch and even bathing them becomes a struggle. You want your child to be clean however, you also want them to be happy. If this means foregoing a daily bath for one every other day, then by all means, do it. You can also help them to overcome their sensitivity to water by scheduling regular playtimes in water, such as playing with lawn sprinklers and squirt guns. You can make it a fun time and they may come to enjoy bathing.

Most importantly, provide your child with activities at home, as well as outside the home. They may not want to participate in all of them, but it is important for your child to be treated as if they are included. Don't leave your child home when going out for dinner. Take your autistic child with you and just make sure you go to a family type restaurant so if your child does misbehave in public, it is not such a big deal. Provide your child with an environment filled with different colors and textures. This will help to keep their attention on certain activities and if you provide them with the opportunity for social interaction, this can certainly help them in the long run.

Most importantly, however, provide your child with love. Even if your autistic child does not like to be touched, there are other things you can do to let them know you love them. Talking with your child, even when you don't feel they are listening is important to their development. Tell them how much you love them, whether they respond in turn or not. A child that is loved will feel this love, even if they have autism.

Rachel Evans also writes a Free autism newsletter, with information and methods to spot and manage the signs of autism. You can sign up for free here: Free Autism Newsletter and for information on autism treatments please visit our Autism Blog

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Autism Symptoms in Children - Sensory Issues

What are some of the most common autism symptoms in children? Sensory issues. What are sensory issues? Sensory issues are when your child has all his senses turned to high. In other words, he is overly sensitive to noise, smells, lights, crowds, touch, and so on.

How does this autism symptom in children present itself? A child with autism who is sensitive to noise may scream in a crowd, cover his ears, or generally look agitated. He may not be able to concentrate in the classroom because of all the noise. He may get especially agitated at unexpected noises, such as fire alarms, fire trucks, sirens, and so on. The noise from a coffee grinder may even be enough to cause a meltdown (yelling and screaming.)

How to Minimize the Effect of These Autism Symptoms in Children

In these situations, you might try to only bring your child with autism to environments that will be reasonably quiet...when possible...and prepare him for the noise when this is not. iPods or earplugs, or both, can work wonders in this situation to minimize the effects of these autism symptoms.

Shopping Can Be Difficult

Sensitivity to crowds, bright lights or other visual information will become all too apparent when you try to shop in your local supermarket. Most children with autism have an awfully hard time with grocery stores. There is too much activity going on around them and it is hard for them to process it all. People chattering every which way, the noise of shopping carts squeaking, music and announcements over the PA system - these issues all trigger autism symptoms in children

Colors and shapes and so much visual information to take in can be over stimulating. Smells from the meat or fish departments, of perfume on others, or from cleaning materials can cause adverse reactions in some children with autism. If you have to bring your child to a grocery store, try to have something to distract them so that they don't get as overwhelmed.

Identifying these Autism Symptoms in Children

What are some other ways that you can tell if your child has sensory issues, which could be a symptom of autism? A lot of kids with autism have trouble with touch. They won't wear tight, restricting clothes, or clothes that are at all itchy. A lot of times they complain that the fabric just doesn't feel right. They often will need loose cotton clothes to be able to tolerate wearing clothes at all. If you find something that works, you should buy many different colors, because it may be hard to repeat in the future.

Avoidance of Physical Contact is one of the Common Autism Symptoms in Children

Many kids with autism will resist hugs and touching other people. They stiffen and avoid touch of any kind. Their skin is hypersensitive to what it encounters. Often, they will avoid getting dirty or playing outside because they don't like the feel of the dirt and ground on them. Many hate the beach because of the feel of the sand. Sensory integration therapy can help with this.

Sensory issues can be key autism symptoms in children to look out for, so you should take note if you notice any of the above.

Hopefully, with early identification and early treatment, life can be a little easier for those with autism and the people who love them. For additional tips and suggestions that can help your loved one live a fulfilling and happy life visit the AmericanAutismSociety.org. There you can sign up for their FREE newsletter with tips and info on autism.

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How Do I Tell Someone Their Child Has Autism?

When your child has autism it can be a very difficult situation to deal with. Oftentimes, parents may suspect there is something developmentally wrong with their child, but consciously coming to grips with the situation can be extremely hard to accept. There are many cases where an autistic child is treated as if he or she is a completely normal child, out of a sort of blind, but wishful thinking, and these situations can be particularly troubling, for parents and child.

If you know someone close to you and you believe their child has autism, it is best that you voice your concerns even if you risk upsetting the parents. The reason being is the quicker a diagnoses is confirmed, the faster interventions and treatment can be started. Simply ignoring the problem will never make it go away. In fact, pretending that a child does not have autism can actually exacerbate symptoms and problematic behaviors instead of redefining and helping to structure them. Raising an autistic child, depending on the severity of the disorder, can be an extraordinarily difficult task that can take both an emotional and physical toll on parents and family members.
However, there are forms of treatment and interventions that can truly help, so the sooner a child is diagnosed the easier it can be.

Basic psychology suggests that when you approach someone about a potentially troubling situation it is better for all concerned if the situation is handled in a gentle manner. Obviously, if you are going to tell someone close to you that you believe their child is autistic, it pays to be sensitive. If you are straightforward and discuss the matter in a calm, sensitive way, you can avert any possible hostility in return. Many parents may react angrily and deny the suggestion their child is autistic, so it is probably a good idea to have some literature with you to back up why you feel their child may be autistic. It is also important to explain the different levels of autism and their effects.

If you are prepared to provide some meaningful information on autism you should first learn as much about the disorder as you can. If you are going to approach parents and suggest a diagnosis of autism, you should know what you're talking about. Furthermore, it is a good idea to be supportive and honest when you tell someone you believe their child is autistic. Remember many people do not fully understand what autism really is, so it will be up to you to be able to explain the disorder and answer any of their initial questions.

In addition, autistic children, like other children with developmental disabilities, have special needs. If you really want to help, you should be ready to provide information on how to access services that address the special needs of the child in question. When a parent faces the fact that her child may be autistic, it can be an overwhelming sensation due to the fact that the resulting changes will be life-altering for the people directly involved.

When you raise your concerns with someone in your family or really close to you, you should always try to do so sensitively - pick your moment and don't just blurt it out at a family gathering or in public. Remember, the news you are going to deliver can be initially devastating. Make sure you know enough so you can answer the majority of questions that will be thrown at you. Most importantly, be yourself and make sure the person knows that you care and are concerned for them and their child.

Try to offer information about methods of treatment that will shed some positive slant on autism. Inform your friend or family member that there are thousands of scientists and researchers working on ways to better treat autism. You should also have a list of resources available. This list can include websites, local clinics, cutting-edge research and anything else you feel can give a realistic, but positive approach to autism. Have a look through the previous posts on the blog for links to sites that could provide a great starting point for a parent learning about autism for the first time.

Rachel Evans writes a Free Autism Newsletter, designed to help families understand and manage autism effectively. To find out how an sign up, click here: Free Autism Newsletter or for more information on signs of autism in a child visit our blog.

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How an Autistic Child Changed A Career...For the Better

Typically, career choices are made based upon responsibilities, compensation, or prestige where a businessperson makes a change to get a higher salary, more responsibility, or greater prestige. What about the situation, though, where the driver behind a career choice isn't any of these; where it's the needs of a child that drive the change? My choice was precisely that.

Trevor was a happy, normal, active baby. He was able to laugh, coo, cry, and do all of the other normal things that his big sister, Briana did at that age. To my wife Patty and me, everything seemed to be just fine. At about age two, we noticed that Trevor was hardly saying any words and was very into his own world with puzzles, coloring, and videos. Over the next couple of years, we took him to a speech therapist to help him with his language and also enrolled him in a special-needs preschool. During this time we noticed other peculiar characteristics for a toddler; a strong desire for structure (his preschool teachers called him "Mr. Rigid"), obsessive fixations on various topics, and no real desire to associate with other children. Yet Trevor was very easy in that he would keep himself occupied for hours on end playing by himself and acting out whatever imaginary things he could think of. It was very perplexing to us.

When Trevor was five, we took him to specialists at the Autism Center at the University of Washington who conducted a series of tests to assess speech, cognitive understanding, and relational behaviors. At the end of the assessment, one of the specialists explained that Trevor had Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), a mild form of autism. This was odd to us because we had associated autism with more severe cases (think about Dustin Hoffman in "Rainman") where speech was limited to non-existent at all and no real interaction between the child and others. Trevor was able to speak and interact but was about two years behind his peers developmentally. The specialist explained that, while Trevor had many characteristics of "normal" children, he saw the world as if peering through a rolled-up newspaper; he had a narrow focus on the world and was inattentive to things that didn't interest him or how other people perceived him. To give you an example, think of Jack Nicholson in the movie "As Good as it Gets". His character, Melvin Udall, was a bright, successful author who was obsessed with cleanliness, kept a very rigid schedule, did not walk on sidewalk cracks, and was generally unaware of how he came off to others. Though he wasn't labeled as such, Melvin could have had PDD-NOS.

In some respects, knowing that Trevor had a milder form of autism was a relief in that he could learn to control his behaviors and be a high-functioning adult. In other respects, though, having a milder form of autism puts him in a sort of purgatory when it comes to other kids. He doesn't fit in a traditional special-needs category yet he is clearly unique when compared to other children. Had Trevor grown up prior to the 90's, his actions would have been viewed as a behavioral problem and he would have been labeled a difficult child. The truth is Trevor isn't a behavioral problem; he's just wired differently than normal children.

Trevor's public elementary school was wonderful in working with him; he qualified for special services and was able to get one-on-one assistance with a special education teacher. While we've been very appreciative of the attention the public school system has afforded him through sixth grade, we grew concerned about his transition to middle school. Through a lot of discussion, we've decided the best thing for Trevor is to pull him out of mainstream school in seventh grade and take on a more customized home-school approach. In thinking through this, Patty and I decided that, for Trevor to have the best opportunity to succeed, we needed to share the teaching responsibilities. I had spent eleven years at Accenture and was in my ninth year at Microsoft and was very happy with my career. At the same time we also realized the importance of giving Trevor the best possible educational experience to secure his leading a normal adult life. We decided it best for me to leave my secure, full-time job at Microsoft to focus on a new career which gave us more flexibility to tend to Trevor. It was at this same time that I had written a book called The Project Management Advisor which was in process of being published. I had also just started a meals-delivered-to-your-door business called delBistro with a friend. The timing seemed perfect to take the plunge and leave Microsoft to build a new career as an author and entrepreneur around ensuring Trevor gets what he needs to secure a normal, happy adult life.

This past six months has been focused on me adjusting to my new career as author and entrepreneur and us beginning research on how we are going to approach home-schooling Trevor. Already I've seen great benefit in being more available to my family and in Trevor getting used to me being around more often. I've got tremendous peace with the career choices that I've made and see focusing on Trevor as being far more important than any promotions or accolades I could have received at Microsoft or some other traditional job. Our goal is to ensure that, by September, we are positioned to home-school Trevor and that my career activities don't interfere with our home-schooling priorities. By the way, Trevor's social-butterfly-sister has already made it very clear that home-schooling is not her cup of tea so she'll stay in the public school system.

I realize that a choice like the one I've made when you have an autistic child may not always be feasible. We've been very blessed in having the financial means and opportunities to make this decision. What I can say, though, is this investment in Trevor's future will yield a return that is far greater than any return I could be getting in a more traditional career and see this as the smartest career choice I've ever made.

Lonnie Pacelli has over 20 years' experience with Accenture and Microsoft and is currently president of Leading on the Edge™ International. Lonnie's books include "The Project Management Advisor: 18 Major Project Screw-Ups and How to Cut Them Off at the Pass" and "The Truth About Getting Your Point Across". Get the books, leadership products, other articles, MP3 seminars and a free email mini seminar at http://www.leadingonedge.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lonnie_Pacelli

Incidental Teaching For Students With High Functioning Autism

"Incidental Teaching" is an interaction between an adult and child that occurs in a natural situation or setting which can be used to give the child an opportunity to practice a skill. Many practitioners of Applied Behavior Analysis believe that Incidental Teaching can be used as a primary teaching approach for children with autism instead of Discrete Trial teaching when discrete trials are not successful or not challenging.Some students are more successful when incidental teaching techniques are used.

The advantages of using the Incidental Teaching method:

* Skills may be learned faster because they have meaning to the learner (function and purpose).

* The learner is exposed to varied prompting methods and reinforcers

* Teaching is implemented in a natural setting and no additional materials are needed.

* Using this technique helps teachers sharpen their skills and "think on their feet".

The disadvantages of using the Incidental Teaching method are:

* The teacher may not have the skills to recognize a "teachable moment" or have the ability to capture and manipulate the learner's motivation to create a teachable moment.

* The teacher must have full knowledge of the learner's current abilities

* The learner must have prerequisite skills to benefit from Incidental Teaching (including attention skills and ability to accept different types of prompting).

The procedures used in the Incidental Teaching method are important. A natural environment must be arranged to attract the learner to the desired material (contriving an opportunity).

Depending on the learner, the arrangement of the environment may be minimal or extensive. The learner guides the session by his/her own interests or motivation in a topic, object or activity. At this point, the teacher uses whatever the learner has shown an interest in to teach or elaborate on an already known skill. For example, if a young child shows an interest in pushing a toy car back and forth, the teacher could teach the child to elaborate on this skill by showing the child a ramp and how to push the car up and over the ramp.

There are several prerequisite skills for learners that are needed for Incidental Teaching:

* Attention

* Ability to follow basic instructions

* Ability to respond to many different prompting methods

* Well-developed imitation skills

* Adequate frustration tolerance and acceptance of delayed gratification

* Interest in many different environmental stimuli

Incidental Teaching may be used to teach functional communication skills. Here are some tips and suggestions to facilitate communication:

Tips for teaching commenting skills:

* Pretend to call or mildly hurt yourself (Say "owww")

* Say something that is incorrect and prompt the correction. For example, eat a cookie and say "This is a good apple".

* Illicit a compliment: Say "I just got a new haircut" or "This is a new shirt".

* Illicit inquiries: Say "I feel sick today" or "I have a new toy in my bag".

* Have many people make comments about an activity you are all playing or a meal you are all eating (modeling).

Tips for teaching appropriate escape/avoidance from an undesirable activity:

* Put an unwanted or undesirable item in front of or with the learner.

* Offer unwanted or undesirable food to the learner.

Tips for teaching requests for information:

* Present the learner with partial information he/she needs in order to complete a task or gain access to a reinforcer/desired object

* Present important information in a very low voice so the learner can barely hear you and needs you to repeat the information

With creativity and flexibility, educators can incorporate Incidental Teaching into a successful, nurturing learning environment.

Learn more about Private Schools on Long Island.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Margaret_Polino

Steps to Help You Teach Children With Autism

You may be feeling grief upon receiving a diagnosis that your child has Autism or Aspergers Syndrome etc. Do not despair! There is hope! Many individuals on the autism spectrum have grown up to have productive, fulfilling lives. Your child can still have a bright future! One out of 120 children coming into the world are now being diagnosed with some form of autism. It appears to be becoming a world wide epidemic. You are not alone. Here are three alternative steps to take to improve your child's life and your own:

1. Creative expression
2. Telepathic Communication
3. Life Style Changes

It may be helpful to understand that many of them are Indigo or Rainbow children. This means that these children have more activated DNA, they are extremely sensitive, gifted, and highly intelligent. At the same time their speech may be delayed or others may have physical developmental challenges.

As such, children on the autism spectrum are often gifted in painting, drawing, sculpture and music. When you allow them to express themselves in these other mediums, the whole family will benefit. Creative expression is therapeutic in and of itself, as it allows freedom for feelings to be expressed in a safe, fun way. These feelings may otherwise be buried and come out later in a destructive way. For all of us, with or without autism, emotional expression is vital for our health and well-being. It is a normal part of being human. This is why music, painting, and drawing is important for autistic children. It provides them with another language, which may be easier, for the autistic child than verbal expression.

You don't have to be a professional artist or art therapist to support your child in expressing themselves. You can paint or draw along with them or create music together. If this is a challenge for you, just keep it simple and fun. Try to let go of your inner critic. Art education is vital for the development of the autistic child because it will develop their inner realm, and will help them discover who they are and how they fit into the world around them.

These children have a highly sensitive metabolism which means they may have a tendency to become overwhelmed by large groups of people, large classrooms, noise, and emotion. When they are feeling overwhelmed or over stimulated they can either withdraw further within themselves and from the outer world or they can become more hyperactive, or escalate the situation to have an emotional meltdown. At this point hugging or holding them can feel uncomfortable or even painful for the autistic child if they are highly sensitive to touch or energy. A highly sensitive autistic child may be clear sentient, clairvoyant and telepathic. It is more natural and easier for them to communicate this way. You will learn to appreciate their strengths and what they have to offer the world.

The worst thing you can do is nothing and give up on them. Remind yourself that you are not alone. There is lots of support today in the form of many different kinds of therapies and programs. It is important to find the ones that are suitable for you and your child. Additionally, you may have to make some adjustments in your lifestyle such as looking for alternative choices in education, and housing options to help them adjust. Likewise they may feel better eating a diet of healthy organic fruits and vegetables for the most part.

Your own self-care is most important as you can easily become drained by the demands of parenting or teaching these kids. This is being wisely selfish. Do whatever you need to do to stay balanced and recharged. You know yourself best. Do something you love to do every day so you don't get burnt out. You are the most important person to influence your child.

If you enjoyed the content above and would like more information on how to improve your creative connection with your autistic child, check out my eManual, titled, 'SIMPLE CREATIVE TOOLS for TEACHING CHILDREN with AUTISM'. You can find it on my website http://www.tlc4youth.com

I am also conducting free Q & A sessions via Skype until the 15th January, 2012. To sign up for one, please send me a message via my contact page on my website.

You can also stay up to date by "Liking our Facebook fanpage" at http://www.facebook.com/ChildrensVoice.

Lastly I also offer one-on-one in person or long distance healing sessions with Reiki and Body Talk.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caroline_F._Butson

The Basics of Asperger's Syndrome

John is an eight year old male who enters my office and is engrossed in Angry Birds on his Kindle Fire. His mom asks him for the device and he mumbles and it is obvious he is not ready to give it up. The mother proceeds to take it from him and he screams at the top of his lungs. He runs to one of my chairs and climbs in with his backside to me. He says he is not going to talk that he wants to play Angry Birds. I tell him in here, this is his special time and that he can say and do almost anything he likes.

You see, I am a child therapist and I work with children with many kinds of problems. As we proceed with the session, he climbs under the chair, kicking his shoes off in the process and climbs on to the bottom shelf of my book shelf and bangs his head. You may be wondering at this point, what is wrong with John. Is he just being oppositional? Actually, John has what is commonly termed Asperger's Syndrome. There are several symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome. They may include all or some of these characteristics:

· Problems reading social cues

· Dislikes changes in routines

· May appear to lack empathy

· May be unable to recognize subtle differences in speech tones

· May avoid eye contact with others

· May have unusual facial expressions

· May be preoccupied with one or more things

· May have one-sided conversations

· Delayed motor development

· Have high sensitivity to noise

This list is not all-inclusive. These are typical behaviors seen in children. John does not like a change in routine, so when he came into counseling, this was totally new and different. His way of coping was to try to make me go away with his behaviors. John sees me the same time each week now. He comes in and asks how long he has until he can leave. He pulls out a game and we play. When you ask him questions his answers reflect his stuffed animal or something else he finds comforting. You cannot have a long drawn out conversation with what he did with his friends. He has no friends according to him because he is so different. I read him a story of a cat that is different then all his friends and ask him if he feels like that. He cannot answer. He has no vocabulary for feelings and has difficulty relating to other things or other people.

Asperger's Syndrome is considered to be an autism spectrum disorder. There are questions as to whether it really exists and whether it is a form of high functioning autism. Asperger's Syndrome was named after a pediatrician Hans Asperger, MD who noted strange behaviors in some of his patients. Specifically they had poor non-verbal skills, demonstrated limited empathy towards others, and where physically clumsy. There is no exact cause of the syndrome and there is no single treatment. Typically, cognitive behavioral therapy interventions are used to teach appropriate social skills. Despite this, social and communication skill deficits may be present. There is no cure.

John likes to talk about Egypt. So we talk about Egypt. He tells me of this cartoon movie that takes place in Egypt and he takes everything it says about Egypt literally. I read him a book about what makes him worry. He says losing his stuffed animal. He has a specific name for it and losing his cats. I ask him if he gets worried can he count to five and take a deep breath and we practice belly breathing. Does it carry over to other things in his daily life, I don't know. I just know he had a bad day at school, refused to do his work because it involved writing and he can't write. He then proceeded to climb underneath the desk and tear up his work book.

My place of employment is near the fire department and when the alarm goes off, John jumps up and says what's that and wants me to make it stop. I tell him that they are testing the fire sirens. He quiets down, as they are now over. He will ask me how much time we have left and when I tell him it is time to clean up and he says "good" and runs out of my office, into the waiting room, and tells his mom it is time to go.

Every week we run through a roller coaster of emotions with Asperger's kids. We go slowly one step at a time and savor the awesomeness that the experience can bring.

Carolyn L. Nelson is a licensed clinical social worker who has been in the field over 20 years. She writes for her Blog at http://blog.therapistscornerblog.com

She also can be reached at her website at http://www.therapistscornerblog.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carolyn_L._Nelson