Activities for Autistic Children 2012

Autism is one disorder out of the group of Austism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs); the other two are pervasive developmental disorder (PDD)and Asperger syndrome. Autism is a neural development disorder which affects the person's communication and social interaction. It is characterized by repetitive and restrictive behavior. The disorder affects how the person's nerve cells and synapses organize and connect. Autism is usually noticed and diagnosed within the first five years of a child's life.
There are many activities for autistic children that a parent or caregiver can provide. These activities help desensitize the child to things that previously would have been overwhelming: scents, textures, sounds, light, and tastes.
Autistic kids will often tap their ears, snap their fingers, or retreat to a place that is quiet; often they do this to block or hide away from sounds that are hurting or overwhelming them. One activity you can do with an autistic child is to make musical shakers.This works to both help the child become used to loud noises, and can also help with desensitizing the child toward certain textures. These type of play can be used as activities for autistic children.
Collect different containers you can use for shakers: salt and pepper shakers, paper towel rolls, plastic soda containers, and coffee cans. Next, gather materials to place inside the containers: dried beans, dried peas, dried pasta, dried rice, dried popcorn, coins, and other small, hard items. Make sure to supervise children who have a tendency to put things in their mouths. Activities for children with autism help the child to become used to loud sounds, strange textures, and allow them to create artwork or music, all at once.
Wash and dry all of the containers, and then let the child pick out which container to use. Offer construction paper so he or she can decorate the outside. Next, experiment with tactile sensations: have the child reach into each bowl and feel the texture of each item. Ask what he or she thinks it will sound like when the items are placed into the container. Finally, allow the child to pick which item to listen to first and fill the container about a third to half-way with the item (rice, macaroni, pennies, etcetera) and fasten the lid tightly.
Do the same thing for each item; place each group into its own container and allow the child to shake each one in turn. Ask the child which container makes the "best" sound and ask why it's best. In turn, ask which one makes the "worst" sound - this will help you identify which sounds are most irritating and you can work on these in the future with other activities for autistic children.

For further PRICELESS resources to help you better cope and handle child autism and enable your child to feel loved and conquer any obstacles VISIT.
autismininfants.org

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Autism - Beyond ABA Therapy

As a mother of a child on the autism spectrum and now a professional in the autism field, I am continuously struck by how little the "professionals" and the "decision - makers" really know about autism and its treatment options. Four years ago when my son was diagnosed, I too, as any new parent to autism, was scrambling around to find solutions and the best intervention for my child. I turned quickly to the professionals to seek the answers only to find that there were no definitive ones. How can this be? How can "they" not have all the answers leave me in a state of confusion and despair? I decided then and there that I was going to have to become the expert- and so I did. This is what I have learned.
The first thing that I always tell people whether they are a parent of a newly diagnosed child or a professional is that there is the good news and the bad news. The good news is that we know so much more about autism than we did even ten years ago. The bad news, however, is that there is still so much more to know and that we don't have all the answers.
I've learned that they call it "The Autism Spectrum" for a reason. It is indeed a spectrum. True as it is for typically developing kids, no two kids on the autism spectrum are the same. They can range from a child who is seemingly so unconnected to the social world that it is excruciating for a parent to witness, to a child who, without a background in autism, no one would think he or she was affected.
I ask you then, why would we want to use the same type of intervention for these two children? Yet this is what I see being done all the time. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the most traditional treatment option. It is the most widely used and continues to be a household word for professionals in the field. "Oh," says the doctor or autism specialist, "Your child has autism, you need to be doing ABA."
What they fail to tell you however is that ABA autism therapy is is not for everyone. It would not have been a good choice for my own son. Just as there aren't two children on the spectrum who are the same, there is no "one size fits all" type of approach to autism. As an autism professional I am tired of hearing and reading only about ABA. Don't get me wrong, I am not against ABA. In fact, it has proven to be a good choice for many Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) individuals. I am simply saying that it is high time that we as professionals in the autism field step out of our comfort zone and really educate ourselves what other intervention models are out there so we can begin to do justice to the families that seek our help and expertise.

Stacy Goresko, Ph.D. is a Relationship Development Intervention (RDI® program consultant) in private practice in Boulder Colorado. She is a respected lecturer in her field and has recently been hired to be a national speaker on autism. She has spent the last several years providing support to academic and home programs for pre - school aged through adulthood.
Autism Colorado, Denver, Boulder [http://www.treat-autism.com]
Autism Treatment

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Introduction to Autism - Factors Related to It

Introduction
Autism is a name given to a developmental disorder in children whereby their communication and interactions are impaired, and though many are able to stay in the mainstream of society, there are others who lead very restricted lives. Males are four times more likely to have autism than females, and out of every thousand children, at least 3-6 are likely to be autistic. Autism is limiting and restrictive, often preventing autistic children and their families from leading normal lives.
Autism can be by birth or manifest itself within the first two and a half years of a child's life. It is believed to be due to some prenatal abnormalities the causes of which have not yet been found. The physical appearance of the child is normal, but behavior is different and communication and interaction rather puzzling. Many are able to speak normally, and this makes recognition of other symptoms all the more difficult. The condition prevents most children from having normal educative learning though some can work towards joining mainstream educational activities.
Typically autistic children are self-absorbed, uncommunicative and cannot participate in creative activities. They are impaired in several areas of development. Autism is one of the 5 neurological disorders that fall under the category of Pervasive Developmental Disorders, and also the most common. There are no racial ethnic or economic boundaries for autism, the causes of which are yet unknown. It can afflict any child from any background, anywhere, and remains a lifelong problem.
Problems Created by Autistics
Autistic children do not misbehave intentionally as is often the case with normal children. Some external factors trigger specific actions.
- It is difficult for them to sit for long periods of time.
- They take everything literally;
- Matters that do not interest them will not hold their attention at all.
- They do not make eye contact and leave the other person wondering whether they have been heard and understood.
- They are aloof and unsocial.
- Many perform repetitive tasks, and strange actions like hand flapping, blinking, biting, head-banging, fiddling with things, and certain spontaneous movements.
- They sometimes lack the ability to understand emotions but can display anger and reveal their displeasure in violent ways. While many are able to express themselves with repetitive coaching, those who cannot talk resort to physical expression of their unhappiness.
- They are likely to develop some obsessive interests.
- Some are less sensitive to pain and can end up hurting themselves badly without realizing it.
- On the other hand they are hyper sensitive to touch, taste, hearing and smell.
These traits become difficult to handle especially for those who spend the maximum time with them. Parents find themselves constantly watching over them and trying to protect them outdoors. Caution cannot be forfeited at any cost with an autistic child. This can become a major encumbrance for the parent and attendant.
Causes of Autism
The exact cause or set of causes that lead to autism are unknown. It is a question that torments parents of autistic children who often tend to blame themselves for the neurological disorder that leads to this condition. Extensive research has led to multiple theories being presented about what leads to autism, though each has its set of critics trying to refute them.
- One set of scientists believes that certain vaccines given to the child especially, MMR (Mumps-Measles-Rubella) cause intestinal problems, which can lead to autism.
- Some believe the culprit to be thimersol contained in certain vaccines.
- The genetic cause of autism is widely accepted, as it is possible that autism has some genetic root, running in some families more than others. However, autism is not caused by a single gene, but is rather a consequence of several genetic differences as well as some form of environmental "insult".
- Some researchers are exploring the differences in a typical brain and autistic brain and are convinced that the autistic brain is wired in a different manner, besides being larger in size.
Research is continuing and it is clear that autism cannot be attributed to a single cause, but is perhaps the outcome of a combination of unfavorable factors like food allergies, environmental toxins leading to adverse reactions in the child's body, and immune deficiencies.
How To Identify Autism
Autistic children appear normal in appearance and the first signs can manifest themselves around twelve months, but they become very conspicuous by the time the child is three years old. Many seem to have impaired speech, never look in the eye, exhibit strange behavior and movements, not wish to play with others, seem engrossed in one particular thing or activity. It is not unusual for parents to shake off these early signs as those of an introvert or late learner. But pointers to an autistic condition include:
- The child does not point to things and objects at twelve months
- He child does not pick up even one word by 18 months
- He cannot make two word sentences at age two
- He does not respond to his own name
- He stays away from people and peers
- He does not make eye contact
- He may not laugh and smile and may not seem to hear
- He constantly flaps arms, bites, bangs his head
- He is unable to shift focus from one object to another
Parents are the first to notice some or most of these signs and must take immediate advice to be able to help the child and in case remedial measures can be taken in borderline cases, the sooner the better.
Educating an Autistic Child
The toughest part for parents is coming to terms with the autistic condition of their child. Once they are able to accept it, they become anxious to educate the child to make him acceptable in the mainstream of society. This is the toughest part as their symptoms manifest themselves all the time.
- They are different from other students, as they cannot relate to people and emotions, have some difficulty in comprehending what hey are being told.
- They are unable to identify differences in tone and speech, gauge facial expressions, or relate to reactions of peers.
- It becomes important for the teacher of autistic children to know about their condition.
- If the child is in a special school with others like himself, he will benefit from specially created learning modules, which include visual schedules that autistic children find easier to follow.
- Working in pairs is immensely beneficial as well.
- In case the child studies in a regular school, his teacher needs to know about his condition so that she can make the extra effort that may be required to explain certain things to him.
- In many schools an additional aide is provided to the teacher to help such children.
- Autistic children resent being forced to do certain things, and would rather make choices as it gives them a sense of control.
- It is better to encourage interests that they seem to prefer, for instance, many have a flair for cooking. This can become a vocation in later years.
Treatment for Autism
Treating autism is not easy as no prescribed, standardized line of treatment has yet been found, despite millions of dollars being spent on research in this field. The only generalization that can be made is linked to helpful therapies like:
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Speech Language Therapy
However, before the child can be started on any of these, the following steps need to be followed:
- An early diagnosis of autism an immediate intervention and treatment is imperative for the child. Parents must not ignore unusual behavioral traits that the child may exhibit in the second year of his life.
- The first step is to find good physicians and specialists who can guide parents about what is best for the child.
- Most treatment has to be behavioral and parents have to ensure that the child is not pressurized.
- This can be done by giving him clear instructions that are easy for him to follow.
- He must be prompted encouragingly to perform certain tasks, and praise and applause for actions well done.
- Parents must make a distinction between good and bad and gradually increase the complexity of instructions to encourage him to do better. Parents need instruction in behavioral techniques to accomplish this.
- Self help techniques have to be taught to the children so that they can eventually become independent.
- However, there are various types of autism, and each child has specific needs. His treatment also has to be custom made for his requirements.
Treatment with medication is only for symptoms like seizures, extreme mood swings; sleep difficulty, tantrums or injurious behavior patterns. One set of doctors fell that additional diet supplements like minerals and vitamins may be helpful, and also secretin infusion, but none of these treat the underlying condition.
At present, Risperidone is the only drug that has been approved for treating children in the 5-16 age group for aggression and irritability due to autism. Finally, the present treatment prescribed by medical specialists includes a gluten-free and casein-free diet. Gluten is contained in wheat, barley and rye, and casein in milk and dairy products.
Improving Autism Communication
Communication and social interaction are the biggest problems associated with autism. The autistic child struggles in the fields of language and being able to express him. Communication is crucial as it helps the child understand people around him, comprehend environment cues, follow directions and instructions, perform organizational tasks and also express himself. Communication is much more complicated than mere speech, requiring multiple skills like attention, absorbing information, interpreting that information and finally formulating an appropriate response.
A lot of research is being done in this field, and some drugs have been developed that improve communication behavior and increasing attention spans. Mineral and vitamin supplements, psychotherapy and medication related to it have all been tried, but there is no documented evidence of significant improvements.
Autistic children understand better when information is provided to them verbally as well as visually. Studies conducted on children who were instructed verbally and with sign language, revealed that they responded with greater vocalization, mastered signs and used them appropriately, and were able to communicate better with their peers. Visual tools include body movements, use of pictures, objects and environment cues. Step-by-step instructions are also important. Autistic children relate best to models, objects, signs and boards explaining the verbal communication.
While no standardized treatment has yet been developed to improve communication abilities of autistic children, some amount of success has been achieved by studying individual requirements. Treatments first necessitate an in-depth analysis of needs and then seeking therapy from speech-language pathologists, from occupational and physical therapists to modify unacceptable social behavior.
Another research reveals that participation of the father in teaching the child showed a marked improvement in the child's ability to communicate. This was especially true in verbal communications with the child's usage of vocabulary revealing a 50% increase.
Structured behavior modification programs like Applied Behavior Analysis are beneficial for some, while others benefit from informal coaching in a familiar home environment. Music therapy and sensory integration therapy attempt to enhance the child's ability to respond to information using his sense organs. Social stories narrated to children time and again have also helped many improve their social skills.
Yet another specialist has found that early intervention with peer directed interaction helps autistic children communicate better. Less adult directed communication and greater participation from trained peers in an informal, natural setting helped in maximizing the results of communication improvement.
The Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) has been rated as one of the best innovative treatments for handling communication issues of autistic children. Based on 20 years of research by Robert and Lynn Koegel, this has helped advance children's communication abilities, foster friendships and social interactions and improves school performance besides controlling disruptive behavior. PRT works with every child's natural motivation promotes functional learning and helps him develop skills that can be used in the world outside. Rote learning is discouraged and the child's cognitive abilities are enhanced. Prompting him to respond gives him the impetus to do so.
Treatments have to be personalized but starting sooner will yield far better results than delays in taking action by the parents.
How to get Autistic Children accepted by other Children
Autistic children do have communication and behavioral issues which are often unacceptable to others. They are therefore the target of criticism, made fun of, teased, ignored and neglected. But all autistic children are not retarded and with help and support can become part of mainstream society. The role of the parent and the teacher becomes important in gaining social acceptance for their child. They need support not pity, sympathy and a bit of care. It is important for the school to reinforce its commitment to these children and explaining to others how they can reach out to these special children. They need to be told that autism does not explain the whole character of the child-it is only one aspect and the child in question is blessed with other far more acceptable traits. He can think too, get hurt and upset and he struggles with things he cannot do. Acute hearing, sight and smell compensate for his language limitations. Children can be made to see the good in the child, what he can do and with that focus, help him. Often if one child comes forward to help the special child, others follow suit and the result is that he gains friends from whom he is able to learn much more than parental training.
How do I help in Emotional Circumstances
Children with autism are often highly emotional, getting hurt and upset about small things. Unfortunately, it takes them longer to overcome them and it is challenging for parents to help him cope. In an emotional state, the child first needs to be calmed, and this can be accomplished by helping him take a few deep breaths. This must be practiced with him before and becomes useful during stressful times. It is best to remove him from the scene where he has got upset and talking gently in a manner that he comprehends, is helpful. The child needs encouragement, reinforcement of affection and loving reassurance. If the child can talk, hearing him out also helps. Many of them are overly sensitive to others' emotions, seeing another child cry, makes them cry as well. They need to be taught that another person's feelings must not be mixed up with their own.
A few steps that can help the child include, first understanding his emotional needs, speaking in a language that he understands, he must also get the facts correct, and not have any false notions. It is important to look for warning signs that reveal an emotionally disturbed state like facial expression, nervous tics, speech variations, sweating, avoidance and irritability. Social stories narrated to children may help them feel they are not alone in feeling in a particular manner, and others are like them too. The bottom line is keeping the child calm and secure.
The Child's Future
A child being diagnosed as autistic is one of the worst nightmares for any parent. The first thoughts after the why's and how's is the anxiety about his future. His future is largely determined by the type of autism he has, and his intelligence level, which may assist him to practice some vocation and even be gainfully occupied. Many are able to lead near normal lives and become responsible, independent individuals. Others with more serious problems may never be able to lead a normal life and be independent. In such cases the future of the child is largely determined by the parents, how they plan for times ahead. They need to make the child functional and ensure that adequate resources are put aside to sustain him. Researchers believe that parents need to be responsible for providing them with a social world in which they can build meaningful relationships. Those alone can sustain them, despite the fact that the child may never go to work, earn, and do other adult things. Special education can help him do better than lack of any education. It may suffice to have him occupied and happy rather than stressed and agitated, provided for and having someone.

With over 4 years in the field of content writing, I have written numerous articles covering various niches. Presently I am maintaining 2 blogs at COFFEE TABLE TALKS and WEIGHT LOSS TIPS.

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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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Coping With Autism at Home

Having a child that is diagnosed with autism is not just hard for the parents but also for all members of the family. The parents, siblings and even grandparents have to share in the responsibility of supporting a child with special needs. Not only can it be financially draining and physically exhausting, but it can also be a source of emotional stress to everyone involved.

Naturally, the greatest weight is carried on the shoulders of the parents. To begin with, parents must cope with the deficits and excesses in behavior of an autistic child. Most autistic children cannot express verbally nor through gestures what they want, so parents are left with a constant guessing game as to what their child needs. Social life is also significantly sacrificed, as a child with autism might not be accepted or understood by other people, forcing at least one parent to stay with the child at home at all times. And there are also feelings of helplessness about the child's future. It is heart wrenching for parents to imagine how their autistic child will be taken care of after they are gone.

Siblings of autistic children are stressed, too. It can be due to feelings of embarrassment for having a sibling that is not normal, they can also be stressing about being the target of aggression, or they can even have a feeling of envy for all the attention their autistic sibling is getting.

It Is OK To Take A Break

The reality of having a child diagnosed with autism is hard and full of challenges. But life does not have to be all stress. There are ways to de-stress and maintain a harmonious and loving family life. Parents need to give themselves a break from time to time. A parent might have feelings of guilt for leaving a special child behind, but a few hours of being away from him or her from time to time may offer the chance to recharge and regroup for the daily challenges ahead. Parents should not be afraid to ask for a little support from other family members, such as the child's aunt or uncles or grandparents. They may look after the child for several hours a week to give the parents time off and take care of themselves. This will prevent parents from "burning out" and can be essential in keeping the family's relationships strong.

Parents also need to spend quality time alone with their other non-ADS children, without the autistic child present. This reassures them and lets them know that the parents love them as much their other sibling, even if most of the attention is geared towards the one with special needs.

Remember, life with an autistic child is hard already, so there is no need to make life even harder for everybody else in the family. When times get tough... breathe. Taking a few hours off for yourself and for your other children is the best way to get you through the worst of it all. (Aviram, 2009)

References:

Aviram, J. (2009, August 12). Good Days and Bad Days: Seven Strategies to Cope. Retrieved March 18, 2011, from Parenting: http://www.autismathomeseries.com/library/2009/08/good-days-and-bad-days-seven-strategies-to-cope/.

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9 Tips To Get A Photograph Of Your Autistic Child

Many families like to take yearly photos. However, if you have an autistic child, getting them to pose for a picture is no easy task. The autistic child might not want to sit still or may even be bothered by the bright lights. However, there is hope in getting that picture finally taken. Here are a few tips.

- Before you pick a photographer, you may want to ask parents of autistic children where they have gotten their photos done. There could be a photographer in your area that handles autistic children and knows what to expect.

- Pick a time where your child is generally in a good mood. Many autistic children tend to run on a schedule and you can usually tell when they are going to be in a better mood.

- Some autistic children have a favorite cloth or a favorite object. Bring it with you to the photo studio. This can keep them calm and relaxed through the process and help get the photo done faster. It can even be included in the photo.

- Your child might respond better in the home. Have the photographer come to your house and take pictures. This will be easier on you as well because if your autistic child does have a bad reaction you are already home and can soothe them quicker.

- When going to a photographer, let them know you have an autistic child beforehand. This will help the photographer prepare any way that they need to and they may even have suggestions. If your child has problems with bright lights, let the photographer know so preparations can be made.

- Don't force your child to take the picture. If your child won't sit still, don't stress him or her out to get the picture taken. Candid shots work just as well and can be endearing.

- Let your autistic child get used to the camera. Let them look at it (but don't touch) and get comfortable with it. This could help them relax and get ready for the picture easier.

- Your child might not want to sit during the photo shoot, and that's is perfectly fine. Let them stand or even lay down. The photographer should be able to work around your family's needs when it comes to taking the photo. Let your child do what is going to make them most comfortable. If the photographer you choose doesn't accept this, just find one who will.

- A photo doesn't have to be professionally done. Your autistic child might respond better if you are the one taking the pictures. You can also take pictures doing every day activities, during family get-togethers or holidays. Many family's photo albums are full of special moments. Yours doesn't have to be any different just because your child is autistic. Take photos of them whenever you get a chance.

Taking photos of your autistic child doesn't have to be a stressful experience. Like anything else your autistic child has ever done, make them comfortable and don't force them to do anything. Make it a fun time and enjoy the situation. The pictures will get taken and look great.

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More About Autistic Children

Unfortunately in today's society, difference is not looked upon as a positive thing. Children nowadays while subject to a wide variety of cultural change and innovative new ways of thinking, still fall back on old fears when it comes to differences, especially amongst themselves. Because of this, their peers who suffer from anything that places them outside the spectrum of norm, are often ostracized and bullied because of this.

Children who suffer from developmental and learning disorders such as Autism are especially prone to these negative efforts. It is of every importance that we begin to take note of what goes on inside as well as outside of the home and classroom. It is essential that we begin to teach our children the values of compassion and patience towards those who may be different than us. It is with this open mind attitude that we will not only be able to help our peers who are challenged with life, but also to help us live more peacefully and to grow as a human being.

Bullying has reached new heights in young children and adolescents these last few years. It is a danger to their well-being, not just the targets but the bullies as well. Everyone is a victim in these circumstances. Autistic children are more prone to these attacks as well, vis. they are socially awkward, they find it difficult to communicate on a normal basis because they do not react the same to the verbal, emotional and intuitive cues of their friends. This can lead to misunderstandings and tension amongst children and can also lead to teasing and alienation.

Depending on the severity of their symptoms, autistic children tend to thrive better in an environment created around their disorder. But this leaves them alienated from the rest of the world. So, while it is beneficial for them to spend some time in an environment geared towards their way of learning and comprehension, it isn't good for them to be secluded away from the rest of society. They will need to learn the skills and confidence to integrate into the rest of society in order to live a successful life. This doesn't mean they have to be exactly like the rest, in fact autistic children never will, but they need to be able to live as their selves comfortably out in the world.

In order to really do this, the world itself needs to learn some compassion and compromise for autistic children. The relational skills and the way of thinking and perception are not only for these children to work at changing. The world needs to change as well. We need to be more accepting of difference and individuality. We need to be more willing to help those who need it instead of pushing them aside and trampling all over them. And this doesn't mean we just need more specialists in the field. We, as human beings need to take a proactive approach towards making autistic children, adults and those with other disorders feel more like they have a place in the world. Because they do and they should, it is our own fault that we experience difficulties with these differences.

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

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Is Eye Contact Important For Your Autistic Child?

If you have a child with autism, you may have noticed that he or she does not make eye contact in the same way other children do, who do not have autism. The question is, is it important for your autistic child to make eye contact?

When I was younger, I remember my parents would get angry with my brother who had his disorder, because he would not make contact with his eyes. He would look in a distance as though he was in a spacial stare. It was frustrating for my parents, myself and the rest of the family.

It was obvious, the more my parents told my brother to look at them with his eyes, when they were speaking, the more frustrating the situation became. My brother displayed nervous reactions to the situation.

I have learned living in our society, we are taught to be educated to make contact with our eyes, when people are talking and when you are talking to them. If this not done, it is considered to be rude and not kind to the other person. Should this to be enforced or is it important for your child who has autism?

Many children with autism have many social problems or disabilities. Some autistic children feel threatened by looking at individuals in their eyes, because they lack social abilities to communicate.

There is another thought regarding children who do not make contact with their eyes. Some children with autism do not make that connection for the fact that, they are concentrating on what is taking place.

When you feel it is important for your child to make to connect with others by looking them in their eyes, or force him or her to do it, their attention span will drop and you will create high levels of anxiety for your child and you.

I have learned by watching my brother and trying to encourage him to make eye connections, he would be looking straight in my eyes, but would not seem to understand some of the things I was saying.

You have to determine if it is important to encourage your child to have eye contact. It may bring a hinderance for learning and understanding social skills for your child. It may even create more stress and anxiety.

I believe you should not push your child. It should become a natural behavior without being forced. As your child grows in age, his or her eye contact will improve also.

How do you feel about the importance of having eye contact with your child who has autism? Do you feel it is not that important, or do you feel it is a must to have eye connection? Are you willing to encourage your child, not to push or force this issue? Do you believe it is worth thinking about, that as your child grows with age, his or her eye contact will improve?

These are some of the questions you need to ask yourself, if you want to know whether eye contact is important for your autistic child.

Bonita Darula's informational web sight==> http://www.autismintoawareness.com is where you SIGN up and RECEIVE your FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER with updated topics that are imperative for your Autistic child and you. She also offers you an e-book that has updated information about the signs and warnings of Autism. Check it out.

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