The Range Of Function In Autism

Autism is a syndrome that comes from exhibiting certain combinations or patterns of behavior. Low functioning autism is the term used to describe autistic individuals that are not able to function or deal with every day life. Normal to high functioning autism is used to describe people that exhibit autistic behaviors that are in fact able to deal with real world activities and normal day to day life. Many people diagnosed with autism end up living in less then ideal conditions. Autism is a developmental disorder, that affects many areas of human function such as language, and the ability to communicate. It affects self-help skills, coordination, and the ability of an individual to learn.

Common Behaviors

There are several common traits that will aid in the diagnosis of autism. These traits include, the tendency to stay in isolation or be away from others. Autistic individuals will have a hard time making friends and will seem very awkward in social situations. An autistic person will very rarely look some else in the eye. They will be very naive and easily swayed or manipulated. They are often quite gullible. When an autistic person speaks they will often so so using very formal language. They may speak in a monotone and their use of body language may be very poor. (such as nodding "no" while saying "yes". Autistic people will generally prefer common routines, they may be very literal in their use of language and may remember and recite a lot of detail without having a lot of understanding. They may also exhibit hyper- or hypo- sensitivity of the senses, have odd tastes in food and clothing as well as very fine or very grossly exaggerated motor coordination.

The more of the above traits an individual exhibits the more severe the case of autism is said to be. In some cases the above symptoms may become helpfully in certain disciplines like science, math, and engineering. These disciplines require a lot of memorization and many autistic's are quite proficient in these subjects as a result.

Autism and ADHD?

There has been some discussion on about a genetic as well as behavioral link between ADHD and autism. Some experts believe that ADHD should be put considered as a form of autistic spectrum disorder. It is quite common to have children diagnosed with both ADHD and autism together. In children, the two disorders seem very much alike. As the individuals age, the disorders grow and become more apparent. Children with ADHD will often develop normal social skills and be able to communicate with their peers and with others. Autistic children however will continue to show symptoms even as they age. there is still much to learn about the autism spectrum. Even with current advances in technology and medical science, a cure for this condition remains a mystery. The more we study the sooner we will understand the disorder and be able to help those who are diagnosed with this condition.

By: Harris Gates

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Want to find out about astilbe fanal and astilbe chinensis? Get tips from the Astilbe Flower website.

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]

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

Telling People Your Child Has Autism - What To Do

One of the first things you would want to do is to find out if the diagnosis of autism is correct. Research the symptoms of autism and other related developmental disorders. You may want a second opinion of the diagnosis.

Once you are sure it is autism you should read or listen to stories from other parents of children with autism. Find a website with a busy message board and read and ask questions. Parents who have been dealing with autism for years may have the best insight on what to expect and how you can best support your child. How your family will deal with day-to-day activities and home life will be of most importance.

Once you have educated yourself about autism the first person you would want to explain the disorder to is your child. At first your child may not understand the disorder. Before telling your child they may wonder if something is wrong with themselves, and wonder why people react the way they do when interacting with them. It is best to tell your child as soon as possible before they have experienced too many unexplained reactions from others. This is important as most people will not know the child has autism. Your child may develop low self-esteem thinking they are doing something wrong and have no idea it is because they are autistic. Having your child understand autism will most likely take some time to explain. There are many books written especially for children and help explain autism in a way that a child would best understand when learning about their own autism.

What about telling other family members?

Telling your family members such as Aunts, Grandparents, Cousins, etc. may result in many questions or personal judgments. Some family members could see your child's behaviors as bad parenting and not a developmental difficulty. You will most likely have to educate other family members about autism. The way your child may behave should be explained clearly. For most people this will be their first real introduction to autism.

http://www.DisorderDirectory.com/autism A Medical Disorder author and editor

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

Three Tips for Coping With Autism During a Family Crisis

Coping with autism can be difficult in many ways, for many reasons. There is the day-to-day stuff that is always difficult - dealing with tantrums and resistance, sensory issues, bullies at school. But what about when your family is going through something really serious like a serious illness in the family? How do you manage to cope with autism and reassure your child that everything is going to be all right when you yourself don't even know if that will be the case?

Coping with Autism When a Family Illness Affects Your Child with Autism

A child with autism is very sensitive to change in the house. They want everything to go just so and be the way it always is. But when someone gets sick, a lot of the routines often change. At times like this coping with autism can become overwhelming.

The family member can't do the same things as they were able to before. They sometimes will need others to take over duties they didn't used to do. The temperament can change; the illness might cause them to be tired all the time, or maybe short-tempered and angry. These are all things that the child with autism, as well as everyone else in the house, will have to get used to.

Dealing with Change Is Just Another Part Of Coping With Autism

Of course, there is a lot of worry about...will the person get better, and if so, when. Then there are family members with very serious illnesses, and this brings out the fear of dying. For some, it is not a question of if it will happen but of when.

Helping Kids With Autism Cope

A kid with autism might react to all this in a number of ways. They may become more clingy and anxious. They may act out and show signs of anger. They may become withdrawn.

Some kids with autism will have difficulty going to the hospital to visit loved ones; hospitals can be overwhelming, with lots of noise, activity, smells and things going on.

So how can you help your child with autism cope?

Here are three ways of coping with autism in this situation.

1. Give the child with autism a sense of stability

To help your child cope with autism, try to plan one thing during their day that never changes. One thing that they can look forward to, every day, that will be an oasis of sorts from all the changes and uncertainty happening all around them. Don't worry, this can be something quite simple, like reading a story at bedtime, going for a morning walk when they get up, or making hot chocolate just before bed - you're going for some sort of dependable routine.

2. Let them express their feelings

During this time you have together with them, be sure to give them time to express their feelings, and vent whatever is on their mind. This might be when the questions like "Is Mom going to get better?" or "Why does Daddy snap at me all the time now?" and so on will come out. You should give gentle, age appropriate answers, assuring your child that the sick person still loves them and will always love them, no matter what happens.

3. Keep the lines of communication open

This is important in any situation where you are coping with autism. If there is a chance of death, talk openly and explicitly with your child about it. Use literal and factual language instead of metaphors and euphemisms. Do not use nuanced language...be explicit. Children with autism often have difficulty understanding language that is indirect. Be very clear and specific about what you mean and ask your child with autism to repeat back what they understood you to say.

Coping with autism is hard in many situations, but can become quite a struggle when dealing with the serious illness of a family member...but with patience and love, your child with autism can cope even in these difficult times.

Hopefully, with some luck (and hard work) you will find the autism support and resources that can make life a little easier for your family and your child with autism. 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.

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