Stopping The Stimming?

Autistic children and adults do many things that typical children and adults cannot understand, and the one that is often most prominent is self-stimulation. Called "stimming" in the autism world, self-stimulation is repetitive behavior used solely to engage the senses. Examples include humming, clapping, hand flapping, manipulating objects (such as ripping paper), or running in circles. While these behaviors may seem inappropriate or unnecessary to others, those who suffer from autism are not simple looking for attention or trying to be disruptive--stimming is a way to reduce the stresses of the world.

Autism is a disorder that causes people to react to sensory stimuli in non-typical ways. Stimming is one way of dealing with this bodily malfunction. For example, rocking is a common form of stimming. Some autistic people have asserted that rocking back a forth a few times helps them refocus when they become overly sensitive to the world around them. We all do this to some extent--can you remember a time when you tapped your pencil repetitively because you were nervous about a test or played with your note cards before giving a big speech. Often these and other behaviors, like biting your nails or whistling, are involuntary but help us calm down. Some autistic people need this calming effect every day, multiple times. Others simple enjoy the sensory feelings derived from stimming. In the same way that you may enjoy a back massage's feelings, an autistic individual may enjoy the sensations felt from ripping paper.

Remember, however, that these stimming behaviors can become obsessions. Divide stimming into two categories--calming and excitatory. Calming stimming helps a child refocus, such as we all do when we are nervous, while excitatory stimming directs a child's attention in a negative way. Typical children are said to be "wound up" for example, and for an autistic child, being wound up may mean clapping, yelling sounds, or running. This kind of stimming is detrimental, as it interferes with attention and reinforces inappropriate behavior.

A branch of stimming includes attachment to certain items. Most children have a favorite doll or blanket that goes everywhere, but for an autistic child, this habit is never broken. The item may be something that is textually pleasing or something that the autistic individual likes to smell, hear, or look at. Along with attachment to a specific item, autistic individuals also may find an attachment to organizing items. For example, he or she may repetitively self-stimulate by lining up items. This too can become an obsession.

Stimming can be a difficult habit to break because it is so pleasant to an autistic individual. Some stimming is not bad, for the same reasons in which we all self-stimulate when we are nervous. However, if a child's stimming is interfering with learning, disrupting others, or becoming an obsession or addiction, steps should be taken to reduce this action. Discourage stimming if it makes sense--every case is different and therefore, no steadfast rules regarding stimming can be set. Stimming is all about comfort, and your child, autistic or not, should be comfortable as long as his or her activities do not interfere with others or are not self-damaging. In regards to stimming, reduction of these behaviors is ideal, but remember that complete elimination is usually not necessary. Autistic individuals perceive the world in a different way and we must take that into account. Removing of stopping the stimming entirely can lead to a sensory overload.

By Rachel Evans. Join The Free Managing Autism Newsletter & Discover New Methods For Understanding And Treating Autism For Free. Visit our resources on the cause of autism and for more gather more information on autism spectrum symptoms

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Understanding Highly Sensitive People

Sometimes they are called wimps, shy, nerds, neurotics, and at other times, like in the ancient past, they were known as intuitives, sages, and wise people.

Who are these interesting people?

They are the 20 per cent of the population that psychologist Dr. Elaine Aron Ph.D. calls Highly Sensitive People (HSP). Dr. Aron, a self-described Highly Sensitive Person, has written several books that explain the sensitivity phenomenon and offer helpful tips for living a healthy life, fully, and happily as a sensitive person. She has helped many to understand that:

* Sensitive people are more aware of the subtleties in other people, places and things in their environment and therefore observe, reflect upon and experience more than non-sensitive people.

* Sensitivity is related to a survival strategy that inspires humans and other creatures to observe and assess situations before they proceed into them.

* The brains of sensitive beings are more active and work differently than non-sensitives.

* Different cultures value or devalue sensitivity in different ways. Low self-esteem issues are common among sensitive people because of this.

* Sensitivity is still misunderstood and was once thought to be a disorder to be treated.

With 20 per cent of the population being sensitive you probably know at least one sensitive or maybe even live with one. Perhaps it is time to consider these people in a new light and value them for the gifts that they bring into our lives. Highly Sensitive People tend to be very intelligent, conscientious and pay attention to the smallest details, so they make great employees. Because they are intuitive to other people's needs they make great counselors, massage therapists, coaches and tutors. Their observance of details and nuances in their environment make them ideal visual artists and musicians, and if you want someone to guide you with money management, choose an HSP because they are usually three steps ahead of the stock market and your personal needs.

Living with acute sensitivity can be a gift as it leads to great personal awareness, compassion for others and the development of skills that can assist others. The challenges of living with your sensory skills constantly registering information can be devastating if one does not realize that they are sensitive. Before developing awareness and management skills for their sensitivity, many HSP work extra hard at trying to be "normal".

They will accompany their family or friends into settings that they find uncomfortable (loud, cluttered, crowded, over stimulating), and endure a horrible experience, to avoid loneliness or just to be like the others. Many HSP try to keep the pace of non-sensitive people and end up experiencing burn out. Because they experience so much more sensory experience, HSP need more sleep and down time than other people.

It is almost like they live three days condensed into a single day. Mental health days are a priority for HSP. Unfortunately many adults are unaware that they are HSP, and they try to live their lives like the other 80 per cent and begin self-medicating with alcohol or drugs just to get through a day.

My theory is that most people with serious addiction issues are HSP and they use their drug of choice to muffle their sensory reception.

As children, many HSP are labeled as shy, fussy, inhibited, fearful, or challenged in some way. If we could change places with that child for a few minutes we would realize that they are indeed wise, thoughtful, creative, intuitive and quite caring for others. Unfortunately these children are easily overwhelmed, especially in a school setting where noise, visual stimulation, and topic shuffling are normal (a Feng Shui nightmare if you ask me!), and they sometimes express their discomfort through uncooperative behaviour.

Instead of implementing behaviour management techniques that are designed for the other 80 per cent of the population perhaps the offering of a quieter space, the ability to leave the classroom for sensory breaks and adopting better understanding of their experience by teachers and caregivers could be considered. Instead of sending your child to their room as punishment, suggest that they go to their special space for some relaxing or creative time.

When you empower a Highly Sensitive Child to learn how to care for themselves at an early age, you are giving them a gift of self respect and self acceptance that may remain with them throughout their life. This can help them to create healthy and fulfilling lives as adults and avoid a life of suffering like many unaware HSP.

Some schools, such as those with a Waldorf or Montessori approach, create quieter, more reflective environments (better Feng Shui) for children to experience, and this is sometimes a better fit for a sensitive child.

So how do you know if you, your child or other family member is a HSP?

Just type "highly sensitive person" or "highly sensitive child" into a search engine and begin your research.

Fortunately sensitivity is becoming more understood and accepted so you will find a myriad of resources to assist you. There are online questionnaires, helpful ideas and suggestions and references to several books written on the subject, as well as opportunities to communicate with other HSP through social networking sites. The time to embrace and value sensitivity is here now.

Sally Joyce, OCT B.E.S., B.Ed. Wellness & Empowerment Practitioner BALANCE POINT ENERGETICS 149 St. Clair Street Chatham, Ontario CANADA N7L 3J4 (519) 360-9276 http://www.bpewellnesschatham.com http://ancientways4moderntimes.blogspot.com/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sally_Drury_Joyce

Parenting Tips On Sensory Diet For Sensory Integration Disorder

Does your child with autism become sensitive to sounds, smells and is a picky eater? Does your child with another disability become hyperactive, when asked to sit for a long period of time? These are all signs of sensory integration disorder (SID). This article will discuss the sensory diet that is used for children with SID.

Sensory Integration Disorder is the inability of the brain to correctly process information brought in by the senses. SID can show itself in many different ways. A child with SID may be over or under sensitive to sounds, smells, may be a picky eater (does not like the way certain foods feel in their mouth), may not like the way certain clothes feel on their skin. Many children with autism and learning disabilities have sensory integration issues.

Children with SID may also have motor skill issues such as; difficulty with fine and gross motor skills, difficulty imitating movements, or has trouble with balance.

Treatment is usually carried out by a occupational therapist, with experience in treating children with sensory integration disorder. A sensory diet can also be put together, specifically for your child. The diet can be used at home as well as at school.

A sensory diet means that you are including sensory activities, within your child's day; at home and at school. Each child's sensory diet is different, depending on your child's specific SI needs. Ask your child's occupational therapist to help you set up a sensory diet, to meet your child's unique needs.

For Example: If your child becomes hyperactive on a regular basis, or perhaps prone to hitting or pinching, or being silly, or laughs for no reason a sensory diet may help. Giving your child sensory activities on a frequent regular basis, will help him to remain focused and in control more often.

A sample sensory diet is listed below:

At critical points during your child's day:

1. Swinging in a special swing or on a playground

2. Chase games such as tag, or running races

3. Jumping jacks, stretching, sit ups, balance beam

4. Trampoline, tire swing, exercise ball

5. Squeezables such as nerf balls, silly putty etc.

Every half hour if possible; to include the above:

6. Smelling scents game

7. Rubbing/or brushing with a specific type brush (Ask occupational therapist for type of brush to use, and how to do this technique), not to include the stomach.

8. Jump rope

Calming activities that you can use at home:

a. Morning: Bath, brushing, deep pressure.

b. After school: Child's choice (biking, running, skating).

c. Evening: Supper, bath, deep pressure.

Using a sensory diet on a child who has SID, can cause a dramatic improvement in their behavior and ability to focus. The items listed are easy to do at home and school. You may have to advocate for sensory breaks for your child, but remind special education personnel about how much it could benefit your child.

JoAnn Collins is the mother of two adults with disabilities, and has helped families navigate the special education system, as an advocate, for over 15 years. She is a presenter and author of the book "Disability Deception; Lies Disability Educators Tell and How Parents Can Beat Them at Their Own Game." The book has a lot of resources and information to help parents fight for an appropriate education for their child. For a free E newsletter entitled "The Special Education Spotlight" send an E mail to: JoAnn@disabilitydeception.com For more information on the book, testimonials about the book, and a link to more articles go to: http://www.disabilitydeception.com

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Sensory Processing Difficulties - Understanding the Family Dilemma

With the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders on the rise, let's focus on understanding the accompanying sensory processing issues. Although sensory processing difficulties are a symptom of Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder and Asperger's Syndrome, every person can experience processing difficulties throughout life.

Also known as sensory integration, it refers to the way individuals respond to and process sensations. Our brains are constantly processing input from our sense organs (smell, touch, taste, hear, see and feel), even when we sleep. We usually don't notice the process, until it functions adversely. For example, all we need to do to overload our sensory system is navigate a shopping cart through a large grocery or house wares store. The overhead music plays while videos blare, smells rise and blend into one another, fans blow hot or cold air and overly helpful employees repeatedly pop out to greet us while we try desperately to stay in the left part of the brain so that we can get what we came for. Whew! By the time we get through the checkout, trapped between loud videos and beeping registers, we are feeling common symptoms of sensory overload: nervousness, simmering anger, headache and nausea. Now imagine how hard that must be for a small child or someone whose sensory system has difficulty processing the onslaught of stimulation.

Children have not yet developed the brain connections to tell us that they need to get away from the overwhelming stimulation. Instead, they scream, tantrum, run away or have potty accidents. Sensory overload triggers the primitive brain function of fight, flight or freeze and the body reacts without thought. The only goal is to survive, which temporarily hijacks the brain's executive functions, disabling logic, memory (retention and recall) and decision making processes.

For most of us, all we have to do is reduce or eliminate the excess sensory stimulation and the problem is solved. Usually our brains can sort it all, without conscious thought. Unfortunately, this task is much more complicated for someone when sensory processing difficulties are part of a disorder.

The entire family is affected when everyone is held hostage by the anticipation and prevention of rages or ear-piercing shrieks. Even the child feels helpless while he seeks to manipulate his world and the family system to avoid sensory issues. Often seen as behavior problems, these actions may actually help regulate the sensory system and bring it into balance. For the most part, behavior modification techniques do not work; the dysfunctional behavior is the result of a struggling brain process, not a goal-oriented choice.

When a family has a member with sensory processing issues, the choices are to continue living each day feeling powerless in a rage-reaction lifestyle or seek professional help. A neurologist is best qualified to make a diagnosis if Autism or Asperger's Syndrome is suspected. A specially trained pediatric occupational therapist (OT) can diagnose and treat Sensory Processing Disorder. A counselor who has experience with sensory processing issues can address the related anxiety and specific parenting techniques, which brings much needed relief to the family.

Generally, the whole family benefits by getting involved in the change process. An experienced counselor can help re-balance the parental power structure, lessen anxiety and resentment among siblings and coordinate treatment options with the school or daycare facility. Changing the way a brain functions takes time, commitment and active teamwork, which may frustrate parents who want a quick fix.

Lastly, remember to look for support from other parents who live with similar conditions. You can find support groups, information and professional referrals by accessing websites focusing on Sensory Processing Disorder, Asperger's Syndrome and Autism.

Sharon Cuff, MA counsels parents and children in Newtown Square, PA. She has over 25 years experience working with adults and children of all ages, stages and abilities. Call for an appointment at 484-437-0080 and visit her website at http://SharonCuffCounseling.com/

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Sensory Integration Disorder and the 7 Senses

The sense of sight, smell, touch, taste and hearing are commonly known as the "5 Senses". These are all external senses, meaning that you pick up these types of sensory information from your environment. There are 2 internal senses that are lesser known, but equally important and those are the sense of body movement and body awareness. Both provide your body with information about it's movement and position in relation to space and gravity.

Our senses are not individual channels of information. Everything in life is a multi-sensory event. For example, imagine spinning a round in circles; your ams outstretched and eyes open. You will pick up sensory information of the what you see as your circle the room. You will have a sense of where you are in the room, know that your feet are touching the ground below you. You'll feel that you are moving in a circular fashion as well as feel and hear the air as it passes through your arms and fingers. All of this information is processed together in the brain in many of the same neurological structures.

If any of these 7 senses aren't functioning optimally, symptoms of Sensory Processing Dysfunction (aka Sensory Integration Disorder) may become evident. These symptoms are will vary greatly from person to the next in both characteristics and intensity. In short, diagnosing someone with SID/SPD is really painting with a very broad brush. Learning about each of the 7 senses and what is associated with each one is an important step in fully understanding your child and how they perceive the world around them.

Visit [http://www.SensorySmartKid.com] for more information and support regarding Sensory Integration, PDD and other Autism Spectrum Disorders.

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Asperger's Syndrome Behavior - The 4 Top Ways to Know a Meltdown Is Coming

If your child with Asperger's syndrome has a meltdown, it can cause enormous anxiety and trauma in your life. Preventing your Asperger's loved one from getting so overwhelmed that they meltdown can be difficult. And meltdowns can be scary! How do you know one is coming?

1. Know Your Asperger's Kid's Triggers

Does your child get upset if he misses his favorite TV show at 4:30pm everyday? Do long lines at grocery stores overwhelm him? Is he particularly sensitive to loud noises? You should know what your child's triggers are - the things that are most likely to cause him to have a meltdown - and try to avoid them. If they can't be avoided, you should try to come up with some plans to reduce the impact they will have - earphones, Gameboy, anything to distract them - and also limit the exposure to a very short time. Anything else is inviting a meltdown to happen.

2. OK, my child has Aspergers's, so how do I figure out what my kid's triggers are?

Pay attention to your child's daily behavior. Keep a diary of what your kid was doing right before the meltdown happened. Eventually, you will start to see a pattern emerge. Think of this as diagnosing your Asperger's child's behavior. Things that might have seemed perfectly harmless to you might be a major problem for your child. For example, maybe he was playing in the dirt, and getting dirty triggers him. Maybe it is a scary TV commercial. Maybe it is wearing itchy clothes. You almost have to be a detective sometimes, watching and analyzing the environment around your child, to figure out what causes your child's meltdowns. But the good news is, once you do, you can go a long way towards stopping them!

3. Look for Physical Cues

If you look closely, the signs of an impending meltdown are not that hard to spot. Your child with Aspergber's syndrome may have a strange look on his or her face, or be making strange noises, such as humming, whining or grunting. Is she more withdrawn than usual? Or is she talking a mile a minute? Is she fidgeting more than usual? If you know what your child's behavior usually looks like, then you will know that any deviation from it can be a sign of an impending meltdown and stress build-up.

4. Know Your Child's Limits

Again, being the parent of an autistic child requires extreme powers of observation. In order to prevent and predict meltdowns, you should be aware of your child's limits for any given activity. How much of the grocery store can he usually handle before he flies off the handle? If he's hungry or sick how does that impact his ability to cope? Is he okay with a crying child in a restaurant for a few minutes, or will the first note of it set him off?

Observe these limits, and do your best to remove him from the situation as soon as you see these limits being breached. Go to a calm, quiet area where your child can get himself together before it becomes a full blown Asperger's meltdown. Try to find an area without bright lights. If he is in a room where the lights can be dimmed or turned off, do it. If you follow these guidelines, you soon will become an expert in predicting and preventing your Asperger's child's meltdowns...after all an ounce of prevention makes all the difference.

And once we understand how a child with Asperger's thinks, and understand what motivates them, we can devise successful methods and training to help them cope with an ever-changing world. Many treatments allow those with Asperger's to succeed and thrive. Hopefully the right approach can make life a little easier especially for those with Asperger's and the people who love them. There are many other tips and suggestions that can help your loved one live a fulfilling and happy life. A great site to find information to help both children and adults with Asperger's syndrome is the web site www.AspergersSociety.org. There you will be able to sign up for the FREE Asperger's Syndrome Newsletter as well as get additional information to help your loved one be happy and succeed in life.

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Asperger's Syndrome Symptoms: 4 Tips to Make Toilet Training Easyp And Fun

Asperger's syndrome, sometimes referred to as Asperger's disorder or Asperger's disease has various symptoms but one of the more common can be having trouble with toilet training. For whatever reason, it takes a lot of kids with Asperger's syndrome a lot longer than normal to be able to toilet train. Some kids can be six or seven before they're fully toilet trained...or later. This is not to say that every kid with Asperger's will have this problem, or to such an extreme; but it does happen.

Luckily, there are some strategies that can help. It can be very frustrating when you try and try to get your kid to go to the toilet, but he just sits there and doesn't go. Those diapers get bulky and tiresome to change after a while, and then of course there is the matter of school.

1. Break it into small steps. The most important strategy to use while teaching toilet training is to break it into very small steps. This works best if you think your child has a basic grasp of what a toilet is used for. Some kids with Asperger's syndrome and autism have a lot of anxiety related to the toilet. Perhaps it's the loud noise that flushing makes; perhaps they're afraid that they will fall in; perhaps the whirling water scares them. Maybe it's just too different a concept for them to handle. Whatever the case, you need to familiarize them with the parts of the toilet.
2. Reward success. Choose some "reinforcers" that you think will work well with your child. This can be chocolate chips, Oreos, action figures, anything small and easily accessible that show your child when they are doing something right, and give them incentive to do it again.
3. Be patient, go slow, take your time. Take your child into the bathroom, and prepare to be there for a while. If the child stays near the toilet and doesn't try to run away, reward that. Reward him if he sits on the toilet, even if he doesn't use it. Other steps could include pulling his pants down in preparation for using the toilet; eliminating waste even if it's not actually in the toilet (because this is better than the living room, sofa or so on); practicing flushing the toilet, and so on.If you can incrementally increase your proximity to the goal, and do it enough, then it should sink in to your child sooner rather than later what it is he's supposed to do.
4. Reinforce success. Of course, be sure to reinforce your child if he manages to use the toilet in the appropriate way, as well. Many kids with Asperger's and autism have very bad toilet habits, and will go just about anywhere where the urge strikes them...including on your furniture. Toilet training, then, becomes of utmost importance, and a large dose of patience is needed to achieve it.

One mother solved the toilet training problem by making a day of it, and locking her and her son in the bathroom with lots of juice and cookies. Her son would get thirsty, drink, and eventually use the toilet; when he did, she rewarded him by giving him candy as a reinforcer.

Her son threw lots of tantrums and had a lot of resistance. However, she kept pushing him towards the goal, and ignored the meltdowns. Eventually he pushed through his fear and anxiety of whatever was stopping him - or enough connections in his brain clicked on and he realized what he was supposed to do - and he managed to do it.

With persistence and patience, toilet training a child with Asperger's syndrome is possible. One thing to keep in mind is not to show irritation or anger; this will probably just scare your child more and make it less likely that he will do what you want him to. He will also associate feelings of fear and confusion with toilet training, which is not an association you want him or her to have.

Problems with toilet training can be one of the more frustrating symptoms of Asperger's syndrome, but with lots of patience and a few tips, you will indeed get to where you want to be.

Hopefully these tips can make life a little easier especially for children with Asperger's and their parents. In addition to these methods, there are many other tips and suggestions that can help your loved one live a fulfilling and happy life. A great site to find information to help children with Asperger's syndrome is the web site www.AspergersSociety.org. There you will be able to sign up for the FREE Asperger's Syndrome Newsletter as well as get additional information to help your loved one be happy and succeed in life.

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