Awareness Pins

Latest Pins and News on Awareness Causes
Breast Cancer Ribbon

Posts Tagged ‘Aspergers’

6
Dec

What's The Difference Between Adhd, Autism & Asperger's Syndrome?

I heard they’re similar. & also, can a person drive a car with any of those diagnoses? I know 1 person who has Autism & he drives. & my friend’s sister has ADHD & drives.

27
Nov

What Treatment Services Therapies Etc Have You Used For Aspergers Or Autism ?

My son is 15 .But this is just a general question .I ask becuse i am a speacial eduacation ,Autism,Mental and Behavirol Health Parent Volunteer as well as a parent of a Child Living succcessfully with Aspergers & Mood Disorder, and i do alot of information blogs on myspace to share with other parents.

21
Nov

Discovering the Characteristics of Autism

The research and data compiled by leading institutions have shown that autism, or autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) affects approximately 1 in 165 children in America. Based on those numbers, that would indicate that an alarming 1.5 million Americans have autism to various degrees. It should be noted that many of these cases of autism have not been diagnosed. The annual growth rate of autism is greater than 14%, meaning it has become a major developmental disability for todays children.

The instance of autism is not relegated to just children, nor does it seem to afflict any particular person based on race or social structure. It also does not appear to be a result of any injury or accident that may have involved trauma. One thing that is known, however, is that males are about 4 times more likely to have autism than females.

So that you can understand how to work with a patient afflicted with autism, it is necessary to understand some background about what autism is and what signs an afflicted person shows. In a core sense, autism is just one of several things known as a cognitive disability or cognitive disorder. Such a disorder has a negative impact on the childs ability to learn and develop normally, particularly from the aspect of social interaction. Typically, autism can be diagnosed as early as age 3 in most children, and impairs how the brain reacts to certain stimuli. In that sense, autism is thought to be a neurological disorder. The most prominent signs of autism are difficulty in both verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Difficult with verbal communication is self-explanatory, but in the non-verbal sense, this deals with the difficulty in having social interactions with other people.

Since there are varying degrees of autism, it is critical that a child who is suspected of being afflicted with autism be diagnosed as early in life as possible. By doing this, the child can benefit from schools that specialize in children with special needs, which are becoming increasing prominent in almost all school districts. Professionals at these schools have been trained to understand autism and to take into account the specialized learning techniques that can reach these children.

One of the common myths about autism is that children afflicted with this disorder are lacking in intelligence. This is not necessarily the case, and in fact in terms of intelligence, the autistic child can rank right up there with their peers. The movie Rain Man with Dustin Hoffman illustrated this, where Dustin Hoffman played an autistic adult with many social interaction problems, but yet was a genius in the casino and with numbers in general.

There are several characteristics that autistic people will display that can be a clue to the potential presence of autism. Unfortunately, there are no conclusive laboratory tests that can definitively state whether or not a person has autism, simply because it really is a neurological disorder. Such characteristics include, as discussed above, difficulty in verbal and non-verbal communication, distinct resistance to change in schedule or routine, an abnormally low threshold for pain, difficulty or discomfort in making eye contact, and a tendency to fixate on a particular object for very long periods of time.

Understanding the characteristics of autistic spectrum disorder or ASD so that it can be accurately diagnosed is the first step towards creating an effective course of action to working with that child during their developmental years.

Jon is a computer engineer who maintains web sites on a variety of topics based on his knowledge and experience. You can read more about Autism and Autistic Spectrum Disorder at his web site Autism Explained.
trash compactor

5
Nov
4
Nov

What Are The Treating Mercury Poisoning Autism Links?

Even with a significant amount of research and studies being conducted examining the connection between mercury and autism, many people still do not fully understand this connection, or whether a connection even exists at all. This is due to the highly conflicting nature of these studies and published information. This article will attempt to clarify the treating mercury poisoning autism link.
Before we can truly understand the connection between mercury and autistic children, it is important to clarify what exactly autism is. Without delving into too much detail, let’s just classify autism. In that case we’ll say that, like ADD and ADHD, autism is a neurological disorder, or ND. Essentially this means that autism is a disorder affecting the nervous system. This becomes important when we learn that one of the main causes of neurological disorders is believed to be heavy metal poisoning, such as that from mercury and aluminum.
In recent years, the number of children being diagnosed with autism and other neurological disorders has rapidly increased. And while the reason for this is hotly debated in academic circles, one theory claims that the increase is due to significantly more exposure to heavy metals such as mercury for today’s children. The claim is that there are increased levels of mercury in our food, water, and air.
But can mercury really be targeted as a cause for autism? To many people, the answer is an unequivocal yes. They believe that an increased exposure to such heavy metals at a very young age is what is causing this recent spike in the diagnosis of children with neurological diseases like autism.
Is there a Treatment?
There is a new form of autism treatment that is currently gaining a lot of momentum. Known as biomedical treatment, this method attempts to solve autism by rectifying the root of the problem – the physical condition of the nervous system. This is contrary to the common opinion of experts that autism is a psychological disorder, because the outwardly visible symptoms all indicate as much. However, the theorists in support of biomedical treatment argue that these symptoms are simply a by-product of an unhealthy nervous system, making autism a physical disorder.
The ultimate goal of biomedical treatment, then, is to rid a child’s body of toxic substances, and to begin to mend already-existing harm done by toxins. However, this method of treatment is not universally considered an effective medical treatment. Despite this, there are many popular treatment programs based upon the biomedical treatment school of thought. And while slightly different in their approach, the goal of each is to rid the body of unwanted toxins, and to increase levels of healthy nutrients.
Once again, this treatment method is not universally accepted in medical circles. But, it is gaining momentum, and a good chunk of the supporters are parents who claim to have seen positive results in their child as a result of treatment. Because of this, the treating mercury poisoning autism link may very well be worth looking into.

15
Oct

5 Simple And Effective Autism Strategies For Parents

No parent wants their child to be autistic, but for those parents who are faced with a child who has autism, relief can be found by applying the some autism strategies. Strategies for autism provide parents with different ways to help cope and manage the disorder. After all, autism isn’t a condition your child will get over, grow out of, or die from; it is simply their way of life. Therefore, it is essential parents know how to make the life of their autistic child a safe, comfortable, secure, and happy one.
Creating a good life for an autistic starts with providing them structured routines and secure environments where they can learn and practice socializing with others. Of course, before an autistic can feel comfortable within an environment, he/she must first experience what most autistics dread – change. Therefore, the first of the autism strategies that will be discussed which a parent needs to focus on is desensitizing their autistic child to new environments.
Many autistic children react badly when they are taken from their home and placed in a new setting. To help ease the child into the new situation, they first need to be exposed to it for a short time. As soon as the child begins to act up, they should be removed from the environment and taken home so they can calm down. The child should be taken back to the same place the following day and only be place back in the environment for an extremely short period of time. Following visits should slowly become longer and coupled with rewards and positive feedback. Such a strategy can help a child cope with new environments such as a classroom, and give parents eventual peace of mind.

Autism strategies involving self awareness are another excellent way to manage autism. Self awareness skills assist children in learning how to relate to others by first teaching them how to relate to themselves. Teaching an autistic how to manage their emotions helps them to learn about the same emotions experienced by others. This increases their awareness and understanding, and helps to make communication easier.
Continue reading for more autism coping strategies and to sign up for the free newsletter that offers the latest information on treating autism.
Speaking of communication, parents need to take great care in ensuring that they communicate slowly with their children and make communications as direct and basic as possible. It is also important for parents to make sure they have their autistic child’s full attention before attempting to communicate.
Different therapies are also excellent autism strategies you can introduce to a child with autism. After your child was diagnosed with autism, you likely discussed different treatment options with his/her health care provider. If you have not yet discussed treatment or therapy methods, you should consider doing so.
The reason is because certain therapies such as speech and cognitive behavioral therapy help children develop communication skills, and teach them how to express emotions, and control obsessive behaviors so they can learn to be more content when around others, and in specific situations where they would otherwise feel anguish.
Finally, one of the best autism strategies you and your autistic child would benefit from is joining a local support group. Allowing your child to socialize with other autistics, and obtaining emotional support from other parents who understand what you are going through, is a great way to cope with your situation and learn how to better manage your child’s disorder.
Keep in mind that when you are trying different autism strategies, you need to carefully observe the way your child responds to them. Remember, no two children are alike, and this applies to children with autism as well. Not only are there five different autism spectrum disorders, but no two autistics with the same disorder are the same. It may take some trial and error to find suitable approaches and interventions for your child.

3
Oct

Unique Autism Experiments Offer Parents Hope

Every year, the number of autism sufferers rises around the globe, and as a reaction to this growth, the medical industry and the alternative medicine industry have both reacted by taking on this mental disorder through an array of different forms of autism experiments. These tests come in many different forms, but all have the same ultimate goal: allowing autism sufferers to live happy lives and function at their fullest.
Autism experiments currently under way include carnosine supplements, light and sound, music, and diet. These tests are being performed on children and adults alike.
Carnosine is a protein that is now receiving attention from researchers interested in studying autism. Dr. Chez of Chicago is using the synthetic form of carnosine, called L-carnosine, to supplement the diet of autism sufferers.

He initially carried out a double blind 8-week trial where those children receiving the L-carnosine supplements showed improvement in varying degrees, including better socialization and communication, augmented awareness of their surroundings, better use and comprehension of language, more eye contact, and improved fine motor planning. The children who were given placebos showed no significant improvement.
The 31 children who took part in the trial were assessed, using various autism rating scales, at both the beginning and of the eight-week period and parents were also interviewed for their opinions. In Dr Chez’s study sixteen percent of cases saw improvements in their communication and behavior, and twenty seven percent had better socialization.
More research is required on the impacts of supplementing with L-carnosine.
DAVID – the digital audio visual integration device – is a machine used by Mind Alive in order to send sound pulses and flashing lights to participants in their autism experiments, to produce different results. The thought is that by stimulating the visual and auditory receptors, parts of the brain will also be stimulated in a controlled way.
To different degrees, participants have experienced a reduction in their autism symptoms through desensitization to different auditory and visual problems that are common to the disorder. They include decreasing hypersensitivity to sound and touch, better eye contact, improved social skills, less aggressive behaviors, and a wider overall appreciation of food.
Taking those autism research a step further is the Music Therapy Department of the ASU School of Music. These tests involve investigations into the way that different sounds and forms of music impact autism sufferers and how they may be used to encourage desirable behaviors and functions. This program uses these different sounds very carefully for specific circumstances with the hopes of particular results.
Different music types are applied, as well as more basic noises such as clapping hands or the ringing of a bell. In the case of the more simplistic noises, the result is usually the ability for the autism sufferer to regain focus after concentration has been lost. Other favorable results include better communication, a higher level of overall function, and better interactions with others.
When it comes to experiments that deal with diet, one of the most prominent includes the gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet, which, as the name suggests, eliminates gluten and casein entirely from the autism sufferer’s diet. Gluten is protein found in wheat, barley, and rye and casein is a milk protein.
Parents, doctors, and sufferers alike have witnessed improvements of varying degrees including better communication. Digestion appears to be easier and more effective on this diet as well, as the number of cases of diarrhea and loose stools are decreased. Increased eye contact, better focus and overall disposition have also been reported alongside reductions in tantrums, self-stimulatory and aggressive behaviors.
Currently underway is a long-term double-blind study that is looking at the impacts on autistic behavior when following a GFCF diet – the results are due out in 2008.
Stay up to date with the latest autism research news by signing up for the Autism newsletter below.
There are approximately 12 studies a week published on autism and every year brings another list of new strategies and autism experiments to help sufferers gain functionality and quality of life.

15
Sep

Defining Autism and New Autism Studies Results

The reported cases of autism seem to be sweeping the country like never before, and autism is frequently seen on the news and in special TV reports. Is there an epidemic going on or is it just that autism is now gaining more visibility? Recent studies indicate that as many as 1 in 162 children have autism to some degree.

The tough part about autism is that it is difficult to diagnose. It’s not like a broken arm where you can take an x-ray and determine yes the arm really is broken. Rather, much of the diagnosis of autism is somewhat subjective, although there are definite signs to indicate that a child has autism or autistic spectrum disorder to some degree. The other tough part is that the degree of autism varies from child to child. The very mild form of autism is known as Asperger’s Syndrome. But regardless of the severity, an accurate diagnosis as early as possible is extremely important, since the child can benefit greatly from different educational methods that are employed for autistic children.

Signs of autism or indications that might lead you to think your child has ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) would be a very unusual response or a lack of response at all to noises and other people. Autistic children do not care to be socially involved with other children or adults, but rather they seem to live in their own world. Another sign is that affected children are engrossed with a toy or particular object. Engrossed may not be the right word however, it is more like they are totally 100% focused on that object, for as long as hours at a time, even an inanimate object.

Autistic children do not like a change of routine. If your child is subject to temper tantrums for what seem like insignificant events, you should examine the change that occurred which may have spurred the tantrum, since autistic children can get very upset and unsettled when their regular routine is interrupted by something else.

There is neither a known cause for autism nor a known cure. It is primarily thought to be a neurological condition and it is not thought to be hereditary. Many people believe that there is a correlation between autism and mercury contamination. The mercury contamination goes back to the normal childhood vaccinations that all children receive before they enter school. There is a preservative that has been used in some of these vaccinations known as Thimerosal which is almost 50% mercury. Although the dangers of mercury are well known, its link to autism is still just a theory and is not supported at this point by any scientific evidence.

A more recent report states that scientists in New Jersey have asserted that children who have been diagnosed with autism seem to be unable to metabolize key fatty acids that fight brain-damaging inflammations. This is an interesting find, although as yet unsubstantiated, since it is known that autism has a tendency to scramble the signals going to the brain and cause them to be interpreted incorrectly. More studies are being conducted, but if this latest study can be validated, a virtual cure for autism could be as simple as a “therapeutic cocktail of fatty acids”.

Like anything else, early diagnosis is a key ingredient to finding the help your child needs to fight autism and get the necessary help, particularly during elementary school education, where special schools can provide the type of environment needed by the autistic child, whereas normal public schools are not equipped to provide that type of one-on-one special handling for a particular student.

Jon is a computer engineer who maintain a variety of web sites based on his knowledge and experience. For more information about Autism and Autistic Spectrum Disorder, please visit his web site at Autism Explained.
Mall Cart Operators Wanted – NO INVENTORY TO BUY!

3
Sep

Why It Can Be So Difficult To Get An Autism Diagnosis

An autism diagnosis can still be difficult to obtain despite the studies that have helped people better understand autism. The reason is because there are many factors that need to be considered when making a diagnosis.
First of all, there is more than one type of autism disorder and there are other disabilities that are closely related to autism such as Asperger’s Syndrome and Pervasive Development Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). Second, autism is particularly difficult to diagnose in young children, due to the fact that they are still developing speech and reasoning skills.
Therefore, since an autism diagnosis can be a challenge, as a parent, it is essential that you have your child’s development, social and communication skills properly evaluated and accessed by a doctor.
How is autism diagnosed? Usually an autism diagnosis is made when a person shows signs of 6 or more of 12 specific symptoms characteristic of the disorder. The 12 main symptoms are focused in three primary areas -
1. Social interaction – Autistics generally have little interest in others and pay little or no attention to those who may be present in the room with them, regardless of their age. They do not seek comfort if they are troubled or hurt and prefer to be on their own. On the other hand, autistics that do show an interest in social interaction have difficulty initiating contact with others and developing friendships. It is also common for an autistic to avoid eye contact.
2. Behavior – Most autistics find change and new situations to be incredibly stressful. In addition, they tend to develop unusual rituals or routines and repetitious physical gestures such as rocking back and forth, flapping the hands, etc.
3. Communication – It is estimated that 50% of those diagnosed with autism are unable to develop speech, and those who do cannot engage in long conversations unless they are based on extremely specific topics insisted upon by the autistic. Autistics often tend to echo words or phrases and have difficulty with pitch and changing the inflection of their tone.
There should be at least 2 symptoms present from social interaction, and at least one symptom from both behavior and communication for an autism diagnosis to be made. Hence, if a person exhibits some of the symptoms, but does not meet the criteria for an autism disorder, they may then be diagnosed with another similar disability such as Asperger’s syndrome or PDD-NOS.
The following are 5 tips parents can keep in mind when talking with a health care provider to ensure their child receives a proper evaluation:
1. Find out everything there is to known about autism – In order to talk to doctors and receive the most effective evaluation of your child, you need to educate yourself about autism and know what to ask. You should never seek an autism diagnosis if you have no idea what the condition is all about. This will make it easier for a doctor to generate a wrong diagnosis.
2. Analyze your child’s behaviour – Based on the information regarding social interaction, behaviour and communication above, carefully analyze and make note of your child’s behaviour in a journal. Study how your child interacts with others and present your findings to the doctor.
3. Find a health care professional who is experienced with autism diagnosis – It is important to find someone who has had experience in autism diagnosis. You should not rely on the advice or diagnosis of a doctor who is not specialized in this field. The best way to find a doctor is to locate a local support group and find out what doctors other parents take their autistic children to.
4. Ask questions – Asking and answering questions is part of effective evaluation. The more information you obtain and the more detailed answers you can provide your doctor about your child’s behaviour helps assist in diagnosis.
5. Get a second opinion – If you don’t agree with a doctor’s opinion or want more assurance, don’t be afraid to question the doctor’s diagnosis or treatment recommendations, and seek the advice of another health care provider. Doctors are human beings, and can be wrong. Consulting with other doctors is not a bad idea.
Keep in mind that evaluation and assessment is not a fast process and is ongoing, even after an autism diagnosis is determined.

25
Aug

What Is The Difference Between Mild To Moderate Mental Retardation And Autism?

Not the Aspergers type Autism.

23
Aug
22
Aug

How Many Children Are Diagnosed With Classic Autism?

I’m sure many of us have heard the startling statistics that 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with autism. Are spectrum disorders, such as Aspergers and PDD-NOS part of this statistic? I’m curious how many children are actually being diagnosed with classic autism.

19
Aug

What’s The Difference Between “aspergers” And “high Functioning Autism”?

I used to think Aspergers WAS a form of high functioning autism, but I’m noticing that some people make a distinction between the two. What’s the difference?

« Older Entries