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Posts Tagged ‘Autistic Children’

My 2 Year Old Son We Diagnosed With Autism On Wednesday. How Do I Hire A Full Time Aba Specialist?

My husband and I are still in shock but we need to everything possible to help him. How do I hire a full time ABA specialist? What do I look for? Do you know about a pay scale? Any information will be greatly appreciated. If you have not delt with autism in your life and you do not work with autistic children please do not reply. We are upset enough.
Thank you :)

My 2 Year Old Son Was Diagnosed With Autism On Wednesday. How Do I Hire A Full Time Aba Specialist?

My husband and I are still in shock but we need to everything possible to help him. How do I hire a full time ABA specialist? What do I look for? Do you know about a pay scale? Any information will be greatly appreciated. If you have not delt with autism in your life and you do not work with autistic children please do not reply. We are upset enough.

Thank you :)

One Of The Common Characteristics Of Autism Is Sensitivity (mainly To Sound)? What Are The Common Sounds?

One of the common characteristics of Autism is sensory issues (mainly sensitivity to noise)? What are the common loud noises Autistic children – people mainly cannot stand to hear?

Symptoms and Signs of Autism, Causes for Autism

This is an education on the autism symptoms in attention deficit children. It is important to know because early intervention by spotting the common symptoms will mean the difference between normalcy in life and a stunted social existence. No one can truly explain fully the roots of autism nor is there enough literature to properly diagnose and truly define the ailment.Autism is quite a mystery. Every person who is diagnosed with the condition manifests different symptoms. There are various symptoms and each person diagnosed with the condition displays autism in his own unique way. It is rare to find all the symptoms or even most of the symptoms of autism in one single person. Generally speaking, an autistic has three problem areas: social skills, communication skills, and the manifestation of repetitive and restricted patterns of behavior, interests, and activities.Autism has a strong genetic basis, but autism cannot be single gene mutation. Environmental factors can also cause autism, but the studies are still in very early stages. Certain foods, infectious disease, heavy metals, solvents, diesel exhaust, PCBs, phthalates and phenols used in plastic products, pesticides, brominated flame retardants, alcohol, smoking, illicit drugs, vaccines, prenatal stress are also being studied and researched.The most important signs of autism can show different difficulty grades, from mild forms to severe cases. Autistic children have problems in interacting with other children or persons due to a disease triggered impaired social interaction ability. Verbal and nonverbal communications skills are very limited and they most often try to express themselves by signs and pictures. These children have most commonly repetitive interests and activities and their actions and thoughts are narrow and obsessive.All autism sufferers tend to mouth objects or rub surfaces and are extremely sensitive to light, sound, smell and touch. They are usually immune to pain and show little response to high painful stimuli. Autistic children do not react to loud noises but are highly irritated by some regular sounds like the one made by the vacuum cleaner. Physical contact is mostly overwhelming or over stimulating for them and they refuse cuddling, touching and kissingMost of the doctors are convinced that the causes of autism are genetic and are located in the brain only, because many tests were performed on autistic persons, and their organisms are identical to the organisms of normal persons, so everything that has to do with this condition is in the brain.The studies themselves are subject to controversy, however. The fact that not one of the studies showed 100% concordance in monozygotic twins suggests that there could be other factors at play in the cause of autism. Other familial studies have noted common characteristics – for instance, that autism is more common in families of physicists and engineers. This observation gave rise to the term ‘the geek syndrome’ to identify autism.

Is This the Way to Prevent and Reverse Autism?

I, Paul Phillips am a health writer researcher. I graduated in ‘Biological Sciences’ which includes biochemistry, physiology and nutrition. I have worked in various related research and development labs. I am always willing to give advice and help people in my field. For more information please try the link below http://www.HealthNewsLive.net
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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.

Allergies Versus Autism- Was it Allergies That Caused Autism or Vice Versa?

Autism being caused by allergies? You heard right. Recently researchers have begun to believe there may be a stronger link here then what once was thought. Since autism itself is relatively new in being given a name, it makes sense that this possible link is as well. With the increase in both allergies and autism recently it is no wonder a link is considered.

Allergy induced autism is most commonly seen in children who have regressive autism, or autism that doesn’t make its first appearances until around the age of two. The children prior to this point show no autism signs only to suddenly appear with behavioural and neurological issues along with digestive system issues ( typically associate with issue arising from the inability to properly digest casein and gluten).

These two food proteins are rather common. Casein is found in milk and is actually one of the main proteins contained in milk. Whereas, gluten is food in wheat and grains as well as being a food additive. Due to the issues arising within autistic or autistic spectrum disorder children, an elimination diet or one that does not contain these proteins is often advised to minimize the severity of the autism. The child that have issues arising from these proteins are unable to digest them normally. Instead of going through the digestive system they are absorbed into the blood stream causing a morphine type high. This morphine type substance produces by-products which appear in the urine of autistic children ( one possible way of testing for autism). This is also the cause of the spaced out look many autistic children may have and why they become obsessive with eating foods containing these proteins, they are literally addicted to the high their body produces from these foods.

With the digestive system issues it is quite common that autistic children have high levels of chemicals within their blood and systems that their bodies are not effectively passing through as a normally functioning person would. The build up of these typically minimal chemicals can cause further issues, as like with everything moderation in foods is key and the build up in their systems can be disastrous.

In most children, the signs and symptoms of autism have appeared or will appear by the time a child reaches 3 years old. A reduction or elimination of culprit foods from their diets are essential for the child’s best potential outcome. This is where elimination diets and casein and gluten free diets arise. Parents are trying their best to minimize the effects autism will have on their children’s future outcome.

Allergies and autism are most likely linked. As you have seen many foods can cause potential issues when consumed by the autistic child and even cause addictions to the high caused by the food. If you feel your child may have a problem with casein or gluten contact their doctor who can test for the byproducts in their urine and advise from their. With you assistance and diligence you can minimize the bleakness of your child’s future.

Autism can be a very scary thing to deal with if you are unprepared. Autistic diets can help you help your loved one. For more info about autism click here.
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Knowing Your Rights: Laws and Autism

If you or your child has autism, some of the most basic things you can study and learn are your rights. Every American citizen is protected under the constitution, and there are special laws that have been passed to help protect people with autism and other disabilities. By knowing the laws that protect you or your autistic loved ones, you can live in a world that provides better opportunities to everyone, regardless of not only disability, but also race, gender, and ethnicity. This is simply the first step to creating a more tolerant world in general. The first law with which you should become acquainted is I.D.E.A., or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The I.D.E.A. covers children ages 3 to 21 and provides autistic children with the special educational programs they need. The I.D.E.A. gives parents the right to be involved with education decisions concerning their child made by the school. Your child first needs to be assessed to qualify under the I.D.E.A., and this is best done by a private professional. In the end, your child has the right by law to receive a free public education that is appropriate for his or her skill level. If your public school has no such program, they are required to find one or create one at no cost to you. Also become familiar with and knowledgeable about the American Disabilities Act. Under this act, discrimination due to disability is prohibited in the workforce, as well as with state and local government, public accommodations, the United States Congress, public transportation, and telecommunications. For example, if you are autistic, but have the skills to do a certain job, you cannot be refused the job because of your autism. Other laws provide rights for people with autism so that they are constitutionally equal to others. One such law says that people with autism have the right to vote, and accommodations must be made so that this is possible. Another says that autistic individuals cannot be refused housing based on disability. Others provide equal rights in all other aspects of life, and these should especially be studied if your loved one with autism is in a health care institution. By knowing the law and how it applies to yourself or others with autism, you can be sure that justice is upheld. If you have questions, local law officials should be ready and willing to answer you or provide you with material to answer your own questions. Remember that ignorance of the law is not a valid excuse for anyone, so be an advocate for yourself or others with autism to prevent mistreatment.

Find information about autism statistics and types of autism at the Autism Diagnosis website.

Autism Starts in the Gut; Attack it With Nutrition

Autism is widely acknowledged as a brain development disorder, although a number of recent studies are contending this long-standing belief. As anyone familiar with the issue of autism would know, the debate regarding the cause of autism is still ongoing. If autism is indeed a brain development disorder, then people with autism can no longer be cured. However, many factions have released studies claiming that autism is caused by other factors, which means autism can still become curable in time. One of the more prevalent claims, supported by a number studies, is that autism is caused by bacteria in the gut.
This claim is not as preposterous as it seems, as proven by a number of studies by esteemed organization. For one, the gut of autistic children are obviously not functioning well to begin with, as the leaky gut symptoms of autistic children would prove.
One of the first formal studies on this issue was conducted by the University of Reading in the United Kingdom. In the study done in 2006, it was found that out that autistic children had species of the clostridium that were not found in the gut of children without autism. These clostridium species can produce harmful toxins, which could damage the brain.
In the study, the researchers gave 20 children a bacterium called lactobacillus lantarum, a probiotic present in a person’s gut responsible for warding off harmful substances, while the other 20 were given placebo. Although the research itself failed because around half of the participants dropped out, the inconclusive results were promising. According to the reports, the parents of the autistic children dropped out because they figured that their child were part of the test (those who received the bacterium). After seeing improvements in their children-specifically in their behavior and concentration-they refused to give their children placebo. Clearly, these means the use of probiotics to improve the function of their gut has produced results.
A more specific claim was released by the University of Western Ontario. According to their studies, compounds that were produced in an autistic children’s digestive system are linked to the behavior of these individuals. This was found out after they administered diets that with diary and wheat substances to rats. The rats exhibited repetitive behaviors, as well as impairment in their social behaviors. Both of these are common symptoms of children suffering from autism. Later on, the brains of the rat test subjects were examined. The result: their brains were inflamed-similar to the brains of children with autism.
Although the results of these tests do not necessary prove anything conclusive about autism, they have established a number of things important to the issue. As the University of Western Ontario said in thee CBC News website, this proves that the body can influence the brain-an indication that problems in the gut can indeed cause autism. Of course, as the researchers from the University of Reading said, it could be the cause of autism-but it can also be an effect. Either way, these studies have somehow established that taking care of an autistic child’s gut can produce encouraging results.

Are Aspergers and High Functioning Autism the Same Thing?

One of the most common mistakes made about autism is that Asperger’s Syndrome and high functioning autism are the same thing. Many parents struggle with this problem because there is so much information out there that uses the two terms interchangeably. There are many crossover symptoms between Asperger’s Syndrome and high functioning autism which can make it very challenging to tell the difference between the two. Furthermore, many doctors and scientists differ in their definitions of the two disorders.
High functioning autism is an unofficial designation for people who have autism but whose symptoms are not severe. High functioning autistic children have an average or above-average intelligence level and will generally maintain an adequate vocabulary. However their learning comprehension is typically behind other children at the same age. Furthermore, high functioning autistic children will generally not express much emotional detail in their speech, and struggle with interpreting non-verbal cues.
There is no solid line between the diagnosis of low functioning and high functioning autism. Though some doctors use an IQ score as an indicator to help with the diagnosis, the function level of autism is not based on IQ alone. There are also elements of language processing, behavioral elements, and other non-verbal details, which must be considered above and beyond measurable intelligence levels. Furthermore, standard IQ testing is typically inaccurate for autistic children as the testing itself may involve skills with which an autistic child struggles.

Whether high or low functioning, autism will typically present in around the age of two years old with a sudden regression or presentation of autistic symptoms.
On the other hand, Asperger’s Syndrome is a separate autism spectrum disorder. Children with Asperger’s Syndrome struggle with social interactions and restrictions, and tend to have intensely narrow interests in subjects and activities. However, unlike with autism – even high functioning autism – there is no cognitive development or language delay. Though language may be used atypically and motor skills may be clumsy at times, their development is normal.
Asperger’s Syndrome will typically present in children at about the age of three. Brain imaging has shown structural and functional differences within certain brain regions among children without autism spectrum disorders, children with Asperger’s Syndrome, and children who are high functioning autistics.
Children with Asperger’s Syndrome often fail to display empathy in their behaviors. It is social interaction where these children face their deepest challenges. Many struggle or fail to develop friendships, don’t take pleasure in achievements or spontaneous activities with others, lack in emotional and social reciprocity, and have diminished non-verbal communication behaviors such as facial expressions, postures, eye contact, and overall gestures.
However, children with classic autism (even those who are high functioning), Asperger’s Syndrome children will not typically withdraw from other people. In fact, even if they are awkward in their method, they will often approach others and begin a discussion. It is conversation where their struggle may occur, as a discussion for a child with Asperger’s Syndrome may simply consist of a long-winded single-sided speech about something the child truly enjoys, without any need for contribution from the other people present.

Autism, Toxic Metals, and Vaccines

Thought some research disclaim that autism can spring from the use of vaccines, doctors belonging to the American Academy of Pediatrics have found enough concern that they issues a statement about nine years ago that goes against that research. The statement of concern was about thimerosal, a preservative that is used in vaccines and, believe it or not, contains mercury. Research has proved that mercury is very toxic and can cause neurological and motor functions to misfire creating some pretty dramatic disorders in children and adults. Not only doe’s mercury cause motor and neurological disorders, it can also affect the immune system and cause behavior dysfunctions. So what happens if you or your child is vaccinated with a vaccine that contains thimerosal? Could a little of each disorder come into the child and affect him or her in such a way that autism is diagnosed. Look at the symptoms of autism and then look at the multiple disabilities and disorders mercury can cause. This might explain the range of disabilities from mild to severe in an autistic child. Even the Food and Drug Administration stated that some infants, depending on how much thimerosal was in the vaccine and how long between each vaccine, may be exposed to high levels of ethyl mercury. This difference in dosage and time between dosages is another clue to the severity or mildness that autistic children suffer. It only makes since that if a child has had a large dosage of ethyl mercury and has those dosages close together, especially in the early development of the body and brain, than that child would have more severity in their autism symptoms than a child who had less mercury administered to them. If you compare the symptoms of mercury poisoned children with the symptoms of autistic children, the similarities are amazingly close. So what comes first, the mercury or the autism? The statistics alone are enough to warrant caution just because they state that autism has been counted to have alarming increases since the early 1990s. As the vaccines given to infants to prevent hepatitis B and HIB in children increased last decade, so have the incidents of children being diagnosed with autism. Not only is this curious, but the correlation of vaccines to autism is almost exponential. This seems like enough evidence to warrant an investigation into the link of mercury preservatives in vaccines and the amazing amount of autistic and mercury poisoned children that have been diagnosed. Parents of vaccinated children are seeing their once intelligent, bright, and socially normal child turn into a child that is wrought with fevers, night terrors, and severe behavior disorders that can be closely associated to some behaviors associated with autistic children. Even polio and chicken pox vaccines are suspect at causing autistic type symptoms and parents and doctors are beginning to question the practice. The manufactures of mercury based vaccines have refused to provide research about the link between mercury and autism and have declined to prove any evidence that correlation does not exist. If you have an autistic child, look at their vaccination records. If you see a vaccine that might contain ethyl mercury, contact the Center for Disease Control to spur government agencies to fund more research.