Tag Archives: autism
Risk of Autism Higher in Children Born to Older Women
The universal symbol for autism is a puzzle piece. It’s pretty symbolic if you think about it. There are a lot of pieces to the Autism puzzle – some we’re aware of and others that we aren’t. Another piece of the Autism puzzle has fallen into place after a study done by the University of California, Davis.
Toys R Us Steps Into the Autism Spotlight
Autistic children love toys as much as the next child. The challenge arises when we try to determine which toys are most beneficial to them.
A Closer Look At Biomedical Treatments
Over the years, it has been debated whether or not factors other than neurological ones have anything to do with Autism and other Neurological Disorders. Studies have found that many ND’s begin in the stomach and can be results of a poor or lacking diet.
Neurotherapy and Autism
When the devastating news is delivered to a parent that their child has Autism, one of the first questions asked is “what do we do?”. One of the first things some doctors do is write a prescription for a medication. While there is no cure for Autism, and there is no medication that specifically treats Autism itself, there are medications that can treat some of the symptoms of autism; depression, mood swings, obsessive compulsive behaviors, and hyperactivity. A lot of these medications of side effects themselves, so one is left with the thought “is this really worth it?” Though not often spoken about, there are other effective treatments available.
There is a non-medicinal, non-invasive, effective and safe option available. The option is Neurotherapy.
What is Neurotherapy?
Neurotherapy, also called Neuro Feedback Training or Brainwave Biofeedback, is used to attempt to change the dysfunctional brainwave patterns of the autistic child towards normal. Research and clinical practice indicates that this approach can improve cognitive deficits, concentration, impulse control, depression, anxiety and seizure disorders. Neurotherapy is only used with high functioning children with Autism to improve attention deficits and Learning difficulties. (via)
How does Neurotherapy Work?
Neurotherapy can be compared to Physical Therapy for the brain. Typically, sensors are placed on the scalp and on each ear. Then, high-tech computer screens display brain waves within seconds of them occuring. Usually we cannot control our brainwaves, but when we are able to see them, it makes us more conscious of them. With practice it becomes commonplace to be able to control one’s brainwaves into a healthier pattern.
Is Neurotherapy Effective?
As with anything, you have to look at it on a case by case basis. Because it is specifically targeting the symptoms of Learning Disabilities and attention deficits, it is used with High…
Study shows little connection between autism and MMR vaccine
The autism rates of been on the rise for years and though there are many theories, there are no definite explanations to the increase of cases.
On December 1st, 2009, in the Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, a report was released comparing cases of Autism with the MMR (Measles-Mumps Rubella) Vaccine. Some earlier cases suggested an association between the two, while other studies showed otherwise.
In this newest, small scale study, there were 96 autism cases of children from ages 12 to 15, and 192 healthy children matched to cases by birth year and sex. Other factors in the study included mother’s age, medication during pregnancy, generation time, and perinatal injury in the analysis and it was found MMR vaccine was not linked to increased risk of autism.
Of children vaccinated before diagnosis, those who were vaccinated with MMR were at 83 percent reduced risk of autism and those vaccinated with single measles vaccine were at 56 percent reduced risk compared to those who were non-vaccinated.
Vaccinated children were at 72 percent reduced risk of autism compared to those who were did not receive measles vaccine.
The researchers concluded that “the study provides evidence against the association of autism with either MMR or a single measles vaccine.”
The Earlier The Better When It Comes To Autism Diagnosis
Countless children are sent to the principal’s office or given detention for their poor behavior or lacking social skills. It’s always assumed that these are “problem children” who come from “problem families” or who are never taught the proper way to act.
These are classic symptoms of Autism. Children with Autism often lack the social skills needed to maintain well behavior. This disorder and inability to develop skills is often noticeable in children younger than four years old.
Toddlers with Autism often do not respond as a child normally would to social situations. Typically at the age of 2 or 3, children begin to make friends. Autistic children often to not develop this social skill and seem a bit stand offish. Additionally, they may not respond to being hugged or shown affection from a parent or caregiver.
Autistic children also may develop a seemingly “obsessive” series of habits. For example, having to arrange things in a specific order and checking to make sure it remains that way several times. They also may have a slower speech progression. Autistic children sometimes have a limited vocabulary characterized by repeating the same words over and over again.
It’s worth mentioning that you may have a child who is simply shy, or who just takes a liking to a certain word and chooses to repeat it. There are even some children who are just naturally slower when it comes to developing speech. It’s usually when it’s a combination of these things that flags are raised.
If your child does develop a few of these common autism symptoms, or others such as unnatural attachment to objects, repetitive physical movements, or general lack of affection, it is strongly suggested that you bring it up with your physician as soon as you begin to notice it.
It’s…
Marijuana as a Treatment for Autism?
The debate has been going on for years now: Should we or should we not legalize the use of Medical Cannabis (or marijuana)? Everyone has their own opinion on whether or not the legalization should occur. Some argue that legalizing the drug will only make it more easily obtained for recreational use. On the flip side, others say that the benefits outweigh the risks. How many benefits are there to this sometimes considered “miracle herb”? Are there even more diseases and conditions that can be treated by marijuana that haven’t been proven yet?
It has been documented that administering cannabis has been beneficial in eliminating nausea and vomiting, inducing appetite in AIDS and Chemotherapy patients, reducing eye pressure in those with Glaucoma, as well as in general pain reliving. Some individual studies have also shown medical cannabis to be beneficial in Multiple Sclerosis and depression cases.
The legality of this treatment varies by country. The issue often shows up in state elections throughout the United States. One could spend the entire day weighing the pros and cons of legalizing marijuana. What it boils down to is who and how does administering marijuana help. I discussed AIDS, Glaucoma, Cancer and Chronic Pain patients, but how about children? Or more specifically, Autistic children.
There was a letter published (via) from a mother in Florida who shared the story of her very large, autistic child who went from loving and caring son to angry and aggressive. She says in her letter that she often had to lock herself in the bathroom or else her son would attack her. They tried many different medications but nothing seemed to help. A friend of the family suggested something that the mother had never thought of; a brownie laced with marijuana. She weighed her options…
Autistic Brothers Reunited
We often speak about Autism in children since this is often when the disorder is diagnosed. Parents are much more aware of the common symptoms of Autism including short attention spans, slow speech, specific repetitive behaviors and social interaction difficulties. Parents are quick to ask their doctors as soon as these things become apparent. With the growing rate of diagnosed Autism cases, this also leads one to wonder- what happens to autistic children as they grow older? What happens when they aren’t children anymore?
Of course this question doesn’t have one answer, and needs to be researched on a case-by-case basis. Dylan and Remly Clark are two brothers, 18 and 19 respectively, who have autism. Their mother, Judy Clark is the founder of Autism Support And Programs (ASAP) which is an organization that offers support and information for people with autism.
About 8 years ago, Judy made the difficult decision to put her son Remly into a facility. His autism was particularly difficult to manage and handle, so she had no other choice than to get Remly the care that he needed and deserved. Despite her confident decision, Judy was determined to have her two sons together again somday.
As the ASPS grew, they added more staff members and were able to enhance areas of the organization to promote growth. One of the biggest additions — a group home specifically catered to those who have autism. Everything from the color scheme to the available activities were created and targeted to benefit the residents.
Rainbow Farms is a 5 acre farm and is located in Pender County, North Carolina. Each resident’s case is explored individually and a daily schedule is devised based on their specific needs. The residents have a chance to interact with not only each other, but with farm…
A Sibling’s Take on Autism
Adam and Dean Aviram are best friends – more than that, they’re brothers. At 9 and 10 years old respectively, Adam and Dean brag that they’re building a time machine together. Though he’s the younger of the two, Adam looks out for Dean and enjoys spending as much time playing with him as possible. They work as a team many times, especially because Dean has a wonderful memory so Adam loves that he doesn’t have to remember things.
Though alike in the traditional last name and DNA departments, Adam and Dean’s differences are many. Adam prefers to play soccer and Wii. Dean has a fascination with history and loves to have intelligent conversations about world leaders with anyone who is interested. Though you might not be able to tell by simply looking at them, Adam and Dean’s biggest difference is that Dean has Asperger’s Syndrome and Adam does not.
If I were to pose the question “What is Austism?”, I can only assume that you would head right to Google or WebMD and find the most technical and informative definition. Though it would be certainly accurate, your definition may differ from that of an Autistic child’s parent or even more, an autistic child’s brother or sister. The siblings of autistic children are undoubtedly intelligent and some of the best people to ask about the disease to get an honest, accurate description of what Autism looks like and means to them.
When Adam was asked what Asperger’s was, he answered, “Asperger’s is a type of autism and it’s hard for people to have a good conversation with other people.” His answer was not filled with technical words, however it was very accurate. He was also asked if his friends could notice that something was different about his brother, Dean. Adam answers…
Drama Therapy Opens Up New Alternatives to Autism Therapies
Drama Therapy is generally defined as the use of drama and theater processes to
achieve therapeutic goals. The technique is often used in schools, hospitals, correctional facilities and the mental health field to achieve behavior change, personal growth and improved emotional stability. Though this not a new method of therapy, it has more recently been used to help those with Autism.
Many people with Autism are in fact verbal, however they are unable to successfully communicate socially. Incorporating theater processes enables the participants practice social skills, learn improvisation and memorize lines to recite with increased emotional awareness. In addition and even more importantly, it gives the participators the opportunity to become an actor, preform a show and get applause for their efforts and in turn get a feeling of social acceptance and achievement.
Cindy Schneider is the author of the book Acting Antics: A Theatrical Approach to Teaching Social Understanding to Kids and Teens with Asperger Syndrome. In the book, Schneider discusses in depth the benefits of using Drama Therapy for those with Autism. She offers classes to both adults and children with a variety of diagnoses including Asperger’s Syndrome, high-functioning Autism and non-verbal Autism. According to her findings, participants may gain:
- self-confidence not only in performing, but in interactions
- improved self-esteem; pride in their accomplishments
- improved recognition of emotions in others
- improved identification and labeling of own emotions
- new leisure time activity in a group where they can be successful
- new awareness of volume levels and beginning modulation of level
- new skills for functioning as part of a group
- new skills for following directions
- improved ability to interact with peers
- increased self-confidence through success
The organizers of a Drama Therapy Company are usually educated in the Psychology field as well as in Theater…
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