Hi all and a Happy New Year 2012.
The first post for this year is about research being conducted by a Psychology student at Walden University in the USA.
Kristin Yodock is looking for volunteers that fit the criteria, Autistic youngsters who may be able to help her in her research into Autistic Children’s Pragmatic Language,Conflict Resolution & Social Skills. Continue reading
It is important that any therapy is fun for the child
According to various Occupational Therapy Associations, Occupational Therapy helps individuals achieve and hone skills which allow them to live an independent life. These are skills that can be specifically targeted to children and adults within the Autism Spectrum of Disorders. Continue reading
Autism Spectrum Disorders Diagnosing Criteria will change in May 2013
The way in which Autism Spectrum Disorders, including Asperger’s Syndrome, are diagnosed are going to radically change in May 2013. At the moment the DSM-4 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ) criteria is being used to diagnose and categorise Autism Spectrum Disorders, within the Spectrum there are currently 2 main categories – Autism and Aspergers. With the new criteria of DSM-5 Apergers Syndrome, CDD (Childhood Disintegrative Disorder) and PDD NOS (Pervasive Development Disorder Not Otherwise Specified)will also fall into the general category of Autism Disorders/Autism Spectrum Disorders. The new proposed DSM-5 (DSM-V) will do away with Aspergers all together and they will all fall within one label – Autism Disorders with specific symptom identifiers. Continue reading
At some stage your child within the Autism Spectrum of Disorders will reach puberty. It can be a difficult time for a child and parents of a child without a disability, and so for a child with a disability like Autism it can be all the more difficult.
How do you go about explaining to an Autistic child who has difficulty in communicating and understanding, about how and why their bodies and feelings are making such a drastic change at puberty?. For girls it can be an even greater challenge as they go through major physical changes to which if they don’t understand can be a very traumatic event. Continue reading
A child with Autism can be very prone to meltdowns in public and unfamiliar places. Meltdowns can be described as a tantrum or fit of rage as the child may be confused or stressed due over loaded sensory inputs or an unfamiliar place and situation. Continue reading
Having fun in the sun!
For parents out there that are new to Autism Spectrum Disorders and have just had your child diagnosed, the impact of realisation can be quite traumatic, however things could be worse – much worse.
For parents out there with children on the Autism Spectrum that have been struggling to keep some semblance of sanity with years of therapies, supplements and lifestyle change, there is hope!
For anyone having to deal with caring for a child within the Autism Spectrum of Disorders, don’t be disheartened, there are many, many other persons in the same or similar boat – you gotta have faith! Continue reading
Pets are great therapy for children with or without Autism
Yes, pet dogs are very good therapy for children with or without an Autism Spectrum Disorder / ASD, in fact for any one! Continue reading
We have done a great deal of research and reading over the years to get the best knowledge, understanding and methods for treating our daughter with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Continue reading
Having fun and progressing slowly is essential to success
As many of you may already know, exposing an autistic child to social events or outings can be a real challenge. Continue reading
Having Fun is the Key to Teaching and Learning
Teaching conversation to a child or adult within the Autism Spectrum of Disorders can be a challenge. Whether it be an individual with severe Autism or a high functioning individual with Asperger Syndrome, conversation and social skills would have to be the two skills that are the most difficult to teach. Continue reading
