Managing an autistic child can be difficult at times...
But having autism strategies in place can make all the difference.
How much easier would your life be if instead of feeling overwhelmed you had coping strategies in place that helped you through the day?
Thankfully these strategies don't have to be difficult or complex, it's really all about ensuring your child feels secure, comfortable, and calm, so that they can grow and develop in a positive environment.
The following is a list of 15 different autism strategy suggestions you can adopt and adapt to help you and your child connect:
1. Provide a predictable environment and daily routine
2. Prepare your child in advance for any changes that need to occur to their routine, don't spring surprises on them. Keep in mind changes should only be made when absolutely necessary.
3. Activities should have structure.
4. Distractions should be kept to a minimum, especially when communicating, so don't try competing with the TV or lots of background noise when giving instructions.
5. Ensure you have your child's full attention when communicating with them.
6. When giving instructions they should be simple and direct so there is no room for misunderstandings.
7. When instructions are given, you need to allow enough time for your child to process them. Remember patience is a virtue - don't rush your child.
8. Try using visual aids like flash cards or picture books when communicating as these can help get your message across and cement understanding.
9. Try to be as consistent as possible with everything you do involving your child. This includes punishments.
10. If your child is not coping within an environment or an activity, he/she requires a "safe" place where they can retreat in order to calm down and de-stress.
11. If your child is not coping with a situation, consider if underlying causes (I.E. confusion, stress, fear, pain or over-stimulation) could be a factor and try to remove that cause.
12. When the stress levels have reduced, encourage them to return to group activities or situations.
13. Speak to the school to see if a buddy system could be introduced to help provide academic and social support. This involves pairing autistic kids with non-autistic peers.
14. Before attempting to alter or discourage a behavior that you think is inappropriate, carefully consider if this is necessary, as the behavior you are trying to diminish may provide comfort and be replaced by something worse.
15. Don't take autism behaviors personally, find ways to de-stress yourself and remember that laughter is often the best medicine when you're at your wits end.
Finally, it's important to keep in mind that education is one of the best autism strategies you can take on board when managing autism behaviors...
The more knowledge you have about autism, the easier it will be to understand the needs of your loved one and help provide them with the best environment to grow up in.
To complete you autism education The Essential Guide to Autism is available to download today - just visit the following link to discover how the information it contains will help you better understand autism and your child:
www.Essential-Guide-To-Autism.com
Showing posts with label Autism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Autism. Show all posts
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Could This Be A Cause of Autism?
The exact cause of autism is unknown with theories ranging from the result of immunization, genetics, or a combination of both...
However, latest findings have demonstrated that there may also be a link between autism and yeast infection.
But what does yeast have to do with autism?
Studies show that children with autism tend to have different 'gut flora' when compared to non-autistic children.
But how does a yeast infection take hold?
Normally healthy "good" bacteria are at work throughout the digestive tract to keep the digestive system operating normally.
However, repeated doses of antibiotics (as would be prescribed, for example, for a regular childhood ear infection), or even exposure to common childhood diseases such as chicken pox, can destroy a large amount of the necessary gut flora, permitting Candida - an aggressive and opportunistic yeast infection - to grow and flourish.
Even in children who have not suffered from many common childhood diseases or who have not recently been prescribed antibiotics, there remain other ways for Candida to take hold in the body.
It is believed that general environmental factors may also be contributory factors.
Exposure to toxins in the air a child breaths and the water he drinks, as well as genetic factors - for example, if a child's mother is prone to yeast infections, this may be passed on to the child. A diet high in sugar also opens up a child to a greater risk of Candida overgrowth.
Researchers now believe that there may be an link between autism and yeast infections which occurs when the Candida multiplies and changes the workings of the digestive tract, releasing a multitude of toxins into the body.
The brain and the rest of the body's systems - such as the digestive system - are strongly linked. Therefore, disturbances within the digestive tract may have a direct impact on the brains functioning leading to a worsening of autism symptoms.
*****************************************************************
If you're looking for ways to minimize autism symptoms,you can discover effective methods for managing autism symptoms in a downloadable ebook The Essential Guide to Autism.
It's jammed packed full of pratical information, including the lowdown on various treatment options both traditional and alternative, natural remedies you can implement at home and a chapter specifically addressing autism diets and how to start implementing them.
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
However, latest findings have demonstrated that there may also be a link between autism and yeast infection.
But what does yeast have to do with autism?
Studies show that children with autism tend to have different 'gut flora' when compared to non-autistic children.
But how does a yeast infection take hold?
Normally healthy "good" bacteria are at work throughout the digestive tract to keep the digestive system operating normally.
However, repeated doses of antibiotics (as would be prescribed, for example, for a regular childhood ear infection), or even exposure to common childhood diseases such as chicken pox, can destroy a large amount of the necessary gut flora, permitting Candida - an aggressive and opportunistic yeast infection - to grow and flourish.
Even in children who have not suffered from many common childhood diseases or who have not recently been prescribed antibiotics, there remain other ways for Candida to take hold in the body.
It is believed that general environmental factors may also be contributory factors.
Exposure to toxins in the air a child breaths and the water he drinks, as well as genetic factors - for example, if a child's mother is prone to yeast infections, this may be passed on to the child. A diet high in sugar also opens up a child to a greater risk of Candida overgrowth.
Researchers now believe that there may be an link between autism and yeast infections which occurs when the Candida multiplies and changes the workings of the digestive tract, releasing a multitude of toxins into the body.
The brain and the rest of the body's systems - such as the digestive system - are strongly linked. Therefore, disturbances within the digestive tract may have a direct impact on the brains functioning leading to a worsening of autism symptoms.
*****************************************************************
If you're looking for ways to minimize autism symptoms,you can discover effective methods for managing autism symptoms in a downloadable ebook The Essential Guide to Autism.
It's jammed packed full of pratical information, including the lowdown on various treatment options both traditional and alternative, natural remedies you can implement at home and a chapter specifically addressing autism diets and how to start implementing them.
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Diagnosing Autism - Is It Really Autism?
With it featuring so heavily in the media (and rightly so) a fear
that many parents have is the possibility that their child or
children may be diagnosed with autism or may have been
misdiagnosed.
*****************************************************************
If you've received a definitive diagnosis of autism and are looking
for ways to minimize autism symptoms now is the time to take
action. You will discover effective methods for managing autism
symptoms in my downloadable ebook The Essential Guide to Autism.
It's jammed packed full of pratical information, including the
lowdown on various treatment options both traditional and
alternative, natural remedies you can implement at home and whether
diet really plays a role in reducing autism symptoms.
Visit the link below to discover more:
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
*****************************************************************
Its important to get a professional diagnosis to make certain
that there isn't something else causing autistic-like behaviors to
occur.
There are a number of other related health conditions and disorders
similar in nature to Autism that are commonly misinterpreted and
misdiagnosed.
Misdiagnosis of autism can occur among the various autism spectrum
disorders, or symptoms can be due to completely unrelated
condition.
Therefore as a parent you should make sure to share all
observations and any concerns with your child's doctor so that
possible alternate diagnoses are given the appropriate attention.
There are five conditions within the autism spectrum, and each of
them can easily be mistaken for another. These are:
1. Rett's Syndrome
--------------------------
This is a condition found only in girls which was discovered back
in 1966. It is currently believed by scientists that this is not
an inherited condition, but is the result of a random genetic
mutation. Symptoms of Rett's Syndrome do not become apparent in
babies until 6 to 18 months of age.
When Rett's Syndrome starts to become apparent, development begins
to slow and the children's heads no longer grow in the usual way.
Normal speech does not develop and repetitive hand movements,
unusual walking patterns, and torso shaking begin. Children with
Rett's Syndrome also frequently experience seizures, breathing
problems, rigid muscles, retarded growth, and other health issues.
2. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
-------------------------------------------------------
This disorder almost always occurs in boys, and is extremely rare.
Until the age of about 42 months, the child appears to be normal,
but a dramatic linguistic and social skill loss then occurs. The
child may also start experiencing seizures and lose bladder and
bowel control. Typically, these children experience low
intellectual development. CDD is the easiest of the autism
spectrum disorders for doctors to diagnose.
3. Autism
---------------
Autism itself is often referred to as Classic Autism, Kanner's
Autism, or Early Infantile Autism. Until its recognition in the
1940's, children with autism had been diagnosed as emotionally
disturbed or mentally retarded.
Autistic children show many different kinds of symptoms that also
occur in other physical and mental disorders, making it easy to
misdiagnose. Among them are issues with sensory integration and
information processing, leading to a series of different kinds of
behaviors.
4. Asperger's Syndrome
----------------------------------
Children with Asperger's Syndrome are frequently mistaken for
children with 'high-functioning' autism.
The syndrome does not typically present itself until after three
years of age, as these children tend not to show any issues with
language acquisition and use. Instead, they commonly form extreme
interests in narrow subjects, and are often known for frequent
(though not universal) ability to recite full book texts or movie
lines, as well as a seemingly endless line of trivial facts.
Some autism-like traits may present themselves, such as the desire
for a strict routine, a struggle with social interactions and
communication, and an inclination toward repetitive behaviors.
Some also struggle with vocal control.
5. Pervasive Development Disorder (Not Otherwise Specified)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PDD/NOS symptoms are difficult to classify. This portion of the
autism spectrum is essentially used as a "catch-all" diagnosis for
children who present symptoms of autism that cannot be contained by
the other four autism spectrum disorders.
Beyond the autism spectrum disorder, other disorders and health
problems that can often cause children to display autistic traits -
though they don't actually have autism - are:
- Deafness or hearing loss - children who have a difficulty hearing
may have impaired social responses, causing them to behave in ways
similar to some autistic behaviors.
- Schizophrenia - though some symptoms of this disorder are similar
to those of autism, schizophrenia normally presents much later in
life than autism.
- Language delay, language disorder, or speech delay - children
with linguistic disorders and delays can experience social
impairments as a result of their inability to express themselves.
- Developmental delay or mental retardation - behaviors of
developmentally delayed or mentally retarded children frequently
mimic those of autistic children, but for completely different
reasons. Before the discovery of autism as a disorder many
autistic children were regarded as mentally retarded.
As there are so many different symptoms of autism and the disorder
never presents the same way from person to person, it is easy to
misdiagnose disorders both inside and outside the spectrum as being
attritubutal to autism. This confusion can be especially prevalent
among the various autism spectrum disorders.
To cut through the confusion download your copy of The Essential
Guide to Autism today - just vist the link below:
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
that many parents have is the possibility that their child or
children may be diagnosed with autism or may have been
misdiagnosed.
*****************************************************************
If you've received a definitive diagnosis of autism and are looking
for ways to minimize autism symptoms now is the time to take
action. You will discover effective methods for managing autism
symptoms in my downloadable ebook The Essential Guide to Autism.
It's jammed packed full of pratical information, including the
lowdown on various treatment options both traditional and
alternative, natural remedies you can implement at home and whether
diet really plays a role in reducing autism symptoms.
Visit the link below to discover more:
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
*****************************************************************
Its important to get a professional diagnosis to make certain
that there isn't something else causing autistic-like behaviors to
occur.
There are a number of other related health conditions and disorders
similar in nature to Autism that are commonly misinterpreted and
misdiagnosed.
Misdiagnosis of autism can occur among the various autism spectrum
disorders, or symptoms can be due to completely unrelated
condition.
Therefore as a parent you should make sure to share all
observations and any concerns with your child's doctor so that
possible alternate diagnoses are given the appropriate attention.
There are five conditions within the autism spectrum, and each of
them can easily be mistaken for another. These are:
1. Rett's Syndrome
--------------------------
This is a condition found only in girls which was discovered back
in 1966. It is currently believed by scientists that this is not
an inherited condition, but is the result of a random genetic
mutation. Symptoms of Rett's Syndrome do not become apparent in
babies until 6 to 18 months of age.
When Rett's Syndrome starts to become apparent, development begins
to slow and the children's heads no longer grow in the usual way.
Normal speech does not develop and repetitive hand movements,
unusual walking patterns, and torso shaking begin. Children with
Rett's Syndrome also frequently experience seizures, breathing
problems, rigid muscles, retarded growth, and other health issues.
2. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
-------------------------------------------------------
This disorder almost always occurs in boys, and is extremely rare.
Until the age of about 42 months, the child appears to be normal,
but a dramatic linguistic and social skill loss then occurs. The
child may also start experiencing seizures and lose bladder and
bowel control. Typically, these children experience low
intellectual development. CDD is the easiest of the autism
spectrum disorders for doctors to diagnose.
3. Autism
---------------
Autism itself is often referred to as Classic Autism, Kanner's
Autism, or Early Infantile Autism. Until its recognition in the
1940's, children with autism had been diagnosed as emotionally
disturbed or mentally retarded.
Autistic children show many different kinds of symptoms that also
occur in other physical and mental disorders, making it easy to
misdiagnose. Among them are issues with sensory integration and
information processing, leading to a series of different kinds of
behaviors.
4. Asperger's Syndrome
----------------------------------
Children with Asperger's Syndrome are frequently mistaken for
children with 'high-functioning' autism.
The syndrome does not typically present itself until after three
years of age, as these children tend not to show any issues with
language acquisition and use. Instead, they commonly form extreme
interests in narrow subjects, and are often known for frequent
(though not universal) ability to recite full book texts or movie
lines, as well as a seemingly endless line of trivial facts.
Some autism-like traits may present themselves, such as the desire
for a strict routine, a struggle with social interactions and
communication, and an inclination toward repetitive behaviors.
Some also struggle with vocal control.
5. Pervasive Development Disorder (Not Otherwise Specified)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PDD/NOS symptoms are difficult to classify. This portion of the
autism spectrum is essentially used as a "catch-all" diagnosis for
children who present symptoms of autism that cannot be contained by
the other four autism spectrum disorders.
Beyond the autism spectrum disorder, other disorders and health
problems that can often cause children to display autistic traits -
though they don't actually have autism - are:
- Deafness or hearing loss - children who have a difficulty hearing
may have impaired social responses, causing them to behave in ways
similar to some autistic behaviors.
- Schizophrenia - though some symptoms of this disorder are similar
to those of autism, schizophrenia normally presents much later in
life than autism.
- Language delay, language disorder, or speech delay - children
with linguistic disorders and delays can experience social
impairments as a result of their inability to express themselves.
- Developmental delay or mental retardation - behaviors of
developmentally delayed or mentally retarded children frequently
mimic those of autistic children, but for completely different
reasons. Before the discovery of autism as a disorder many
autistic children were regarded as mentally retarded.
As there are so many different symptoms of autism and the disorder
never presents the same way from person to person, it is easy to
misdiagnose disorders both inside and outside the spectrum as being
attritubutal to autism. This confusion can be especially prevalent
among the various autism spectrum disorders.
To cut through the confusion download your copy of The Essential
Guide to Autism today - just vist the link below:
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Signs Of Autism - What To Do Next
It can be a confusing and frightening time.
There's just so much to learn about autism...It can be hard to know
where to start.
----------------------------------------------
Taking important first steps
----------------------------------------------
People with autism face many challenges and its been proven time
and again that early invention can make a huge difference.
So, if you suspect your child may have autism it's really important
to seek a diagnosis even if it's to rule out autism.
Once you have a diagnosis confirmed it's critical to learn all you
can about the condition.
You may find that you end up acting as 'case manager' for your
child's various therapists and so it is important to fully
understand the roles they have and how they interact.
When it comes to schooling the services provided can be a bit hit
and miss, depending on where you live.
So having in-depth knowledge of the level of help or intervention
your child needs will be invaluable to ensure they get the best
schooling possible.
----------------------------------
What's the next step?
----------------------------------
Knowledge about any condition is key to understanding symptoms,
causes, and treatment options.
Having this information to hand will help ensure your child
overcomes the challenges they face and reaches their full potential.
So why not join the thousands of others who have put the health and
wellbeing of their loved one first....
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
The Essential Guide to Autism contains vital information especially
for:
==> Parents of a child with autism or suspected autism.
==> Anyone diagnosed with autism.
==> People who want to take charge of their health or the health of
a loved one.
==> Doctors and alternative health-care practitioners who want to
learn more.
Grab your copy today.
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
I'll be staying in touch over the coming weeks - keeping you
updated with in-depth articles and practical tips you can implement
into your daily life easily.
There's just so much to learn about autism...It can be hard to know
where to start.
----------------------------------------------
Taking important first steps
----------------------------------------------
People with autism face many challenges and its been proven time
and again that early invention can make a huge difference.
So, if you suspect your child may have autism it's really important
to seek a diagnosis even if it's to rule out autism.
Once you have a diagnosis confirmed it's critical to learn all you
can about the condition.
You may find that you end up acting as 'case manager' for your
child's various therapists and so it is important to fully
understand the roles they have and how they interact.
When it comes to schooling the services provided can be a bit hit
and miss, depending on where you live.
So having in-depth knowledge of the level of help or intervention
your child needs will be invaluable to ensure they get the best
schooling possible.
----------------------------------
What's the next step?
----------------------------------
Knowledge about any condition is key to understanding symptoms,
causes, and treatment options.
Having this information to hand will help ensure your child
overcomes the challenges they face and reaches their full potential.
So why not join the thousands of others who have put the health and
wellbeing of their loved one first....
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
The Essential Guide to Autism contains vital information especially
for:
==> Parents of a child with autism or suspected autism.
==> Anyone diagnosed with autism.
==> People who want to take charge of their health or the health of
a loved one.
==> Doctors and alternative health-care practitioners who want to
learn more.
Grab your copy today.
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
I'll be staying in touch over the coming weeks - keeping you
updated with in-depth articles and practical tips you can implement
into your daily life easily.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Autism - Anti-social Behavior
The last couple of posts have focused on a couple of different types
of treatment options - using restrictive diets and also taking
supplements.
So, today I'd like to move away from nutrition based treatments and
look at one of the most popular treatments and teaching options
available.
It is called Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)
-------------------------------------------------------
So what's ABA and how can it help?
-------------------------------------------------------
(ABA) is centered on the theory that behaviors can be 'increased'
or 'reduced' based on the reaction the behavior receives.
Specific behaviors that are reinforced by ABA are those deemed
"socially significant behaviors" including...
- Literacy.
- Educational skills.
- Social skills.
- Communication skills.
- Adaptive living skills (motor skills, food preparation, personal
care, cleaning, time, money, work skills, etc.).
ABA is normally tailored to each child, and the assessment stage
will typically cover 4 steps...
Skills are taught in very small steps. For example, if the skill
being taught is to dress independently, the teacher (i.e., parent,
educator, therapist, or caregiver) might start with something as
small as putting on socks successfully.
One of the positive aspects of ABA is the emphasis placed on
parents' involvement.
Parents are encouraged to carry out aspects of the program at home
to help reinforce learned skills. And, when carried out at home,
daily activities such as getting dressed or teeth cleaning can be
made part of the program.
There are opponents to ABA however, who believe the treatment
produces robotic children by not encouraging children to think
independently.
ABA is also very time intensive - up to 40 hours a week and as a
result can be very costly.
However, for the most part parents report positive changes when
this treatment is applied.
One of the biggest issues facing parents who choose ABA is
identifying an ABA therapist they feel they and their child
can work with.
---------------------------
What to do next
---------------------------
If you wish to find out more information about ABA and plus other
behavior based treatments you'll find all the details you need in
my downloadable book, The Essential Guide to Autism...
You can grab your copy here:
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
There is more information on ABA and how to go about choosing
an ABA therapist, as well as 18 questions you should ask before
submitting your child for any autism treatment.
Also, covered are reviews of the following treatments:
- Floor Time
- Occupational Therapy and Sensory Integration Therapy
- Relationship Development Intervention (RDI)
- Speech Therapy
As well as alternative autism treatments
- Facilitated Communication
- Holding Therapy
- Auditory Integration Therapy
So, copy and paste the link below into your browser now to discover
more about the various Autism treatments and whether they are right
for your child:
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
I hope you enjoyed the information.
Until next time,
P.S. One of the best ways to help your child is to educate
yourself. The more you know about autism and the various treatments
available the better equipped you'll be to make informed decisions
about what is best for your child.
You can discover more here:
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
of treatment options - using restrictive diets and also taking
supplements.
So, today I'd like to move away from nutrition based treatments and
look at one of the most popular treatments and teaching options
available.
It is called Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)
-------------------------------------------------------
So what's ABA and how can it help?
-------------------------------------------------------
(ABA) is centered on the theory that behaviors can be 'increased'
or 'reduced' based on the reaction the behavior receives.
Specific behaviors that are reinforced by ABA are those deemed
"socially significant behaviors" including...
- Literacy.
- Educational skills.
- Social skills.
- Communication skills.
- Adaptive living skills (motor skills, food preparation, personal
care, cleaning, time, money, work skills, etc.).
ABA is normally tailored to each child, and the assessment stage
will typically cover 4 steps...
Skills are taught in very small steps. For example, if the skill
being taught is to dress independently, the teacher (i.e., parent,
educator, therapist, or caregiver) might start with something as
small as putting on socks successfully.
One of the positive aspects of ABA is the emphasis placed on
parents' involvement.
Parents are encouraged to carry out aspects of the program at home
to help reinforce learned skills. And, when carried out at home,
daily activities such as getting dressed or teeth cleaning can be
made part of the program.
There are opponents to ABA however, who believe the treatment
produces robotic children by not encouraging children to think
independently.
ABA is also very time intensive - up to 40 hours a week and as a
result can be very costly.
However, for the most part parents report positive changes when
this treatment is applied.
One of the biggest issues facing parents who choose ABA is
identifying an ABA therapist they feel they and their child
can work with.
---------------------------
What to do next
---------------------------
If you wish to find out more information about ABA and plus other
behavior based treatments you'll find all the details you need in
my downloadable book, The Essential Guide to Autism...
You can grab your copy here:
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
There is more information on ABA and how to go about choosing
an ABA therapist, as well as 18 questions you should ask before
submitting your child for any autism treatment.
Also, covered are reviews of the following treatments:
- Floor Time
- Occupational Therapy and Sensory Integration Therapy
- Relationship Development Intervention (RDI)
- Speech Therapy
As well as alternative autism treatments
- Facilitated Communication
- Holding Therapy
- Auditory Integration Therapy
So, copy and paste the link below into your browser now to discover
more about the various Autism treatments and whether they are right
for your child:
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
I hope you enjoyed the information.
Until next time,
P.S. One of the best ways to help your child is to educate
yourself. The more you know about autism and the various treatments
available the better equipped you'll be to make informed decisions
about what is best for your child.
You can discover more here:
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
Friday, April 17, 2009
Help With Autism - How Diet Helps
In the last Autism post we covered how diet can play an important role in moderating autism behaviors...
And how some parents have seen some significant differences for the
better when implementing a Gluten free Casein free (GFCF) diet.
However, exclusion diets aren't the only way that food can have an impact.
What you eat or supplement the diet with can have just as much an impact as what you leave out.
Find out more here:
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
Did you know...
The Southwest Autism Research Center studied 400 people with autism over thirty years ago. Of those people, 48% had chronic diarrhea or constipation - conditions that prevent the body from properly absorbing nutrients?
Or that Dr. Emar Vogelaar studied 20 children with autism in August of 2000 and found that over 50% of them were deficient in vitamins A, B1,B3, B5, biotin, selenium, zinc, and magnesium? They were also deficient in amino acids and essential fatty acids.
But when looking at supplements it is important that the information you receive is accurate, as shown by this study...
Dr. William Walsh studied 500 children with autism and found that over 99% of them had a higher Serum Cu:Plasma zinc ratio than was
normal.
What this means is that unless there is a known deficiency, people with autism should avoid taking supplements containing copper and should consider taking zinc to improve the immune system.
With all these different finding it can be confusing to know what to
do...
-------------------------
So, what should I do?
-------------------------
By far, the best route to ensure your child is receiving all the essential vitamins and minerals they need is through eating fresh, nutritious foods.
However, if your child is following a restricted diet, which limits items or has sensory problems with eating, certain food supplements may be beneficial.
Many parents all over the world with autistic children have reported their children's symptoms have improved, as has their general health, when certain vitamins and minerals were introduced.
-------------------------
What to do next
-------------------------
Before starting a restrictive diet or supplement program its important to speak to your child's doctor or qualified nutritionist.
In The Essential Guide To Autism there is more in-depth information on supplements that are beneficial to children with autism and why.
Also really useful up-to-date strategies and tips on starting up a successful supplement regime.
To find out more about supplementation and other Autism treatments:
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
See you next time, when I'll be covering the best behavioral-based autism treatment options available and what you should know about
them.
And how some parents have seen some significant differences for the
better when implementing a Gluten free Casein free (GFCF) diet.
However, exclusion diets aren't the only way that food can have an impact.
What you eat or supplement the diet with can have just as much an impact as what you leave out.
Find out more here:
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
Did you know...
The Southwest Autism Research Center studied 400 people with autism over thirty years ago. Of those people, 48% had chronic diarrhea or constipation - conditions that prevent the body from properly absorbing nutrients?
Or that Dr. Emar Vogelaar studied 20 children with autism in August of 2000 and found that over 50% of them were deficient in vitamins A, B1,B3, B5, biotin, selenium, zinc, and magnesium? They were also deficient in amino acids and essential fatty acids.
But when looking at supplements it is important that the information you receive is accurate, as shown by this study...
Dr. William Walsh studied 500 children with autism and found that over 99% of them had a higher Serum Cu:Plasma zinc ratio than was
normal.
What this means is that unless there is a known deficiency, people with autism should avoid taking supplements containing copper and should consider taking zinc to improve the immune system.
With all these different finding it can be confusing to know what to
do...
-------------------------
So, what should I do?
-------------------------
By far, the best route to ensure your child is receiving all the essential vitamins and minerals they need is through eating fresh, nutritious foods.
However, if your child is following a restricted diet, which limits items or has sensory problems with eating, certain food supplements may be beneficial.
Many parents all over the world with autistic children have reported their children's symptoms have improved, as has their general health, when certain vitamins and minerals were introduced.
-------------------------
What to do next
-------------------------
Before starting a restrictive diet or supplement program its important to speak to your child's doctor or qualified nutritionist.
In The Essential Guide To Autism there is more in-depth information on supplements that are beneficial to children with autism and why.
Also really useful up-to-date strategies and tips on starting up a successful supplement regime.
To find out more about supplementation and other Autism treatments:
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
See you next time, when I'll be covering the best behavioral-based autism treatment options available and what you should know about
them.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Autism: Communication and Diet
Communication is not always an easy task given the complexity of the condition and
the common lack of understanding of social cues and interaction.
However, there is one step you can take that may provide some
help to increase communication and understanding...
And with all the "hype" about Jenny McCarthy's book it probably
doesn't surprise you to hear that dietary choices can make a
difference to the life of some with autism and the lives of those
around them.
-------------------------------------------------
But why is diet so important?
-------------------------------------------------
Certain dietary choices can have really positive effects on autism
behaviors, reducing many symptoms and for a small number of children,
some behaviors may disappear altogether.
You can find out more here:
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
So while it's not a cure, the potential benefits are very high.
The reason diet can play such an important role is because there's
evidence that 70-80% of people with autism have abnormal levels of
substances similar to opioid peptides in their urine.
These chemical compounds have been named for their similarity to
morphine.
Opioid peptides can be produced by the body when certain foods are
eaten and digested and can cause disruption to the normal function
of the brain.
Casein is one of the substances in foods that is a concern -
It has been shown to break down in the stomach into casomorphine,
a substance that has opioid properties.
Casein is found in Cows milk and other milk products as well as
being added to non-dairy foods in the form of caseinate.
Gluten, found in wheat and other grains, is another food that during
the digestive process is thought to have potentially negative
effects on a person with Autism.
These potential harmful effects have prompted many families to
introduce gluten and casein free diets for their children with
varying degrees of success.
Some parents' report improved eye contact, less digestion problems
and better behavior, like Jenny's son. However, other parents have
found a change in diet doesn't make any difference at all.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
How do you know it will work for your child?
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Well to be honest you don't know without trying.
Following a gluten and casein free (GFCF) diet takes dedication and
time.
There are many processed foods that contain both these compounds so
avoiding them is challenging.
Also it can take up to 6 months for the body to totally eliminate
gluten, so patience and perseverance is required.
If this sounds like a treatment you would like to try for your child
and are interested in learning more there is a comprehensive list of
foods to avoid and foods to include in a diet designed for someone
with autism in my downloadable ebook, The Essential Guide To Autism.
You can grab your copy here:
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
-----------------------------------------
Is there anything else?
-----------------------------------------
Yes, your child can also begin taking a number of medications to
help manage Autism behaviors. Your doctor should be able to
recommend suitable drugs.
However, before you decide to go down the route of medication, be
sure you fully understand the following:
- The medication's purpose
- How you are going to be able to tell if the medication is working
- Possible side effects to the medication
- Possible side effects should the medication be stopped i.e.
withdrawal.
- Interactions the medication may have with other drugs, both
prescription and over-the-counter
There are also plenty of natural and alternative treatments you can
use and we'll cover these in a later newsletter.
Autism is a complex condition, and treatment options are unique to
the individual.
Thanks for reading, and I will be back with the alternative
treatment therapies for Autism real soon.
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
the common lack of understanding of social cues and interaction.
However, there is one step you can take that may provide some
help to increase communication and understanding...
And with all the "hype" about Jenny McCarthy's book it probably
doesn't surprise you to hear that dietary choices can make a
difference to the life of some with autism and the lives of those
around them.
-------------------------------------------------
But why is diet so important?
-------------------------------------------------
Certain dietary choices can have really positive effects on autism
behaviors, reducing many symptoms and for a small number of children,
some behaviors may disappear altogether.
You can find out more here:
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
So while it's not a cure, the potential benefits are very high.
The reason diet can play such an important role is because there's
evidence that 70-80% of people with autism have abnormal levels of
substances similar to opioid peptides in their urine.
These chemical compounds have been named for their similarity to
morphine.
Opioid peptides can be produced by the body when certain foods are
eaten and digested and can cause disruption to the normal function
of the brain.
Casein is one of the substances in foods that is a concern -
It has been shown to break down in the stomach into casomorphine,
a substance that has opioid properties.
Casein is found in Cows milk and other milk products as well as
being added to non-dairy foods in the form of caseinate.
Gluten, found in wheat and other grains, is another food that during
the digestive process is thought to have potentially negative
effects on a person with Autism.
These potential harmful effects have prompted many families to
introduce gluten and casein free diets for their children with
varying degrees of success.
Some parents' report improved eye contact, less digestion problems
and better behavior, like Jenny's son. However, other parents have
found a change in diet doesn't make any difference at all.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
How do you know it will work for your child?
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Well to be honest you don't know without trying.
Following a gluten and casein free (GFCF) diet takes dedication and
time.
There are many processed foods that contain both these compounds so
avoiding them is challenging.
Also it can take up to 6 months for the body to totally eliminate
gluten, so patience and perseverance is required.
If this sounds like a treatment you would like to try for your child
and are interested in learning more there is a comprehensive list of
foods to avoid and foods to include in a diet designed for someone
with autism in my downloadable ebook, The Essential Guide To Autism.
You can grab your copy here:
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
-----------------------------------------
Is there anything else?
-----------------------------------------
Yes, your child can also begin taking a number of medications to
help manage Autism behaviors. Your doctor should be able to
recommend suitable drugs.
However, before you decide to go down the route of medication, be
sure you fully understand the following:
- The medication's purpose
- How you are going to be able to tell if the medication is working
- Possible side effects to the medication
- Possible side effects should the medication be stopped i.e.
withdrawal.
- Interactions the medication may have with other drugs, both
prescription and over-the-counter
There are also plenty of natural and alternative treatments you can
use and we'll cover these in a later newsletter.
Autism is a complex condition, and treatment options are unique to
the individual.
Thanks for reading, and I will be back with the alternative
treatment therapies for Autism real soon.
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Help With Autism - Communicating With Your Child
So, how do you communicate effectively?
-----------------------------------------------------
Communication can be difficult for people with autism.
They can take things very literally, with sayings, double meanings
or jokes in speech often being confusing for them.
So when speaking to someone with autism it's best to avoid using
figures of speech...
Phrases like "apple of your eye" or 'cute as button' can cause
confusion as they may be taken literally.
The key is to speak slowly and clearly explaining in simple terms
what you want or the action you desire them to do.
This doesn't mean you should talk down to them, rather its about
choosing your words carefully. Avoiding the following will help with
understanding and reduce the risk of losing their attention:
- Sarcasm
- Irony
- Long, involved explanations
-----------------------------------
Removing the barriers
-----------------------------------
It's not uncommon for people with autism to have a good ear for
differing tones.
This can mean that spoken language is better understood if it is
sung to them.
Try making up songs that include instructions about teeth cleaning,
tidying their room, and doing homework or whatever tasks you wish.
Most people with autism struggle with the usual 'give and take' of
conversation and will often concentrate on one topic and talk
exclusively about that topic without giving anyone else a chance to
contribute.
Body language is another area that can cause problems with
communication.
Although we may not consciously realize it, we rely heavily on body
language during verbal communication.
Without the ability to interpret facial expressions and bodily
gestures understanding can be impaired.
This can lead to feelings of frustration or confusion which can be
demonstrated by outbursts, walking away or simply grabbing what they
want as they couldn't make their needs understood.
---------------------------
Get creative
---------------------------
Many people with autism are highly visual and often understand
pictures better than words.
Try using pictures or photos to express ideas and instructions.
An important point to remember with communication is that it 'takes
two'.
Therefore rather than viewing your child as having a communication
disorder it can be helpful to see the difficulties you may have
getting through to your child as 'disordered communication'.
By adopting this viewpoint it removes any blame and can help you
work towards a place where communication becomes easier.
If you are interested to find out more about how to more effectively
communicate with your child and discover if you're getting through
to them, visit this website:
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
-----------------------------------------------------
Communication can be difficult for people with autism.
They can take things very literally, with sayings, double meanings
or jokes in speech often being confusing for them.
So when speaking to someone with autism it's best to avoid using
figures of speech...
Phrases like "apple of your eye" or 'cute as button' can cause
confusion as they may be taken literally.
The key is to speak slowly and clearly explaining in simple terms
what you want or the action you desire them to do.
This doesn't mean you should talk down to them, rather its about
choosing your words carefully. Avoiding the following will help with
understanding and reduce the risk of losing their attention:
- Sarcasm
- Irony
- Long, involved explanations
-----------------------------------
Removing the barriers
-----------------------------------
It's not uncommon for people with autism to have a good ear for
differing tones.
This can mean that spoken language is better understood if it is
sung to them.
Try making up songs that include instructions about teeth cleaning,
tidying their room, and doing homework or whatever tasks you wish.
Most people with autism struggle with the usual 'give and take' of
conversation and will often concentrate on one topic and talk
exclusively about that topic without giving anyone else a chance to
contribute.
Body language is another area that can cause problems with
communication.
Although we may not consciously realize it, we rely heavily on body
language during verbal communication.
Without the ability to interpret facial expressions and bodily
gestures understanding can be impaired.
This can lead to feelings of frustration or confusion which can be
demonstrated by outbursts, walking away or simply grabbing what they
want as they couldn't make their needs understood.
---------------------------
Get creative
---------------------------
Many people with autism are highly visual and often understand
pictures better than words.
Try using pictures or photos to express ideas and instructions.
An important point to remember with communication is that it 'takes
two'.
Therefore rather than viewing your child as having a communication
disorder it can be helpful to see the difficulties you may have
getting through to your child as 'disordered communication'.
By adopting this viewpoint it removes any blame and can help you
work towards a place where communication becomes easier.
If you are interested to find out more about how to more effectively
communicate with your child and discover if you're getting through
to them, visit this website:
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
Monday, April 6, 2009
How To Know The Signs Of Autism
Why it is important to know the signs of autism?
Well - early diagnosis allows for earlier intervention, which increases the chance of your loved ones having a better quality life and increasing your child's potential.
So, lets get started -
Autism characteristics vary wildly from patient to patient.
There's a saying that goes something like this:
"Once you've met one person with autism...you've met one person with
autism"
It's because everyone with Autism is unique that confirming a diagnosis can be difficult, but there are certain characteristics of autism that do appear regularly...
----------------------------------
Common characteristics
----------------------------------
It's usually the case that parents are the first to notice something isn't quite 'right' about their child's behavior.
They may notice differences right from birth, such as a dislike of physical contact, the inability to make or maintain eye contact, or staring at objects for an unusually long time.
Or, a child who has been meeting all the usual developmental milestones within the normal time frames may suddenly stop progressing or even show a decline in skills.
Children with autism sometimes stop verbalizing, begin to show self-destructive behaviors, or avoid social contact.
Whatever the case may be, when parents notice something is wrong, they are usually correct so don't be afraid to raise your concerns with your doctor.
Signs that should encourage a doctor to carry out a full evaluation
include:
- Failure to coo or babble by or before one year old.
- Inability to speak single words by 16 months.
- Inability to communicate non-verbally, such as pointing at
objects or waving, by age one.
- Inability to independently speak two-word phrases by age 2
- Loss of any communication or social skill at any age.
-------------------------------
But that's not all
-------------------------------
If you're concerned about your loved one, now is the time to act.
The sooner you discover all about this complex condition, the sooner you'll be able to make informed decisions about which treatments to try.
Just click the link below and you'll find out how to get hold of all the information you'll need...
Including a simple 13 point questionnaire that guides you through
the process of identifying the symptoms of autism and highlights an
additional 22 signs of autism to check for.
Here's the link:
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
Well - early diagnosis allows for earlier intervention, which increases the chance of your loved ones having a better quality life and increasing your child's potential.
So, lets get started -
Autism characteristics vary wildly from patient to patient.
There's a saying that goes something like this:
"Once you've met one person with autism...you've met one person with
autism"
It's because everyone with Autism is unique that confirming a diagnosis can be difficult, but there are certain characteristics of autism that do appear regularly...
----------------------------------
Common characteristics
----------------------------------
It's usually the case that parents are the first to notice something isn't quite 'right' about their child's behavior.
They may notice differences right from birth, such as a dislike of physical contact, the inability to make or maintain eye contact, or staring at objects for an unusually long time.
Or, a child who has been meeting all the usual developmental milestones within the normal time frames may suddenly stop progressing or even show a decline in skills.
Children with autism sometimes stop verbalizing, begin to show self-destructive behaviors, or avoid social contact.
Whatever the case may be, when parents notice something is wrong, they are usually correct so don't be afraid to raise your concerns with your doctor.
Signs that should encourage a doctor to carry out a full evaluation
include:
- Failure to coo or babble by or before one year old.
- Inability to speak single words by 16 months.
- Inability to communicate non-verbally, such as pointing at
objects or waving, by age one.
- Inability to independently speak two-word phrases by age 2
- Loss of any communication or social skill at any age.
-------------------------------
But that's not all
-------------------------------
If you're concerned about your loved one, now is the time to act.
The sooner you discover all about this complex condition, the sooner you'll be able to make informed decisions about which treatments to try.
Just click the link below and you'll find out how to get hold of all the information you'll need...
Including a simple 13 point questionnaire that guides you through
the process of identifying the symptoms of autism and highlights an
additional 22 signs of autism to check for.
Here's the link:
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Why Autism Is Different
Today, I'd like to explain where Autism fits within the spectrum
of PDD's (Pervasive Developmental Disorders) and what makes it
different.
********************************************************************
To discover what a diagnosis of autism REALLY means to health and
wellbeing and the steps you can take today to help your loved ones
vist this link:
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
********************************************************************
Helping parents understand Autism was the initial reason I started
my research into this particular PDD.
Despite the media attention (or maybe because of it??) there seems
to be quite a bit of confusion over exactly what Autism means...
How it relates to Asperger's and the other PDD's (Rett's Syndrome,
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and PDD-NOS) and what exactly is
"high-functioning autism" and does it even exist?
-----------------Here's why autism is different---------------------------
Researchers have defined several ways in which autism can be
differentiated from other PDD's:
- Children with autism are usually uninterested in interacting with
others.
- Children with autism may have speech delays or no speech at all.
- Children with autism may have other cognitive delays.
- Children with autism tend to have lower verbal IQs.
- Autism is usually apparent from early childhood and most children
are diagnosed between the ages of 2-4.
- Children with autism are more likely to have other neurological
disorders too.
Out of all of the PDD's (classic autism, Rett's Syndrome, Childhood
Disintegrative Disorder, PDD-NOS and Asperger's Syndrome)
Asperger's Syndrome is the least severe in most cases.
--------------------------------------------
So, what does this all mean?
--------------------------------------------
There's a wide range of symptoms associated with autism and an equally
wide range in the severity of those symptoms.
Each child displays different characteristics but there are three
core areas in which children need to show an impairment to receive
a PDD diagnosis:
1. Socialization
2. Communication
3. And atypical repetitive behaviors.
A child with difficulties in these areas, combined with language
delays or deficiencies, will usually be given an autism diagnosis.
Whereas, if a child doesn't have problems with language they may be
diagnosed as having Asperger's Syndrome.
This is where the term 'high functioning autism' comes into play...
While not a specific diagnostic term it is often used to describe
children who have mild autistic tendencies and is usually used in
reference to kids with Asperger's Syndrome.
--------------------------
What can you do?
--------------------------
The first step is to confirm a diagnosis to rule out any other
condition causing the symptoms.
Here's one thing you can do today...
Visit the link below into your browser to gain access to
all the expert information and treatment options I've discovered
about Autism over the past 3 and half years and how it relates to
the other PDD's.
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
of PDD's (Pervasive Developmental Disorders) and what makes it
different.
********************************************************************
To discover what a diagnosis of autism REALLY means to health and
wellbeing and the steps you can take today to help your loved ones
vist this link:
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
********************************************************************
Helping parents understand Autism was the initial reason I started
my research into this particular PDD.
Despite the media attention (or maybe because of it??) there seems
to be quite a bit of confusion over exactly what Autism means...
How it relates to Asperger's and the other PDD's (Rett's Syndrome,
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and PDD-NOS) and what exactly is
"high-functioning autism" and does it even exist?
-----------------Here's why autism is different---------------------------
Researchers have defined several ways in which autism can be
differentiated from other PDD's:
- Children with autism are usually uninterested in interacting with
others.
- Children with autism may have speech delays or no speech at all.
- Children with autism may have other cognitive delays.
- Children with autism tend to have lower verbal IQs.
- Autism is usually apparent from early childhood and most children
are diagnosed between the ages of 2-4.
- Children with autism are more likely to have other neurological
disorders too.
Out of all of the PDD's (classic autism, Rett's Syndrome, Childhood
Disintegrative Disorder, PDD-NOS and Asperger's Syndrome)
Asperger's Syndrome is the least severe in most cases.
--------------------------------------------
So, what does this all mean?
--------------------------------------------
There's a wide range of symptoms associated with autism and an equally
wide range in the severity of those symptoms.
Each child displays different characteristics but there are three
core areas in which children need to show an impairment to receive
a PDD diagnosis:
1. Socialization
2. Communication
3. And atypical repetitive behaviors.
A child with difficulties in these areas, combined with language
delays or deficiencies, will usually be given an autism diagnosis.
Whereas, if a child doesn't have problems with language they may be
diagnosed as having Asperger's Syndrome.
This is where the term 'high functioning autism' comes into play...
While not a specific diagnostic term it is often used to describe
children who have mild autistic tendencies and is usually used in
reference to kids with Asperger's Syndrome.
--------------------------
What can you do?
--------------------------
The first step is to confirm a diagnosis to rule out any other
condition causing the symptoms.
Here's one thing you can do today...
Visit the link below into your browser to gain access to
all the expert information and treatment options I've discovered
about Autism over the past 3 and half years and how it relates to
the other PDD's.
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Does Your Child Have Autism?
Autism is not something you have to manage alone.
It's estimate that as many as 1 in 150 children have Autism.
And it's the fastest growing development disability in the US, increasing in the US alone by 172% in the 1990s.
Autism is more common in boys, but that doesn't mean that girls aren't affected too (boys are 3 - 4 times more likely to be diagnosed with autism).
It's a very complex developmental disorder that generally shows itself at an early age with noticeable delays in skills.
Children with Autism generally display difficulties in three main areas:
- Communication Skills
- Behavioral Characteristics
- Social Abilities
Autism is part of a family of disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders, or PDD's. These are also known as Autistic Spectrum Disorders in many English-speaking countries.
------------------------------
Discovering Autism
------------------------------
The term Autism was first used around 1911 by Eugene Bleuler a Swiss psychiatrist, who derived the word from the Greek word "autos," which means "self" and used it to describe adult schizophrenia.
Then in 1943 Dr Leo Kanner, based on his observation of 11 children between 1938 and 1943, used the term autism to describe children who withdrew from human contact.
Up until the 1960's the medical community felt children who had autism where schizophrenic and many parents blamed themselves for their children's behavior.
Thankfully this outdated concept is no longer the case and autism is recognized as a developmental disorder and not the result of bad parenting or naughty behavior.
To discover what you can do to help your child check out link below:
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
Remember you can get immediate access to all the information you need to fully understand Autism and the various treatments available.
Just click this link now;
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
It's estimate that as many as 1 in 150 children have Autism.
And it's the fastest growing development disability in the US, increasing in the US alone by 172% in the 1990s.
Autism is more common in boys, but that doesn't mean that girls aren't affected too (boys are 3 - 4 times more likely to be diagnosed with autism).
It's a very complex developmental disorder that generally shows itself at an early age with noticeable delays in skills.
Children with Autism generally display difficulties in three main areas:
- Communication Skills
- Behavioral Characteristics
- Social Abilities
Autism is part of a family of disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders, or PDD's. These are also known as Autistic Spectrum Disorders in many English-speaking countries.
------------------------------
Discovering Autism
------------------------------
The term Autism was first used around 1911 by Eugene Bleuler a Swiss psychiatrist, who derived the word from the Greek word "autos," which means "self" and used it to describe adult schizophrenia.
Then in 1943 Dr Leo Kanner, based on his observation of 11 children between 1938 and 1943, used the term autism to describe children who withdrew from human contact.
Up until the 1960's the medical community felt children who had autism where schizophrenic and many parents blamed themselves for their children's behavior.
Thankfully this outdated concept is no longer the case and autism is recognized as a developmental disorder and not the result of bad parenting or naughty behavior.
To discover what you can do to help your child check out link below:
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
Remember you can get immediate access to all the information you need to fully understand Autism and the various treatments available.
Just click this link now;
www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com
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