Showing posts with label autistic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label autistic. Show all posts
July 3, 2013
May 8, 2013
What in the World Is Going On May 2013 Edition
A story that’s grabbing headlines this month is the Telford’s struggles with their adult son who has severe autism. Amanda Telford left her son at the Ottawa offices of Developmental Services Ontario, the Ontario government agency that connects adults with disabilities to services in the community because she said she can no longer care for him. Phillipe has complex needs and requires 24 hour supervision. The long waiting list for residential placements leaves families like the Telfords trying to manage on their own at home. Amanda Telford, social worker, said she and her husband ... more »
February 2, 2013
Scientists Investigate Possible Connection Between Autism and Vitamin D
With autism rates climbing and levels of vitamin D declining because of more sunscreen use and less time spent outdoors, scientists have begun to look into a possible link. A recent study was the first to discover that children with autism had significantly lower levels of vitamin D in their bloodstreams than non-autistic children. Yet many questions remain, and experts say none of the research so far has shown a convincing link.
Vitamin D is one of many environmental factors eyed by researchers seeking to understand why autism rates have continued their uninterrupted climb... READ MORE >
January 29, 2013
Autism turning into regional epidemic, experts warn
Fatima Muhammad | Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — Specialists are suggesting that research facilities at universities be utilized to develop programs to help autistic children. They also asked for an in-depth study to determine the real causes of the “alarming increase” of autism in the region.
Dr. Ehab Raja, head of the medical team at the Arab Network for Autism (ANA), said students more often than not turn in their research papers and keep them at university libraries. They rarely seek to apply their research findings in practice. He added that they hope to adapt these researches and turn them into practical tools to help autistic children.
The doctor was speaking to Saudi Gazette on the sidelines of the ninth meeting of the ANA at Jeddah Autism Center Saturday night.
READ MORE >
January 24, 2013
Autism in the News
Autism Speaks gives grants to York agencies
YorkRegion.comFor teenagers and young adults who have been diagnosed with high-functioning autism, the transition to post-secondary school can be a ...Prenatal inflammation linked to autism risk
National Institutes of Health (press release)Maternal inflammation during early pregnancy may be related to an increased risk of autism in children, according to new findings supported by ...Artist educates others on autism
Wayne County Journal BannerCAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP) _ Artist Taylor Crowe of Cape Girardeau has traveled across the country sharing his work, and his life, in an effort ...Staunton police learn to deal with autism cases
Staunton News LeaderSTAUNTON — Sparked by the November detainment of a jogger with autism, on Thursday the Staunton Police Department held its third and ...
Autism: Richard Stubbs Redux
ABC OnlineHave you been touched by autism? More children than ever are being diagnosed as autistic, but do we really understand what it is?UTSA opens new autism center downtown
WOAIThe Teacher Education Autism Model or TEAM, opened on Thursday at its downtown campus. The center will function like a teaching hospital and will serve ...Florence family running to help autism, not away from it
SCNowPennington gets daily therapy to deal with autism. His mother, Amy, is putting together a running race in March to raise money for families with ...Mack's autism not to blame for mother murder
Busselton Dunsborough MailAn autistic man who convinced relatives his mother was alive years after she vanished has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for her murder ...
Show moreTechnology opens up autism conference to local audience 0
Alberta Daily Herald TribuneEvery year for the last six years, the Children's Autism Services of Edmonton hosts an autismconference, one that focuses on different areas of ...
Genetic link provides another clue in autism mystery
Medill Reports: Chicago-Jan 23, 2013Researchers at the George Washington University made inhibitory interneurons in mice glow green in order to map their progress through the ...
Some Kids 'Age Out' of Autism
MedscapeSome children with an accurate diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may eventually "outgrow" the diagnosis and have normal ...
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January 23, 2013
Temple Grandin's presentation on autism at University of Redlands packs house
Toni Momberger | Whittier Daily News
Read more >
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Dr. Temple Grandin, a highly-accomplished adult with autism, livestock advocate and sought-after lecturer, presents "Thinking in Pictures: My Life With Autism", Tuesday at the University of Redlands. (John Valenzuela/Staff Photographer)
The Memorial Chapel at the University of Redlands didn't have an empty seat or parking space Tuesday night when Temple Grandin took the stage to discuss her life as a successful autistic.
In 2010 HBO made a movie about her that bears her name, starring Claire Danes, and Grandin was included in the TIME list of the 100 most influential people in the world in the "Heroes" category.
She opened by explaining that autism is a broad spectrum. A person could be highly functional, like Albert Einstein and Steve Jobs, unable to dress himself or anywhere in between.
Her success includes becoming a doctor of animal science and an author. She is also an autism activist, and invented a squeeze machine to calm autistic children, a hug box.
In addition to working as a professor at Colorado State University, she's a consultant in the livestock industry on animal behavior.
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January 21, 2013
Who Can Outgrow or Recover From Autism?
A New Study Sparks Debate About Early Diagnosis and Calls for Further Research Into Why Some Improve
Jake Exkorn, playing soccer at camp in Maine, was diagnosed with autism at age 2, but by 4, he no longer had it, his mother says. | Camp Micah
Evidence is growing for a notion long observed by doctors and parents: Some children with autism appear to grow out of their symptoms and recover fully.
Evidence is growing for a notion long observed by doctors and parents: Some children with autism appear to grow out of their symptoms and recover fully.
The reasons aren't entirely clear, but a recent study adds to the body of scientific work suggesting some autistic people get better. Led by a team from the University of Connecticut, researchers last week reported that they had identified 34 people who had all been diagnosed with autism by age 5 but years later were indistinguishable from peers on language, socialization and communication skills.
The individuals, ranging from 8 to 21 years old, had originally been diagnosed by autism specialists or other trained doctors. MORE >
The individuals, ranging from 8 to 21 years old, had originally been diagnosed by autism specialists or other trained doctors. MORE >
January 18, 2013
Make room in the workplace for people with Autism
The Dandelion Model refers to the value of dandelions as herbs not weeds and similarly disabilities as a potential benefit to the workplace (photo: HckySo)
Jeff is a 19 year old high school grad who spends a whole lot of time playing video games in his mom's basement. He is also autistic and that ease with the computer may be just the thing that will allow him to find meaningful work. Today we look at the employable side of Autism and the entrepreneurs changing the lives of autistic young people by recognizing their potential.
Make room in the workplace for people with Autism - Specialisterne
According to Autism Society Canada, 200-thousand Canadians are living with an autism spectrum disorder. Some show quite severe symptoms, others hardly any at all. But the chances are you haven't met any of them at work. It's not because they can't handle the work -- often it's because they can't handle job interviews -- or the noise of the workplace.
But there's a growing movement to find jobs that can take advantage of the often remarkable capabilities of autistic people. And a Danish Company is leading the way. Specialisterne specifically hires people on the autism spectrum.
Thorkil Sonne founded the company and this month he's expanding his operations to the U.S. We reached him at his office in Copenhagen... MORE >
January 16, 2013
New Gene Variants Linked to Autism
Understanding autism’s genetic roots is a priority, researchers say, since it may lead to earlier diagnosis and behavioral intervention, which can improve patient outcomes.
“Oftentimes findings like this get published in academic journals, but they don’t get translated into clinical use,” says Chuck Hensel, an author on the new research study, published in PLoS ONE, who is the senior manager of research at the genetic diagnostics company Lineagen. “Our goal,” Hensel says, “is to try to get these markers into the clinic.”
Read more >
January 13, 2013
Ten-year-old autistic ballerina who charmed the world inspires others
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| Clara Bergs is shown in a family photo taken at the end of November at home after she had returned from school. The 10-year-old who has autism and a genetic disorder called DiGeorge Syndrome spun into the spotlight after a YouTube video of her dancing along to a 19th-century ballet delighted Internet audiences around the globe. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ho |
Clara Bergs may have difficulty with her words and face learning challenges at school, but when she puts on her tutu and twirls around the room, she charms the world.
The 10-year-old who has autism and a genetic disorder called DiGeorge Syndrome spun into the spotlight after a YouTube video of her dancing along to a 19th-century ballet delighted Internet audiences around the globe.
For Clara's mother, what was truly touching about the reaction to her daughter's performance, was the response from other families with special needs kids.
"They just said 'Clara is an inspiration to us,'" says Lisa Anderson. More >
January 10, 2013
Miss America contestant's brave admission: "I have autism."
Autism may soon have a surprising new spokesperson: Alexis Wineman, an 18-year-old Montana woman who hopes to be crowned Miss America on Saturday night.
"Most people do not understand what autism is," says Wineman in her video entry for the Miss America online finalist competition. "And 1 in 88 people having some form of autism, this understanding is becoming more and more necessary." To that end, she has made her platform "Normal is Just a Dryer Setting: Living with Autism."
Wineman, who is the current Miss Montana, is both the youngest Miss America contestant this year and the first ever to have some form of autism. The brunette beauty queen was diagnosed at the age of 11 with... MORE >
January 6, 2013
Farewell to Aspies: Some families reluctant to let go of Asperger's diagnosis
TODAY.com
The news that the term “Asperger’s syndrome” will soon cease to exist has some parents concerned – especially parents raising “Aspie” children.
Starting May 2013, the American Psychiatric Association’s new diagnostic manual, known as the DSM-5, will go into effect, stripping the well-known condition – a condition sometimes associated with loner geniuses like Albert Einstein and Andy Warhol -- of its name.
Instead, Asperger’s syndrome will simply be known as ASD-Level 1 (mild), a top rung in the ladder of autism spectrum disorders. For those who viewed an Asperger’s diagnosis as light-years away from clinical autism, this new classification may feel like a fall from grace...
MORE >
January 2, 2013
How and when do you tell a child about their ASD diagnosis?
Answer: There are a number of frequently asked questions around when you should tell a child about their ASD diagnosis. How do you tell a child about their diagnosis of ASD? Is there a right age? How do you know when the child is ready to hear the information? It is recommended not to start this process before the age of 7. Children under that age generally don’t have enough understanding to grasp what autism is all about. When parents feel anxious about wanting to talk to their young child about autism, I usually suggest they begin with celebrating differences and building pos... more »
January 1, 2013
What in the World is Going On January 2013 Edition
The big news this past month was the finalizing of the DSM-V which will be published May 2013. There was much discussion around the possibility of Asperger Syndrome no longer being classified as a separate diagnosis. Asperger Syndrome will now be a part of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a new term added to the manual. ASD is a term already used by many experts in the field. The new category will include individuals with severe autism, who often don't talk or interact, as well as those with milder forms. Catherine Lord, an autism expert at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York... more »
December 28, 2012
Characters with autism getting prime spots on major TV series
NICK PATCH | The Canadian Press
When Parenthood creator Jason Katims created the character Max Braverman – an intelligent, inscrutable, insect-obsessed youngster with Asperger’s – he had in mind his own son, Sawyer, who was similarly diagnosed.
But while many are absorbed in the travails of the mop-topped Max on the generously open-hearted family TV drama, Katims’s own teenaged son isn’t among them.
“Everybody else in the family watches it but he doesn’t,” the Emmy Award-winner said in a recent telephone interview, chuckling softly.
Fortunately for Katims, millions of other people are playing close attention – particularly those with a loved one on the autism spectrum.
And those numbers are growing. One in 88 American children has an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and – while no federal monitoring system exists in Canada to provide a similar rate of prevalence – ASD is the most common childhood neurological disorder or severe developmental disability here. (A controversial decision was recently made to fold Asperger syndrome, a type of high-functioning autism, into an umbrella diagnosis for autism spectrum disorder, but the families interviewed for this story largely used the terms interchangeably.)
Television can often be painstakingly slow to adapt to such shifts in demographics. But it’s clear that some of the challenges faced by the autistic population have captured the imagination of TV writers, who are increasingly penning eccentric characters whose quirks would seem to align with typical characteristics of ASD on shows including The Big Bang Theory and Bones.
READ MORE >
In autism, there's no such thing as a simple shave and a haircut
Liz Becker
I tried taking my autistic son, Matt for professional hair care, but I soon found that there was no such thing as a simple haircut. Matt, not wanting to sit in the chair, put on the apron, or watch a pointed object approach his head, would struggle and fight through the entire process. I finally decided I would have to attempt to cut his hair myself. I hoped that maybe being in the comfort of familiar surroundings of home, that maybe, just maybe, we could be successful.
I talked him into sitting in the chair and even in wearing the plastic drape, but all that cooperation disappeared when I got out the scissors. As I tried to trim his hair Matt would unexpectedly jut his fingers up between the blades of the shears in an attempt to stop the process: he squirmed, twisted, his hands in constant motion the entire time. He especially hated the sound of his hair being trimmed around his ears - his hands again flying upward to cover and protect them. It was exhausting, for both of us.
Read more >
I tried taking my autistic son, Matt for professional hair care, but I soon found that there was no such thing as a simple haircut. Matt, not wanting to sit in the chair, put on the apron, or watch a pointed object approach his head, would struggle and fight through the entire process. I finally decided I would have to attempt to cut his hair myself. I hoped that maybe being in the comfort of familiar surroundings of home, that maybe, just maybe, we could be successful.
I talked him into sitting in the chair and even in wearing the plastic drape, but all that cooperation disappeared when I got out the scissors. As I tried to trim his hair Matt would unexpectedly jut his fingers up between the blades of the shears in an attempt to stop the process: he squirmed, twisted, his hands in constant motion the entire time. He especially hated the sound of his hair being trimmed around his ears - his hands again flying upward to cover and protect them. It was exhausting, for both of us.
Read more >
December 27, 2012
Autism and the ultimate goal: independence
Liz Becker
Navigating autism takes time – lots and lots of time. It took until Matt was almost 5 years old for speech to come, and then it was very few words for years after. It took almost 7 years to get out of diapers and almost 9 to completely be potty trained without the occasional accident. It took until he was almost 7 years old to get use to a change in routine, to age 12 to agree to try a new food item, and he was somewhere in his early teens when he started to pick out his own clothes. Autism slows down progress, but the good news is that it doesn’t stop progress. Doing something new just takes more time to learn.
I was never in a hurry – except for speech. Speech has a window of opportunity, so we pushed him to speak. Matt saw a speech therapist from his diagnosis at two and a half years old to his day of graduation from high school at 19 years old. Everything else was mostly accomplished with a bit of steady pressure and a great deal of time. Matt was given equal time to flap his hands and spin his toys and time to focus on learning something new.
Read more >
Navigating autism takes time – lots and lots of time. It took until Matt was almost 5 years old for speech to come, and then it was very few words for years after. It took almost 7 years to get out of diapers and almost 9 to completely be potty trained without the occasional accident. It took until he was almost 7 years old to get use to a change in routine, to age 12 to agree to try a new food item, and he was somewhere in his early teens when he started to pick out his own clothes. Autism slows down progress, but the good news is that it doesn’t stop progress. Doing something new just takes more time to learn.
I was never in a hurry – except for speech. Speech has a window of opportunity, so we pushed him to speak. Matt saw a speech therapist from his diagnosis at two and a half years old to his day of graduation from high school at 19 years old. Everything else was mostly accomplished with a bit of steady pressure and a great deal of time. Matt was given equal time to flap his hands and spin his toys and time to focus on learning something new.
Read more >
December 26, 2012
Occupational therapy, autism and tactics of self-regulation
Brian Field
Occupational Therapy, or “OT,” is frequently incorporated into autism therapy regimens to help, among other things, stimulate a balance between the body and mind that can help focus the child. For example, a child may be easily distracted while sitting in a regular classroom chair. When the chair is replaced by a large exercise ball and the child now needs to maintain his balance while sitting, the child’s mind becomes more attuned – focused in part on balancing, more aware of the environment around him, and able to concentrate and focus on other learning.
Exposure to OT and developing awareness to self-regulate one’s body and the body-mind connection can help children – and adults – focus when distracted, and energize oneself when feeling depleted. For younger children, talking about one’s body as an “engine” that’s performing slowly, or “hot/too much energy” is a good visual to use. The following are some OT tactics that can help get your child (or you) out of a “hot zone” and into a calmer physical-mental state.
“On high” at home: too much energy and running all over the house? Some ways to ground yourself are animal walking, learning a few simple yoga postures to do, stopping and taking a few deep breaths.
Read more >
Occupational Therapy, or “OT,” is frequently incorporated into autism therapy regimens to help, among other things, stimulate a balance between the body and mind that can help focus the child. For example, a child may be easily distracted while sitting in a regular classroom chair. When the chair is replaced by a large exercise ball and the child now needs to maintain his balance while sitting, the child’s mind becomes more attuned – focused in part on balancing, more aware of the environment around him, and able to concentrate and focus on other learning.
Exposure to OT and developing awareness to self-regulate one’s body and the body-mind connection can help children – and adults – focus when distracted, and energize oneself when feeling depleted. For younger children, talking about one’s body as an “engine” that’s performing slowly, or “hot/too much energy” is a good visual to use. The following are some OT tactics that can help get your child (or you) out of a “hot zone” and into a calmer physical-mental state.
“On high” at home: too much energy and running all over the house? Some ways to ground yourself are animal walking, learning a few simple yoga postures to do, stopping and taking a few deep breaths.
Read more >
December 23, 2012
Autistic Kids Deserve Some Santa Time, Too
Visiting Santa at the mall is a big part of the Christmas season for a lot of kids - it's a chance to sit down with the big guy and get a few requests in before Christmas morning comes along.
But at this time of year, standing in line at the mall is a noisy, crowded, bright experience. And that means it's basically off limits for many kids with autism - the stimulation is too much for them to handle.
Well, some places in the U.S. and Canada have introduced programs that offer kids who are diagnosed on the autism spectrum a calmer, more soothing way to meet Santa Claus.
In Madison, Wisconsin, an event called "Quiet Santa" gave kids a chance to meet Santa in a friendly environment.
December 22, 2012
Autism and small victories
Lena Rivkin
“Phillip made that!” I proudly exclaimed. Then I instantly wondered who exactly I had become. A friend had come over with her 5-month-old baby. After we cooed over her baby’s latest accomplishments, I suddenly pointed to a neon pink, incredibly long legged creation with green ears, round black eyes and a glittering necktie, taped to my refrigerator door. I instantly worried aloud if I had just sounded too parental. My friend reassured me. “You’re not just Phillip’s sister. You’re his parent as well. So why not be proud of his accomplishments!” She’s right. I am proud. As an adult with severe autism, my brother Phillip doesn’t use words. He speaks with his art.
My brother and I were equally lucky in different ways to have an artist for a mother. Everything our mother did, she did with creativity and her own personal flair. Termed severely retarded at the age of three, my parents were told to expect nothing of Phillip, advised to put him in a mental hospital and to move on with their lives. Even though Phillip was born long before autism was considered common, my parents instinctively saw their son as more than just a dire diagnosis. So they did just the opposite.
My mother and father were very involved and dedicated parents. They fully immersed him in their fun and busy lives. They were proud of everything he accomplished. After I was born, my parents skillfully raised me to know that my older brother was special and he was my family.
Read more >
“Phillip made that!” I proudly exclaimed. Then I instantly wondered who exactly I had become. A friend had come over with her 5-month-old baby. After we cooed over her baby’s latest accomplishments, I suddenly pointed to a neon pink, incredibly long legged creation with green ears, round black eyes and a glittering necktie, taped to my refrigerator door. I instantly worried aloud if I had just sounded too parental. My friend reassured me. “You’re not just Phillip’s sister. You’re his parent as well. So why not be proud of his accomplishments!” She’s right. I am proud. As an adult with severe autism, my brother Phillip doesn’t use words. He speaks with his art.
My brother and I were equally lucky in different ways to have an artist for a mother. Everything our mother did, she did with creativity and her own personal flair. Termed severely retarded at the age of three, my parents were told to expect nothing of Phillip, advised to put him in a mental hospital and to move on with their lives. Even though Phillip was born long before autism was considered common, my parents instinctively saw their son as more than just a dire diagnosis. So they did just the opposite.
My mother and father were very involved and dedicated parents. They fully immersed him in their fun and busy lives. They were proud of everything he accomplished. After I was born, my parents skillfully raised me to know that my older brother was special and he was my family.
Read more >
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