Living with an Autistic Child: The hallmark feature of Autism is impaired social ...

Living with an Autistic Child: The hallmark feature of Autism is impaired social ...: The hallmark feature of Autism is impaired social interaction. A child's caregivers or teachers are the first to notice signs of Autism. D...

Living with an Autistic Child: FYI: It is estimated that one in every 110 childr...

Living with an Autistic Child: FYI: It is estimated that one in every 110 childr...: FYI: It is estimated that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with Autism, making it more common than juvenile diabetes, childhood cance...

Living with an Autistic Child: Getting a proper education is the key. Unfortunat...

Living with an Autistic Child: Getting a proper education is the key. Unfortunat...: Getting a proper education is the key. Unfortunately many Autistic children are misplaced in the wrong classrooms. First of all the classr...

Getting a proper education is the key.  Unfortunately many Autistic children are misplaced in the wrong classrooms.  First of all the classrooms are heavily populated with children and the Autistic child should be in a small classroom with no more than 10 children , too many kids creates a very stressful environment for the child which leads to stress and other emotional disorders. Getting your child diagnosed and taking the letter to the principals office is a start.  You would be surprised to know how many people have Autistic children and are in denial and won't even get their kids diagnosed by a doctor! Instead they continue to send the child to regular classrooms and wonder why the child is getting bad grades. It is so important that we get our kids diagnosed early as age one, and get started early!

Living with an Autistic Child: Recently I was reading a blog about a mother of an...

Living with an Autistic Child: Recently I was reading a blog about a mother of an...: Recently I was reading a blog about a mother of an Autistic boy. She had many concerns about his behavior. When he acted out she would tel...

Living with an Autistic Child: The hallmark feature of Autism is impaired social ...

Living with an Autistic Child: The hallmark feature of Autism is impaired social ...: The hallmark feature of Autism is impaired social interaction. A child's caregivers or teachers are the first to notice signs of Autism. D...

The hallmark feature of Autism is impaired social interaction.  A child's caregivers or teachers are the first to notice signs of Autism.  During infancy the baby shows signs of unresponsiveness towards people and may focus exclusively on one item and sit away from others for long periods.  A child may appear normal for the first year of life and then suddenly withdraw and become indifferent to social engagements.  They may fail to respond to their names and avoid eye contact.  They have difficulty interpreting what others are saying or thinking, they have problems with social cues. They can't pick up on facial expressions due to the lack of eye contact.  They lack empathy.  Many engage in repetitive movements such as rocking and twirling and self abusive behavior such as biting or head banging, and annoying repetitive sounds.Although they appear to be mentally impaired they are trainable and capable of living productive lives.

Living with an Autistic Child: Recently I was reading a blog about a mother of an...

Living with an Autistic Child: Recently I was reading a blog about a mother of an...: Recently I was reading a blog about a mother of an Autistic boy. She had many concerns about his behavior. When he acted out she would tel...

Living with an Autistic Child: Autism is a general term used to describe a wide r...

Living with an Autistic Child: Autism is a general term used to describe a wide r...: Autism is a general term used to describe a wide range of complex neurodevelopment disorders referred to as Autism Spectrum disorders. Thes...

Autism is a general term used to describe a wide range of complex neurodevelopment disorders referred to as Autism Spectrum disorders.  These disorders are characterized by social impairments, communication problems,  restricted,  repetitive, stereotyped patterns of behavior. Autistic disorder or Autism (classical ASD) is the most severe form of ASD, while other conditions include a milder form known as Asperger syndrome, the rare form called Rett syndrome, and pervasive development not otherwise specified. (PDD-NOS). It occurs in all ethnic and socioeconomic groups and affects every age.  One out of every 110 children are being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorders daily, and one out of 70 boys. Unfortunately the numbers will continue until we find a cure.

Living with an Autistic Child: "Where did Autism come from?"

Living with an Autistic Child: "Where did Autism come from?": "Where did Autism come from?"

"Where did Autism come from?"

Back in the early 1900's, Autism was referred to as a psychological condition. A Swiss psychiatrist by the name of Eugen Bieuler was the first person to use the term.He referred it to a group of symptoms associated with schizophrenia.Autism and schizophrenia remained linked in the minds of researchers until the1960's. From the 1960's and 1970's Autistic children were given LSD, electric shock, and behavior change techniques that consisted of pain and punishment. It wasn't until the 1980's and 1990's the role of behavior therapy and the use of highly controlled learning environments became the primary source of treatment for Autism. However many of the Autistic population rely on medication for ADD (attention deficit disorder), seizures and emotional disorders.

Living with an Autistic Child: "What makes you an expert on Autism?"

Living with an Autistic Child: "What makes you an expert on Autism?": "What makes you an expert on Autism?"

"What makes you an expert on Autism?"

I don't claim to be an expert on Autism. First of let me set the record straight. Gregory was difficult child to raise.  He would sit and bang his head against the wall.  He would constantly run around the house screaming for no particular reason at times. At dinnertime I was afraid he would choke himself.  He would stuff food in his mouth so fast that he would make himself sick. I don't think he ever got a good night's sleep or anybody else for that matter! I remember taking him to the mall.  He had the worse temper tantrum! He ran through the mall and I couldn't find him for about twenty minutes! I was frantic looking everywhere and calling his name.  Finally a security guard was escorting him out of a store about five stores away. He said he got a call from the store owner because my son was banging on the glass window. That was quite embarrassing!  Trust me I've had many embarrassing moments with Gregory. Everyday I would find myself apologizing for his behavior. I didn't know what to do at times, so I prayed a lot! Thank God I made it through!

Living with an Autistic Child: "What causes a child to be born with Autism?"

Living with an Autistic Child: "What causes a child to be born with Autism?": "What causes a child to be born with Autism?"

"What causes a child to be born with Autism?"

No one really knows what causes Autism.  There are many theories.  Some researchers say Autism is caused by environmental factors.  Some believe its linked to early immunizations.  One of the most recent studies suggest that Autism is linked with type 2 Diabetes. It could be a number of reasons. It could be a result of all the chemicals used in food processing and preservatives.  Hormones injected into cows and chickens to keep them alive and to increase their growth. Have you considered the fact that people flush millions and billions of medications in the sewer system on a daily basis!  Not to mention chemicals in the air we breath!

Living with an Autistic Child: "What can I do as a parent of an Autistic toddler?...

Living with an Autistic Child: "What can I do as a parent of an Autistic toddler?...: "What can I do as a parent of an Autistic toddler?"

"What can I do as a parent of an Autistic toddler?"

You can help your child a great deal by early learning interventions.  Introduce your child to colorful learning toys, books and games to stimulate his or her mind.  Remember start off with simple tasks.  Memory games would be a great choice, since Autistic children have excellent memories. Work with your child on a daily basis for short intervals at first. Try not to overdo or your child will get frustrated and lose interest. Remember learning should be fun.  The more enjoyable you make it for your child the more he or she will want to participate. Be patient and remember to reward your child when progress is made. Don't get discouraged or look discouraged your child may sense you frustrations and may not want to study anymore. Keep smiling no matter what! Rewards will come in time!

Living with an Autistic Child: Living with an Autistic Child: Today was a beautif...

Living with an Autistic Child: Living with an Autistic Child: Today was a beautif...: Living with an Autistic Child: Today was a beautiful day. Clear skies and great ... : Today was a beautiful day. Clear skies and great wea...

Researchers are trying to find a cure and/or the adequate treatment for Autism.  The disease is steadily growing in numbers. Scientists have linked the disease with type two diabetes, Rubella during pregnancy. poor prenatal care and swollen brain disorders.  Still none of these presumptions have proven to be conclusive. What we can do as parents is to observe are children carefully and any unusual signs of development should not be taken lightly. If your toddler appears to be withdrawn and doesn't like to cuddle or be held, this could be a red flag.  Is he repeating words or sounds?  Has he stopped using words?  Does he play with toys in an inappropriate way?  Does he interact well with peers?  If you notice any of these sign consult your pediatrician immediately.  Have your child tested for Autism.  The sooner the diagnosis the sooner your child can be treated.

Living with an Autistic Child: Today was a beautiful day. Clear skies and great ...

Living with an Autistic Child: Today was a beautiful day. Clear skies and great ...: Today was a beautiful day. Clear skies and great weather for this time of the year! No snow--Thank God! Greg is enjoying it. Halloween di...

Today was a beautiful day.  Clear skies and great weather for this time of the year!  No snow--Thank God!  Greg is enjoying it. Halloween didn't go so well and Greg was a little disappointed, there were no trick-or-treaters at our door.  I explained to him that it was cold outside and people are taking their kids to parties.  It's safer for the kids. He understood and besides he gets to have more candy for himself! So he really didn't mind. I told him next year we will plan a party or something special for him instead.  Besides I think they should cancel Halloween or at least Trick-or-Treating.