Autism | Another World

Adults With Autism

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Adults with autism face the normal challenges of transitioning from youth to young adulthood. They also have to factor in the challenges that their autism entails. Although the transition can be a challenge, it can occur successfully.

Autistic adults can live meaningful and purposeful lives and contribute to their families and communities.

Generally the public school system is responsible for persons with autism until they reach the age of 22 years old. This means until then, an autistic person can qualify for programs and services offered through the state’s educational system.

As parents raise children with autism, they should look ahead to the future and evaluate their children’s capabilities. Then they can determine the best path to follow after high school.

Some adults with autism can function very well on their own—living on their own, working, and taking on responsibilities. They may encounter challenges along the way with communication and social situations. It is important for co-workers, employers, family, and friends to be supportive, lend help where it is needed, and to be optimistic about the situation.

For those not eligible for main stream employment there are other options. An adult with autism can evaluate their skills and offer services for pay on an hourly basis. There is also the option of working in employment organizations specifically for employees who have autism or other disabilities. Adults can still perform simple to complex work for pay.

An adult with autism also needs to consider living accommodations. There is a wide variety of options from independent housing arrangements to living at home to living in a supervised group home with other adults with disabilities. If an autistic child chooses to live on his or her own, there is the option of having a friend, family member, or professional come in to assist where needed, such as with finances or paperwork for government agencies offering help. If the adult chooses to live at home, there are financial means available through the government to help out. One such example is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

Filed Under: Autism, Health · Tagged With: Adult, Autism spectrum, Mental Health

Save Money on Autism Treatments

Maneuvering the world of autism and all that it entails may seem a challenge for both those new to autism and those very familiar with it. Parents hope to find the best possible treatments for their children to best meet their child’s needs and abilities.

When parents look at the price of therapy, it may be a complete shock. With the current economic conditions, the budget is always on the back of people’s minds. Do not worry though; there are tricks to keeping costs down and saving money. Realize that some research, time, and creativity may be needed, but it is possible to treat your child appropriately without having to pay $70,000 or more a year.

The first place to start is with your insurance company. Review your insurance policy and consult with an insurance representative. If possible, tweak your plan or change to another plan that is more cost-efficient for autism therapy and treatment, then do so. If you hit a brick wall, keep trying or approach other health care funding resources. There are means to financially assist you and your child, it may just take some time and energy to discover what will work best.

Next, use resources and programs that are close to home. Much cost can be accumulated through travel expenses, such as gas money, hotels, food costs, etc. Get acquainted with the school district’s state programs or local medical programs specifically for autism. Find out what other local parents are doing for their autistic children. With one in every 110 children being diagnosed with autism, you need not feel alone in your search for a low-cost, high-quality solution.

Consider trading services with a local therapist. If you find a quality therapist who seems to be an excellent fit for your child’s challenges, then discuss a service swap rather than a money for service exchange. If you have skills in plumbing, construction, interior decorating, or web design, offer your skills in exchange for the therapist’s work. While it may not cover the entire cost, it may down-size the price giving your more financial ease.

Filed Under: Autism, Treatments · Tagged With: Autism, Autism spectrum, Autism therapies

Grandparenting an Autistic Child

Autism is a very common diagnosis among American children. As parents and children learn of this diagnosis and make strides forward it is important for extended family and friends to lend support, help, and encouragement along the way. This is especially true for grandparents.

The family relationship that a grandparent and grandchild share is a very special one that is like no other. Unlike parents who are mainly responsible for discipline and the everyday tasks of rearing a child, a grandparent plays more of a role of cheerleader, friend, and mentor. While this may not be applicable in all grandparent-grandchild relationships, grandparents need to recognize the special position they are in to help an autistic grandchild.

Remember that you may be able to offer learning experiences or needed words of encouragement that mean more to a child because they come from you. Take advantage of your time to learn about autism and take opportunities to really get to know your grandchild. Although he or she may behave differently, it is important to recognize the differences and then move on. Children do not want a label hanging over their heads—one that is brought up every time a child is identified.

Recognize and praise special talents or abilities the child has. Find useful developmental toys that the grandchild can play with in your home to strengthen his or her motor and language skills. Learn how you can better help the child through interactive play and social situations.

Also remember that as much as the autistic child needs your love and support, so do his or her parents. This may be a challenge for them and they will appreciate your support. It is best to offer a listening ear and offer encouragement and optimism. You may offer advice or recommend treatments or share signs of symptoms you see, but be ready to take a step back if needed. Parents often want to be the ones in control and want to make their own decisions. Let the autistic child’s parents know that you will support their choices and are only offering an opinion.

Filed Under: Autism, Parents · Tagged With: Autism spectrum, Child, Family

Types of Treatments

If you are a parent that has recently learned that your child has autism, you may feel overwhelmed by the situation and the many decisions that need to be made. Educating yourself about the disease, its symptoms, and treatments will help you better determine the best solution for your child.

There are many treatments, both traditional and cutting-edge that can assist in treating your child’s autism. It is important to recognize that there is no one-cure-fits-all. Many families try an assortment of treatments, and they find it helpful to use various treatments together. While there is not yet a sure cure of the disease, many treatments have been extremely successful in helping children develop and function well in society.

The first type of treatments are those that are traditional basic therapies that are time-tested and time-proven to give good results. Among these are such therapies as play therapy, speech and language therapy and physical therapy. As these are tailored to your child’s needs, they may prove helpful.

Another approach to treating autism is that of recreational and artistic therapy. As a parent, you most likely will not find these treatments being offered by your school district or your state’s regional autism center. Do not write them off though. Such therapy as drama therapy, art therapy or music therapy can be a fun and engaging method for helping your child develop needed-skills. Such therapy can engage your child and give them appropriate creative-out-lets at the same time they are practicing healthy behaviors.

Lastly, there are always new and upcoming autism treatments available. Some such treatments have parents hopeful for new and improved results. Some of these treatments are quite expensive, so it is important to learn what you are getting in to before taking the plunge.

As you research different treatments and use trial and error, you are sure to find the best fit for your child.

Filed Under: Autism, Treatments · Tagged With: Autism, Autism spectrum, Autism therapies

Service Dogs for Autistics

You have no doubt observed seeing eye dogs working in the service of the blind. However, service animals are now being employed by people with a number of other disabilities, including autism. How do you know if a service animal can help you or your family member? There are many services that place dogs with autistic children. Some of them introduce the dogs to their clients as puppies, and some wait until the dog is 2 years old and fully trained to be of service. The dogs are trained to follow a variety of commands, provide companionship, and even do things like find the child when he or she has wandered away. Service dogs are not regarded as pets, but their love and companionship for the autistic client is very important to their function as an animal in service. Service dogs are especially helpful for children who might not respond to their name on a consistent basis, and who are prone to disappearing.

Not all families who request dogs will receive them. Placement will depend upon the impulse control of the autistic client, the environment where the family lives, and the autistic child’s school and its willingness to cooperate with the placement of the dog. The dog provides unconditional love for a child who may otherwise have a hard time finding acceptance among his peers. Parents whose children have benefited from these placements report that their child is calmed by the dog, that the dog acts as a willing ‘transitional object’ that provides the child with a greater degree of independence, and that in some cases, the animal’s presence eases many of the repetitive behaviors and outbursts associated with their child’s autism. Since these animals require special training and care, it typically costs $15,000-20,000 to adopt a service dog. Fundraising options are available through many organizations. Service dogs may be a good option for your autistic family member.

Filed Under: Autism · Tagged With: Service Dogs

An Overview of Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is a charity and advocacy group that began in 2005. The group seeks to raise funds for research about autism prevention, treatment, and causes. They hold fundraising Walk Events throughout the United States and Canada. They provide informational resources for families with autistic relatives and they support research that is all about autism. They recently partnered with members of the public health research community to characterize a possible Somali-American autism cluster in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As a charity, they have received two stars out of a possible four-star rating from Charity Navigator, which rates organizations on the basis of several criteria, including fiscal responsibility and efficiency.

Autism Speaks provides a wide variety of services, including a summer camp especially for autistic children and a fund for emergencies for people affected by autism. Some families are very happy with the services provided by this relatively new organization, and some are not. Like many organizations, Autism Speaks is active in the realm of social networking. Its Facebook Fan Page has over 240,000 fans, many of whom have very positive things to say about the resources that Autism Speaks provides regarding health care funding issues, therapy, and other concerns. However, some critics have charged that Autism Speaks has a history of sending mixed messages about the vaccine-autism controversies that were motivated more by political concerns than science. Some autistics have stated that Autism Speaks is excessively negative about the condition and is not accepting of autism as a fact of life for many. They say there is too much emphasis on curing autism and not enough on listening to the everyday concerns of those who live with it. They feel that more autistic people should be represented on the charity’s Board of Directors, rather than others who are more removed from the issue. In any case, this organization is commanding a lot of attention, so autistics and their families may do well to find out more.

Filed Under: Autism · Tagged With: Autism Speaks

Temple Grandin, A Role Model for Autistic Individuals

Temple Grandin is a professor of animal science who is also autistic. Many people may be familiar with her life through a 2010 movie that was released on HBO and named for her. Dr. Grandin is an accomplished professional who has said that if there was a way to reverse autism, she would not choose that route, that being autistic is “part of who I am.” Parents with autistic children may be struggling to show their families that a happy, productive life is possible with autism, and Dr. Grandin’s life may provide some reassurance in this area.

Grandin was diagnosed as autistic when she was only 3 years old, at a time (1950) when this diagnosis was not as common as it is today. She says that her parents were very active in providing her with the best possible available treatment, which at the time involved speech therapy and very attentive teachers. After a difficult adolescence, she went on to earn advanced degrees in animal science. She has faced many difficulties, including extreme sensitivity to sound, to become a preeminent advocate for the rights of both animals and autistic people. Using her high capacity for visual memories, Dr. Grandin has designed what are sometimes termed “humane slaughterhouses” that provide as close as possible to a pain-free end to animals that are destined for the market and has been honored with awards by animal rights groups for her advances in this area.

In addition to her numerous publications and business ventures related to animal science, Dr. Grandin has also become a much-sought speaker at institutions around the country. Those who have attended her talks report that they feel comfortable asking her questions about what it is like to be autistic, and why she engages in behaviors that are associated with the condition. She is able to clearly articulate how it feels from the inside. Those seeking more information on her can go to www.templegrandin.com.

Filed Under: Autism · Tagged With: Temple Grandin

The Panic Virus: A New Book About Autism and Vaccines

Writer Seth Mnookin published a book called The Panic Virus, about how large numbers of parents, many of whom are highly educated, are deciding not to vaccinate their children out of concerns, which have now been discredited, that childhood vaccinations can cause autism. The book is as much about the way that scientific information is presented to the public as it is about the autism-vaccine controversy, but it is a very interesting read for parents of autistic children who are interested in in-depth information about how the issue has been worked out in the public sphere in the context of the longer history of vaccinations.

One point that Mr. Mnookin makes is that autism is a mysterious disease, and because we don’t really understand its causes, it can be very frightening. Our imaginations can concoct explanations that are worse than the truth, since we don’t know the truth. Parents who are trying to make sense of their children’s condition are presented with the idea that a simple vaccination caused their child’s autism, and they want badly to believe it because it is so easy to decide to simply not vaccinate your child, rather than to seek other explanations. There are no existing credible studies that point to any link between vaccinations and autism, but people cling to this explanation because they are understandably emotional about helping their children.

This phenomenon is amplified by the way that scientific findings are reported in the general press. When a reporter covers a subjective issue of political import, they will be sure to interview sources on both sides of the story. In science, ideas are developed by testing a hypothesis and building a body of data. The field reaches a consensus of sorts about what the data mean. Since science addresses objective outcomes, there is generally only one explanation that turns out to be true. This is hard to convey in our culture, but an important consideration.

Filed Under: Autism · Tagged With: Panic Virus

Possible Higher Rates of Autism in Somali Americans

In response to civil strife, many citizens from the East African nation of Somalia have immigrated to other places outside Somalia. Minneapolis, Minnesota has a particularly high concentration of recent Somali immigrants. Some residents of this community believe that Somali-American children are exhibiting higher rates of autism than the general population, and they want to know why.

Refugees from Somalia in Minneapolis and other places including Stockholm, Sweden have enrolled their children in classes for autistic children at higher rates than the other members of the community. This much is known, but the underlying reasons are not. The National Institutes of Health and the advocacy group Autism Speaks are funding a study to try to learn why. What might be the reasons?

The first issue to be established is if there is a larger occurrence of autism in this population than the rest of the surrounding community. This is a difficult question to answer, since the causes of autism are not known and there are many variables in any community. Perhaps there is a genetic component, or some condition of living in camps that caused their parents to pass down the disorder at disproportionately high rates. Maybe when people from the sunny regions of the world move to colder places with less intense sunshine, they are unable to make enough vitamin D, which some believe is a contributor to autism. Perhaps a change in the diet has caused the increase. Without data it is hard to know if there is a difference in autism occurrence between immigrant communities and children born in Somalia, but the parents are expressing concern that they have not seen the disease before, so it appears to be a new phenomenon. If there is a real autism cluster in Minneapolis-born children of Somali descent, then there is much to learn from them that could be applicable to other autistic individuals. It will be interesting to follow this study.

Filed Under: Autism · Tagged With: Somali Americans