Autism | Another World

Autism for the Unitiated

It is estimated that 32,500,000 people have autism in the world. Many people, however, don’t understand what that means. This article is meant to provide an indroductory look at what autism is.

Autism is a neurological development disorder. It is primarily noticed by four main symptoms.

Impaired social behavior

Autism impairs individuals from developing socially in the same way that others do. They smile less, don’t make much eye contact and lack response to social stimulation.

Repetitive behavior

Probably the most easily noticed, this symptom occurs in both the body: head-rolling, hand-waving, etc; and in actions: arranging items in a certain, almost as if to certain set rules.

Communication

A lack of communication skills in common in autistic people; tantrums are common and other infantile outburts due to the retarded growth of interpersonal skills. It is extremely important that those who deal with autistic people are patient and loving.

Sameness

Change can sometimes be very upsetting to those with autism. An almost ritualistic approach and a dedication to order are common.

While none of these by themselves are definite signs of autism, seen together they usually signal something awry. Autism has no known cure at this time. Some people have been known to overcome autism. If you or someone close to you has autism, it is recommended you meet with a physician to determine what needs to be done to alleviate the situation as best as possible. When dealing with an autistic person, again, patience and an outpouring of love are absolutely essential. It should be remembered that an autistic person has not fully developed, despite whatever their size or age may be, and are not on the same mental level as others of their age.

Filed Under: Autism · Tagged With: Autism, Autism spectrum, Communication

How to Address Autism with Your Pediatrician

Autism is a developmental disorder. Toddlers and young children with autism might exhibit signs of delayed development. Questions that your child’s doctor asks at routine pediatric visits help to determine any autistic characteristics early on in life. However, autism is not easy to diagnose under the age of three. Children also develop at different stages; if your child doesn’t walk by 12 months, for example, this doesn’t necessarily mean that he is autistic. It is important that you know that signs of autism and address any concerns with your pediatrician.

Symptoms of autism vary, but signs can show up in late infancy and before the age of two. Between ages one and two, toddlers are starting to develop language abilities. They say one to two words at a time and then move on to small sentence formations. Autistic children typically have a more difficult time talking, and might instead just repeat what you say. Autistic children prefer to have routines and may seem to be in their own world. Such kids also lack social skills, because they prefer to be alone.

Autism cannot be cured; however, treatments can help your child live a better life and excel easier in school as well as socially. Medications can help your child concentrate and learn easier, although prescriptions for autism are not typically recommended before the age of five. Speech therapy can help improve communication skills, and occupational therapy can improve any delays in physical movements, such as walking. The earlier you address your concerns about autism and your child, the earlier you can help him. Avoiding the issue out of embarrassment will only delay the treatment process.

Filed Under: Autism, Health · Tagged With: Autism, Autism spectrum, Pediatrics

Autism Diagnoses for Adults

Major brain structures implicated in autism.

Image via Wikipedia

Autism is a type of disorder that is most prominent during childhood. Infants are difficult to diagnose, because they are still in the early stages of building on their communication and behavioral skills. As children grow older, they develop their own set of skills. This is the stage when autism might be the easiest to detect. Children who have autistic characteristics have a difficult time communicating with other children and adults. In fact, they may hardly talk at all. Autism also makes it difficult to pay attention in class, on the playground as well as at home.

Sadly, some people are not diagnosed with autism until adulthood. Such a late diagnosis is unusual in children today. However, adults that have had autism for decades might be diagnosed now . This is due to the fact that people were not as aware of autism and that there was a misinterpretation of the disorder. In fact, autism was incorrectly diagnosed as mental retardation in some cases.

Treatment for autism varies, as the exact cause of the condition is unknown. Autism might be genetic in some families, though the evidence remains inconclusive. Adults with autism will have to play catch-up in terms of treatment. Treatment involves a combination of medications and therapies. Medications help reduce anxiety and can help improve concentration and overall brain function. Communication therapies help improve your speech and can help you speak with others easier. Therapy can also help improve overall social skills. Autism has no cure, but treatments can help improve your quality of life.

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

Dealing with Having an Autistic Child

Finding out that your child is autistic can be difficult. Nevertheless, as a parent, there is a lot you need to do to help your child handle the world. The first reaction of many parents is to learn about autism and find others in a similar situation. Thus, they build an emotional support of people as well as information.

If you find the emotional trauma too much to handle, then hearing about other families and their successes and failures can be of immense help. If you have other children, it is imperative that you join support groups in order to figure out how to help your children cope with an autistic sibling. You can learn a lot from hearing the experiences of others.

Autism can take a serious toll on a marriage. It can often lead to arguments with the constant grouse being that of neglect of others in favor of the child. Ignored for a while, the blame game can go on putting a real strain on the marriage. Marriage counseling right from the start will help you and your spouse with this new development. You will have a source to vent your frustrations and learn how to handle things together.

As the parent, you will probably be with your child most of the time. No amount of psychiatry or psychology will be able to determine how your child will react to each situation and how you must handle it. You have to go with the flow and try different approaches based on what you know about your child and what you have learned about autism.

Filed Under: Autism, Parents · Tagged With: Autism, Parent, Support group

Explaining Autism to Your Child

How you introduce the concept of autism to your child is important and needs to be done carefully. Telling your child about their autistic condition is necessary for them to understand that at some levels, they are different from others. Not telling your child will only lead to doubts at later stages when the differences become evident to the child himself. One thing most parents want to know is when the right time to tell a child is. Well, there is no hard and fast rule on this. Each child develops differently and it is up to the parents to decide when it is the right time to tell their child.

The older your child gets the more questions he will have like “Why am I different?”, “Why can’t I be normal?”, “Will medicine cure me?” or even “Why do people treat me differently?” When such questions arise, it is time you sit your child down and try to explain things to her in the best way possible.

What you tell your child is as important as when you tell him. The autism spectrum is wide and it includes several disorders that can be complex. The diagnosis for each child is unique. Going into the details is not necessary. Most parents are unsure of where to begin. The best thing to do is deal with the questions that your child is asking and then move on from there. Draw the line at where you feel he has had enough to process. As your child gets older, there will be more questions for you and a better understanding from the child. This will help you along the way.

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

How to Introduce Yourself to an Autistic Child

It is common for most people to be uncomfortable around others suffering from disabilities. This becomes quite acute when in the presence of a child. If you know you are going to meet a child with autism for the first time, here are some thoughts that will help insure success in the process.

The first thing you need to do is learn everything you can about Autism. Each child with autism is different. While such a child may not be able to function normally in one area, he is usually blessed with another heightened faculty of which most of us are incapable. However, sometimes this can work to their disadvantage. Children with autism can be sensitive to loud noises, touch and sudden movements. You need to find out in advance and privately from the parents what these are so that you are careful around the child.

When you meet the child, make sure that you look at him or her and say hi. It doesn’t matter if she or he is not looking at you. Their senses are sure to be aware of any strong discomfort you have Treat the child with respect and don’t automatically assume that he will need help for everything. This can hurt not only the child but the parents as well who are working really hard to have their child lead a normal life.

If the child gets upset in your presence, stand in the background and ask the parents if there is anything you can do to help. Sometimes doing nothing at all is the best thing for the child. There are times you may see the child do something you find strange like flapping her hands or walking on her tiptoes. Don’t make a big deal out of it. Just go with the flow.

Filed Under: Autism, Causes · Tagged With: Autism, Autism spectrum, Child

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

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

Furthering Your Education can Help you with Your Autistic Child

Mothers who have children who are Autistic or suffer from other physical or mental disabilities may think their opportunities to further their educations are very limited. This isn’t true; there are many resources available which provide several options for mothers with children who have physical or mental disabilities.

These include resource websites such as earnmydegree.com. These websites give information on how to find the best online schools and some of the degrees available to be pursued. They list the subjects in which mothers with children can major, so that they can find the one that best suits their interests or needs.

Furthering your education through an online school can have many benefits. These can include:

Learning ways to teach autistic children or those with physical or mental disabilities basic life lessons such as caring for one’s personal hygiene or even participating in therapies and treatments.

Learning ways to provide or boost the child’s education.

In addition to those mentioned above, furthering one’s education by utilizing earnmydegree.com and other resources may actually provide mothers with ways to contribute to or otherwise increase the family’s income. These can include such things as learning computer skills, then offering one’s services to others for a fee, learning a skill to prepare for a work-at-home job, and other opportunities.

If earning an online education does lead to opportunities to increase the family’s income, the benefits will be seen in the offset of expenses necessary for raising and caring for an autistic child. This can help alleviate stress that is sometimes brought on by financial difficulties.

Further, using a resource such as earnmydegree.com can give a mother a renewed sense of self-worth and confidence, something which she will pass along to her child. This in turn may be the catalyst needed to encourage the child to try harder to learn, even with his autism or other disabilities.

Filed Under: Autism, Health, Parents · Tagged With: Autism, Autism spectrum, Child, Developmental disability, Disability, Education, Health, Mental Health