Teaching Children With Special Needs

 

 

Master Sgt. Jerry Molina, an Airman from the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, helps a boy with cerebral palsy color during a special education class at the Nadjeshda Children's Center April 27, 2010. Nadjeshda is home for 60 children and teenagers who are disabled in different ways. With the help of adults, children there are able to learn to sign, draw, study, work and have fun using various methods of therapy. U.S. Airmen have supported Nadjeshda for the last six years, helping rebuild and repair the facility and spending time with the children. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Carolyn Viss)

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“Dreaming of a Bigger Tomorrow was the theme at the 2019 Special Needs Conference attended by children with autism and other disabilities, parents, policymakers, sponsors, and other participants that had the same goal. They all were interested to improve the lives of children with special needs and their families. Among those who attended were teachers from different states, who listened to discussions about teaching children with special needs. It was a transformative event that communities from different states truly recognized and appreciated.

Teaching Children With Special Needs

As a teacher, disabled children and teens may present with several distinctive challenges. They will require more patience and time from you, so you also need to have special instructional techniques in an organized environment that improves their learning capacity. It is vital to keep in mind that students with special needs are not incapacitated. They are capable of learning – only that they require a more custom-tailored type of guidelines that are suitable to meet their corresponding learning disabilities. Here are some common strategies that you can use or be guided with.

  • Give verbal instructions to children with reading disabilities. Reading materials and examinations should also be in an oral format so that the student’s evaluation will not be influenced by his reading disability.
  • Provide quick feedback to the disabled students as they need to immediately see the connection between what you taught them as a teacher and what they have learned as a student.
  • Progress checks should be made available to them regularly. Provide them with a simple checklist of how they are doing so far in individual and class environments.

 

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  • Structure your activities in a way that they are understandable – short and to the point. Long projects will most probably frustrate these students and might decrease their motivation.
  • Children with learning disabilities have trouble comprehending abstract concepts and words. As much as possible, provide these students with tangible objects, things that they can smell, touch, hear, etc.
  • If necessary, repeat your instructions or provide both written and oral formats. It is important that children with disabilities benefit from sensory modalities.

 

 

 

Job Opportunities For People With Autism

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A mother and advocate of autism was the special speaker at the 2017 Autism Conference. Monica Meyer inspired and motivated. Most participants – which consist of autism specialists, medical professionals, researchers, and moms of children with autism – agree that it was one of the best and the biggest conferences so far. Aside from the moving speech that Meyer delivered, there was also a question and answer portion of the program where the audience was allowed to ask anything and everything autism. Plus, workshops that involved tools that parents can use to cope with their children, dealing with autistic behavior, and even employment opportunities for those with autism.

For parents with teens or adolescents diagnosed with autism or those who are handling spouse with autism, there are jobs that they can do and that they can excel in, depending on their unique talents and skills!

Technology

Worldwide, some of the most successful tech specialists and computer programmers are diagnosed with autism. These people have a passion for looking into computers and anything tech-related. This is probably one of the best careers for them because the job doesn’t need much social interaction. They also have their own space to work in, which is conducive to their personalities.

Pet Sitter Or Groomer

A lot of teens and adolescents with autism are fond of having pets for companions. Most often, a dog or cat provides them with something to focus on. And since at times pets are a source of comfort to them than other humans, autistic people who have a flair for pets can make great pet sitters or groomers. This career also doesn’t require a lot of talking with other people. They would spend more time with pets than with humans, which makes it convenient for them. Other animal-related jobs include dog trainers and livestock caretakers.

Writing And Research

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Most writers can be described as ‘aloof’ simply because they love to be alone with only their pen and paper with them. A writer can be a suitable job for a person with autism. Through writing, he can express fully what he finds difficult to express verbally. It sharpens his mind and enhances his creativity. As a researcher, on the other hand, he can utilize his keen attention to detail and his tendency to over-focus on the things that he is most interested in.

 

 

 

Friendship Building For Kids With Autism 

Often, we leave the children to form their friendships with their playmates. However, for children with ADHD, that task can be quite tricky. As parents, it is our responsibility to help our children make new friends and maintain those bonds. Here are some tips and tricks to teach our children about friendship building.  

 

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Can Your Child’s Autism Change A Marriage?

Many things can change a marriage. Some of these are for the better while some are for the worse. The changes that may come in your married life can affect the marital union only if you allow them to. This is why it is essential to have the proper mindset when it comes to handling these changes. Keep in mind that these are inevitable, which means that there is nothing that you could do to prevent it from happening. As such, you now must see to it that you are prepared for whatever may come your way.

 

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How To Keep The Marriage Strong With An Autistic Child

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Having a child with an autism spectrum disorder or ASD can be stressful for both the husband and wife. In fact, this kind of mental condition may lead to turmoil in the marital union. According to a recent study, one of the many reasons why marriages end up in divorce is because of the failure of the parents to settle conflicts or indifferences arising from the mental health of their children. Just because it is happening it doesn’t mean that you will also be a part of this number. Luckily, you still have a chance to make your marriage last despite the existence of your child’s ASD.

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Therapist’s Tip: Send Your Child With Autism To School

 

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Parenting is a complete struggle, especially if you have a child who has a mental condition such as autism spectrum disorder. It is difficult to balance your work at home and your work in the office. At the same time, it is also challenging to handle the tantrums and other effects brought by the disorder. One of the reasons why you are probably experiencing difficulty in raising your child is the lack of the essential information about his condition. Unfortunately, there are a significant number of parents who have not fully understood what autism means and how it can affect the lives of their kids.

 

One of the several issues concerning kids with autism is their education. A common misconception is that these kids are incapable of going to school. The truth is contrary to this because autistic individuals are more in need of going to an educational institution. They have to learn in a special school, most importantly when it comes to proper behavior and the use of languages for communication. A lot of therapists recommend parents to ensure that their kids with autism should attend academic classes. These are the reasons why you must send your child to school notwithstanding his autism:

 

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It Can Help Him Develop Their Interpersonal Skills

At this point, you are probably well aware that your little one struggles in building relationships with others. The reason behind this is that he has low interpersonal skills, usually brought about by his disorder. Sending him to a school wherein his classmates also have special needs will help your child improve the way he looks at relationships. He will feel more comfortable in connecting with others, once he realizes that many other kids are just like him. “Rather than focusing on weaknesses, find ways to assist your child in developing to his or her full potential. When encouraged, children will acquire talents to compensate for any deficiencies.” Barton Goldsmith, Ph.D., LMFT explains.

 

His Teachers Can Teach Him A Lot Of Lessons

It is a fact that you can teach your child without the assistance of others. You can simply find the books or materials for your lectures. However, you also need to accept the fact that you are not equipped with the necessary skills on how to engage in special education. As such, you may experience several challenges when it comes to teaching your kid about the things they need to know. Save yourself from some trouble by enrolling him in a school for children with mental conditions.

 

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You Can Save More Time

Another advantage of sending your beloved kid to a special school is that you get to spend more time with yourself. Take note that you also need to prioritize your well-being. Learn how to take a break by trusting your kid’s teacher that he can provide care for your little one while he is within the school facility. While your kid is at the school, you can go to work with peace of mind or attend special events with some friends. Remember that all teachers in special needs schools are equipped with knowledge and expertise in dealing with kids who are diagnosed with certain mental conditions. But of course, Francyne Zeltser, Psy.D.  still insists that “what’s more important than the quantity of time you spend with your kids is the quality of the time you do have together.”

 

“You know your children best. Doctors, teachers, therapists are all fantastic resources but if you don’t feel like you’re being heard, or your child’s needs are being met, it’s very reasonable to get a second opinion. Don’t be afraid to fight for your child and their needs. While the professionals are experts in their areas, you are the expert on your child.”  Dr. Darla Clayton, PsyD said. Your kid deserves to learn new things and to get out of the house once in a while. Let him attend classes. It will be highly beneficial for his condition.

 

Should You Bring Your Child With Autism To A Psychiatrist?

 

 

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Dealing with autism can be difficult on your part, especially if you are not familiar with the proper ways on how to do it. You will experience a lot of challenges and demands when it comes to making your child understand certain things and allowing him to function in society. This is the reason why you need to get some help and assistance from medical professionals. You cannot just rely on your knowledge and skills about autism spectrum disorder. It is also necessary to find a psychiatrist who could look into your kids’ mental condition.

“Sometimes a child with ADD may be incorrectly diagnosed with a behavioral problem or a developmental disorder. It is vital that in the first step of treatment, your child or teen receives a reliable diagnosis from a child mental health specialist, such as a child psychologist or child psychiatrist.” –John M. Grohol, Psy.D

The next inquiry to ask is when is the right time to bring your kid to a psychiatrist is? Is there a specific set of events that must occur first before seeking professional help? Should you wait for a certain number of years before visiting the office of a health practitioner? Below are some of the red flags that indicate the need to get with a psychiatrist as soon as possible:

 

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  1. Constant Loss Of Control. Once you notice that your child with autism starts to have increased episodes wherein he loses control, the right thing to do is to set an appointment with a doctor. This is ideal so that the doctor could look into the factors causing the episodes and how to treat them.

 

  1. Development Of Aggression Against Others. “People with ASD can have problems controlling their aggression and says it is not uncommon for these clients, sometimes including adults, to pull her hair or scratch her arms.” Stephanie Smigiel, LPC said. Do not wait for your child to hurt his friends or family members. If you notice that your kid has turned aggressive, be sure to call a psychiatrist right away. The longer you prolong the meeting with the doctor, the more dangerous it is on the part of your kid.

 

  1. Verbal Escalation. When your child has begun to act strangely by making uncontrollable screams, the next step to do is to seek help from a medical professional. Always remember that being verbally abusive and inappropriate is not healthy for the child. With the help of a psychiatrist, you can teach the child how to decrease his screams.

 

  1. Influx Of Concerns From Teachers. Sending your child to school is good for his condition. Make sure that you are in constant communication with the teacher to monitor your child’s performance or behavior at school. If the teachers have raised concerns and problems with your kids at home, do not hesitate to contact a psychiatrist. Keep in mind that further help may be required to handle the situation.

 

  1. Increased Fears. “Fear makes us feel alive and know we are stepping outside our comfort zones, which is exciting,” says Steve Orma, PsyD, a clinical psychologist. But if your beloved child starts to act weird because of his fears for things or people, find a way to address it immediately. Do not wait for the situation to get worse. Contact a psychiatrist in the local community so that you can discuss the condition of your child. The earlier you do this, the better it is for your child’s mental health.

 

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Whether you like it or not, the help and assistance of a medical doctor or psychiatrist are essential for the well being of your child. Learn how to find the right health practitioner who will handle the case of your kid. As much as possible, avoid switching doctors to prevent a mix-up of records and errors in treatment plans.

 

 

 

Causes And Treatments For Autism

This article discusses common misconceptions about autism and how it affects children. So without further ado, let’s continue with autism, the symptoms of ASD, and treatments.

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Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, is a mental health condition characterized by difficulty with communication and social behavior.  Also, let’s understand other forms of help and treatment for autism or special needs.

One common misconception is that people with autism or special needs do not have great social skills, motor skills, language skills, or communication skills. This is wrong. Individuals with autism or special needs have different limitations. Because of this, it is essential to have behavioral therapies, complementary and alternative treatments for autism, and behavioral interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders on a case-to-case basis.

Causes Of Autism

There were several studies conducted aiming to find the specific causes of autism. However, up to this date, experts have not yet discovered the exact reason for autism’s human development. In published studies by some researchers, it was posted that genetic predisposition could play an essential role as to why people may get autism spectrum disorder ASD. At the same time, certain environmental factors and natural settings could trigger the development of autism and special needs.

Treatments For Autism

As already emphasized above, the treatments for autism depend on a case-to-case basis. It can be nutritional therapy, speech therapy, sensory integration therapy, animal therapy, social skills training, etc. “Securing assessment and treatment options are even more frustrating for adults with ASD, their family, and medical and developmental abilities and disabilities agencies. The shortage extends across multiple disciplines but the dearth of psychologists is especially striking given the multiple roles our discipline can fulfill.” Teresa Bolick, Ph.D. used to say.

The treatments of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) involve addressing the core symptoms related to communication, behavior, and social interactions. A highly structured approach, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), can be effective in promoting positive behaviors and addressing negative ones. In some cases, medications may also be prescribed to treat specific symptoms associated with ASD, such as anxiety or attention deficits.

Each person with special needs requires specific treatments for autism, which is why there must be a proper behavioral intervention for each case. According to mental health experts, it is essential for an early diagnosis and to handle the disorder at its earliest stage. Thus, moms and dads must be more vigilant in looking out for their children’s behavioral patterns.

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Symptoms:

The signs and symptoms  of being on the autism spectrum vary per person. People with ASD may have:

    • Feeling anxiety most of the time
    • Obsessing over material things
    • Having difficulty communicating his thoughts or emotions
    • Experiencing seizures
    • Acting compulsively in many instances
    • Showing signs of hyperactivity

Some people with autism spectrum disorder may also exhibit repetitive or unusual behaviors and difficulty with speech and language, especially children with autism spectrum disorder.

How Autism Treatment Care Works

Ordinary therapy is not helpful when it comes to remedies for autism. Also, there is a great need to separate children patients from adult ones. Children with autism may get some significant advantages or benefits from going through therapy therapy for individuals with autism as an ideal help.

Medical conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD involve addressing core symptoms such as communication and social interactions. Healthcare providers and National Institute recommend a variety of treatments for autism, including language therapy and other approaches that can help initiate communication and promote desired behaviors. It’s important to recognize individual differences and tailor treatments for autism to each person’s needs. Other treatments for autism, such as medications, may also be used to address specific medical conditions that can co-occur with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). By working with a healthcare provider and addressing the specific needs of each individual, it’s possible to enhance communication skills, promote desired behavior, and improve social interactions.

“Children can be reliably diagnosed as early as 2-years-old and can start to receive early intervention and behavioral health services as soon as they are identified. Receiving therapy early on can significantly minimize the impact of the disorder.” Melissa Brand, Psy.D explains.

Talking therapy may be effective treatment as one of the early intensive behavioral intervention ideas for children with autism spectrum. Others may be physical therapy, applied behavior analysis, occupational therapy, pivotal response training, and discrete trial training. In this kind of help, they can speak with professionals who can help them overcome their issues of being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. At the same time, therapists can help them overcome social isolation and other adverse effects of the disorder.

Each person with special needs requires specific solution and autism assistance, which is why there must be a proper behavioral intervention with each case.
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Is Online Therapy A Good Autism Treatment?

With the recent advancements in technology and relationship development intervention, another helpful option has become viable for some parents: online therapy. This pertains to a modern form of service that is done through a virtual environment. The child and the therapist are not required to have a personal encounter. They can talk via electronic communication such as e-mails, phone calls, or video conferences.

Since the individual with autism speaks involved is still a minor, it is essential that an adult must accompany him or other related communication handicapped children during the therapy sessions. But note, “Online care is not for every patient or practitioner. Clients with more serious mental illnesses or addictions likely need more treatment than digital therapy can provide. And some clinicians may find certain telehealth modalities difficult.” says clinical psychologist Nina Barlevy, PsyD.

ASD affects many children and adolescents. So you need to monitor progress and adjust therapy as needed if you really want to benefit your child’s health and assist with the control and prevention of the symptoms. Educational approaches can help individuals with ASD and their caregivers understand how the disorder affects communication, social skills, and other areas. It’s crucial to focus on the person’s specific needs and tailor therapy accordingly. Other skills, such as self-care and emotional regulation, may also be addressed. In some cases, special diets or other interventions may be necessary to support the individual’s overall health and well-being. By working with a healthcare provider and staying committed to the therapy process, individuals with ASD can develop new skills, achieve greater independence, and improve their quality of life.

A child with autism spectrum disorders or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder needs more detailed care and attention from you (just like the Early Start Denver Model). Help your child deal with their disease control by allowing them to try online therapy to gain help.

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Social Communication Disorder: The New Asperger’s Syndrome And How Parents Can Cope

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When the condition was presented in 1940, Hans Asperger, a Viennese pediatrician described it as having a mild autism-like disorder characterized by social and communication difficulties most commonly affected are boys having average intellectual skills and speech development.

From DSM-IV TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition (Text Revision), the condition was accepted as a standalone diagnosis for children with problems in nonverbal behaviors, specifically the eye-to-eye connection, facial expression, body positioning to promote social interaction. Came the present DSM-5 and the new description of Asperger’s is now highlighted as Social Communication Disorder.

“It is important to note that the intention is to first understand the person with autism, to join with them, and then to help them modify their communication in a way so that repetitive restrictive behaviors can become channeled, the nervous system can settle, and social engagement can begin.” –Christina Devereaux Ph.D, BC-DMT

In the most common layman’s term, children with Asperger’s are called “geeks” due to the high-level functioning of their IQ. This quality is sometimes considered a detrimental factor rather than an asset to some school environment as evidenced by increased rates of bullying.

The Challenges

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People with this kind of condition have normal to a superior range of IQ, unlike persons with autism who have manifested delays in intellectual skill as early as the age of 2.

The Autism Society mentioned that there had not been a delay in language development in people with Asperger’s Syndrome. The struggle of establishing a social connection is not due to delayed language development being socially withdrawn. Instead, they become socially awkward due to becoming hesitant about how to connect with the people around them. They have the interest to be part of their social circle. However, they are having significant difficulties in doing it.

“Traditionally, intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has focused upon reducing interfering behavior and teaching language, academic and self-help skills.” –Marlene Driscoll, MA, LMFT

Having this behavior sets them as “weird” and “eccentric” from the rest of the crowd. With our present society, being “weird” is not so socially accepted. Thus, the problems arise such as bullying, discrimination, and labeling with negative connotations. These can lead to psychological setbacks as the child understands what is going on around them.

The film Temple Grandin is an inspiring true-to-life story of a girl with Asperger’s syndrome who successfully became an expert in her field of study. Temple Grandin also became an inspiration to parents whose children have autism spectrum disorder not to lose hope and to continue loving and helping their children survive.

The Parents’ Role

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Once again, the role of the parents is critical in the lives of children with Asperger’s syndrome. “The autism diagnosis itself is often traumatic for parents. It can be a grueling process that may take up to a year or more, with multiple visits to several different professionals.” Janeen Herskovitz, MA, LMHC said. What parents can do can be summarized in the following:

  • Be Honest. Never camouflage the condition of your child. Some parents, because of the stigma it represents, would try to sugarcoat the situation when people ask them about the real condition of their children. Hey, tell them she has Asperger’s, and it’s not contagious! Perhaps this way, they will start looking at the disorder with much respect other than treating it as a communicable disease.
  • Create Awareness. The moment you become honest, it is time to start educating the people around you about Asperger’s syndrome. Becoming aware is the first step to remove the veil of misunderstanding.
  • Be There For Your Child. Some parents would say, “I’m supportive of my child.” However, they are still not emotionally present and available when needed. Asperger’s syndrome will have more demands on your time and attention. You need to anticipate this in the future.
  • Have Other Family Members Get Involved. You cannot do this alone. You are not a superhero. Be realistic – you need help from your family and other resources. At present, many online support groups can offer some tips and recommendations on how to handle the problems that will come your way.

 

 

Can Alternative Medicine Help In Autism?

As the arising challenges in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) continues, finding effective means of addressing these problems has also been a priority of the medical and healthcare sectors. There is no known cure for ASD, but there is a range of unique behavioral and educational programs that can help control the symptoms of it. Various alternative treatments have been developed through the collaboration of the diverse group of medical and healthcare systems, practices, and products to replace conventional treatments and help treat the overall health and possible behavioral problems of autism.

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