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.

autism 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.

 

 

Ways To Help Parents Cope With Autism

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Parenting is both a privilege and a responsibility. Anyone can attest that it is one of the excitements that life could offer. It is a joy beyond compare for parents to see their children grow up with a healthy life. There is nothing that parents would not do for their children.

But what happens when parents feel something is wrong with their child, wondering why he has bizarre behaviors compared with other children? When all of a sudden, their child is diagnosed as having Autism Spectrum Disorder, how are they going to face this challenge?

The Emotional Roller Coaster Ride.

Denial, disappointment, sadness, pain, fear, shame, stress, depression, anger and whatever negative emotions we may think of, are the feelings that parents usually go through upon knowing their child’s condition. As human people, these reactions are all normal. Just like any emotional pain people go through, parents of ASD children will experience these emotions at first before they wholeheartedly accept their child’s condition. Having a child with a chronic disorder like ASD, there is no other way of dealing with it but to acknowledge and accept the fact that their child is with ASD. Parents are the first support system for a child, and a terrible call for parents to take in, but then again there should be no backing out. If there is a person who should remain calm and secure for a child with ASD, they are the parents. No matter how hard the struggle parents are required to be a stronghold of determination, courage, and hope that everything will get by.

“Growing up in an environment where you potentially had little control over your caregiver’s emotions — and potentially lots of emotional turmoil — can lead to you needing control and structure in adulthood. This coping mechanism is a way to “bring order to the chaos.” –Forrest Talley, a California-based clinical psychologist

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We’re All In This Together.

According to Teresa Bolick, Ph.D. “Whether new to the world of ASD, facing a life transition for a son or daughter or struggling to determine a course of treatment, parents often express overwhelming confusion.”  The complexity of ASD is a challenging journey for both the parents and the child. We always take focus on the child as the most affected person, notwithstanding the role the parents play in this battle. Parents also require support and care to come from other members of the family and social circle. As life continues for this family, parents will experience a saturation point or exhaustion period, and this can lead to adverse outcomes. The sources of fear and depression can arise from a foreseeable crisis of rejection and discrimination that society may have for their child of their family. At times, there will be a point that each parent may ask or blame each other for why this happened to their child.

Education is the first step to understand the situation entirely. The more you are aware of what is happening to your child, the more you are equipped with the necessary steps on how to counteract it and face the obstacles undoubtedly. Get information from your pediatrician, child psychiatrist, or counselor. These are reliable health professionals that can provide substantial information concerning the condition of your child.

Another mode of getting support is by joining a group of parents who are also going through the same experience. You have one common denominator in this situation – a child who needs constant support from parents. If a parent is new to this challenge, there are also those who have come a long way and dealt with every pressure and problem. For sure, their vast experience can give you some insights on how to handle yours.

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A novel way to get support or answers is through joining online chat rooms or answering forum questions. Here the parents share and answer some questions coming from other parents who have some queries about their child and ASD in general. This can also be an excellent opportunity for parents to meet and form social relationships with other parents. “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 said.

Lastly, don’t forget to make time for yourself. Take a breather for a while. If possible, have someone look over your child and spend some quality with each other. We know this can be a handful, but putting yourself first will not endanger your child. This can be done once a month – just to buy some time to recharge and be well again.

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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Continue reading “Can Alternative Medicine Help In Autism?”

Teaching Music And Art To Kids With Special Needs

 

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Teaching kids with special needs require more than just time and effort. It’s twice that and a lot of patience. The teacher must also be creative in planning the activities for the kids, making sure that the manner of teaching is appropriate for the learning capabilities of the students.

Learning through just reading and writing can be dull at times. Even kids without special needs have a hard time enjoying activities that require reading and writing skills along. It may cause the students to become uninterested and unfocused.

Teachers should be able to come up with more exciting ways for students with special needs to learn such as teaching music and art. These methods do not replace the education curriculum for kids with special needs. Instead, they serve as complementary methods to help children cope up better.

Music and art are therapies used to help students address several mental health issues involving feelings and emotions by assisting them to acknowledge their feelings and healthily express them. They will experience creating music and art, and at the same time, they will feel relaxed and at peace which is essential in addressing mental issues such as anxiety and depression.

 

Music

“While music has long been recognized as an effective form of therapy to provide an outlet for emotions, the notion of using song, sound frequencies and rhythm to treat physical ailments is a relatively new domain.” says Daniel J. Levitin, PhD. Music therapy is beneficial as a complementary tool to aid with the educational curriculum of students with special needs. It is a therapy used to address physical and psychological issues, but anyone who knows music cannot just implement it. The therapist must obtain the necessary certifications and licenses to be able to administer music therapy and must be able to finish a degree in an accredited school and accomplish several hours of clinical training.

 

Music Therapy Consists Of Activities Surrounding Music Such As:

 

  • Listening To Music

The teacher or the therapist will prepare certain types of music in which the students will listen. They will then be asked to determine the characteristics of each music and how it can affect them. Through music, they will be able to appreciate the elements of all the sounds combined to create something good for the mind. “It seems as though – I wouldn’t say music has special properties – but, it has the ability to distract or engage in ways that other stimuli don’t.” Neuropsychologist Daniel Levitin, PhD explains.

 

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  • Dancing

It will require connectivity of the hearing and the physical being but at the same time involves the psychological aspect of the students. They will be able to move their body using music as an instrument. They will learn to be attentive and responsive to several kinds of sounds.

 

  • Playing Musical Instruments

The students will learn how musical instruments work. They will master the art of creating music through the use of their physical, mental, and emotional being and the musical instrument. They will learn to be one with a concrete tool for expressing their feelings and emotions.

 

Art

“Art therapy can be effective for most ages or populations. In fact, art is one of my favorite things to bring to family therapy, as it has the ability to level the playing field.”  Melissa J Weaver, LMHC, ATR explains. Art therapy is also a tool used to aid in the education of students with special needs. It is a method used to help them express themselves better. They will be able to communicate with the therapists and all the people around them through their art. Sometimes, communication is a challenge for students with special needs. Art is a way to communicate with their parents, teachers, classmates, and other people around them. It is a way for them to be able to focus on something and divert all their thoughts and energy.

 

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Art Therapy Consists Of Activities Such As:

  • Drawing

It is an activity where students use pencils, coloring pens, crayons, ink, and charcoal to draw images they see in their mind.

 

  • Painting

It involves using paintbrushes and different colors of paint to create an image or pattern.

 

  • Collage making

It is an art technique where students will use different parts of art materials like colored papers, magazines, newspapers or anything they can put together to a whole.

 

  • Sculpting

It is a method where students will mold or form shape using clay, wood or anything that takes a form.

 

  • Crafting

It involves creating handicrafts which can be used such as puppets, decorations, and other things that will require their hand skills and self-expression.

 

The condition of students with special needs is ranging from mild to a severe mental health disorder. As long as the student can develop social and listening skills, they will be able to benefit from the educational curriculum and music and art therapies.

 

Conditions Of Students With Special Needs Which Can Benefit From Music And Art:

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
  • Eating disorders
  • Schizophrenia
  • Bipolar disorder

 

Music and art therapy can aid in the learning process of students in several ways. They learn to express themselves and acknowledge every emotion and turn it into something beautiful like music and art. Students also learn the importance of organization, orderliness, and cleanliness by maintaining the materials and instruments they use in learning.

Teaching kids with limited capabilities can be a real challenge in a manner that the teacher is responsible for bringing out the greatness in each child. We will then learn that there are no limitations to what they can achieve. It’s just a matter of time and approach to learning.

 

 

Ways To Teach Children With Special Needs More Efficiently  

 

Parents, teachers, and all people involved in the care of a child with special needs want the best for each student, and although it can be challenging, there are several ways in which learning can be more efficient. We have to keep in mind that students with special needs will require extra time, effort and attention. Teachers should always remember the simple ways to make a child learn faster and better.

 

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What Can A Teacher Do To Make The Learning Of Children With Special Needs More Efficient?

  • Organize the classroom in a way that the students will be able to learn efficiently. Teachers should avoid too many clutter and organize teaching materials, books, tables, etc., making sure that the students can learn with the simple organization of things like the segregation of colors, use, shape, and size of learning materials in the classroom. Sherrie Bourg Carter Psy.D  once said, “Clutter distracts us by drawing our attention away from what our focus should be on.”

 

Just by arranging the books alphabetically or by size, students will be able to learn the importance of orderliness and cleanliness because they promote a pattern that can make the mind work faster and better. They will learn that the organization can create a sense of peace and relaxation.

 

  • Limit distractions by making sure the doors are always closed, free from noises and sights which can disturb the class. If students can see the people passing by, they can lose focus on what’s happening inside the classroom. They will be inattentive to the person speaking in class which will hinder their learning.

 

  • Teachers can familiarize students with the meaning of specific sounds through music and inflection of speech through the tone of voice. They will be able to distinguish the representation of what they hear and how they are going to respond.

 

They can use particular music (soft and loud) to represent a task or an activity, like playing a specific tune to mean they are supposed to organize their desks and all the stuff they have used throughout the day. “Just to clarify, music therapy is the evidence-based use of music in clinical situations that help people reach desired health outcomes.” Neuropsychologist Daniel Levitin, PhD explains.

 

Teachers can also use tones, tenses, and infections which can help the students identify the message. Remember that students with special needs often have difficulty communicating, that’s why the verbal emphasis is essential in successfully relaying a message.

 

  • Teachers should avoid using long and complicated words in giving out instructions. As much as possible, they should give directions that are easy to understand, or they can use symbols or signs to mean an action like an arrow to point at something or a stop sign meaning time is up.

 

  • Teachers should also make tasks manageable. They should never give long and exhausting activities. As much as possible, create some variety but simplify each task, like instructing students to draw their favorite food or draw and use colors freely according to how they feel. They can ask the students to organize learning materials according to their shapes, colors, and sizes or as simple as arranging the chairs properly.

 

These are simple yet efficient ways teachers should implement in a classroom of children with special needs. Their environment should be able to match and nurture their abilities.

 

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What Can The Teachers Do Ensure The Best For The Students?

  • Teachers should be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the students to be able to come up with the most reliable approach that will help in ensuring the best for their students. It is their responsibility to know and nourish the skills of the students.

 

By being able to identify the students’ strengths and being able to help them, the teacher is giving them an equal opportunity at life. Students with special needs will feel the sense of achievement that they will develop self-love and self-esteem.

 

  • Teachers should promote a positive influence on the students. They should be motivation and inspiration. As much as possible, they should never display any negative attitude and should always remain calm in any given situation. They should reflect on what the students should act and behave. Even the way they dress and the way they take care of their things can provide a significant impact on how the students will view the people and things around them.

 

  • “Technology conditions the brain to pay attention to information very differently than reading.” That is according to Jim Taylor Ph.D. Use technology for learning like letting them watch fables and stories that will teach them moral lessons. There are also various educational videos which can aid in developing the mind of the students. It could stimulate their comprehension. They will also learn to distinguish right from wrong and have an idea of how to handle particular situations.

 

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Teaching students with special needs take a lot of effort and patience. There are many factors and considerations to make which will contribute to the students’ learning process. It is vital that the environment, activities, and moods are fit to their strengths and weaknesses. It will ensure that every child has an equal opportunity to be the best that he can be.

What Experts Say About The GFCF Diet For Children With Autism

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If you have a child who is diagnosed to have autism, it is only natural for you to do everything you can to be able to see him improve or be alleviated from the symptoms that he is always suffering from. This will include getting him into a specialized diet. Experts have formulated many diets specific for children and adolescents with autism, but one that is particularly more popular is the gluten-free, casein-free diet or the GFCG diet.

Autism And Its Link To Gluten And Casein
According to Vicki Kobliner, a dietitian at Holcare Nutrition and also a consultant for GFCF.com, the diet comprises of a series of trials that involve the removal of casein and gluten and the assessment of these trials in connection with autism. These two proteins are among the substances that autistic children have been known to be very sensitive to. Thus, eliminating them from their diets will most probably benefit them.

Additionally, she says that gluten and casein are hard for these children to digest, which may be the reason why they are prone to more stomach and other digestive problems. What’s worse is that Kobliner believes the components of these two proteins are similar to morphine, and if it passes through the blood and goes to the brain.

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Research Outcomes
Although a lot of parents have vouched on the efficacy of the GFCF diet, there are only a few research outcomes so far, and researchers are still currently working on corroborating the parents’ testimonials.

One clinical study published in the Pediatrics Journal concluded that there needs to be more evidence needed to officially state the benefits of the GFCG diet in children with autism. Another study consisting of two small trials also looked into the effects the diet has on autistic children, and one study found that it did decrease the children’s autistic characteristics while the other study failed to do so. Researchers hope to unravel more benefits that the diet can offer to children with autism.

Testing The GFCG Diet
If you want to try implementing the diet to your child, then you must remove all foods that contain gluten and casein for at least six months. Here are some things to remember when trying out the GFCF diet.
• Work With A Dietitian. This is an important initial step, as some children who are into the diet can lack specific nutrients and may cause them to constipate. Consult a dietitian to ensure that your child’s diet is well balanced.
• Do A Gradual Transition. Do not eliminate foods that contain gluten and casein all at one time, as this may cause major changes in the child’s body and may even become more harmful than beneficial. Replace one food with a GFCF food at a time, perhaps for a few days, and then make it two.
• Learn To Check Labels. When you go grocery shopping, make it a habit to read the labels at the back of the products that you buy. Choose those without gluten and casein, although anticipate that the prices would be much higher.
• Always Be Ready With A Plan. You know you should watch what your child eats, but you also want him to be able to enjoy activities like parties and school events. So if he’s attending one, bring along food from the GFCF diet that your child can eat in case there aren’t any available in the event.

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Doing the GFCF diet appropriately may just prove trying it to be worth your time and effort. It may be what your child needs to make him feel healthy and at his best.

 

 

 

 

Guidelines For Caregivers And Families With Autistic Kids

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As a mother of a teenage daughter with autism, I have gotten used to searching answers from the web about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), especially when it comes to the ways in which I can be able to take care of her and help her live a life that is as normal as she possibly can. It hasn’t been easy for her and the family as well. We’ve been seeing minor and major changes year after year, and I would say that there are things we must do with more effort if we want our children with ASD to learn progressively despite the condition and the accompanying complications.

“Early adolescents (ages 12-14), middle adolescents (ages 15-17), and late adolescents (ages 18-20) all have different needs from their caregivers based on where they are at developmentally.” Sandi Lindgren PCC, LICSW explains. If you are a mother like me, or a family member, or a guardian of a child with autism, here are some important guidelines you can follow to help make the child’s life easier, more productive, and as meaningful as it can be.

Early Intervention Is The Key
Once your child is diagnosed with ASD, the first thing you do is to visit his doctor and have him coordinate with his healthcare team for your child’s treatment plan. Studies have proven time and again that intervention before a child is 3 years old has a tremendously positive impact than doing it when the child turns 5. There are various services in almost every state in America that are geared towards helping autistic children develop skills and adjust to their disabilities as they are growing up.

Community programs that help with emotional, physical, and mental delays of kids with autism are also available, and if your child qualifies, she can have scheduled occupational and speech therapy and other treatments that help her deal with her psychological issues. “Children meet developmental milestones when they are ready. There are ranges of what is considered appropriate and what may be considered delayed.” Francyne Zeltser, Psy.D. expresses.

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Teach Her Lessons At Home

Most children with ASD are enrolled in schools with special education classes. Aside from these classes, you can teach her some activities at home to reinforce learning and help her improve her skills. Read to her before she sleeps and if she has been reading in school, progress with letting her read a few lines before she heads to bed. Let her join you in the kitchen while you’re cooking and show her some kitchen utensils while teaching her what they are. Boosting her lessons will hasten her learning verbally, socially, and practically.

Be More Visual

Doctors will often advise you to ‘speak your child’s language.’ This means that you need to make the adjustments for learning to be progressive. Part of the definition of autism is difficulty communicating. Autistic kids don’t do well if you just ask them to write or spell. They’ll get impatient, frustrated, and will eventually throw a tantrum. Avoid this by being more visual. They work best with a combination of verbal and visual techniques. You can demonstrate an activity that you want your child to follow, and you can let her follow. You can also provide her with paper and colorful pens so she gets interested and will be more enthusiastic to engage in activities.

Social Skills Will Help Them Adjust To The World

“When a child is diagnosed with mental illness, it can overwhelm the family. On the one hand, many parents feel that they finally have answers for behaviors that are confusing and often scary.” says Katie Hurley, LCSW. Therefore, it is vital to teach your child how to talk with other people, starting with family members, friends, and significant others. Then as he adjusts to the outside world, encourage her to mingle with schoolmates and join school activities, so she has the opportunity to converse socially and be comfortable with other people. This way, she can also learn to stop and listen when someone is talking or observe facial expressions and body gestures.

Plan For The Future Now

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When you have an autistic child, your life can be so hectic just with taking care of her while working and taking care of yourself as well. But my husband and I decided that we must plan for our daughter’s future now, like what we must do when she grows older, the things we need to change at home so she can adjust, or what life we can leave her when we are old and unable to take care of her. Planning makes us feel better and more in control.