Archive for the 'Autism Education' Category

New Study Sheds Light on Development of Autism

Author: mom_to_one, 04 22nd, 2010

With several questions still unanswered as to the causes and treatments for autism, there are constantly new studies and findings that help to illuminate some of the disease’s mysteries. As such, it is important for people to make a concerted effort to continue their autism education so that we can better understand the disease. A recent study by the Kennedy Krieger Institute has provided a new hypothesis for how the long-term effects of the disease may be determined.

In the study, researchers found that children who show signs of autism early might be more likely to overcome the adverse effects of the disease than those who show a plateau or regression later on. The children in the study who experienced some form of developmental regression were much more likely to show sever autism symptoms and require additional teaching supports. Those who showed autism signs early, however, typically developed in a more linear fashion and were able to overcome many of the symptoms commonly associated with autism.

Autistic Children Need Order in Their Lives

Author: mom_to_one, 11 09th, 2009

autistic childAs most parents of an autistic child would readily attest, the disorder makes kids very particular and oftentimes compulsive about the smallest organizational details. In the mind of an autistic child, order and predictability are very important. Even slight deviations from the norm can be upsetting, and they can set behavioral patterns back as well. That’s why decorating an autistic child’s bedroom is such a delicate process.

Pamela Downing of the Brownsville Herald suggests a few tips for attempting the task. The idea, according to Downing, is to keep the room’s organization simple and well defined. Depending on the child’s age, a play center and work area should be set apart and even labeled if necessary. The play center will be the area where the child plays with his favorite toys, and the work center should be used for completing homework assignments, using a computer and so on.

It’s crucial for parents to seek out as much autism education as possible in order to learn about how to cope with the disorder. Making special accommodations – like the setup of a bedroom – isn’t the half of it, however. Parents should explore treatment options even outside the realm of traditional medicine, always searching for a treatment that’s effective for their child. Remember that the earlier autism is diagnosed, the sooner it can be treated and its effects reversed.

Pregnant Women and Mercury Exposure

Author: mom_to_one, 09 21st, 2009

birth of a babyThe birth of a child is supposed to be one of the highlights of a mother’s life. It offers her a chance to display a whole new side – that of caregiver and nurturer. Unfortunately, the joys of childbirth are occasionally tempered by disturbing circumstances. When children are found to have birth defects, parents immediately think of all of the special care and costs associated with the condition.

Although the precise cause of most birth defects is difficult to pinpoint, there are a number of well-known risk factors that have been shown to be contributors. For example, women with high rates of exposure to heavy metals during pregnancy put their unborn children at significant risk. The effects of birth defects mercury poisoning causes are lasting and far-reaching.

Luckily, the general awareness about mercury and its dangers to humans is more widespread these days than ever before. Mercury exposure is rare, but an overabundance of seafood – especially shark, swordfish, halibut, salmon and canned tuna – can cause harm to pregnant women. After childbirth, it’s crucial that parents pay close attention to the vaccines their kids receive. Mercury has been used as a vaccination preservative in the past, and parents can never be too careful.

Autism Education

Author: mom_to_one, 08 28th, 2009
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Every child is deserving of love! Unfortunately, many children’s needs are misunderstood or neglected, putting stress on the love within a family. Autism is a brain development disorder recognizable by impaired social interaction and communication and restricted by repetitive behavior. Don’t let your child’s needs go unnoticed; daily interaction with your children will keep you aware of potential warning signs.

Promoting autism education is an invaluable cause that will help parents recognize symptoms at an earlier age, ensuring that every autistic child receives the special care they need. If you’re already the parent of a diagnosed autistic child, you can continue to support autism awareness by voicing your knowledge and experiences to other parents. Together, we can promote gracious love and devotion to the children affected by autism.

Educating an Autistic Child

Author: mom_to_one, 06 04th, 2009
Educating an Autistic Child

For an autistic child, learning can be a difficult task, but as autism disorders differ from child to child, there is no one proven method to teach. When teaching an autistic child, the best results come from a balanced approach to autism education. Just like children without autism, it’s important to tailor education to the child’s individual needs to achieve the best results. In fact, children with mild autism often excel at one or two subjects like math and science, but have much more trouble with subjects like English. Because autism is a disorder that affects social motor skills and communication, those subjects that don’t require either are where most autistic children excel above their peers. Thus autistic children might require little to no help with some subjects, and but need constant tutoring with others. Recognizing the right approach to autism education allows parents to ensure their autistic child develops a balanced education.

Children with severe autism can be at a significant disadvantage when it comes to learning, however, it is possible to educate children with more severe autism given patience and the right approach.

Education for Autistic Children

Author: mom_to_one, 04 02nd, 2009
Education for Autistic Children

One of the most difficult problems that autistic children face is learning to communicate with their peers.  Autism education is about more than educating in the traditional subjects like English, math, and science, it’s also about developing the social and communication skills necessary to interact with others.  One of the characteristic symptoms of autism is underdeveloped social and communication skills, and thus it’s important for autistic children to be introduced to these matters.  One successful social activity that autistic children can share with other children is gaming.  While some parents tend to shun computer games, because autistic children have no problems interacting with a computer, it’s an activity they can enjoy with little to no supervision.  In addition, computer games that take place in an online environment provide autistic children with a safe place to communicate with peers.

No matter what parents choose to do, it’s important to remember that peer to peer interaction is essential for an autistic child’s educational development.  Those children who are introduced to social and communicative activities will be much more likely to develop into independent adults. 

Advice for Parents of Autistic Children

Author: mom_to_one, 04 01st, 2009
Advice for Parents of Autistic Children

Autism is a lifelong illness that can hinder a child’s development into an adult.  While the cause of autism is unknown, successful treatments have been identified with parents and medical professionals.  Autism is classified with different degrees of severity.  A child with a mild case of autism might not even be recognizable as having autism unless monitored under close scrutiny.  More severe cases of autism do occur, but all cases of autism are treatable.  Parents need to ensure that their patience never runs out when caring for their autistic child; it can be difficult.  Parenting a child with autism involves knowing the treatments for autism and recognizing how autistic children can develop better with parental help.

While it’s not possible to cure autism, if caught at an early age, it is possible to work around it.  If the brain develops in a different manner, then it’s possible to negate the effects of autism to a greater extent.  There are several successful adults who were diagnosed with autism as children and then worked through their disability to become self aware individuals. 

Treating the Symptoms of Autism

Author: mom_to_one, 03 31st, 2009
Treating the Symptoms of Autism

While the cause and cure for autism are unknown, it is possible to treat the symptoms of autism and reduce their effect on the body and mind.  Autism often first manifests when children are toddlers.  Diagnosis before toddlerhood is difficult because children tend to show the first signs of autism when first introduced to communication and social interaction and after their brains have developed.  Treatment for autism involves developing the brain to think in different manners, and also to work around those barriers to social interaction and communication.  There are also some treatments that involve prescription and over the counter drugs used to cleanse or mitigate toxins from the autistic child’s system. 

Children that have autistic siblings are much more likely to develop autism than those who have no history of autism in their family.  If you believe your child is showing symptoms of autism, be sure to consult a doctor.  The earlier autism is identified the earlier treatment can begin. 

Identifying Less Severe Autism

Author: mom_to_one, 01 14th, 2009
Identifying Less Severe Autism

While it’s easier to identify severe cases of autism, especially once a child starts to grow, it can be difficult to identify less severe autism cases.  Autism can manifest as simple odd mannerisms, such as awkward hand motions, or slurred speech.  While children with mild autism can be educated to become functional and normal adults, it’s still important to recognize and work to treat their autism at an early age.  Luckily, mild cases of autism can have little to no effect on a child’s education; some subjects might even come to them more easily, such as math. 

All parents should be aware of the signs of autism, and those parents who do have children with mild autism should be well versed in autism education.  A few simple changes and tweaks to a standard education will allow an autistic child to learn more thoroughly and develop as a normal child.  Because children with mild autism often have fully functional brain activity, it’s also important to allow them to take part in their educational development; ensure their learning is enjoyable as much as possible. 

Emphasizing Patience for Parents of Autistic Children

Author: mom_to_one, 01 08th, 2009
Emphasizing Patience for Parents of Autistic Children

When parenting an autistic child, the key to fostering their development is having patience and keeping your cool. Autistic children suffer from underdeveloped social and communication skills, and sometimes learning a simple practice or process can take a lot more effort. If parents practice patience with their children, they’re more liable to teach them over time.

When parenting a child with autism, it’s also important to avoid lingering on one particular subject for an extended amount of time. If an autistic child can’t learn something, or doesn’t want to learn something, often no amount of effort on the part of the parent will help them to learn it faster. It’s wise to take all learning step by step, and ensure that difficult subjects are learned over time rather than making an attempt to cram it all in at once. With patience, understanding, and a cool head, you can help your autistic child develop into a more functional adult; just remember that it’s not going to be easy, but the results are spectacular!