Family gatherings are the number one sited source of stress during the holidays for families touched by autism. Leaving the safety of home, traveling (even if just across town), and being expected to eat certain foods in a strange environment can be enough to cause a full-blown meltdown. When Family …
Why are autistic children picky eaters? Many autistic children are picky eaters. The reasons are multi-faceted but the first thing to consider is sensory issues. Children with autism may be overly sensitive to tastes, smells, and textures—all of which will affect what they will or will not eat. If smells …
In 1975, 1 in 5,000 children were diagnosed with autism. By 2013, that number has risen to 1 in 55 children identified and diagnosed with autism spectrum. Some believe that these staggering numbers represent a rise in children born with autism, while others believe better research and understanding of this …
It is often difficult to for those with autism spectrum disorders to work towards goals. This difficulty can be explained by the inability to sustain problem solving capabilities—part of the job of our executive functioning system. In those with autism this system can be inhibited. Executive Dysfunction or a deficit …
Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning that it affects people to varying degrees with a large array of symptoms and traits. Some people with Autism are non-verbal, and cannot communicate verbally; however, even verbal communication affects those with Autism Spectrum Disorders to varying degrees. Some autistic children experience delays in …
Autism was first identified by two Australian psychiatrists in the 1940’s. Dr. Leo Kanner studied children who would later be identified as autistic, or to have “classic Autism”, and Dr. Hans Asperger studied children who have what is now known as Asperger’s Syndrome, which is a high-functioning form of Autism. …
All parents experience occasional difficulties in getting their children to sleep, and keeping them asleep. Parents of autistic children, however, suffer this more often. Sleep disturbances are commonplace among autistic children and adults alike. Why is it Important for Autistic Children to Get Adequate Amounts of Sleep? Our bodies need …
Many parents are dismayed when they receive the news—their child has an autism spectrum disorder. Take heart, many famous and successful people have navigated the world despite, or maybe successful because of their Autism. In recent years some noted celebrities have shared their own autism diagnoses with the public. Tim …
Some research shows that as children with autism or Asperger’s Syndrome grow their autism gets better, not worse with age. It appears to reflect that autistic traits or “symptoms” improve as they grow, and their autism gets better. But—is this really the case? Social Difficulties May Appear Improved with Age …
Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) such as Asperger’s Syndrome (AS), continually struggle over what they perceive as utterly pointless turns of phrase. Idioms are a minefield for these very literally-minded learners. Often children with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) respond to idiomatic expressions in a way that is perceived as “sassy”; …
