Currently, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that encompasses a wide range of symptoms, including differences in social interaction, rigid and repetitive behaviors, and sensory-based motor impairments. Some autistic people do not smile or engage in verbal interactions well until they are six months old, and by nine months, they are not using words or engaging in social interaction at all. A child with ASD does not understand non-verbal communication, either, and can appear disinterested in social situations. Researchers have determined that certain genetic factors are associated with…
Read MoreCategory: autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often show repetitive patterns in their behavior, lack social skills, and have restricted interests. They also may be overly or under-reactive to sounds, lights, and textures. Several of the behaviors are exhibited by children with ASD, but not all of them are present in all children. They may also exhibit extremes in social behavior, such as difficulty making eye contact or refusing to play with others. Children with ASD may require substantial support systems, environmental modifications, or individualized support. Parents of children with autism…
Read MoreAutism in Girls – What Parents Should Watch For
While boys are often more open about their autism, girls tend to conceal the symptoms more easily. Girls often attempt to camouflage their deficits, including stimming, avoiding social situations, and withdrawing when they are unsure of what to say. They can also compensate by copying the behaviour of popular peers. Although this camouflage behavior may be difficult to spot, it is something parents should be aware of and watch for. Researchers began studying autism in girls when they heard about how different girls were from boys. They conducted two studies…
Read More4 Ways To Teach Social Skills to a Child With Autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects social skills, communication, and behavior. Many children with ASD have trouble with social interactions and may not understand social cues. Many children also have difficulty making eye contact, interpreting facial expressions, and understanding body language. There are many ways to teach social skills to a child with autism. Some children may benefit from social skills groups, while others may do better with one-on-one therapy. It all depends on how your child learns best. Try out some of the following tips to…
Read MoreBenefits of Pet Cats for Children With Autism
In 2006, Australian author Kathy Hoopmann published a book called All Cats Have Asperger’s Syndrome. The book humorously introduces autism to children by comparing its traits to those we see in cats, like wanting to be near loved ones without being touched and preferring a routine. If you have a child on the autism spectrum disorder and have had a cat, the comparisons are likely to make you smile. But as it turns out, those similarities may give us more than a cute way to explain autism spectrum disorder. There…
Read MoreHow To Help a Child With Autism Through a Dentist Visit
Helping your child acclimate to the process of visiting a dentist will be essential for their long-term health. Dentists recommend visits at least once a year, if not more often, so year-round preparation will help children with special needs adjust to the dentist’s office environment and be brave the day of their appointment. Here are some things you can do to help a child with autism through a dentist visit, before and after their appointment. Call Ahead With the Dentist Reaching out to pediatric dentists in your area is the…
Read MoreThe Best Toys for Children With Autism
Buying toys for kids with autism isn’t always the easiest task. That’s why we’ve made a list of the types of toys that are most beneficial to kids with autism.
Read MoreAutism Behavior Checklist – What It Is and Why It Works
The Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) was created by autistic individuals who understand the disorder, and who has a way to determine whether the child will develop a certain skill or not. The Autism Behavior Checklist was created by someone with an understanding of autism. This person has created an ABC that is used as a guideline for the development of autistic individuals. The purpose of the ABC is to give direction to how autism progresses. It also gives a sense of order to the chaotic chaos that accompanies autism. By…
Read MoreAutism Spectrum Disorder – Symptoms, Causes, and Early Childhood Development
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), also known as high-functioning autism (HFA), is an impairment that affects the way a person thinks and feels. Unlike other types of autism spectrum disorder, people with ASDs are usually not hospitalized or given drugs for their condition. Instead, they are encouraged to live normally like other children. Children with HFA often grow up to be doctors, counselors or businessmen. But most become loners and often become frustrated because of the barriers they encounter in life. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), also known as high-functioning autism (HFA),…
Read MoreUnderstanding Autism Spectrum Disorders in Children
Autism spectrum disorder can start in childhood and later causes problems interacting in society, socially, at work and in school, including academic performance. Usually children first display symptoms of autism in the early years. A very small percentage of children seem to develop normally from birth, and then experience a prolonged period of regression, usually between eighteen and twenty-four months of age, when they gradually develop verbal language, socialization, emotional development and learn more complex routines. The rest of the children suffer either some autistic characteristics or they have classic…
Read More