autism Archives - Talbert Zoo

Kids With Autism and Their Special Interests

December 14, 2022 Mallory Knee

If you have a child or family member with autism, you’re likely familiar with their special interests, even if you weren’t previously aware of the technical term for them. Here’s what you should know about kids with autism and their special interests. What Are Special Interests? Special interests are unique to individuals with autism. A special interest can be an intense passion or focus on a specific topic for an extended period of time. Now-outdated research described special interests as “restricted interests” and heavily discouraged them. However, special interests are…

4 Tips for Road Tripping With a Child With Autism

September 28, 2022September 28, 2022 Mallory Knee

Change can be tough for individuals with autism because it means they are no longer able to maintain their old habits and routines. For children with autism, this change can be overwhelming and scary, particularly if they aren’t sure why the change is happening. Road trips are a great way to spend quality time with your family; however, they can be a source of stress for children with autism due to the change in routine and uncomfortable sensory input. Here are four tips for road tripping with a child with…

How To Help a Child With Autism Take the School Bus

July 25, 2022 Mallory Knee

Hardly anyone enjoys riding on the school bus, but this task is even more of an obstacle for a child on the autism spectrum. Knowing how to help a child with autism take the school bus can give them the confidence to hop on without concerns and provide parents peace of mind while they are gone. Develop a Routine Following the same pattern regularly is one of the greatest strategies to assist a child with autism. To accomplish this, it helps to wake them up at a specific time and…

The Importance of Early Diagnosis of Autism

July 24, 2022January 18, 2023 Cascia Talbert

People with autism face many barriers in life, including social isolation and discrimination. Some autistic people are unable to access necessary health care, education, or community engagement. Those with autism also often experience co-occurring health conditions, including poor diet, physical inactivity, and chronic noncommunicable diseases. These individuals can also be at higher risk of injury and violence. In many cases, early diagnosis of autism is necessary to maximize the quality of life and reduce the risk of long-term disabilities. A study conducted in 2020 of children in 11 regions found…

How an Aquarium Can Benefit Your Child With Autism

July 14, 2022 Mallory Knee

Aquariums are known for their calming effects on the mind and body. This is due to their vibrant colors, calming sounds, and the enrapturing nature of the tank itself. However, aquariums aren’t just great for neurotypical children; they’re great for neurodivergent children as well, particularly children with Autism. If your child loves fish and aquariums, then you may already be aware of the benefits owning one can have. But for those unaware, this article will review how an aquarium can benefit your child with Autism. Soothes Meltdowns Because aquariums are generally…

Tips for Helping Your Child With Sensory Issues

July 13, 2022 Mallory Knee

There is a lot to experience in the world. For children, so many new sights, sounds, smells, tastes, colors, and textures can be overwhelming, especially if they have sensory issues. Stimuli can be difficult to organize and process and can quickly result in overstimulation and panic. But there are plenty of ways you can help your child manage their sensory issues. Pay Attention This point may seem obvious because every parent needs to pay attention to their child, and you’re likely already doing some version of this. But through observation,…

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

June 5, 2022June 7, 2022 Cascia Talbert

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…

Autism Spectrum Disorder

June 2, 2022June 2, 2022 Cascia Talbert

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…

Autism in Girls – What Parents Should Watch For

June 1, 2022June 2, 2022 Cascia Talbert

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…

4 Ways To Teach Social Skills to a Child With Autism

April 25, 2022 Mallory Knee

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…