Keep up with the latest news and updates
October 18, 2021
Professor Uta Frith of University College London recently spoke out about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis, saying urgent changes are needed in how the condition is diagnosed as it “has been stretched to breaking point and has outgrown its purpose”. The comments were made after a study was published in the Journal of Child Psychology
October 16, 2021
Our senses help in so many ways: balance, coordination, and hearing, to name a few. Here are a few activities that could help your autistic child have a balanced sensory experience. Our ability to perceive our environment is dependent on our brain’s ability to integrate sensory input that works together to help us receive, incorporate,
October 15, 2021
When autism is found alongside (or co-morbid with) another disorder, diagnosis and treatment may be complicated. One example is cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder, where severity and symptoms tend to present differently in each individual. Autism rates among children with cerebral palsy are elevated when compared to prevalence in the general population. Even doctors
October 14, 2021
Have you ever heard of macrocephaly? This big word has a very simple definition: it means that a person has a large head. But is this condition a problem for children, and does it have any connection to autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? Let’s take a look at these questions and more. What is macrocephaly? Macrocephaly
October 13, 2021
Here are three tips that could help you make the right decision when choosing a therapy dog. A therapy dog might seem like a large cost, but it’s an investment in your child that can make a huge difference to his/her quality of life. Therapy dogs are a little different from service dogs. But once
October 13, 2021
Historically, dance has been used as a form of healing. In African culture, dance resonates across a variety of tribes to symbolize connection with a higher power and to bring people together in communities to honor the rights of passage, but have you heard of dance therapy for autism? Of course, engagement through dance exists
October 6, 2021
Exclusive data from Autism Parenting Magazine reveals close to 6% of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have some form of gender dysphoria. Are people on the autism spectrum more likely to have gender identity confusion? This question is being posed more and more as gender dysphoria sees increased coverage in the media and people
October 5, 2021
Autistic children sometimes need more support than neurotypical children as they grow up. Autism can come with challenges in school, social interactions, the professional world, and daily life, not to mention the various medical issues that may occur alongside being on the spectrum. Parents and caregivers of autistic kids know they are especially important to
October 4, 2021
Here are some tips on how you, as a parent, can help your child manage his/her stimming behavior. Stimming is often associated with children on the autism spectrum, although stimming is something that neurotypical individuals will engage in as well. Stimming is also known as self-stimulatory behavior and can be characterized by repetitiveness of body
October 4, 2021
Parents often speak about the difficulty of dealing with possible autism characteristics in a young child. When any red flags appear, parents start second guessing themselves. They watch their child like a hawk, dissecting every aspect of behavior. In such circumstances some parents mention that it would be easier if there were distinct autism features
October 1, 2021
A meditation coach and mom shares how she “gets out of overwhelm” and gets to sleep at night. Are you overwhelmed by parenting your intense kid? Are you exhausted, but lying awake at night? Does the stress of holding it all together make your body tense? I’m the parent of an autistic kid, and also
September 30, 2021
A parent-led therapy for babies displaying early signs of autism has significantly reduced the likelihood of a diagnosis in early childhood, according to research by CliniKids at the Telethon Kids Institute. An international research team led by Professor Andrew Whitehouse at the University of Western Australia found that a clinician diagnosis of autism at age
September 29, 2021
With little more than anecdotal evidence available, should parents consider the GAPS (gut and psychology syndrome) diet for their kids on the spectrum? If you want to divide the room, any room, start talking about your child’s diet. Elimination diets, gluten-free diets and, yes, one of the most debated: the GAPS diet. But what if
September 29, 2021
Genetic studies are evolving every day and now play a key part in identifying which genes could be the reason behind disorders and disabilities. Genetic testing is being used more and more in the medical community, but is there a form of genetic testing for autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? This article should answer this big
September 28, 2021
Nature can be a stimulating environment for learning—this article looks at the benefits of the great outdoors for children on the spectrum. Our modern age provides extraordinary technological advances that help humankind, but we’re paying the price in some areas, including less time spent outside in nature. Children today spend more time indoors detached from
September 25, 2021
Seven party planning ideas to prepare your little one with autism or sensory needs for social events. If you’re planning a party for a child with autism or sensory processing challenges, it helps to be sensitive to his/her unique needs. Here is a list of ideas to help increase enjoyment and prevent meltdowns, tantrums, or
September 22, 2021
The complicated and controversial history linking autism and schizophrenia does little to answer parents’ concerns about the co-occurrence of these two conditions in their children. Dr. Eugene Bleuler first used the word “autism” in the early twentieth century to describe symptoms related to schizophrenia. More specifically, symptoms of withdrawal into an inner world—which he had
September 21, 2021
As parents, you want your children to be at their happiest and healthiest, and that includes their diet. Unfortunately, kids on and off the autism spectrum can have problems with food, appearance, and self-esteem. Eating disorders are some of the most complex and dangerous mental health concerns. How common is it for autistic people to
September 21, 2021
For many autistic children, getting a good night’s rest can be a real challenge. Sleep difficulties can include taking hours to get to sleep, frequent nighttime wake ups, inability to stay asleep, very early mornings, and more. When your child is not sleeping well, you can see that they struggle to stay focused and may
September 19, 2021
Friendships can form at all stages of life, but the process of making friends can be challenging for children with autism. All friendships are defined differently in every stage of life. Toddlers and preschool-age friends have less requirements and less expectations than teenagers and adults. The older you become, the more complex relationships become. Relationships
September 16, 2021
Here are some ideas on how to build your autistic child’s handwriting skills. Handwriting is crucial for success in school, communication skills, and a child’s self-esteem. Children with autism often have handwriting impairments, so they may be referred to occupational therapists to address this most important skill. My name is Linda Craig Dennis and I’ve
September 16, 2021
When it comes to being safe at home or out in the world, our children and all of us as parents and guardians need to understand the potential dangers so we can plan ahead, teach, and help keep everyone secure. Many parents who are adjusting to their child’s individual patterns of behavior can be surprised
September 14, 2021
Aggression is a common issue for both children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It may be verbal (shouting, screaming, cursing) and/or physical (hitting, kicking, biting, destroying property, self-injury). Some research suggests that children with autism are more likely to show aggressive behaviors than typically developing children and children with other developmental disabilities. People
September 14, 2021
Time does not exist, it’s an illusion, a human construct existing only in our minds to conceptualize change intellectually. There is no past or future, that is if you subscribe to theories by scientists like Carlo Revelli. For many parents with neurodiverse children, time feels very real. Watching a ticking clock after you’ve sent your
September 10, 2021
Have you ever witnessed a child in a classroom who is constantly fidgeting? Or perhaps you’ve seen a child playing alone in the corner of a playground? Many children struggle to focus or have difficulty making friends at times, but when this becomes “normal” daily behavior, it could be a sign of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
September 10, 2021
Here are some ideas to help your autistic child become more flexible in tough situations. When our kids are in their comfort zone, things are humming along. There are no meltdowns, they are happy, everyone around them tends to be happy. Being in the comfort zone allows our kids to anticipate what is coming, have
September 9, 2021
For parents who want to find out more about autism, it is important to know what autism is… and what it’s not. For others there is concern that promoting pride in autism sometimes ventures into adding to the stigma of other mental conditions or intellectual disabilities. A LinkedIn post by Russell Lehmann caught my attention
September 8, 2021
An autistic woman’s perspective on why there is much to be done to improve medical intervention for people on the spectrum. My neck and arm had begun to throb, joining the sharp pain in my back, and I shifted in the chair to try to alleviate it, temporarily losing the thread of the conversation.
September 8, 2021
Here are some tips to help you manage stress and anxiety as you raise your child on the spectrum. Given the state of the global health crisis, it is not surprising that many of us are struggling with our mental health as we face increasing levels of stress and anxiety. This may apply particularly to
September 7, 2021
Intense tantrums, aggression, and self-injury are some of the most worrying symptoms associated with autism. These behaviors are usually addressed with therapy, but doctors may decide that medication is needed. Risperidone is an antipsychotic sometimes prescribed to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Let’s explore what this drug does and whether it’s effective for kids
September 6, 2021
Today, it is important to share the messages of inclusion and being yourself with children. Hillary Sussman’s new book, Roxy and Maliboo: It’s Okay to Be Different does just that. In this super cute and playful read-aloud picture book, Roxy is a loveable dog who has lost a leg because she was sick, and is
September 6, 2021
How often can we journey in the footsteps of one who for decades could not communicate? Imagine how it feels to live in a world alone, where you are unable to communicate with the people in your life, a life almost underwater. This was the world of Erin Elizabeth Eyer for 35 years until assistive
September 6, 2021
This new book by an internationally recognized expert in ADHD and related problems offers 12 detailed case examples showing how he effectively treated some very bright children, teenagers, and adults on the autism spectrum who had struggled with unrecognized ADHD and related difficulties in social functioning. Includes updated science-based information about ADHD and asperger’s Syndrome.
September 3, 2021
Diagnosis, earliest possible intervention and finding the best available resources—supporting your child on the spectrum is well, a lot. South African parents just starting out on this journey may wonder where to start… South African parents with special needs children often comment in awe (and envy) about the resources available to children in first world
September 3, 2021
A psychology and mental health expert shares her top tips for how you can help your autistic child develop good social skills. While it’s a common myth that autism causes a child to be anti-social, children with autism need and want to make friends. However, they lack essential communication skills to function socially with peers.
September 2, 2021
When researching whether autism is overdiagnosed, Google’s related search suggested, “Why is everyone autistic now?” Is autism on the rise and affecting individuals in record numbers, or is there a problem with diagnostic criteria resulting in an ever widening spectrum where normal behavior is pathologized… Could I be on the spectrum? Maybe you entertained this
August 31, 2021
A tutor reflects on how every child with autism deserves reassurance in moments of distress and sensory overload. Everyone needs to be assured, reassured, and sometimes promised that things are going to be alright. My story consists of two different schools and two different kids, but they both needed the same thing, which was reassurance
August 30, 2021
Following the great success of the inaugural Autism Parenting Summit in April, Autism Parenting Magazine has announced that the virtual event will return for three full days in September. Doctors, therapists, educators, parents, and people on the spectrum will again cover the topics that matter most to autism families in this FREE virtual event taking
August 28, 2021
When I think of the word “masking”, I immediately remember the 1994 film The Mask starring the one and only Jim Carrey. While the movie promises a good time and pure comedy, its synopsis actually has some parallels with the act of autism masking among people on the spectrum. The character behind The Mask is
August 27, 2021
Ever since my autism diagnosis 25 years ago, doctors and therapists have been a regular part of my life. I’ve run the gamut of antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs; I’ve seen countless therapists in my journey recovering from PTSD, social anxiety, and addiction. Despite keeping an open mind, when I was offered a course of hypnotherapy
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