Keep up with the latest news and updates
January 17, 2022
There are very few prescription medications approved for autism spectrum disorders. Some feel this encourages off-label use of drugs to alleviate challenging autism symptoms of children on the spectrum. Clonidine is one such drug; frequently mentioned as a beneficial treatment option for sleep disturbances and behavioral challenges. Parents often experience frustration due to the lack
January 17, 2022
ABA: good or bad? Below, we unveil some of the viewpoints of adults on the autism spectrum regarding this form of therapy. This article shares some of the opinions of autistic adults about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy and their recollections of therapy sessions. We often see information from therapists and scientists in various research
January 14, 2022
Tips and ideas for designing a comfortable home for children with sensory processing challenges. Autistic children may experience hypo- or hypersensitivities which profoundly impact their sensory perception. As a result, they may interact with their physical environment in distinctly different ways than neurotypical children. It’s also fair to say that no two autistic kids are
January 12, 2022
It was March 2020 and the world had just shut down. My five-year-old had just been admitted into the gifted program at school but had not started in his new classes yet. Suddenly, I was supposed to homeschool a not-yet-diagnosed child on the autism spectrum who was smarter than me already. My ever-moving, always talking,
January 11, 2022
If you have questions pertaining to guardianship, this article will guide you along. What is Guardianship? Guardianship needs to be considered in two scenarios: 1. When the parents die 2. While the parents are still alive First scenario: when the parents die Let’s consider the scenario of parents passing away when the child still needs
January 10, 2022
Children with autism are often associated with aggressive behavior such as physical aggression and verbal aggression including yelling, screaming, tantrums, and outbursts. These challenging behaviors can be stressful for families to deal with every day at home or at school. They can create a wide range of emotions from feelings of anger, isolation, and helplessness
January 6, 2022
Meet Tanishq, an autistic boy whose love for cooking has inspired other special needs kids. Autistic individuals display a range of special skills. Identifying and encouraging such special abilities from a young age can help the child on the spectrum in many ways. Here is one such example of an 11-year-old child on the spectrum
January 5, 2022
Autism spectrum disorders and joint hypermobility related disorders: what’s the link, and why are these conditions increasingly mentioned together? It seems science is slowly catching up, searching along both spectrums to find the connection between autism and hypermobility spectrum disorder and other hereditary connective tissue disorders—hypermobility is often a sign of such hereditary connective tissue
January 4, 2022
Autism researchers have found nutraceuticals (nutritional supplements) have more positive benefits than pharmaceuticals on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms, with lower adverse effects. Professor James B. Adams, PhD of Arizona State University, conducted and analyzed a survey alongside Anisha Bhargava of Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, Devon M. Coleman, of Arizona State University, Richard
January 4, 2022
There are many factors to consider when discussing the typical age of autism diagnosis because children on the autism spectrum range in age, socio-economic group, race, gender, etc. Due to these factors and others in the general population, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be reliably diagnosed as early as three to ten years
January 3, 2022
Encouragement Speaker Derrick Hayes gives an AUTISM Interview by asking six questions through each letter in the word AUTISM to give readers an insightful perspective from parents, experts, entrepreneurs, and other leaders in the field. Lisa Steppan is a single mother of 16-year-old Sam, who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at the age
January 3, 2022
The work we do at Autism Parenting Magazine (APM) to support families all over the world simply wouldn’t be possible without the help and dedication of our valued contributors. Every year, we’re privileged to have many autism experts offering their time and services to the magazine as writers and, in 2021, for the first time,
December 31, 2021
What are the concerns of parents with children on the spectrum for life after high school? It is finally here—senior year! Senior year is the most momentous year in a student’s high school journey. What will the next phase of life look like after high school? Every decision in your child’s senior year determines their
December 30, 2021
Strides are being made in autism diagnosis as scientists in Israel report they are able to diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD) within the first year of a child’s life. The news comes from researchers at Bar-Ilan University, with two studies carried out by Bar-Ilan’s Mifne Center for Early Intervention in the Treatment of Autism and
December 29, 2021
If it takes a village to raise a neurotypical child, we should be working to provide that and so much more for children with autism spectrum disorder. Among those resources needed may be an autism psychiatrist, a professional whose role encompasses way more than just diagnostics. Psychologist, psychiatrist, behavioral pediatrician, neurologist, the terms and the
December 29, 2021
Autism dating can be quite a daunting and challenging part of growing up for both the people with autism and their parents. People that are on the autism spectrum often misread body language, lack scripting and appropriate skills to initiate relationships, and cannot always communicate what is on their minds. Activities like speed dating can
December 28, 2021
An educator’s advocacy to raise autism awareness helps Samir, an autistic boy, make friends. “Hold on to the grin,” said my heart whenever Samir passed by or took classes with me. When asked: “Samir, what makes you smile so much?” the happy-go-lucky chap answers with just a smile. I guess a smile is just so
December 24, 2021
How to help children become aware of social cues that could be beneficial when faced with challenging situations. Suppose an individual with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is aware of what he/she wants and is outspoken—how can we help him/her adjust (or use a softened approach for) how he/she voices views and opinions? If we focus
December 22, 2021
An overview of rejection sensitive dysphoria, a condition that causes an intense emotional response to real or perceived rejection, and its possible connection to autism spectrum disorder. I watched in slow motion as my son Owen fell head first into the side of the open french door. The blood curdling screams that followed were nothing
December 21, 2021
What are the benefits of telehealth and Discrete Video Modeling (DVM) for families with autistic children across the globe? In the United States (US), an estimated 222 per 10,000 children received a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 2020—one of the world’s highest rates. Only South Korea (263) and Hong Kong (372) reported greater
December 21, 2021
A groundbreaking biomarker discovery from scientists at Northwestern University could lead to new treatment for children with autism and epilepsy. Researchers have identified a biomarker for autism within patients’ cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This biomarker helps establish a link between autism and epilepsy, conditions which often co-occur, and could be used in future treatment methods. Epilepsy
December 21, 2021
Parents with children on the spectrum often speak about their kids’ difficulty recognizing faces, even those of friends and relatives. Face blindness, or prosopagnosia, means a person cannot recognize that they’ve seen a face before; this condition, found in many on the spectrum, may have serious psychosocial consequences. What do you see when you look
December 20, 2021
To understand sensory cognition in children with autism, we first need a general understanding of the eight different sensory systems. We are all born with these systems, which include vision, smell, hearing, touch, taste, vestibular, proprioception, and interoception. How children interact and learn from the world around them is typically done through these senses. The
December 16, 2021
In Russia, a camp specifically designed for individuals with autism helps provide the support and resources they often lack. On the banks of Russia’s scenic Vuoksi River, between St. Petersburg and the border of Finland, is a camp for Russian children and adults with autism. Every summer, campers (and a handful of volunteers) gather to
December 15, 2021
It may be a generalization, but autism is often linked to a visual learning style. It follows that using flashcards (especially picture cards as visual supports) for learning may be a great tool for parents to help their child on the spectrum. Looking back at our lockdown history, late-night online shopping was replaced by later
December 14, 2021
One in 44 (2.3%) eight-year-old children in the USA have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to an analysis of 2018 data newly published in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Surveillance Summaries. This figure is higher than the previous estimate published in March 2020, which found a prevalence of 1 in 54 (1.9%) eight-year-old
December 14, 2021
Strides are being taken in autism terminology as the term “profound autism” has been officially recognized by The Autism Science Foundation (ASF) for the first time. The new Lancet Commission report has formally recognized the need for, and endorsed the use of, the term “profound autism” for the first time in a peer-reviewed medical journal.
December 14, 2021
When someone is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), social cues, language skills and the ability to decipher what the other person or people are expecting, socially, can be difficult or misconstrued. This can equate to a delay in social skills as well as related behaviors, expectations, and interactions. What is social behavior? Social behavior
December 14, 2021
As a parent, it is important to make connections with other parents who relate to your stage of life. Realizing someone else truly understands your child’s hardships and triumphs can bring so much encouragement. For many parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), these connections are often few and far between. Sharing your child’s
December 13, 2021
Q: I have two nonverbal autistic nephews whom I watch and, for what seems like no reason, one likes to bite the other. I would like some advice on how to handle this for me and my brother. Thank you.-Jenny A: Hi, Jenny! Thank you for submitting your question on biting in children with autism
December 9, 2021
Meet John Vento, co-founder of Band Together Pittsburgh, who uses music to bring change into the lives of people on the spectrum. Music is one of many ways to unite people, regardless of culture, language, ethnic background, or intellectual ability. John Vento is a musician and business owner who brings programs to individuals on the
December 7, 2021
“Breast is best,” is a saying many of us have heard. But is breast milk really best for babies with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? Is there any connection between breastfeeding and the development of autism? And is it advisable for autistic mothers to breastfeed their babies? It seems any article about breastfeeding needs to be
December 6, 2021
Parents of autistic children, from my personal experience, are some of the most adventurous and creative people in the world. One reason for that is they parent some of the most gifted and unpredictable people in the world. Between the exploration of their children’s special interests, braving new professionals in their life, alternative therapies, and
December 6, 2021
What is sociopathy, does it relate to high functioning autism and can these conditions overlap, co-occur, or are professionals misdiagnosing autistic individuals as sociopaths, to their detriment? This was an interesting article to take on due to the controversy surrounding these diagnoses. At first, when you start a research project based on sociopathy, or correctly
December 3, 2021
My son is seven years old and has special needs with the inability to communicate through speech. He is not diagnosed as autistic but he has sensory issues and is unable to walk and carry out his frustrations. He bites and hits himself and we have tried many things for intervention. What are your thoughts
December 2, 2021
Ah the holidays, such a busy time. From preparing enough food to have leftovers for weeks, to gift shopping for family and friends, there are lots of tasks and traditions that come into play. There is no doubt the holiday season can be overwhelming for the average person; now, imagine those feelings times 10—that is
December 1, 2021
Parents of children with autism are inundated with questions while trying to provide the best care for their children. Many options exist for therapies, advocation, medical assistance, physicians, and the list goes on. Knowing which options will be best for their autistic children, and if they will have the financial resources to pay for them,
November 30, 2021
Advice often means more when it comes from someone who has walked in your shoes. Perhaps these tips for making friends from an autistic teen will spark some inspiration! There’s a common misconception that autistic girls are anti-social and don’t want to have friends. This is untrue. Most of us want to have social lives,
November 29, 2021
The world of complementary and alternative medicine may seem a little mystical and vague. Search suggestions from Google emphasize what many parents want to know: “Does it actually work?” But, more specifically, is acupuncture effective in treating a complex condition like autism spectrum disorder? What is acupuncture? Acupuncture has been around for a long time;
November 27, 2021
Here are some tips as you venture into finding the right therapist for your child on the spectrum. Finding the right autism spectrum disorder (ASD) therapist or psychologist can be a daunting task for families. There are many factors you should consider when choosing a behavioral health professional to work with. There will not be
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