Have you ever been in a room of aunts or uncles and they all keep saying how similar you look to a parent? For many, resembling one parent or both is no big deal; but I’ve known people who look nothing like their parents and instead have a striking resemblance to a great-grandmother or great-grandfather.
in Autism Diagnosis by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
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
in Autism Diagnosis by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
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 “masking” among people on the autism spectrum. The character behind The Mask is
in Autism Health and Medical Info by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition recognized by its heterogeneity in associated symptoms. So much so that every individual on the autism spectrum experiences a variety of symptoms different to the next person. Autism is categorized by symptoms such as social interaction and social communication difficulties, restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or
in Autism Health and Medical Info by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Autism is a complex condition with several etiologies granted by the varying symptoms related to it. Symptoms can vary from difficulties in communication and interaction, special interest and repetitive behaviors, to sensory sensitivities. For this reason, biological research on treatments and therapies has been extensive to determine the best form of treatment for autism spectrum
in Autism Therapies and Treatments by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Meet Helen Boden, the CEO of I AM—Celebrating Autism in Greater Manchester, UK. A love for people and change has been a motivator for Helen Boden, and now, at the height of her career, she is the newly appointed CEO of I AM—Celebrating Autism in Greater Manchester, UK. The charity organization focuses on supporting autistic
in Autism Advocacy by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
The study of genes has led to the discovery that some genes contribute to deficits in communication, social cognition, and behavior. Individuals diagnosed with autism experience a variety of related symptoms, as such, a growing number of studies have been conducted from physiological studies to genetic studies. These seek to determine the cause of autism
in Autism Health and Medical Info by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Studies have discovered that some individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present with some form of personality disorder. Of the various forms of personality disorders, borderline personality disorder (BPS) seems to be the most prevalent. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by persistent difficulties in social communication and interaction, as well as repetitive/restrictive interests and
in Autism Diagnosis by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Our bodies function like an integrated system where each part and subpart plays a vital role in its overall functioning. When one part is affected, it may destabilize the system leading to disruptions in other interrelated systems. Your physiology is your entire system that works together to ensure that all functions from the cellular level
in Autism Solutions by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Some children with sensory sensitivity, or sensory processing disorder (SPD), can experience either an overload of sensory input, or are sensory seeking. It is important to note there is no such thing as being solely sensory seeking or sensory avoidant; some children or individuals with sensory sensitivity fall between the two where they may experience
in Sensory Solutions by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Most of us are familiar with the scientific fact that any living, breathing animal, insect etc. is made up of cells. These cells form tissues and organs that support the existence of the host. Scientists have studied the underlying mechanism of cells, as well as their functioning, and have discovered ways of using the cells
in Autism Therapies and Treatments by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Imagine living in a world where emotions do not appear to exist—no feeling anger, sadness, or happiness. So much so that even categorizing these emotions does not exist—a neutral reality where everyone looks the same and talks the same. What would that world look like for you? For people with alexithymia, this image isn’t far
in Autism Health and Medical Info by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
The journey to attaining a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often comes with many hurdles and back-and-forth consultations. Some parents only receive a positive diagnosis after years of seeking answers for their children’s challenges. Due to the spectrum of autism, diagnostic instruments have been developed to help clinicians or examiners measure traits against specific
in Autism Diagnosis by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
A poem about mirror-touch synesthesia. A clone to your touch. Innocently, As if enslaved to you, I share what you feel. Behind this glass, I am invisible to you, Yet somehow, You tempt me with every touch. You limp, I limp. You scream, I am your echo, As you melt into the hand of your
in Autism Poetry by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Have you ever washed your face and instead of feeling a gentle trickle as hands touch the surface of your skin lathered with your favorite face wash, the motion of your hand touching your face causes an involuntary painful sensation? This form of experience is known as tactile hyperesthesia. Hyperesthesia is a condition defined by
in Sensory Solutions by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Executive function is a collective term for critical functions such as planning, working memory, impulse control, inhibition, initiation, and monitoring of tasks or actions. Executive functioning is mediated by the frontal lobe, meaning any developmental delay that implicates the frontal lobe typically results in executive dysfunction. Executive dysfunction is observed in conditions such as attention
in Autism Health and Medical Info by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Language acquisition leads to the development of skills as well as cognitive, social, and emotional development. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience a variety of associated symptoms, and attain language proficiency at different stages—some earlier than others. Reading comprehension requires the ability to understand language and literature. It isn’t enough to just read a
in Education and Classroom by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
To build language skills, both verbal or nonverbal, it is beneficial to assess and understand the child’s ability. Verbal operants break down language into different elements which collectively help us communicate in our everyday lives. The term may sound strange but, if you take a closer look, you’ll realize we use verbal operants every day
in Communication Skills by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Our brains are so immense and powerful that we are driven by their complex workings. Our ability to think, reason, relate, and engage with others and tasks is granted by our brain’s ability to process the information in our environment. The memories our brains store are a key part of our daily living. Memory helps
in Autism Health and Medical Info by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
You may be chatting as a family and suddenly, your autistic child reacts out of character and you simply can’t understand what triggered him/her. Autism is complex and diverse; individuals on the spectrum express themselves in a variety of confusing ways that can often leave you asking: “how can I help my child when I
in Autism Behavioral Solutions by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
The wonders of modern medicine mean more illnesses and disorders are treatable. With this comes a greater understanding of how our bodies function from the cellular level to how these manifest in the physical. Several drugs have been developed over recent years and, through them, medicinal chemistry has improved. One treatment that has remained in
in Autism Therapies and Treatments by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
On a bad day, many of us turn to activities that elevate our mood and offer relief, whether it be exercising, cycling, watching movies, eating, cuddling, listening to music or just a simple cup of coffee. These feel-good exercises trigger oxytocin release. Often this is referred to as a “love hormone” or “love drug”. Oxytocin
in Autism Health and Medical Info by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Suppose you’re in an active conversation, do you ever actively think of what to say? Do you ponder on what to say next and hope to the heavens that you won’t mess up? Are you aware of your body language? Or does the conversation flow naturally without you needing to think about it? For many
in Communication Skills by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Although autism can create challenges and difficulties with everyday life, it can also be seen as a gift which enables people to share amazing talents with the world around them. There are many notable figures in today’s society who have received an autism diagnosis. Plus, with autism being a fairly “new” diagnosis, several geniuses throughout
in Autism Advocacy by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Our body’s overall functioning relies on the biological processes carried in our tissues and organs; if a particular part of the brain has not developed properly due to these underpinning processes, a respective physiological dysfunction may occur. Children with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions often also have common physiological conditions that impact their daily living
in Autism Health and Medical Info by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by difficulties in communication and language, understanding abstract concepts, gestures, and understanding the concept of time as well as engaging in social settings and creating interpersonal relationships, to name a few. Due to these difficulties, some children with autism lack the social or emotional ability to engage in conversations,
in Education and Classroom by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
As humans, we are social beings, governed by societal expectations. To be functional in society, our social conduct is important and, because of this, teaching children “good” behavior from a young age is key. One way children can learn what types of behavior are appropriate is through discipline—it is part of educating your child to
in Autism Behavioral Solutions by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
In our everyday lives, we process the world using our senses. Whether we’re sitting, walking, talking, or eating, more than one of our senses is involved so that each action is coordinated and understood accordingly. Some children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) find it difficult to process sensory information and integrate sensory stimuli. Because
in Sensory Solutions by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
The role of caregivers is just as important as therapists when providing supportive structure for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In teaching and managing challenging behaviors, behavior analysts play a critical role in empowering caregivers to ensure interventions undertaken during private sessions cross-over to the home environment to ensure a holistic and functional developmental
in Autism Behavioral Solutions by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
The developing stage of every child is marked by a series of milestones—from their first words, to the first time they crawl and, ultimately, their first steps. These developmental milestones are, for physicians as well as parents, indications of whether a child is developing within a neurotypical frame or not. When infants enter the developmental
in Autism Behavioral Solutions by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
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