Meet Stephanie Smith, a woman driven by her passion to create change in the autism community through education. Stephanie Smith is the recently appointed Deputy Headteacher at The Cavendish School, a state-maintained special free school for young people with autism in the UK—and the world’s first International Baccalaureate (IB) special autism school. Stephanie has been
in Autism Advocacy by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
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
in Autism Advocacy by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Some of us enjoy the occasional trip to the spa; not only is it a form of self-care but it also offers us the opportunity to relieve tension. Treatments offered can range from hot stones, to trigger point massages including vibration massages. It’s therefore hardly surprising that vibration therapy for autism is believed to soothe
in Autism Therapies and Treatments by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
A look at the prevalence of autism in South Africa and the challenges affecting families in need of therapies and support. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects individuals regardless of culture, ethnicity, or economic status. Unfortunately, most of the research studies on the prevalence of autism, diagnostic traits of autism, and its impact on life and
in Autism Advocacy by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Just when you think you’ve read it all, here comes another condition that is said to be related to autism: catatonia. If you haven’t heard yet, autism and catatonia have been closely studied to understand their comorbid occurrence and, from what we currently know, unfortunately, it does appear to be true that there’s some crossover.
in Autism Health and Medical Info by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Discoveries about the biological treatment of autism symptoms are growing and are hot topics for parents seeking solutions to assist their children. One area scientists have been looking into for some years with limited success is secretin as a treatment for symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The first study into the use of secretin
in Autism Therapies and Treatments by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
If you’re not scientifically minded, you might be unaware of the potential link between epigenetics and autism. From the moment children are conceived to the moment they begin to interact with the environment, they’re indirectly exposed to factors which could affect their development. In short, epigenetics is the study of how your behaviors and environment
in Autism Health and Medical Info by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Receiving an autism diagnosis for your child is a confusing experience, especially as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is regarded by some as an umbrella term for several different conditions. Parents with children on the spectrum often receive multiple diagnoses, some of which are conditions that co-occur with autism, some of which are part of autism
in Autism Diagnosis by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
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
in Autism Therapies and Treatments by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
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
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 autism masking among people on the spectrum. The character behind The Mask is
in Autism Health and Medical Info by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has a diverse array of markers and traits. So much so that every individual on the autism spectrum experiences a variety of symptoms different to the next person and many ASD symptoms can be found in other disorders similar to autism. Autism is categorized by symptoms such as social interaction and
in Autism Health and Medical Info by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex condition with symptoms varying from difficulties in communication and interaction, to special interests and repetitive behaviors, to sensory sensitivities. For this reason, new autism treatment methods are regularly unveiled and often focus on different elements of the spectrum. It is important to note that, while scientists drive research
in Autism Therapies and Treatments by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Science tells us that our genes contribute to deficits in communication, social cognition, and behavior. This might lead you to question: is there an autism chromosome? Well, a growing number of physiological and genetic studies are being conducted to determine the cause of autism and target the biological route of its symptoms, so let’s find
in Autism Health and Medical Info by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Studies have discovered that some individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) also present with a form of personality disorder. Of the various forms of personality disorders, borderline personality disorder (BPD) and autism as a combination seem to be the most prevalent. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is not a personality disorder in itself. ASD is characterized
in Autism Diagnosis by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
When we consider the pathophysiology of autism, there is a lot of information to process. As a background, think about the fact 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 Autism Solutions by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Children with sensory processing disorder (SPD) and/or autism can experience either an overload of sensory input, or be sensory seeking. Both of these can cause overwhelm and lead to feelings of anxiety or stress, which is why it’s important to involve sensory breaks in these children’s schedules. Since autism is a spectrum, we find that
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. Many of us have also heard of stem cells therapy for autism but are unsure about its validity. Scientists have studied
in Autism Therapies and Treatments by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Before we delve into defining alexithymia and autism I’d like to paint a picture in your mind. Imagine living in a world where emotions do not appear to exist—no clear indications of anger, sadness, or happiness. So much so that even categorizing these emotions does not exist—a neutral reality where everyone looks the same and
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, but tools such as the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale are designed to help. Due to the spectrum of autism, diagnostic
in Autism Diagnosis by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Have you ever washed your face and found the act of your hands touching your skin causes an involuntary painful sensation? This experience is known as tactile hyperesthesia. Hyperesthesia is defined by heightened sensory experience in any of the five senses causing pain stimulation, but what’s the connection between hyperesthesia and autism? The sensory experience
in Sensory Solutions by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Executive dysfunction in children with autism is a key issue. Executive function itself refers to planning, working memory, impulse control, inhibition, initiation, and monitoring of tasks or actions. All of these elements can be impacted by autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Executive functioning is mediated by the frontal lobe, meaning any developmental delay that implicates the
in Autism Health and Medical Info by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Autism reading comprehension is a complicated topic as 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 text without understanding the meaning behind the words
in Education and Classroom by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Verbal operants break down language into different elements which collectively help us communicate in our everyday lives. The term itself may sound strange but, if you take a closer look, you’ll realize we use verbal operants every day without realizing it. Verbal operants is a verbal behavior approach designed to assist in teaching language in
in Communication Skills by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Our brains are immense. Everyone’s ability to think, reason, relate, and engage with tasks is granted by their brain’s ability to process the information in their environment. Our brains store thousands of memories, but with many believing the autistic brain is differently wired, some people wonder what the connection is between autism and memory. The
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 spectrum disorder (ASD) is complex, with some individuals on the spectrum showing impulsive aggression as they struggle to express their needs. Some children with autism experience impulsive aggression where they
in Autism Behavioral Solutions by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
The wonders of modern medicine have led to a greater understanding of how our bodies function from the cellular level and how these manifest in the physical. In turn, this has lead to the evolution of suramin for autism as well as other drugs for neurological conditions. Several drugs have been developed over recent years and,
in Autism Therapies and Treatments by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
There is more and more emerging research on the relationship between oxytocin and autism. So, what actually is oxytocin? Well, on a bad day, many of us turn to activities that elevate our mood such as exercising, cycling, watching movies, eating, cuddling, listening to music or just a simple cup of coffee. These feel-good exercises
in Autism Health and Medical Info by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
When you’re engaged in conversation, do you actively think of what to say? Do you 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 of us, we experience the latter, but for people
in Communication Skills by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
There are many famous people with autism as, although autism can create challenges with everyday life, it can also be seen as a gift which enables people to share 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
in Autism Advocacy by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Ever heard people talking about biomedical treatment for autism and wondered what it is? This article looks at physiological processes in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and highlights biological treatments which claim to improve underlying dysfunctions. Our body’s overall functioning relies on the biological processes carried in our tissues and organs; if a particular
in Autism Health and Medical Info by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
There are many different teaching strategies for ASD children. Often, it is worth taking a different approach to neurotypical teaching methods in order to support kids on the autism spectrum with their social skills, language, and communication. Because of the challenges that children with autism experience, which affect their ability to be independent, the TEACCH
in Education and Classroom by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
One way children can learn what types of behavior are appropriate is through discipline—it is part of educating your child to learn right from wrong and to understand socially acceptable and respectful behavior. Disciplining your autistic child is no easy task though, and requires a lot of patience. Implementing discipline strategies can be challenging and
in Autism Behavioral Solutions by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
We all 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. So what happens if a child’s senses aren’t cross-functioning smoothly? Well, that’s when it might be worth considering sensory integration therapy (SIT). Some children
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). With this in mind, a key thing parents and professionals can collaborate on is managing challenging behaviors, and one way of doing so is through incidental teaching. Incidental teaching offers caregivers or parents a
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. Autism toe walking is sometimes spotted during this key period of growth by parents as well as physicians. When infants enter the developmental phase of walking, some develop
in Autism Behavioral Solutions by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
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