Category Archives for "Autism Health"
Articles that focus on health concerns and solutions such as dealing with allergies, the benefits of chiropractic care, yoga, holistic approaches, etc.
The Value of the Personal Trainer
On the pathway to adopting a healthy lifestyle, the exercise experience contains valuable opportunities for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to practice adaptive communication and socialization skills. To ensure a safe, enjoyable fitness experience, parents and caregivers may consider accessing the services of a certified personal trainer (CPT). Depending upon the individual’s level of […]
Continue readingHow Do I Know If My Child With Autism is Depressed?
According to research, approximately 20 percent of the population will experience depression at some point in their lives—this statistic increases to almost 60 percent in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Mood disorders (including depression) do tend to be more common in those with developmental disabilities compared to the more general population. However, depression in […]
Continue readingFinding a Winning Special Needs Exercise Program
Whether in the gym, residential, or outdoor setting, engagement in routine exercise can help individuals on the autism spectrum to dramatically improve their physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. As time spent in the fitness setting creates opportunities to develop communication skills, facilitate sensory processing, and enhance social awareness, exercise task demands gradually transform into […]
Continue readingAutism and Comorbidities: How to Treat One While Treating the Other
Q&A with Matthew Fisher, MD, Medical Leader, Springbrook Autism Behavioral Health Psychiatric Residential Treatment Program and Outpatient Psychiatry Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) commonly experience other medical conditions or comorbidities that can sometimes mask or even exacerbate symptoms of autism. At the top of the list are psychiatric conditions, neurological issues, and even gastrointestinal […]
Continue readingTop Advice on How to Approach Your ASD Teen About Hygiene
My son Ryan entered puberty way ahead of schedule, and I was caught by surprise scrambling to create strategies to help navigate his increased need for a basic daily hygiene regimen. What I needed was a buy-in from him: a plan to get Ry excited about cleanliness and a method to point him down the […]
Continue readingAnxiety and Autism: Best Ways to Relieve the Effects of Anxiety
Anxiety and autism disorders Approximately 40 percent of children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) also have an anxiety disorder (Steensel, Bögels, & Perrin, 2011). Anxiety can exacerbate symptoms of ASD making communication and social interactions increasingly difficult. Helping a child with autism learn practical skills to manage his/her anxiety can improve quality of life […]
Continue readingLearn Why It’s Important to Understand Gut Bacteria with Autism
Did you know that with over 90 trillion bacteria cells in our bodies we have more bacteria than human cells? This is something that is strange to think about but can have more impact on our health that we could have imagined. One of the areas in our bodies where bacteria has a significant influence […]
Continue readingAutism Medication Guide: Treating Autism and Its Core Symptoms
While the first clinical account of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was published more than 75 years ago by child psychiatrist Leo Kanner, the precise cause of autism is still not clear to scientists. Billions of dollars have been spent on autism research over the years in an attempt to unravel the mystery that now affects […]
Continue readingAutism and Toddlers: The Amazing Rewards Of Early Intervention
Several months after turning one, our son Daniel started to show some unusual behavior. He started to forget words he had learned, and he would let chewed food fall out of his mouth while eating. Although concerning, we didn’t give it too much thought until he started becoming more passive, spending increasing time staring into […]
Continue readingNew Treatment May Help ASD Kids Struggling With Weight Gain
As many parents already know, medications for managing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can cause challenging side effects. For the common symptoms of irritability and agitation, only two drugs are FDA approved—risperidone and aripiprazole—and unfortunately both can cause intense food cravings that lead to weight gain. The drugs are effective at reducing tantrums and aggression, so […]
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