Auditory training, discrete trial training, vitamin therapy, facilitated communication, music therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and sensory integration, Supplements, CBD oil, medical marijuana, chiropractic care, yoga.
When parenting children with autism, it is essential for parents and carers to understand all behavior is a form of communication. When that behaviour challenges parents and carers it is most often the environment, which includes the people within it, which triggers anxiety and the Fight or Flight response. Learning to understand your child and […]
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“Imagine your son was dropped in the middle of China, without a phone, a map or a grasp of the language and he was expected to find his way home by himself. Picture that and then you have an inkling of what life is like for him every day.”. (Tsachi Manor, Clinical Psychologist) If we […]
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At first glance, simple toys may seem less “exciting” than the complex, high-tech toys children often find fascinating. All there is to do with wooden blocks is stack them, right? Wrong! Simple toys overflow with educational potential and have such an important role in development. From addressing fine motor skills to fostering imaginative play to […]
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An autism diagnosis can bring major life changes for families and there are few resources available to help as they face an onslaught of important decisions. There are no easy solutions to address feeding difficulties, sleeping issues, and behavioral concerns. The stress on family life is truly taxing and there is little respite even if […]
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Gardening can be a personally rewarding and gratifying activity. Some can equate gardening to your favorite leisure activity. It’s certainly mine. I only wish I had more time to be in the garden because it makes me feel calm, centered, satisfied, and happy. The next best thing to gardening is to share a few ideas […]
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The treatment of lice is one of the primary reasons the insects are such an irritating pest. On their own, the creatures are itchy and annoying, and treating them is an extensive and time-consuming process. Treating them on your children is even more difficult, and if your child is sensory sensitive, it can be agonizing […]
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Receiving a diagnosis of autism is overwhelming. Waves of emotions begin to flood your inner being, ranging from sadness to anger to feelings of anxiety. You begin to ask yourself questions like, “Why me?”, “What did I do wrong?”, and “What do I do next?” There is a plethora of information on the internet and […]
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When you go to the doctor they always ask, “Is your child meeting milestones?” There are milestones each child should meet at different ages. The doctor will ask “Is he or she rolling over? Is he or she crawling? Is he or she talking?” The list goes on. I was the parent who always had […]
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A loyal companion, a friend who doesn’t require a lot of conversation, and even a gentle but insistent guardian; a dog can provide these things and more for a child, teen, or adult with autism. According to the Journal of Pediatric Nursing, in a survey of families with dogs and one or more members […]
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Your child has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy has been recommended. The gold standard for treating children with autism, ABA is a behavioral learning program that requires intense treatment, with up to 40 hours per week prescribed. The intensity of treatment is a proven factor that directly […]
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I am a UK-based Speech and Language Therapist experienced in working with children who have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as well as severe speech difficulties that can be best described by childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). I have been touched and inspired by the amazing progress made during therapy and I want to, in […]
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The martial arts are everywhere. You can find references to them in movies, on the covers of magazines, in TV commercials, and most likely you have one in your neighborhood strip-mall. Whether someone is looking for improved focus, expanded levels of conditioning, a newfound sense of purpose and self-confidence, or a healthy social environment to […]
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Dogs are often referred to as man’s best friend. In fact, the American Pet Products Association found that in 2019, 63.4 million Americans own a dog. Countless studies support the claim that having a dog improves overall well-being, especially for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There are three areas where trained dogs can benefit […]
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Have you been following the recent news reporting the benefits of CBD oils for autism? While scientific studies are underway, families report CBD oils can reduce stress for people on the autism spectrum, as well as lessen aggression, self-injurious behaviors, and anxiety surrounding social interactions. Recent reports indicate CBD can aid children with co-occurring seizures. […]
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What is occupational therapy? The role of occupational therapy for autism is to help the child participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. (“About Occupational Therapy,” 2019) Occupational therapy takes a holistic approach to the client’s wellbeing. It addresses the physical, psychological, and cognitive aspects […]
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What is Craniosacral Therapy? Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a non-invasive, touch-based therapy that is part of cranial osteopathy. This therapy involves applying gentle pressure on the skull, spine, and parts of the pelvis. It is used by osteopaths, chiropractors, and massage therapists to relieve pain and discomfort. Practitioners claim that craniosacral therapy can melt away […]
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Approaches that help autism are widely varied and individualized. Autistic symptoms are also unique to the individual, although they tend to fall into clusters or patterns. So where does it all come together? We know that all of these approaches affect the autistic’s brain, and most of the symptoms emerge from the brain as a […]
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What is an autism intervention? Intervention for autism involves taking action, often with outside help, to improve a specific condition or behavior. A successful intervention requires the cooperation of the child, parent, and therapist. With consistent practice and teamwork, interventions can make a difference. There are many interventions that address the many challenges parents […]
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In 1987, during my freshman year at Lehigh University, our first English assignment was to write a letter to an elected official advocating for a controversial issue of our choosing. I decided to write my United States congressman to express why I believed marijuana should be legalized. What was supposed to be a three to […]
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Scientists and researchers have noted that autism and thyroid disease are two epidemics on the rise. Dr. Raphael Kellman believes autism and thyroid disease are closely related. His study showed that 75 percent of children with autism have undiagnosed thyroid problems often due to unreliable blood tests. The most common type of thyroid disease seen […]
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Many parents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children are aware at some point that their child has a very accelerated splinter skill, a specific task that does not generalize to other tasks. For some parents, they may have noticed that their child is very advanced in art or music, and yet some highly advanced abilities […]
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Recently, parents of a 3.6-year-old child diagnosed with autism with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) in a US public school district approached me for some general tips on parenting a child with autism. I am a physical therapist with a special interest in the educational impact of a diagnosis like the autism spectrum, attention deficit […]
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What makes yoga different from other activities is its focus on correct full breathing during the exercises and the emphasis on doing them mindfully. Therefore it is important to encourage children to be fully present during this sequence and regularly remind them to keep awareness on their breath, and in what they are feeling in […]
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It is Thursday. I am about to meet a new child on the autism spectrum. My goal is to teach basic music skills and use these skills to build confidence, improve fine motor movement and prompt timely responses. To achieve this, I must capture the child’s attention. Brain function researchers have applied various definitions to […]
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Autism typically causes social difficulties and repetitive behaviors, as well as intellectual disabilities, and even physical symptoms like insomnia, irritability, hyperactivity and digestive troubles. Caregivers often turn to herbal substances or alternative medications to treat these types of symptoms. In fact, about 40 percent of families who have children with autism symptoms or other developmental disorders […]
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Mastering social skills is generally an ongoing endeavor for kids on the autism spectrum. Just when you master one skill, peers get older, change, and it’s time for an upgrade. How do you know if your child is ready to benefit from learning social skills in a group setting? In my office, groups promote safe […]
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“The word theatre comes from the Greeks. It means the seeing place. It is the place people come to see the truth about life and the social situation. The theatre is a spiritual and social X-ray of its time.” — Stella Adler The truth is theater is just a mirror. We hold mirrors up to ourselves every day. We […]
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We all want to understand why our children behave the way they do. Sometimes we wish to encourage alternative behavior—other times we hope to encourage more of the same behavior. For example, a mother may wish for her child to desist from throwing tantrums in public places. Another mother may be so delighted to hear […]
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“Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so_________.” Regardless of your age, gender or religion, I bet you said “delightful” to finish the familiar holiday tune Let It Snow. Not everyone feels this way, but I am happy those holiday songs are heard over and over again. As a specialty music instructor […]
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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 […]
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Functional independence skills are necessary for daily living and establishing quality of life. For ‘neuro-typical’ individuals, we exercise functional independence every day without thinking much about it. We get ourselves up, bathed, dressed, fed and out the door instinctually. For children with autism, however, these functional skills are often not always innate. It’s important to […]
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What are the best toys for autistic children? Children are so different from one another and so are their needs. Does your child like physical activity? An indoor ball pit or trampoline might help your child with autism expend some energy. What about sensory issues? Many kids benefit from soothing toys such as stress balls […]
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Does your child only eat very specific foods? Are you concerned your child isn’t getting the right nutrition? Does your child gobble down his/her meal? A simple solution is available, and the only equipment you need is your smartphone or a tablet. The solution is video self-modeling (VSM), and it is proven to work with […]
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“[Having a child diagnosed with autism is] very stressful. I don’t have time for my husband, and I don’t have time for me! …I’m always thinking that what happened to my son is my fault. I’m trying to do my best! He needs me!” —Anonymous parent Does the above statement ring a bell? Are there […]
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The Ultimate Guide to Autism Therapies and Solutions Finding the best method for treating autism is often a challenge for the loved ones of children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Because no two people with ASD are exactly the same, it’s vital to choose a method of treatment and therapy and an intervention […]
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Do an online search for “autism therapy for children,” and you will get more than 90 million results offering everything from applied behavior analysis (ABA), equine therapy, restricted diets, hyperbaric chambers, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and alternating tactile stimulation, to behavioral therapy, chelation, electroconvulsive therapy and much more. Parents want the best for their children […]
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Anyone who gardens knows how good it can make you feel. Whether you’re a bit tired, had a stressful day at work, an argument or are dealing with serious depression or heartbreaking loss, I’ve heard time and time again from people how powerfully healing gardening can be. It enables us to take time out from […]
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So to begin…what is yoga? More than just postures, yoga originated in India as an ancient science to enhance the well-being of the body, mind, and soul. It is about providing holistic health through physical exercise, breathing, relaxation, diet, and philosophical practices. The wonderful thing about yoga is that it is accessible and beneficial to […]
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Is your child with autism passive or sensory seeking? Are there developmental delays? DIR Floortime therapy, an evidence-based intervention for autism, may strengthen basic communication skills and relationship skills for your child. What is DIR Floortime? Developmental Individual-difference Relationship-based model (DIR) Floortime was developed by the late Dr. Stanley Greenspan to help children with autism […]
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Music is everywhere. It’s in our speech, our stories, and our interactions with one another. We add it to our work, relaxation, and our exercise because of its power to enhance the activities. It’s historic, cultural, and unavoidable. I would go so far to suggest music is the human experience as it has touched cultures all […]
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