Articles that focus on a wide range of tools, services, programs and teaching methods that can potentially help someone on the spectrum reach their potential. Sometimes the words ‘treatment’ and ‘intervention’ are used as well.
If you broke your leg and needed an orthopedic specialist, would you settle for an appointment with a heart surgeon? A revered specialist in his/her own right, a heart surgeon would likely not provide the proper diagnosis or treatment for your leg to heal properly. To get the best care possible, an assessment and treatment […]
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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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Screaming, pinching, biting, hitting, pulling hair, and spinning—those are things that are seen quite often in my house. My youngest child has autism—with a piggybacking disorder of aggression. As a parent of two typical children, this is not something you would expect to hear from another parent at a park play date! Trying to give […]
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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 encounter […]
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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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Signs of Autism in Teens Autism in teens can be recognized during regular interaction with others at school and at home. Verbal signs of autism in a teen might include: Not knowing how to engage in a two-way conversation; Usually talking about a single topic without allowing the other person to talk or respond Only […]
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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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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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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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Repetitive self stimulatory behaviours like hand flapping, spinning, shaking are all very mysterious to someone without autism but what does it represent? In this guide we discuss everything you need to know about to stimming and how to manage it. What is stimming? Autism Stimming or stim is a kind of self stimulation […]
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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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What are visual supports? Visual supports are non-verbal ways for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to communicate their needs and make sense of the world around them. Children with autism benefit from using visual supports for a variety of reasons. A nonverbal child can use a Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to communicate his/her […]
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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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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 is Assistive Technology? Assistive technology (AT) is defined as any product, equipment, software program and/or system that enhances learning, working, and daily living for persons with disabilities.The goal of assistive technology is to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of people with disabilities (ATIA). Think about all of the skills that your child, […]
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What are the best autism toys for 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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There’s a reason children are encouraged to draw and paint at a young age. One of the most important reasons for this is to develop the critical motor skills. Interestingly, studies have also shown that exposure to art at a young age can help children develop socially and emotionally and it teaches them analytical and […]
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Is your child with autism passive or sensory seeking? Are there developmental delays? 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 spectrum […]
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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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Most people are pretty familiar with the saying, “A dog is a man’s best friend.” Dogs are animated, fiercely loyal, and guarded protectors. But their worth goes beyond just being a trusted companion. For many, these furry friends serve a significant purpose as therapy dogs in the treatment of social, behavioral, and cognitive delays common […]
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When asked to name a therapy that will help the autistic community, most people will say applied behavior analysis (ABA), occupational therapy (OT) or even speech therapy, but I am here to tell you there are additional therapies out there that can help. In this article, I will describe two specific therapies, their benefits, and […]
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Families navigating through the world of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face numerous obstacles throughout everyday life. Events and situations that many people take for granted, such as owning a pet or interacting with a domesticated animal, may pose great challenges. Animals, especially dogs, are an integral part of American culture. As individuals with autism learn […]
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A canine has long been considered ‘man’s best friend.’ A dog’s unconditional love, non-judgment, and faithfulness have often inspired a partnership that brings about many benefits to both canine and human lives. A therapy dog’s main function is to help people emotionally, though physical benefits can result in boosting morale for physical therapy and encouraging […]
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An autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis can be difficult news to hear. Parents of newly diagnosed children, or adults with autism, actively seek out treatment methods that relieve the anxiety and stress that can accompany autism. When anxiety and stress are relieved, daily functions improve, sometimes dramatically. One gentle and reliable method that can often […]
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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 plan that is tailored to address specific needs. […]
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If your child has autism, you are probably quite familiar with sensory processing issues. Although sensory processing and autism are two separate entities, they often co-exist and each can further complicate the other. Oftentimes, children with autism have greater difficulties regulating their emotions and behaviors because processing all the sensory stimuli in their world can […]
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Horseback riding therapy has been successfully prescribed to treat children and adults with developmental challenges like autism and Asperger’s for several decades now as part of a comprehensive therapeutic package. Scientists concluded long ago that the horse’s multidimensional rhythmic movement, which resembles the natural walking gait of a human, can achieve specific therapeutic outcomes. It […]
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Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is closely aligned with autism in that most individuals on the autism spectrum have significant struggles with SPD (autismspeaks.org). Children with sensory impairments find it difficult to process and act upon information received through the senses, resulting in challenges such as clumsiness, anxiety, and social and behavioral problems. Additionally, many of them have sensory-related sensitivities […]
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It All Comes Down to Play: Autism Play Therapy Play is an important activity of childhood and is understood to contribute to healthy development1. It is so important that the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights has identified play as the right of every child2. Through play, children have opportunities to move, be curious […]
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