My ASD Child

Moms and dads should ask their youngster’s doctor for referral to a developmental pediatrician for assessment if there are concerns with any of the following... Communication Red Flags: Loss of any language or social skills at any age No babbling by 11 months of age No response when name is called, causing concern about hearing No simple gestures by 12 months (e.g., waving bye-bye) No single words by 16 months No two-word phrases by 24 months (noun + verb – e.g., “baby sleeping”) Behavioral Red Flags: Compulsions or rituals (has to perform activities in a special way or certain sequence; is prone to tantrums if rituals are interrupted) Lacks interest in toys, or plays with them in an unusual way (e.g., lining up, spinning, opening/closing parts rather than using the toy as a whole) Odd or repetitive ways of moving fingers or hand Oversensitive to certain textures, sounds or lights Preoccupations with unusual interests, such as light switches, doors, fans, whee

"We just discovered that our 8-year-old daughter has high functioning autism and ADHD! There is so much information on the Internet, and many suggestions seem to conflict with others. How do we know which path to take in raising our daughter given the challenges ahead?" As a parent of a child with ASD [or High-Functioning Autism], you may often feel that you never get any clear answers, direction, or support. From the time that your child is diagnosed, you may be bombarded with information and ideas on what you should NOT do, what you SHOULD do, WHEN you should do it, and then be told that it is a BAD IDEA. It is difficult to sort through this information and know if you are doing the right thing. This is why it's helpful to join a support group. Arm yourself with information and look to others to help you sort it out.   ==> Parenting Children & Teens on the Autism Spectrum: Support & Education Support groups can provide a "shoulder to cry

"My son was originally diagnosed with ADD (age 4), but now they say he has 'high functioning' autism and ADD (age 6). What is the main difference between these two conditions, and is it possible to have both?" Most kids don’t receive a diagnosis of ASD level 1, or High-Functioning Autism (HFA), until after age 5 or 6 (around the time they start public school). Usually, they are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder as preschoolers. Part of the reason for this is that pediatricians routinely screen kids for ADD – but not for autism. Another reason is that an HFA kid's social impairment becomes more evident once he or she starts school. Finally, pediatricians are reluctant to label a youngster as "autistic." It is okay - and even a badge of honor - to have a “hyperactive” youngster, but it is another thing entirely to have an “autistic” youngster. Pediatricians make their diagnoses based on the kid's behaviors. Since kids with ADD and

Hyperactivity— There has recently been considerable interest and research into the possible connection between autism spectrum disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This interest includes both the similarities in symptoms as well as genetics. Hyperactivity, inattentiveness and impulsivity can be present in a number of childhood onset disorders, including ADHD as well as autism spectrum disorders. Kids with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) are often considered as having some characteristics indicative of Aspergers. Although they are two distinct disorders, they are not mutually exclusive and a youngster could have both conditions. One nine year old boy with Aspergers, Jake, displayed severe symptoms of hyperactivity. He could barely contain himself when in his therapist's office, preferring to remove all the books from her bookshelf and trying to race down the hallways. Another possibility is that of misdiagnosis. Some kids originally diagnosed

Question My daughter is 9 and has ADHD and Asperger's. She takes Methylphenidate twice a day so that she may focus at school, but when the second dose wears off she becomes uncontrollable. She is loud & completely disobedient. I have a 6 year old son also and am a single mother. I am at my wits end. I feel like I have tried everything and nothing works. She talks back to me always. There is not one time that I ask her to do something that she doesn't argue back. Please help me :o) Answer It sounds like she does fine until her meds wear-off. We’ll start there… Have you tried sustained release forms of ADHD medication, or one of the long acting stimulants? Sustained release forms of these medications have the benefit that the medication is often still working after school, as your youngster is trying to do his homework. The sustained release pills must be swallowed whole (except for Adderall XR).The long acting stimulants generally have the duration of

"I need some strategies to help my daughter calm down. She has autism (high functioning) and ADHD and is wound tighter than a ten cent top most of the day. If I had her energy, I could probably fly to the moon and back by just flapping my arms." Many children with ASD level 1 or High-Functioning Autism who are also hyperactive benefit from sensory stimulation . Providing a sensory room or area can be very effective. Be as creative as you can when providing sensory stimulation for your child. There are many things you can purchase, but you can also make many things within your home. What you use should in part be determined by what your child enjoys or is seeking. Some ideas are:  A mini trampoline can provide physical exercise and sensory input. Create a touch board, and attach a variety of materials, from sand paper, to carpet.  Fill a tub with sand, navy beans, or other similar item that they can play in.  Find different scents of potpourri that they can use f

Parents would do well to give a few of these essential oils a try as they relate to calming children who experience more than their fair share of anxiety and lack of focus: 1. Bergamot Oil : Often used to reduce pain caused by headaches and muscle tension. Known as an excellent mood enhancer, it's considered a great essential oil for kids on the autism spectrum. It's a relaxant and has a calming effect and can reduce feelings of stress in the "special needs" child. 2. Cedarwood Oil : This essential oil can help young people on the autism spectrum who also have ADHD. It has calming and relaxing properties that promote the release of serotonin, which is then converted into melatonin in the brain. This can help kids on the spectrum to enjoy restorative and peaceful sleep. 3. Chamomile Oil : It's one of the best oils when it comes to coping with anxiety. According to a study published on Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine and Pharmacogn

Below are our top 10 picks for sensory swings. Sensory Swings give kids on the autism spectrum a sense of calmness and blocks out unwanted sensory stimulation. A must for young people who have Sensory Processing Disorder, Asperger’s, High-Functioning Autism, and/or ADHD.  See how to install: Sorbus Kids Pod Swing Chair Nook - Hanging Seat Hammock Nest for Indoor and Outdoor Use – Great for Children, All Accessories Included (Nook Green) SENSORY4U Indoor Therapy Sensory Swing for Kids with Special Needs (Hardware Included) | Snuggle Cuddle Hammock for Kids with Autism, ADHD, Aspergers | Great for Sensory Integration (Olive Green) Quility Indoor Therapy Swing for Kids with Special Needs | Lycra Snuggle Swing | Cuddle Hammock for Children with Autism, ADHD, Aspergers | Ideal for Sensory Integration (Up to 165lbs, Light Blue) OUTREE Kids Pod Swing Seat 100% Cotton Child Hammock Chair for Indoor and Outdoor use (Blue) Indoor Therapy Swing for Kids with