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Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Coping with "Transitions" at School

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"According to the teacher, my child with Autism [level 1] tends to have a difficult time moving from one activity to the next (for example, from writing skills to Math problems to recreation time). Do you have any suggestions as to how his teacher can make these transitions less stressful for him?" Transitions are very difficult for children with ASD. It is an interruption to their day and a change in their schedule. In order to minimize difficulty in transition, try to keep their schedule as routine as possible (e.g., doing 'writing' exercises first, solving 'Math' problems second, and 'reading' third ...in this order every time). And always let you son know ahead of time that a transition in routine is coming. Using sensory integration techniques can be very helpful for some autistic children. It is best to have an occupational therapist work with you to first determine if your child is hyper-sensitive or hypo-sensitive. For example, does h

Kids with ASD [level 1]: Gifted or Hyperlexic?

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P a rents who have discovered that their young child is "gifted" because he/she may be able to recite the alphabet at 18 months of age - or can read words by the age of 2 - may want to reassess the situation. Hyperlexia often coexists with ASD level 1 [high-functioning autism]. Hyperlexia is not seen as a separate diagnosis; however, with current fMRI research revealing that hyperlexia affects the brain in a way completely opposite to that of dyslexia, a separate diagnosis may be on the horizon. Children with hyperlexia may recite the alphabet as early as 18 months, and have the ability to read words by age two and sentences by age three. Many are overly fascinated with books, letters, and numbers. However, the child’s ability is looked at in a positive light, so many moms and dads delay in getting their “precocious” youngster any help because they believe that he/she is a blooming genius. Hyperlexia has many characteristics similar to Autism, and because o

Undiagnosed and Misdiagnosed ASD [Level 1]

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ASD manifests in many ways that can cause difficulties on a daily basis. Here are some examples of what to look for: • Being naive and trusting • Confusion • Delayed motor milestones • Delighting in fine details such as knobs on a stereo • Difficulty in conversing • Difficulty with multitasking • Extreme shyness • Lack of dress sense • Mixing with inappropriate company • Not understanding jokes or social interaction • Quoting lists of facts • Unusual and obsessional interests One of the worst problems is that you can never really understand what is going on inside your youngster's head. This makes it so difficult for you to understand his behavior. This can leave you feeling emotionally beat-up and completely useless as a parent. You may have to cope with crisis on a daily, hourly or even minute-by-minute basis. Undiagnosed ASD— Undiagnosed ASD is an issue that concerns me because so many kids have the disorder and are struggling to mak

Autism Spectrum Disorder in Kids and Teens: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS from Parents

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 1. Are individuals with ASD more likely to be involved in criminal activities? Some individuals with ASD have found themselves before the criminal justice system for a variety of offenses that are usually related to their special interests, sensory sensitivity or strong moral code. If a person's special interest is of a dangerous nature it can sometimes lead them into unusual crimes associated with that interest. The courts are becoming increasingly aware of the nature of ASD and are responding accordingly. More often than not, individuals with the disorder are more likely to be victims than offenders. Their naivety and vulnerability make them easy targets. 2. Can ASD occur with another disorder? The simple answer to this question is YES. The symptoms of ASD have been recognized in individuals with other conditions and disorders. Once a single diagnosis of ASD is confirmed, it is wise to continue the diagnostic process to see if there is another specific medical condition. 3. Can

Articles in Alphabetical Order: 2021

  Articles in Alphabetical Order: 2021   o    A Message to Older Teens and Young Adults with ASD o    Articles in Alphabetical Order: 2020 o    ASD [Level 1]: 15 Simple Strategies for Parents of... o    Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD o    Can my son with ASD truly understand love? o    Children on the Autism Spectrum and Behavioral Pro... o    Educating Students with ASD [Level 1]: Comprehensi... o    Employment Support for Employees with Autism Level 1 o    How Anxiety May Affect Your Autistic Child in Adul... o    How the Traits of ASD May Affect Relationships in ... o    How to Avoid "Negative Reinforcement": Tips for Pa... o    How to Create a Sensory Safe Haven for Your Child o    How to Diffuse Meltdowns in a Child on the Autism ... o    How to Help Your Adult Child to Find Employment o    How to Teach Organizational Skills to Kids on the ... o    Is ASD Just a Different Way of Thinking? o    Issues that Females on the Autism Spect