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Showing posts sorted by date for query behavioral. Sort by relevance Show all posts

ASD Level 1: Quick Facts for Teachers

"Would you have a simple summary, kind of a snapshot, that describes the most relevant aspects of ASD Level 1 that I can give my son's teacher so that she can get a basic understanding of this disorder without having to read a book on it?"

Sure! Just copy and paste the quick facts below, and give it to the teacher...

ASD Level 1:
  • is a developmental disorder, not a disease or a form of genius
  • affects language less, but does present with difficulties in appropriate speech and communicative development
  • affects the way a child relates to others
  • is a highly functional form of autism
  • leads to difficulties in reading non-verbal cues
  • is characterized by social interaction difficulties and impairments related to a restricted, repetitive, stereotype behavior
  • is not the result of "bad parenting"
  • is often confused with ADD and ADHD
  • is not classified as a learning disability, but it is a disorder that impacts learning
     
Treatment:
  • can help children learn how to interact more successfully with their peers
  • focuses on the three main symptoms: poor communication skills, obsessive or repetitive routines, and physical clumsiness
  • involves medication for co-existing conditions, cognitive behavioral therapy, and social skills training
  • is geared toward improving communication, social skills, and behavior management
  • is not a cure, but there are a number of different interventions that have been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms associated with ASD
  • mainly helps to build on the child’s interests, teaches the task as a series of simple steps, and offers a predictable schedule
  • requires an interdisciplinary approach (i.e., speech pathologists, social workers, psychologists and developmental pediatricians all may be involved in treatment)
  • should be tailored to meet individual needs
  • strives to improve the child's abilities to interact with other people and thus to function effectively in society and be self-sufficient
  • is a complex process that involves spending time with the child, gathering background information from parents and teachers, directly testing the child, and integrating information into a comprehensive picture

Facts as reported by children with ASD Level 1:
  • To talk to a person with ASD may be like talking to a college professor.
  • Having ASD is like being on a different planet. 
  • Sometimes having ASD is really annoying because, for example, at school, I get special treatment or other people pick on me because I'm weird or different.

    Resources for parents of children and teens on the autism spectrum:
     

    ==> Videos for Parents of Children and Teens with ASD
     
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     COMMENTS:

    •    Anonymous said... I agree my 8 year old son has ASD and we just stayed in constant communication. With the teacher, principal and assistant principal. They all were wonderful with my son. We take each day as it comes. The one problem we have is what sets him off today May not set him off tomorrow
    •    Anonymous said... I would create a snapshot on YOUR child. The problem with a book or a checklist is that it may or may not apply to your son. That is who the teacher should be concerned with. Any prior experience with or knowledge of children with autism should be thrown out the window because every child is so unique.
    •    Anonymous said... They are sensitive, they can't read facial expressions so they cannot predict what may happen so any changes need earliest notification to reduce stress, fear and the urge to run.
    •    Anonymous said... They understand express their thoughts and emotions but will not necessarily notice, be bothered by or understand yours / others. This is a skill that is not innate to them but can be learned. Oh yes and they are amazing.

    Post your comment below…

    How Chiropractic Care Can Help Kids With ASD

     

    Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/IG96K_HiDk0

    Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) describes a combination of neurodevelopmental disorders affecting communication and social interaction. While there is no cure for ASD, several alternative therapies can help kids living with autism lead a normal and productive life. If you thought you’ve explored all autistic treatment options, chances are you haven’t considered seeing a chiropractor.

    Most people think chiropractors adjust and manipulate the body into submission. However, chiropractors improve the nervous system and spine function, which in turn improves other body systems. Chiropractic adjustments also improve neurological functions, enhancing social behavior, mood, focus, and concentration. If your child is struggling with autistic spectrum disorder, a Chiropractor Portland, OR, can help in the following ways.

    1. Offers early interventions

    The earlier you identify the signs of ASD, the sooner your child can get the help they need. As mentioned, autism can’t be cured or healed by itself. Affected children live with these issues for the rest of their lives. However, by identifying signs of ASD early, interventions leading to better outcomes are made sooner. Chiropractic care is among the many early interventions that can benefit children with ASD. Chiropractic interventions are also safe for young kids.

    2. Improves quality of life

    Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder often show symptoms unrelated to ASD, especially digestive problems and chronic ear infections. A misaligned spine worsens these symptoms because of nerve interference, making spinal adjustment necessary. Chiropractic interventions can help improve spinal misalignment. Minimizing nerve interference by the spine can improve the quality of life of autistic children.

    3. Improve immune system function

    Chiropractic interventions also significantly improve immune system function. Most children with autism are vulnerable to infections because of compromised immune system function. Nerve interference also plays a role in reducing immune system function. Gentle chiropractic adjustments alleviate nerve interference, improving communication between the body and the brain. This improves immune system function and overall health and wellness for autistic kids.

    4. It helps reduce unique challenges

    OTZ is an emerging chiropractic technique that helps reduce several challenges faced by autistic children. OTZ interventions focus on realigning the child’s first vertebrae with the skull. Misalignment interferes with normal body processes, especially breathing and sleeping. OTZ alignment helps children with autism spectrum disorder find relief in these areas. If adjusted properly, your child can breathe better and relax effectively. This intervention also calms the natural fight/flight response, which is always high in children with autism.

    5. Provides relief and improves another area of concern

    Children with autism face several challenges, unlike other kids. They struggle with their:

          Communication and interaction skills – Communicating and interacting with other kids is a big challenge for autistic kids. This makes it hard to make friends and engage with peers.

          Sensory processing – Sensory processing issues make it difficult for autistic children to complete daily activities like shopping.

    Autistic children also experience language and speech delays and cognitive behavioral problems. Chiropractic care can address and improve these issues.

    Endnote

    Most people know chiropractors as alternative medical professionals who diagnose and care for musculoskeletal and spinal issues. While spinal and musculoskeletal issues largely affect adults, chiropractic care also benefits children, especially autistic children. These interventions improve the digestive system, immune function, sleep, and other challenges facing autistic children.

    My child has been rejected by his peers, ridiculed and bullied !!!

    Social rejection has devastating effects in many areas of functioning. Because the ASD child tends to internalize how others treat him, rejection damages self-esteem and often causes anxiety and depression. As the child feels worse about himself and becomes more anxious and depressed – he performs worse, socially and intellectually.

    Click here to read the full article…

    How to Prevent Meltdowns in Children on the Spectrum

    Meltdowns are not a pretty sight. They are somewhat like overblown temper tantrums, but unlike tantrums, meltdowns can last anywhere from ten minutes to over an hour. When it starts, the Asperger's or HFA child is totally out-of-control. When it ends, both you and your child are totally exhausted. But... don’t breathe a sigh of relief yet. At the least provocation, for the remainder of that day -- and sometimes into the next - the meltdown can return in full force.

    Click here for the full article...

    Parenting Defiant Teens on the Spectrum

    Although Aspergers [high-functioning autism] is at the milder end of the autism spectrum, the challenges parents face when disciplining a teenager on the spectrum are more difficult than they would be with an average teen. Complicated by defiant behavior, the teen is at risk for even greater difficulties on multiple levels – unless the parents’ disciplinary techniques are tailored to their child's special needs.

    Click here to read the full article…

    Older Teens and Young Adult Children with ASD Still Living At Home

    Your older teenager or young “adult child” isn’t sure what to do, and he is asking you for money every few days. How do you cut the purse strings and teach him to be independent? Parents of teens with ASD face many problems that other parents do not. Time is running out for teaching their adolescent how to become an independent adult. As one mother put it, "There's so little time, yet so much left to do."

    Click here to read the full article…

    Parenting Children and Teens with High-Functioning Autism

    Two traits often found in kids with High-Functioning Autism are “mind-blindness” (i.e., the inability to predict the beliefs and intentions of others) and “alexithymia” (i.e., the inability to identify and interpret emotional signals in others). These two traits reduce the youngster’s ability to empathize with peers. As a result, he or she may be perceived by adults and other children as selfish, insensitive and uncaring.

    Click here
    to read the full article...

    Highly Effective Research-Based Parenting Strategies for Children with Asperger's and HFA

    Become an expert in helping your child cope with his or her “out-of-control” emotions, inability to make and keep friends, stress, anger, thinking errors, and resistance to change.

    Click here for the full article...