Autism/Asperger's Syndrome
- Autism and Summer Activities
- Newly Diagnosed with Autism
- Feeding Therapy and Autism
- IEPs for Children with Autism
- 2008 ASA National Conference
- AZ Autism Insurance Bill Passes
- Prescription Medication and Autism
- April is Autism Awareness Month
- Dental Visits with an Aspie
- John McCain on the Cause of Autism
Posted by
Melissa Hincha-Ownby
Melissa Hincha-Ownby
Get a jump start on summer and start planning fun and educational activities for your child with autism.
Summer is rapidly approaching and families of children with autism are trying to figure out what to plan for the summer. Some families choose to have an unstructured summer but since so many children on the autism spectrum thrive on structure, more families are choosing a summertime activity.
For some children, their summer will be spent in an extended school year (ESY) program. The ESY program is tailored towards children who will likely regress over the summer break. It is usually several weeks long and provides a classroom environment to help prevent this loss of skills. Many children do not qualify for ESY services but those that do often benefit tremendously from the program.
Summer camps are a tradition for all children, including children with autism. There are many camps located across the United States that cater to children with a variety of developmental disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum. To find a camp near you, read my Autism Summer Camps article.
Another great place to find summer time activities is through your city or county’s parks and recreation department. Parents everywhere are looking for fun classes and these will provide your child the opportunity to learn alongside their typically developing peers. Many parks and recreation departments are familiar with the unique challenges of children on the autism spectrum so be sure to mention this when you register your child.
Summers can be difficult in my house so I’ve already begun my search for fun activities for both of my children to help ease the transition out of school and into summer.
For some children, their summer will be spent in an extended school year (ESY) program. The ESY program is tailored towards children who will likely regress over the summer break. It is usually several weeks long and provides a classroom environment to help prevent this loss of skills. Many children do not qualify for ESY services but those that do often benefit tremendously from the program.
Summer camps are a tradition for all children, including children with autism. There are many camps located across the United States that cater to children with a variety of developmental disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum. To find a camp near you, read my Autism Summer Camps article.
Another great place to find summer time activities is through your city or county’s parks and recreation department. Parents everywhere are looking for fun classes and these will provide your child the opportunity to learn alongside their typically developing peers. Many parks and recreation departments are familiar with the unique challenges of children on the autism spectrum so be sure to mention this when you register your child.
Summers can be difficult in my house so I’ve already begun my search for fun activities for both of my children to help ease the transition out of school and into summer.
Posted by
Melissa Hincha-Ownby
Melissa Hincha-Ownby
A primer on the various disorders on the autism spectrum, a look at several different types of therapies and books on parenting a child with autism help with adjusting.
When a child is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, many parents immediately turn to the internet in search of information. The following three articles that I have written here at Suite 101 are a fantastic resource for parents looking for information on their newly diagnosed child with autism.
Exploring the Autism Spectrum
This article discusses the differences between the five conditions that fall under the umbrella of autism spectrum disorders. Autistic disorder, sometimes called Kanner’s autism, is what most people think of when they hear the word autism. Childhood disintegrative disorder is a rare form of autism and is more common in males than females. Asperger’s disorder, named after Dr. Hans Asperger, is usually diagnosed later than the other autism spectrum disorders.
Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) is a diagnosis given to a child who exhibits some of the symptoms of autism or Asperger’s Syndrome, but not all. Rett’s disorder is another rare form of autism and is found almost exclusively in females.
Autism Therapy Choices
One of the first choices that parents have to make with regards to autism treatment is which therapy method to use. The three most commonly used therapies are applied behavior analysis (ABA), DIR/Floortime and relationship development intervention (RDI).
Autistic Parenting Books
The books listed in this article provide parents a great variety of information on individuals with autism. Voices from the Spectrum: Parents, Grandparents, Siblings, People with Autism, and Professionals Share Their Wisdom, Engaging Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Complete Guide to Understanding Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Pervasive Development Disorder, and Other ASDs are must-reads for parents of newly diagnosed children with autism.
These articles were written from my view as a parent of two children on the spectrum and represent the steps I took upon receiving the diagnosis.
Exploring the Autism Spectrum
This article discusses the differences between the five conditions that fall under the umbrella of autism spectrum disorders. Autistic disorder, sometimes called Kanner’s autism, is what most people think of when they hear the word autism. Childhood disintegrative disorder is a rare form of autism and is more common in males than females. Asperger’s disorder, named after Dr. Hans Asperger, is usually diagnosed later than the other autism spectrum disorders.
Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) is a diagnosis given to a child who exhibits some of the symptoms of autism or Asperger’s Syndrome, but not all. Rett’s disorder is another rare form of autism and is found almost exclusively in females.
Autism Therapy Choices
One of the first choices that parents have to make with regards to autism treatment is which therapy method to use. The three most commonly used therapies are applied behavior analysis (ABA), DIR/Floortime and relationship development intervention (RDI).
Autistic Parenting Books
The books listed in this article provide parents a great variety of information on individuals with autism. Voices from the Spectrum: Parents, Grandparents, Siblings, People with Autism, and Professionals Share Their Wisdom, Engaging Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Complete Guide to Understanding Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Pervasive Development Disorder, and Other ASDs are must-reads for parents of newly diagnosed children with autism.
These articles were written from my view as a parent of two children on the spectrum and represent the steps I took upon receiving the diagnosis.
Posted by
Melissa Hincha-Ownby
Melissa Hincha-Ownby
Picky eating among individuals on the autism spectrum is common; feeding therapy is one way to help.
If you ask parents of a child with autism about their eating habits, the large majority will confirm that yes, their children are picky eaters. This goes beyond the typical picky eating habits of a two year-old and often stretches well into childhood. It is not uncommon to have a five year old child on the autism spectrum that will only eat a handful of food items. Tactile defensiveness, a sensitive gag reflex and low oral motor muscle tone are just a few conditions that lead to this level of picky eating.
Parents are often concerned that the child isn’t getting adequate nutrition. Conventional ideas of supplementing via vitamins or the theory that the child will eat when he is hungry don’t hold true among these children. Many times there is no way to get a vitamin into the child as his sense of smell and taste are so strong he notices if something is being snuck in to a favorite food.
The most severely affected children may end up with a feeding tube in order for them to take in an adequate intake of calories. Before that step is taken, however, many of these children have been through feeding therapy. The feeding therapy may occur with a nutritionist, occupational therapist or speech therapist and usually involves the gradual introduction of new foods into the child’s repertoire. This does not immediately mean eating the food, sometimes just having the food in the presence of the child without an adverse reaction is a huge step in the right direction.
Parents are often concerned that the child isn’t getting adequate nutrition. Conventional ideas of supplementing via vitamins or the theory that the child will eat when he is hungry don’t hold true among these children. Many times there is no way to get a vitamin into the child as his sense of smell and taste are so strong he notices if something is being snuck in to a favorite food.
The most severely affected children may end up with a feeding tube in order for them to take in an adequate intake of calories. Before that step is taken, however, many of these children have been through feeding therapy. The feeding therapy may occur with a nutritionist, occupational therapist or speech therapist and usually involves the gradual introduction of new foods into the child’s repertoire. This does not immediately mean eating the food, sometimes just having the food in the presence of the child without an adverse reaction is a huge step in the right direction.
Posted by
Melissa Hincha-Ownby
Melissa Hincha-Ownby
The IEP process is set forth by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA) and can be intimidating for parents.
Many school-aged children with an autism spectrum disorder are attending school under the guidance of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The IEP is an official document that is created with input from the parents, teacher and other professionals within the school setting. The guidelines for the IEP process are set forth by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA).
When a parent of a child with autism is entering the school system, whether it is a public or private school, it is important that she understands the rights of her child. While some school districts are fantastic about providing the necessary services to ensure a child’s success, other school districts aren’t. With educational funding being a concern, cutting services is become more frequent. However, these services are an integral part to our children’s success.
If you are in a situation with a school district where you do not feel that your child is receiving necessary services, it is important to do research so that you can adequately advocate for your child. A knowledgeable and informed parent can go far in securing necessary services for your child. However, this isn’t always the case and outside help is needed.
This outside help comes in the form of professional educational advocates. These advocates, sometimes parents of special needs children themselves, are well versed in not only IDEA but the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as the IEP process. Although their services are expensive, they are well worth it.
If you are faced with an upcoming IEP process, it is important to start your research now.
When a parent of a child with autism is entering the school system, whether it is a public or private school, it is important that she understands the rights of her child. While some school districts are fantastic about providing the necessary services to ensure a child’s success, other school districts aren’t. With educational funding being a concern, cutting services is become more frequent. However, these services are an integral part to our children’s success.
If you are in a situation with a school district where you do not feel that your child is receiving necessary services, it is important to do research so that you can adequately advocate for your child. A knowledgeable and informed parent can go far in securing necessary services for your child. However, this isn’t always the case and outside help is needed.
This outside help comes in the form of professional educational advocates. These advocates, sometimes parents of special needs children themselves, are well versed in not only IDEA but the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as the IEP process. Although their services are expensive, they are well worth it.
If you are faced with an upcoming IEP process, it is important to start your research now.
Posted by
Melissa Hincha-Ownby
Melissa Hincha-Ownby
Temple Grandin, Ph. D., Bob Hendren, D.O. and James Bell, Ph. D., BCBA will keynote the 2008 Autism Society of America conference.
The Autism Society of America’s 39th annual National Conference and Exposition will be held from July 9 – 12, 2008 at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando, Florida. This past week, the Autism Society of America (ASA) published a press release announcing the details for the 2008 conference.
The keynote speakers for the 2008 ASA conference will be Temple Grandin, Ph.D., Bob Hendren, D.O. and James Bell, Ph. D., BCBA. The conference will host three full days of workshops and presentations in addition to the pre-conference workshops. Individuals seeking BCBA, ASHA and CME continuing education credits will also have several seminars to choose from.
The ASA has teamed up with Quest, Inc to provide onsite respite care for families bringing along children on the spectrum. In addition to staying at the Gaylord Palms, conference attendees are welcome to stay at the nearby Fairfield Inn and Suites Orlando International Drive with free shuttle service provided to the conference resort. For families seeking to make a vacation out of the conference trip, Disney World is five minutes away from the Gaylord Palms.
I attended the 2007 ASA Conference and came away with not only a wealth of knowledge but a renewed sense of hope for the future. The ASA makes a point to hold presentations geared towards individuals with a variety of viewpoints on autism spectrum disorders. Whether you are looking for recovery choices or want to hear from a panel of autistic adults, the ASA conference can meet your needs.
For more information on the 2008 Autism Society of America conference, contact the ASA via email at conference@autism-society.org
The keynote speakers for the 2008 ASA conference will be Temple Grandin, Ph.D., Bob Hendren, D.O. and James Bell, Ph. D., BCBA. The conference will host three full days of workshops and presentations in addition to the pre-conference workshops. Individuals seeking BCBA, ASHA and CME continuing education credits will also have several seminars to choose from.
The ASA has teamed up with Quest, Inc to provide onsite respite care for families bringing along children on the spectrum. In addition to staying at the Gaylord Palms, conference attendees are welcome to stay at the nearby Fairfield Inn and Suites Orlando International Drive with free shuttle service provided to the conference resort. For families seeking to make a vacation out of the conference trip, Disney World is five minutes away from the Gaylord Palms.
I attended the 2007 ASA Conference and came away with not only a wealth of knowledge but a renewed sense of hope for the future. The ASA makes a point to hold presentations geared towards individuals with a variety of viewpoints on autism spectrum disorders. Whether you are looking for recovery choices or want to hear from a panel of autistic adults, the ASA conference can meet your needs.
For more information on the 2008 Autism Society of America conference, contact the ASA via email at conference@autism-society.org
AZ Autism Insurance Bill Passes
Posted by
Melissa Hincha-Ownby
Melissa Hincha-Ownby
Insurers in the state of Arizona will be mandated to provide coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis beginning in July of 2009.
Arizona joins only a handful of states that mandate insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorders. This legislation, scheduled to go into effect in July 2009, was the result of countless hours of hard work by parents of children with autism. Governor Janet Napolitano signed the legislation on March 21, 2008 to the delight of families across the state.
As it stands now, the majority of insurance companies exclude benefits to individuals with an autism spectrum disorder if the requested treatment is specifically for the autism. Even the staples of autism intervention, speech and occupational therapy, were excluded because they were for habilitation reasons, not rehabilitative. Insurance companies considered these to be educational in nature and felt that the school districts were responsible for providing these services.
Although the bill went through several changes over its lifetime, it still provides mandated coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis. There are a few restrictions on the law:
As it stands now, the majority of insurance companies exclude benefits to individuals with an autism spectrum disorder if the requested treatment is specifically for the autism. Even the staples of autism intervention, speech and occupational therapy, were excluded because they were for habilitation reasons, not rehabilitative. Insurance companies considered these to be educational in nature and felt that the school districts were responsible for providing these services.
Although the bill went through several changes over its lifetime, it still provides mandated coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis. There are a few restrictions on the law:
- The mandate only applies to companies employing more than 50 individuals and does not apply to self-insured businesses.
- ABA is limited to $50,000 per year through age nine and $25,000 per year through age 16.
- Treatments must be considered medically-necessary.
Prescription Medication and Autism
Posted by
Melissa Hincha-Ownby
Melissa Hincha-Ownby
The decision to try prescription medications to help with some of autism’s co-morbid conditions can be difficult for some families.
Individuals with an autism spectrum disorder often have one or more co-morbid conditions. A few of the more common examples are ADHD, anxiety and sensory processing disorder. In some cases, prescription medication can improve the quality of life of the individual with autism. However, making the decision to try medication, especially when a child is concerned, can be difficult for some families.
This is a battle that I have faced in my family. I tend to look at health from a natural standpoint. I like to try homeopathic or natural remedies to problems. After several years of dietary intervention to help address some of my son’s concerns, my husband and I made the difficult decision to try a prescription medication to address his hyperactive and impulsive issues. He has ADHD in addition to Asperger’s Syndrome and according to his doctor, his ADHD symptoms are in the severe range.
Imagine my surprise when the medication made an instant difference in my son’s life. My son, the boy who could not sit through a meal, suddenly had the ability to sit down and eat a family dinner. Sure he’s young and he’d want to get up as soon as he was finished but he actually ate. Prior to that he’d take a bite, bound around the house, forget that he was eating dinner, get hyper-focused on another activity and have a meltdown when I’d ask him to come back to finish dinner.
There is no medication specifically for autism and the spectrum of conditions that fall under the umbrella of pervasive developmental disorders. There are, however, medications that can help address other concerns that come along with an autism spectrum diagnosis. The decision to medicate should not be taken lightly and done only after research and adequate discussion with a medical professional.
This is a battle that I have faced in my family. I tend to look at health from a natural standpoint. I like to try homeopathic or natural remedies to problems. After several years of dietary intervention to help address some of my son’s concerns, my husband and I made the difficult decision to try a prescription medication to address his hyperactive and impulsive issues. He has ADHD in addition to Asperger’s Syndrome and according to his doctor, his ADHD symptoms are in the severe range.
Imagine my surprise when the medication made an instant difference in my son’s life. My son, the boy who could not sit through a meal, suddenly had the ability to sit down and eat a family dinner. Sure he’s young and he’d want to get up as soon as he was finished but he actually ate. Prior to that he’d take a bite, bound around the house, forget that he was eating dinner, get hyper-focused on another activity and have a meltdown when I’d ask him to come back to finish dinner.
There is no medication specifically for autism and the spectrum of conditions that fall under the umbrella of pervasive developmental disorders. There are, however, medications that can help address other concerns that come along with an autism spectrum diagnosis. The decision to medicate should not be taken lightly and done only after research and adequate discussion with a medical professional.
April is Autism Awareness Month
Posted by
Melissa Hincha-Ownby
Melissa Hincha-Ownby
Autism spectrum disorders currently affect 1 in 150 children in the United States. Help to raise awareness about this complex brain disorder.
Every day is Autism Awareness Day in my world, however many countries around the world have set aside the month of April as Autism Awareness Month. April is quickly approaching and the news media is already buzzing with information about how the month will be honored. One of the big campaigns involves Toys R’Us and Autism Speaks. Toys R’Us will be collecting cash donations at all of its retail stores as well as accepting donations from customers of its online store. The donations will directly benefit Autism Speaks in its research funding efforts.
Another large company involved with Autism Speaks for raising awareness in April is bookseller Barnes and Noble. Approximately 500 bookstores will offer special story times including celebrities reading books that focus on encouraging “compassion and respect for individuals with autism and other disabilities.”
In addition to April’s designation as Autism Awareness Month, April 2nd has been deemed as World Autism Awareness Day by the United Nations. Countries around the world will be hosting special events to help bring about a better understanding of autism spectrum disorders and to accentuate the fact that early diagnosis and intervention is key.
Whether you’re an individual with autism or a family member of an autistic person, take a few minutes this month to participate in raising awareness about autism spectrum disorders.
Source: Autism Speaks Press Release
Another large company involved with Autism Speaks for raising awareness in April is bookseller Barnes and Noble. Approximately 500 bookstores will offer special story times including celebrities reading books that focus on encouraging “compassion and respect for individuals with autism and other disabilities.”
In addition to April’s designation as Autism Awareness Month, April 2nd has been deemed as World Autism Awareness Day by the United Nations. Countries around the world will be hosting special events to help bring about a better understanding of autism spectrum disorders and to accentuate the fact that early diagnosis and intervention is key.
Whether you’re an individual with autism or a family member of an autistic person, take a few minutes this month to participate in raising awareness about autism spectrum disorders.
Source: Autism Speaks Press Release
Posted by
Melissa Hincha-Ownby
Melissa Hincha-Ownby
Oral sedation combined with a local anesthetic can result in a sensory-sensitive child melting down after a dental procedure.
My son, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, had an interesting dental visit yesterday. He has fantastic teeth, except for one. The dentist was baffled that his first cavity was massive; the in-between the teeth cavity ended up being a tooth extraction for my son. The rest of his teeth look great and the dentist said that with a cavity of this caliber there are usually other problem teeth and called it an anomaly and a conundrum. That’s my son, a conundrum.
My son was given Versed, an oral sedative, to relax him prior to the laughing gas and local anesthetic. He was giddy prior to the procedure and was great until about 15 minutes after the procedure was over. Then the Versed started to wear off and he noticed the numb feeling in his lip, cheek, and tongue. That tingly feeling sent my sensory defensive son over the edge.
He started screaming, loud banshee-like screams and then hit, kicked, slapped, and head butted me. Mind you he was still quite floppy from the sedative but he was still hard to handle. For the next hour the dental assistants and the dentist himself would come in to help me distract him. This kind of reaction isn’t exactly uncommon with Versed but evidently my conundrum of a son was having a more dramatic response.
Once we were dismissed I spent the next two hours working on keeping him distracted. When it was all said and done he wrote me a very sweet letter that said “I love you Mommy, sorry for attacking you.” My heart just swelled with love for my sweet little boy as I explained to him that he wasn’t attacking me, the medicine was.
My son was given Versed, an oral sedative, to relax him prior to the laughing gas and local anesthetic. He was giddy prior to the procedure and was great until about 15 minutes after the procedure was over. Then the Versed started to wear off and he noticed the numb feeling in his lip, cheek, and tongue. That tingly feeling sent my sensory defensive son over the edge.
He started screaming, loud banshee-like screams and then hit, kicked, slapped, and head butted me. Mind you he was still quite floppy from the sedative but he was still hard to handle. For the next hour the dental assistants and the dentist himself would come in to help me distract him. This kind of reaction isn’t exactly uncommon with Versed but evidently my conundrum of a son was having a more dramatic response.
Once we were dismissed I spent the next two hours working on keeping him distracted. When it was all said and done he wrote me a very sweet letter that said “I love you Mommy, sorry for attacking you.” My heart just swelled with love for my sweet little boy as I explained to him that he wasn’t attacking me, the medicine was.
John McCain on the Cause of Autism
Posted by
Melissa Hincha-Ownby
Melissa Hincha-Ownby
Republican frontrunner, John McCain, stated in a Texas Town Hall meeting that he believes there is a link between vaccines and autism.
One of the main questions that continues to haunt the entire autism community is, “What causes autism?” Truth be told, there is no definitive answer. A few weeks ago I blogged on autism and vaccines and before that I discussed a few presidential candidates’ stances on support of autism spectrum disorders, this week I’m combining the two.
AutismLink, a company that provides news releases on autism spectrum disorders, has sent out an email to its subscribers commenting on John McCain’s belief that thimerosal-containing vaccinations are likely the cause of the increase in autism rates. According to ABC News’ reporter Bret Hovell, who AutismLink quoted in its press release, McCain said "It’s indisputable that (autism) is on the rise amongst children, the question is what’s causing it. And we go back and forth and there’s strong evidence that indicates that it’s got to do with a preservative in vaccines."
This is the most forthright statement that any presidential candidate has made with regards to autism. It is likely to cause a bit of a media flurry among those in the autism community as well. Recent reports have been released refuting the vaccine/autism claim. On the other side of the issue, a vaccine case being tried in Federal court has the government conceding that the plaintiff’s evidence was insurmountable.
It will be interesting to see what others in the autism community have to say on this comment. I will go back to my original stance, while it would be nice to know what causes autism I think far more effort should go into helping those living with autism day-to-day.
Source:
AutismLink News Release
AutismLink, a company that provides news releases on autism spectrum disorders, has sent out an email to its subscribers commenting on John McCain’s belief that thimerosal-containing vaccinations are likely the cause of the increase in autism rates. According to ABC News’ reporter Bret Hovell, who AutismLink quoted in its press release, McCain said "It’s indisputable that (autism) is on the rise amongst children, the question is what’s causing it. And we go back and forth and there’s strong evidence that indicates that it’s got to do with a preservative in vaccines."
This is the most forthright statement that any presidential candidate has made with regards to autism. It is likely to cause a bit of a media flurry among those in the autism community as well. Recent reports have been released refuting the vaccine/autism claim. On the other side of the issue, a vaccine case being tried in Federal court has the government conceding that the plaintiff’s evidence was insurmountable.
It will be interesting to see what others in the autism community have to say on this comment. I will go back to my original stance, while it would be nice to know what causes autism I think far more effort should go into helping those living with autism day-to-day.
Source:
AutismLink News Release
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