Tracey Thompson's Blog
Posted by Tracey Thompson
Researchers at the University of Washington are beginning to narrow down the genes that contribute to autism. They have discovered that different genes cause autism in girls than in boys and the research continues to state that they are understanding that more than one gene contributes to the condition. After 10 years of research, they are confident that they have discovered one of these genes. If after further studies and other researchers confirm the findings, autism genetic research will explode. If you have more than one family member that have been diagnosed somewhere on the autism spectrum you can be a part of this research by calling toll-free 1-800-994-9701. To read further go here.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
The US Autism and Aspergers Association has a conference August 9-12. If you are unable to attend the USAAA in partnership with ZenTv will be offering a Live Webcast. The fee starts at $19.95. For further information go here and to here and to the USAAA website, www.usautism.org.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
Autistic males have fewer neurons in the amygdala. This area of the brain deals with emotions and memory. The research is very significant because the information continues to help researchers focus on what exactly is different in the brain with those with autism. Go here to read further on the subject.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
It is evident that people with autism use their parietal cortex more than those free of the condition. Autistics will often express how they excel at visual detail but have difficulty with interpreting language. It causes them to see small details but be unable to focus on the big picture. Go here to read further.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
On July 31, Olivier Kozlowski will climb Washington's Mt. Rainier to raise money to go towards autism research for the organization Autism Speaks. His 7 year-old daughter was diagnosed with autism when she was three. Mr. Kozlowski will be accompanied by friend, Kevin Sweeney and professional climber, Peter Anderson. I feel that climbing a mountain on behalf of autism is a great metaphor. I know that anyone whose family has been affected by autism, feels like they are scaling Mt. Everest. For the full article go
>here
Posted by Tracey Thompson
I came across this article about a 7 year-old boy who loves playing baseball, attends a mainstream classroom at grade level, is talented very smart and has lots of friends. It is nice to come across an uplifting story.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
I have learned of some unique therapy options available for children with special needs including autism. One that seems very interesting is Yoga. It is beginning to be a form of therapy that a lot of occupational therapists are starting to use and yoga centers are starting to offer classes for children with all types of special needs. I can see the advantage to an older autistic child using yoga as a form of therapy. Yoga can help them learn to focus better and help them learn to better deal with anxiety. Go here to learn more.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
A great article out of New Hampshire shares the story of what most states are discovering, a rise in autism rates and a non-unified approach to services and coping with the needs within the school programs. Go here to read the article.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
Scientists out of the University of Aberdeen are working on a computer program that would diagnosis children with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. In Scotland, the average time it takes to diagnosis a child with ASD is between 6 months and three years. Testing often involves a large number of people and repetitive tests. They feel like they can streamline the testing. I personally question removing the human component. During evaluations they are observing more than just the completion of a task, but with children with autism, they are looking for social interaction and how they use language. Go here to read further.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
U.S. researchers from the National Institutes of Health believe that they have discovered that people with autism have a lack of connections between the separate areas of the brain. The research shows that when autistics are working on complex problem-solving tasks the different areas of the brain neglect to work together. In a separate study, they discovered that the brain area associated with visual tasks also is active during language-related tasks. Go here for more information.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
The US Autism & Asperger's Association (USAAA) is having their first annual conference and there are many autism experts participating. They will be discussing new research and therapies. According to L.P. Kaplan, PhD and Executive Director of the USAAA, "This is an incredible opportunity or parents/caregivers and professionals to attend one of the most comprehensive autism conferences in North America. Utah will be hosting the who's who of the autism world. Attendees will learn information that will empower to help their children, family, patients, friends, and others touched by autism." A conference scholarship is available for families unable to afford attending. Applications are due by July 22. The conference CME and CEU accredited.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
Dr. Stephen Grossberg, from the Department of Cognitive and Neural Systems at Boston University, and Dr. Don Seidman from the Dupage Medical group, recently wrote a paper published in the July issue of The Journal of Psychological Review. ISTART (Imbalanced Spectrally Timed Adaptive Resonance Theory) helps to explain how the brain controls normal behavior and how these controls can become imbalanced and manifest autistic symptoms. The model helps scientists understand the various factors that contribute to autism and this approach will make it easier for researchers and future experiments on autism. Go here for further information.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
Recently, Temple Grandin was on NPR (National Public Radio) for a question and answer regarding her personal experiences with language when she was younger and her take on several other issues. I especially like her comment about empathy. It drives me crazy when people try to claim that autistics have no capability of empathy. As she suggests, they need to look in the mirror. Go here to read her interview.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
Neuroscientists from the University of Louisville working with researchers in laboratories in New York, the Netherlands and Germany examined brain tissue from individuals with autism and neurotypical samples. The study showed differences in the brain structure which may help explain why people with autism often have higher skills with such things as mathematics and visual discrimination but have problems with speech and recognizing faces. The researchers found that tiny strands of connected tissue in the brain which carry messages are narrower and more densely packed in individuals who have autism. Go here for further information.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
The study was published in the April autism supplement of the Journal of Developmental and Behavioural Pediatrics. It looked at the age of children who were diagnosed with autism and how the diagnosis evolved, but not the reasons for the 13 month delay. Go here for further information.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
A small study was done possibly showing a connection of the rapid brain growth of babies age 2 months to 14 months and autism. Go here for further information regarding the study.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
Sadly, the medical community and parents of autistic children find themselves at odds regarding causes and therapies for autism. It seems in a time where strong research and a spirit of working together would only benefit autistic children, that doctors and parents are at odds. The Chicago Tribune recently had a great article regarding this issue.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
A recent study out of Montreal attempts to discredit the idea that mercury preserved vaccines do not cause autism. The study looked at the rates of children diagnosed with autism before and since the removal of ethyl-mercury in 1996 from childhood vaccines. The study shows that despite the removal of the mercury based preservative, autism rates have continued to increase. To view more of the story go here.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
The Hawaiian legislature attempted to pass a bill that would ban the use of ethyl-mercury from being used as a preservative in vaccines. The Governor is being encouraged to veto the bill and many are outraged. Studies continue to be ongoing regarding the correlation of such vaccines and autism. It seems that as soon as one study comes out proving a link there is another saying the opposite. Two things holds true, that the amount of ethyl-mercury in vaccines is higher than what the EPA states is safe and that other preservatives can be used in the vaccines. Whether or not ethyl-mercury has caused autism in some children is questionable, but many believe that there is no reason to continue to use it as long as the question lingers. Go here to read an editorial from a spokesperson of the National Autism Association and here for another editorial from a concerned Hawaiian resident.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
Matt Savage was diagnosed with autism at 3 years old. He taught himself to play the piano at the age of 6, recorded his first jazz CD at 9 and now is an accomplished jazz musician at the age of 14.
He has traveled all over performing on TV and musical venues with his group The Matt Savage Trio.
He attended The Monarch School of New England and received a variety of therapies. Today he has emerged from his autism.
He tours for himself, but also to raise awareness for autism. Go here for the latest article about Matt Savage and for more information regarding The Matt Savage Trio visit the website.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
From the beginning of our son's diagnosis, we have often wondered what is autism and what is just his personality. There often seems to be a fine line. I have been always been concerned that he receive the necessary help so that he can reach all of his possibilities, but at the same time, I don't want him to lose the individual he is.
NPR (National Public Radio) recently did a segment on this subject on their feature show All Things Considered. It was titled Autism Movement Seeks Acceptance, Not Cures. It is an important subject to cover. As parents and caregivers who want only the best for our children, we can quickly lose sight that despite their autism, they are as individual as you and I. The segment covers a group of autistics that work to spread awareness and acceptance.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
Yale researchers examined placenta tissue samples that were saved from various research hospitals. The research is based on past work showing the connection of abnormal cells that diagnosed other genetic defects such as Down Syndrome. It was a small sampling of 13 cases of children that were later diagnosed with autism and 61 samples from neurotypical children. All 13 cases showed some sort of abnormality. The researchers suggest that there may still be children with normal placentas who are diagnosed with autism later in life. But two things can come of further research. One, that children born with older siblings with autism can be screened and parents whose children do show abnormalities can be educated early on for warning signs and intervention could happen earlier. The only concern I see is that further research needs to done. It is such a small sampling and parents have enough worries that they don't need to be worrying about something that may not be. For further information go here and here.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
This article out of Scotland is a great lesson on how the educational problems which exist for children with autism is not just a national concern, but a worldwide one as well. There are children out there who with proper intervention, therapy and education will not only be productive citizens but be as "normal" as anyone and completely capable of providing for themselves. Unless governments and educational systems step-up, we will have a large number of adults who are not self-reliant and need the support from government. Many do not realize you can pay now or pay later. The challenge is here, but who will step-up and lead us to change our attitudes and misconceptions?
Posted by Tracey Thompson
Starting in June and running throughout the Summer, Kellogg will place information regarding autism on the side panel of Rice Krispie boxes. The information on the boxes will discuss the prevalence of autism (1-166 children are diagnosed with autism), the early warning signs and encourage parents to talk with their pediatrician if they have any concerns regarding their children's development.
Kellogg has a history of placing important health information on their cereal boxes and the advertising agency BBDO did the work pro bono.
Autism Speaks and the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR) have recently combined their operations to focus on raising more public awareness and money for further research.
For more information about the Kellogg's Rice Krispies autism awareness initiative go here and here.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
As of late, there has been a lot of stories surrounding technological advances where computers are being taught to read people's social cues and emotions.
In a practical sense, this can help people with autism. At first I was a little skeptical because the idea of an autistic person wearing a device to help them in social situations seemed a little odd. For obvious reasons, if you are trying to help someone with autism fit better within a social situation, wearing a contraption would negate what the computer was designed to do in the first place. According to a more recent article, the applications could be very helpful. The technology can be used as a teaching tool and the device for the individual to wear would be like a hearing aide. I still have my doubts beyond using it to teach autistics social cues, but it is very interesting. For information go here.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
A town paper out of Boston has a small article about a group of students who recently read the book, "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time". The book is a novel from the viewpoint of a man with autism.
The reading project is dedicated to connecting high school students with older community members through reading books with common themes. They read and discuss the material.
What a great way to bring together a community but have them all learn more as well.
The book, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a great book, a quick read and worth your time.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
Olie Kolzig recently received the King Clancy Memorial Trophy from the NHL for his hard work both on and off the ice.
Kolzig founded the organization Athletes Against Autism three years ago after his son was diagnosed with autism. It is an initiative of the Cure Autism Now Foundation. Founding members include Kolzig, and other NHL players, Byron DaFoe and Scott Mellanby who have children with autism as well.
The organization goals are public awareness, education and funding for autism research.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
A group of Swedish scientists from Uppsala University did a study with infants at 6 months of age, 12 months of age and adults. For example, they had each group watch video of an actor placing objects in a bucket. At 12 months and adulthood the groups could anticipate the placement of the objects in the bucket, but the 6 month old group could not.
This is shown through activity of the mirror neurons in the brain that aide people in understanding the intentions of others. "We think that this indicates that infants are endowed with a neural system that facilitates the acquisition of social understanding (the mirror neuron system)," said Prof Hofsten. "This has indeed important implications for the understanding of autism.
A recent study at The University of California in Los Angeles has shown that those with autism has almost no activity in the section of the brain which possess the mirror neurons. Dr. Mirella Dapretto believes this deficit is what disables autistics socially.
To read an article about the Swedish study go here.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
A family from Virginia has been fighting their county school system on behalf of their autistic son. At stake are not only the educational rights of this one child, but the future of special needs children throughout the country. Go here to learn more about the most recent ruling.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
After a meeting with parents in Olympia, Washington, school officials agreed to have an independent autism specialist review the program, called TEACCH, the district is using. The largest question goes to the district's poor use of what they are calling a "timeout space", but parents are calling a good intention gone terribly wrong. Go here to see the full article.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
A group CIMIV, Parents and Friends of Children Injured by Mercury in Vaccines, placed a full page ad in the Atlanta Journal Constitution this past Monday. CIMIV is a collaborative group of various parent and autism organizations.
Atlanta is hosting a meeting of the ACIP, the CDC's Advisory Council on Immunization Practices, on June 29th. They want the CDC to stop the practice of mercury being used as a preservative in vaccines. Most vaccines do not use this preservative anymore, but there are some vaccines, such as the flu shot, that still use the mercury based preservative. CIMIV can be contacted at ChildrenInjuredByMercury@cox.net
Posted by Tracey Thompson
There is a large debate in the autism community whether or not vaccines have played a part in the increase of autism cases on our society. The National Vaccine Information Center is a parent-led, non-profit organization that advocates vaccination reform. There mission is "The National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC) is dedicated to the prevention of vaccine injuries and deaths through public education. NVIC provides assistance to parents whose children have suffered vaccine reactions; promotes research to evaluate vaccine safety and effectiveness as well as to identify factors which place individuals at high risk for suffering vaccine reactions; and monitors vaccine research, development, policy-making and legislation. NVIC supports the right of citizens to exercise informed consent and make educated, independent vaccination decisions for themselves and their children."
Some say they are extremist but they offer up an important debate regarding the health of our nation's children. You can view the CDC's site regarding the opposing view on vaccinations.
I do not feel that my son's autism was triggered by vaccinations, but I have been concerned about the amount of vaccines, the vaccination schedule and the need for such vaccines such as Hepatitis B.
I think that it is an important debate for our country to have and hopefully more valid studies and information will emerge because of it.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
Florida is among many states that have adopted standardized tests for students at various grade levels. The tests are not used to only monitor performance but often dictate if a student can progress to the next grade level. So what happens to students with various disabilities including autism? The Sun-Sentinel has a great article regarding these types of challenges facing the students and the educational system as a whole.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
This past week the FDA approved a vaccine that should prevent cervical cancer. The vaccine, Gardasil, was developed to specifically block human papillomavirus, or HPV. HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases and causes almost all cases of cervical cancer. The vaccine itself is a tremendous breakthrough. It is the attitude of the FDA and other government health agencies that cause one to pause. The FDA and CDC are recommending that girls as young as 9 years old receive the vaccination. This whole attitude of the federal government is what has prompted concerns of many parents who believe that their autistic children are victims of unnecessary and misused vaccines. Go here to see the whole story.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
You see and hear the term "neurotypical" all the time. It is basically a politically correct way of saying someone is "normal". But what actually is "normal" and who decides what is? That is why many autistic people are greatly offended by the term "neurotypical". Go here for more information and further links on the subject.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
Researchers and clinicians have been questioning the diagnosis of less severe cases of autism such as PDD-NOS and ASD. They recently reported findings of their research in the Archives of General Psychiatry, June 2006. Their research shows that children who are given a lesser diagnosis tend to be re-classified as autistic later on. Labels such as PDD-NOS probably lead to children not receiving more significant therapies. Go here to learn more.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
Nightline recently aired a report titled, "My Brother's Autistic". It touched on the difficulty of growing up in a family with an autistic child. If you missed it go here to see video of the report.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
One of the hardest things about being a parent of a child with special needs is being honest about your child. Being able to identify their strengths and weaknesses is not always easy with an autistic child in large part due to their lack of communication and due to your hope and love as a parent. You are not always sure what they truly know and understand. First of all, again it is vital that you do all the necessary assessments and tests. Then it is important to be honest about what they are capable of handling. Some children will flourish in a mainstream environment. My son has grown leaps and bounds this past year with his program. Some children may have a lot more issues or may truly be mentally impaired and need a special education environment. Just get to know your child, be honest and do your research on what programs are available.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
On a recent Dateline, they reported on a professor of chemistry, Jim Adams, who has a daughter, Kim with autism. Jim is beginning a study regarding the mercury levels of children with autism, whether or not this seems to contribute to their condition and if Chelation therapy can help. Chelation is a controversial therapy to lower mercury levels in the body. Controversial because there are parents who swear that Chelation cured their child but recently a child died who was being treated with the therapy. There are scientists on both sides of the debate. Jim Adams has not made up his mind. Chelation did not help his daughter, but he feels that a proper study is necessary to settle the debate. Go here to see the transcript.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
Autism is usually not diagnosed until 2-3 years of age. New research from the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore shows that by testing motor, language and visual skills of younger children better predictions can be made as to their possibilities of later being diagnosed with autism. Go here to read a more detailed article.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
Earlier this week on the Today Show mother, Keri Bowers, and son, Taylor Cross were on air promoting their 90-minute documentary "Normal People Scare Me". Taylor is 17 years-old with autism. He created, wrote and conducted interviews with several individuals on the autism spectrum ranging in age from grade school into their 50's. He also interviewed siblings, parents and others involved in the lives of these autistic people. He stated that the documentary reveals not only the impact of autism in the lives of those affected, but also promotes the idea of what really is "normal". The film is produced by the mother and son's production company Normal Films. The film was produced and directed by Joey Travolta. More information can also be located on the web site Artists for Autism.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
In the Supernanny Episode 7, Supernanny (Jo Frost) and world renown autism expert, Dr. Lynn Koegel, help the Facente family not only work out how to handle their four year-old twin daughters but discover techniques to interact better with their three year-old son, Tristin, who has autism. Dr. Koegel helps the Supernanny tweak her regular techniques and incorporate some new ones. For example: as always, Supernanny, sets up a family routine. To help Tristin understand it better, Dr. Koegel has a picture schedule set-up too. This is a great way to help non-verbal children be a part of the family routine, and pictures often help children on the autism spectrum better understand the events which are about to take place. A great way to start a picture schedule, is to have pictures with the basics (ie, shower, eat, dress, go). Set-up a poster with several different pictures representing the daily events attached with Velcro. Create a designated spot with Velcro to place the picture of the task which is currently going to take place. The child (sometimes with a little facilitating from you) moves the picture to that spot and then you do that task. When the task is complete, the child moves the picture into an envelope and moves the next picture to the activity spot. By the end of the day, all the pictures are placed away "All Done". Visual cues often help autistic children to understand what the expectation is. I use this with my son quite a bit and even though I know he understands a lot of language, the visual cue helps to facilitate the activity better. For more information on this technique go here.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
Supernanny had an innovative way to encourage a family to spend some quality time together at the dinner table. As I watched the episode I realized that this technique would be a great way to encourage children on the autism spectrum to use speech and practice social skills. Jo called it the "Talking Stick Technique". The idea comes from Native American tribes who during a council would retrieve the talking stick from the tribal leader and whoever possessed the stick is the one allowed to speak. Supernanny has a little different spin on the concept. Each evening at the dinner table the tribal elder (mom or dad) will give the "Talking Stick" to one family member. That person can control what the conversation topic at the dinner table will be that night. So, mom may give the stick to Jake who may pick the topic of Star Wars. The stick then goes around the table as each family member participates in the discussion. The next night it will be another family member's turn to decide on the conversation topic/topics. Obviously, you have to have a child who has some verbal skills, but I think this is a great idea to help children who are working on their language and social skills. It helps children who need help with word/sentence usage and could really aide children who do poorly with social conversations. The "Talking Stick Technique" helps them to listen and participate appropriately in conversations. They can learn to not always talk about their favorite subjects, listen and the practice is in a controlled, supportive family environment.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
The Koegel Autism Center is located on the University of California at Santa Barbara. The center was founded by Dr's. Robert and Lynn Koegel. If you are a Supernanny fan, you would have seen an episode with a family who had a newly diagnosed son and Dr. Lynn Koegel came with Jo Frost (aka Supernanny) to help. The Koegels have several books and manuals to their credit including Overcoming Autism written by Dr. Lynn Koegel and Claire LaZebink. All this information is available on the Center's website.
The Koegel Autism Center is dedicated to the understanding of ASD's and as they state on their website, "The major goals of the center are increasing our understanding of autism spectrum disorders, the development and implementation of state-of-the-art pivotal response treatments, as well as the improvement of elementary and secondary education efforts for children with autism and other severe disabilities. The center's primary interests lie in research and training (both pre-service and in-service), focusing on family support and on the education of children with autism in community environments and classrooms with their typically developing peers."
You can go to their website to find out more about the center and their research. They also have conferences and workshops, and if you live in the Santa Barbara area they have some services available at no cost. They have several manuals covering topics such as "Pivotal Response Training(PRT)", "Problem Behaviour", and "Toilet Training". These manuals are available for $7 (to cover copy and mailing cost).
Posted by Tracey Thompson
At the website Autism.org there are several links to various sites and information available on-line. A great first step is to read Advice for Parents of Young Autistic Children. It can be downloaded and is an extensive resource. The working paper is written by James S. Adams, PhD, Stephen M. Edelson, PhD, Temple Grandin, PhD, and Bernard Rimland, PhD. It is presented for parents who have newly diagnosed children and parents with young children with autism. They do a great job giving parents not only the basic information about autism but also review potential treatment options. Most importantly the paper gives concerned parents hope and a feeling of empowerment.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
April is Autism Awareness Month. April also ushers in the launch of PSA's (Public Service Announcements) for autism awareness. The PSA's are sponsored by the Ad Council and the organization Austims Speaks. The goals for Autism Speaks center around research, treatment and public awareness. It was founded in 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright after their grandson was diagnosed with autism. Suzanne Wright belongs to the board of directors of several non-profit organizations and Bob Wright is the CEO for NBC Universal and vice chairman and executive officer for GE. The PSA's are quite powerful and I urge you to view them on-line here and forward them to all you know.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
It is a myth that children with autism will never be able to talk.Surprisingly, many people are still under this misconception. As a mother of a son with autism, that has been the most frustrating attitude to conquer.
Not too long ago, the prognosis for autistic children to ever be able to speak was dim. Only about half of diagnosed children became verbal. Today, due to better therapies and earlier interventions, about 90% of all autistic children learn to talk.
Early intervention is the key. Most educated professionals believe that children treated before the age of 5 will gain significant improved language skills. Though, with the proper therapy, even individuals in their teens have learned to speak.
The key for parents is to never give up. You are the best advocate for your child. Not every type of therapy works for every child. Educate yourself and demand the best.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
I have met a few parents who have not done all the testing needed to get a correct diagnosis for their autistic child. I met one mother who proved how important it was to do so.
Some parents do not go through all the testing for several reasons. Sometimes their afraid of the label "Autism", or they are scared that the whole picture may be a difficult one to emotionally understand. I know some parents who just hated seeing their child have to go through all the anguish of medical tests and assessments. Both me and my husband suffered through all these, but ultimately the best thing that we ever did for our son was to follow through with all the tests. It gave us a better understanding of his possibilities and what the next steps were for his treatment.
I met one mother at my son's school who is a staunch advocate for making sure parents do go through the process. It was discovered that besides autism her son had a genetic abnormality for mental impairment called Fragile X Syndrome. This sheds a different light on not only the reality of what her son's future holds and the struggles ahead but also what are the best therapies he will need to reach his potential.
Believe me, I understand the stress of all those tests, but in the long run your child and their future will be all the better for it.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
My best advice for any parent that is given news that their child is autistic is to start educating themselves. There are literally hundreds of books on autism and more seem to be published every year. Chantal Sicile-Kira wrote the book, Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Complete Guide to Understanding Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and Other ASDs. If you are a parent, caregiver or just a concerned individual wanting to learn more about autism, I suggest this book. I continue to further my autism education by reading a variety of books on the subject, but I was glad that this was one of the first books I read. It is a book that I reference a great deal, professionally and personally.
Sicile-Kira organizes the book logically and gives good, easy to read information about a subject that can be daunting to any parent who is just beginning to do their research. She began as a professional working with the developmentally disabled and then became a parent of a child with autism. The book gives not only great information, but also personal anecdotes and what she entitles "Food for Thought", writings and knowledge from others in the autism community.
I recommend that this be a book you keep for your own personal library for you will use it as a resource for years to come. Sicile-Kira has another book out regarding ASDs and your teenager. Both books are available at Amazon.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
The label PDD for Pervasive Developmental Disorder is thrown around a lot as you begin researching autism and searching for an accurate diagnosis for your child. Dr. Bernard Rimland from the Autism Research Institute (ARI) has some definite opinions regarding the use of the PDD label.Dr. Rimland is a father of a son with autism, a psychologist and founded ARI in 1967. ARI is a non-profit think tank that networks parents and professionals throughout the world. Dr. Rimland also founded the Autism Society of America (ASA) and publishes the Autism Research Review International. He was the first in the field to advocate that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was a biological disorder and not some emotional illness brought on by things like the "Refrigerator Mother".
Dr. Rimland understands the need for naming disorders and believes that PDD does not appropriately define ASD and that often PDD (especially PDD-NOS) is utilized by psychiatrists and parents who are afraid of the label "Autistic". Dr. Rimland believes and hopes that the term PDD will eventually dissolve as research progresses in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorder. His very frank article can be found at the ARI web site.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
As one can see in my article, Autism Symptoms there are quite a few behavioral symptoms for Autism Spectrum Disorder. I think though that it is important to look for the red flags of autism that often show themselves quite early during a child's development. At the web site for the Autism Society of America there is a list of red flags used as diagnostic tools to screen for autism. These five behaviors can occur early on in a child's development. These early warning signs do not automatically suggest autism, but are simply guidelines for parents, caregivers and family physicians. These early behaviors should be monitored in all children and if exist further evaluation should occur. This aids in early detection and treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder. (ASD). Your child's pediatrician should be asking questions regarding your child's developmental milestones at each regular check-up and if you have any concerns share it with your doctor.
Posted by Tracey Thompson
I was speaking with another mother at my son's school and we were discussing the different types of behaviors and therapies our sons were getting. The more you speak with other friends and family members the more you will learn that just like "neurotypical" children, autistic children are individuals. I think that as a society we label people and then try to pigeon-hold them into a stereo-type. Autism Spectrum Disorder is exactly that, a spectrum disorder. And finally someone is preparing to start an extensive study. Researchers has known for years that all autistic children are not the same. Researchers in various disciplines from the University of California, Davis, M.I.N.D.(Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders)Institute are responsible for the study. They believe autism to be a group of disorders or one disorder with several subtypes. This is an exciting step in the right direction.