CONTROL AUTISM!

"Walking Before You Run" is very good advice for parents with autistic kids. Example, some years ago, the Canadian writer, Malcolm Gladwell who writes for the New Yorker magazine, wrote an excellent  book called The Tipping Point which discussed the theory of epidemics both culturally an medically.

One of the theories that he referenced in the book was the "broken windows" theory and how New York City used this particular type of reasoning to turn back the tide of crime that had been overwhelming New York City for years. In short, the broken windows theory infers that if windows in a neighborhood are broken and not repaired, that it sent a signal to criminals that this neighborhood is "open for business". New York City found that by repairing the small things like broken windows and cleaning up graffitied subway cars that it had a ripple effect by sending signals that if not even the smallest infractions were being tolerated then don't even bother committing a any big crimes - it worked and crime rates in New York City plummeted - in essence by controlling the small almost insignificant stuff they ended up controlling the big stuff.

This is important to parents and loved ones and even teachers dealing with autistic children because the tendency is to attack the big things; diet, meds, chelation etc. These things are important to some degree but the reality is that the best way to help autistic children is by giving them the small tools they need for the here and now. TOOLS that come easy to neurotypical kids but are more complex for autistic child.

Quite simply - walking and talking. Autistic children often have an awkward gait that causes both the child and the parent (or whoever else is walking with them) frustration and causes a strain on both. The answer is not to up vitamin intake or try and blame a vaccination program - that doesn't help the child here and now - the answer is to go to a park - everyday if need be, and practice walking with the child. Much has been written about the fact that autistic children have stunted brain development in the areas that deal with motor skills - so it is important that autistic children practice their basic motor skills as much as possible in order to level the playing field. It may seem like a small. thing but it does wonders for a child's confidence to have one less thing that sets them apart.

The same can be done with talking - repetition and consistency when imparting conversational skills will eventually equip the autistic child with the skills to properly communicate with friends and family. In short With repetition and consistency these children will get control of their awkwardness rather than have their awkwardness get control them.