Autism Travel Tips and Strategies to Maintain Everyone’s Sanity
June 24, 2009
There are lots of challenges when traveling with an autistic child. There are no magic tricks, but you can avoid lots of risks through staying flexible and planning ahead.
Knowing your child’s peculiarities is particularly important. Understand what your child’s limitations are and don’t push them beyond what they can do.
Keep treats for positive reinforcements. Reward good behaviors to divert your child’s attention whenever he becomes restless or stressed.
Always have a plan B. Most parents with an autistic child think two steps ahead.
Try not to pack too many activities in one day. Ensure that there are plenty of breaks in between activities to prevent your child from becoming over-stimulated. If you are eating out for a special occasion, try doing the same activity in your hometown for 1-2 weeks. Don’t wait until the special event to see how everything will go.
Surround your child with the familiar. Make sure that everything is as close as possible to your child’s usual routine. It may help if you bring with you familiar stuff such as his favorite toy or book.
Orient your child as to what to expect. Be consistent in reminding him about the planned activities for each day. Knowing what lies ahead will surely provide lots of comfort for your child.
You may be granted special considerations in airlines, hotels, or amusement parks if you inform them in advance about your trip. Bringing a stroller for kids or a wheelchair for an older child minimizes exhaustion.
When it’s really necessary for you to fly with your autistic child, notify the flight attendant early on. Make time to explain your situation to the people surrounding you. It is best if you talk to a flight attendant to place your family in an area of open seats.
If your child is on a special diet, make sure to bring food for him or her. It is also wise if you check if the food establishments or the hotel where you’re going offers food that is suitable for your child.
Bring mp3 players with headphones loaded with your child’s favorite music. Music has a calming effect for most autistic kids. DVD players can also help make a long car trip fun. It’s best if you are always prepared of the unexpected. Granted, there will be unexpected situations. But the best part is knowing how to properly handle them.
If you think that there is “something not right” with your child you must find out as soon as possible if autism is the issue. Treatments are less effective with each passing day as we grow older, so find out now with the complete autism resource for determining symptoms and goes into depth about ALL treatment options for autism, natural AND medical. Includes a mountain of information concisely written to cover all the important topics such as symptoms, all treatments, training and teaching information for parents, teachers, and caregivers. Treatments and training becomes less effective as the child ages, so do your family a favor and check out the ultimate autism guide at Autism Symptoms.
You can also make extra money to help pay for treatment and training by telling people about this helpful resource. You earn $26.30 for each book sold, so start making money by clicking Autism Symptoms Affiliates
Potty Training Autistic Children Tips For Parents
June 24, 2009
This type of training is given to children with special needs if it’s hard to identify their patterns in toileting. In essence, this just means establishing a toilet routine or time for your kid, or setting up a pattern of times when you think it’s fitting for your kid to use the bathroom. To encourage the child to improve, you just need to give him plenty of positive reinforcement.
Before getting started, it’s important for you to understand that habit training is based on elimination schedule. First, focus on getting your child to urinate in the toilet. Don’t worry too much if you are unable to get him to the toilet for bowel movement. That will come eventually.
In this technique, you should be patient enough to take your child to the bathroom frequently, in 30 minute intervals. Allow your child to sit on the toilet for around 2-3 minutes. If your kid goes, shower him with praise, even if it’s only done by coincidence. If it’s unfruitful, just calmly lead the child out of the bathroom with minimal reaction.
Remember that the first step in this training is to teach your child to go to the toilet with proper timing. In addition, you are orienting him with the difference between wet and dry pants, and toilet awareness. Don’t lose heart if it takes some time for your child to master the steps.
How can you best help your kid to give signals if he wants to go to the toilet? If you notice that your child is having a hard time initiating the process himself, give him subtle cues such as:
Add sign language to your repertoire. You may have him wave the letter “T” as a sign for toilet. Give him a “toilet cue.” He can use any item such as a sticker, or a toy to let you know that it’s time to go.
What if your child still refuses to urinate in the toilet? A lot of children with autism have challenges understanding what they are being asked to do. By far, the best technique that you can use to overcome this is the “show me” method.
Try to add some food coloring in the water. It may help illustrate the process. Urine added to the colored water will definitely grab their attention. Try to put some specially made animal shaped toilet floats, or something colorful like cheerios cereal to make it a fun experience. Have him aim for it for fun!
Now you are armed with the information for potty training autistic children.
If you think that there is “something not right” with your child you must find out as soon as possible if autism is the issue. Treatments are less effective with each passing day as we grow older, so find out now with the complete autism resource for determining symptoms and goes into depth about ALL treatment options for autism, natural AND medical. Includes a mountain of information concisely written to cover all the important topics such as symptoms, all treatments, training and teaching information for parents, teachers, and caregivers. Treatments and training becomes less effective as the child ages, so do your family a favor and check out the ultimate autism guide at Autism Symptoms.
You can also make extra money to help pay for treatment and training by telling people about this helpful resource. You earn $26.30 for each book sold, so start making money by clicking Autism Symptoms Affiliates
Child With Autism Eating Difficulties Can Benefit From Simple Ideas That Are Easy to Implement
June 24, 2009
Eating out is one of the major challenges that parents with an autistic kid face. Most children with autism are easily disturbed when their routine is disrupted. Others are bothered by noisy crowds, and a lot of them dislike waiting. So a lot of parents choose to miss out on dining out, even on family vacations.
Experts believe that there are a lot of techniques that families of an autistic child can use to make eating out a fun experience.
How can we avoid a long wait in a restaurant? Most autistic kids experience difficulties in understanding delays. If you anticipate a long wait, try to break the time in smaller portions that can be easily managed by your kid. For instance, you can tell your child that you would have to wait for 10 minutes. If the food is not ready by then, invite your child outside the restaurant for a walk, and then return to the establishment. You can also make use of visual cues, like setting a timer to divert your child’s attention from the wait.
Here are more dining out tips:
Planning ahead will also work to your advantage. Search for establishments with patios. Aside from having more space, you can choose to sit outside with your kid while waiting.
Talk to your kid about what the restaurant experience will be like prior to going there. This will help your child prepare.
If you are planning to eat out on a special occasion, take your entire family to the restaurant ahead of time. This will help familiarize your child with the place; don’t wait on the actual occasion to figure out how things will go.
Ensure that the establishment can accommodate your child’s diet. Most children with autism have dietary restrictions, like gluten-free diets.
Give your credit card to the waiter ahead of time and tell him that it’s possible that the family may leave quickly.
Bring ammunition. It can be a toy, a handheld video game, or an iPod. This can occupy your child’s attention while the family waits for a table or food.
It is advisable to eat out around 4 p.m., when food establishments are not as crowded.
Take your family to Italian or Mexican restaurants. These establishments normally put bread or chips on the table immediately. Eating these will help occupy your child’s time while waiting for food.
Eating out doesn’t necessarily equate to dining in a restaurant. There may be times when you have to visit friends and you have to take your child with you. Educate them on what to expect before the visit. It’s one way of showing consideration to the people you’re visiting; prepare them on what might happen.
If you think that there is “something not right” with your child you must find out as soon as possible if autism is the issue. Treatments are less effective with each passing day as we grow older, so find out now with the complete autism resource for determining symptoms and goes into depth about ALL treatment options for autism, natural AND medical. Includes a mountain of information concisely written to cover all the important topics such as symptoms, all treatments, training and teaching information for parents, teachers, and caregivers. Treatments and training becomes less effective as the child ages, so do your family a favor and check out the ultimate autism guide at Autism Symptoms.
You can also make extra money to help pay for treatment and training by telling people about this helpful resource. You earn $26.30 for each book sold, so start making money by clicking Autism Symptoms Affiliates
How to Interact With an Autistic Child Through the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
May 24, 2009
Picture exchange communication system (PECS) is a type of alternative communication which uses pictures as a substitute for words to aid children with autism to communicate. It is made especially for kids with autism who are delayed in speech development.
This kind of program provides exchange and repetition, as well as prompts to enhance and emphasize the benefits of interaction and ability to express oneself to the point that these children could eventually become verbal.
When learning to use PECS, the child is first given a series of pictures of his favorite toys or food. If the child favors one picture, he gives it to a communication partner. This can be a parent or a therapist. In turn, the communication partner gives the child the specific toy or food. This form of exchange strengthens communication.
PECS may also be used when a child wants to make comments pertaining to his environment. For instance, if the child sees a bike, he hands a picture of a bike to his parent. The child will then comprehend the importance and usefulness of communicating, and will probably use natural speech eventually.
How is this done?
First, you have to look for pictures that your child can really relate to. Have it laminated, you can make your own binder, or purchase a working PECS binder.
Second, make sure that there are minimal distractions. Then lay out 2 to 3 picture cards.
Third, tell your child to choose from the cards by saying “you choose.”
Fourth, stretch out your hand and open your palm, then patiently wait for your child to choose and place the card on it.
Next, prompt your child to give you the picture card after they pick it up. This demonstrates that he wants the particular food, or toy.
Lastly, give him a reward. It can be a portion of the food in the picture, or his favorite toy, or you can engage him in a round of game.
Repeat the process with the use of different cards. Use a variety of activities, choices and rewards.
According to recent studies, this form of communication is effective in giving the learner the necessary tools to equip him in making communication smoother. It can also minimize negative behaviors caused by frustration and build spoken language abilities. Indeed, PECS is a priceless learning tool.
If you think that there is “something not right” with your child you must find out as soon as possible if autism is the issue. Treatments are less effective with each passing day as we grow older, so find out now with the complete autism resource for determining symptoms and goes into depth about ALL treatment options for autism, natural AND medical. Includes a mountain of information concisely written to cover all the important topics such as symptoms, all treatments, training and teaching information for parents, teachers, and caregivers. Treatments and training becomes less effective as the child ages, so do your family a favor and check out the ultimate autism guide at Autism Symptoms.
You can also make extra money to help pay for treatment and training by telling people about this helpful resource. You earn $26.30 for each book sold, so start making money by clicking Autism Symptoms Affiliates
Children With Autism – Tips and Techniques to Help You Provide the Care Children With Autism Deserve
May 24, 2009
There is no ultimate test for diagnosing autistic spectrum disorder. For a lot of families, coping with their child’s capability and behavior is considered the most practical approach to managing this.
How can you care for your child with autism the right way? Here are some tips.
1. If you are concerned that your child may have autism, consult a professional and ask for an evaluation for your child.
2. Begin keeping a journal for your kid. A developmental history is required before an individual can be diagnosed with autism. Your specialist might require you to fill out a questionnaire regarding your child’s development and behavior patterns. So keeping a journal will be very helpful, since it will help you recall instances when you notice things. This will also come in handy when you are already in the process of helping your child modify his behavior, because you can see what works and what doesn’t at a glance. Your journal will also aid in pinpointing your child’s behavior patterns and what triggers problem behaviors.
3. Have the right perception. There may be instances when you see progress and naturally this will give joy to the family. But this happiness might be short-lived, for the next day things might go in reverse. Don’t be disheartened! It is true that learning what doesn’t work for your child may prove to be beneficial to him in the long run is as equally important as knowing what works for him so you will learn what to avoid.
4. Maintain a routine. There are lots of autistic children who are independent, but still would want an established routine for security.
5. Seek support. Support does not necessarily mean caretakers for children with autism. It can also refer to individuals whom you trust to mentor your child and care for them.
6. Learn the importance of using stimuli. Majority of the time, children with autism are visually oriented. Children who cannot talk communicate with the use of sign language or by pointing out pictures. Even children with autism who can actually talk can benefit by using a visual chart detailing their daily activities. Creating a picture chart will help a lot.
7. Check if there are early intervention programs in your community. Contact the school district to identify if they have special pre-school programs. Children as early as 3 years old should be evaluated. The earlier, the better!
If you think that there is “something not right” with your child you must find out as soon as possible if autism is the issue. Treatments are less effective with each passing day as we grow older, so find out now with the complete autism resource for determining symptoms and goes into depth about ALL treatment options for autism, natural AND medical. Includes a mountain of information concisely written to cover all the important topics such as symptoms, all treatments, training and teaching information for parents, teachers, and caregivers. Treatments and training becomes less effective as the child ages, so do your family a favor and check out the ultimate autism guide at Autism Symptoms.
You can also make extra money to help pay for treatment and training by telling people about this helpful resource. You earn $26.30 for each book sold, so start making money by clicking Autism Symptoms Affiliates
Children With Autism – Tips and Strategies to Enhance Learning For Children With Autism
May 24, 2009
There are lots of ways as to how you can enhance learning for your autistic child. Music therapy and computers are few effective methods that parents can use. Here’s how you can get started.
1. Go to your local library and go over the CD-ROMs on autism. There are various ways that your child can learn his shapes and numbers, among them are programs such as Leap Ahead, Sesame Street, the Living Books series and Reader Rabbit. Using these helpful study aids can also develop your child’s skills in math and spelling.
2. Make your child play age-appropriate and non-educational games. Keep in mind that your child will benefit more from calm game themes. The calming effect that these games can offer can last from 30 minutes to as long as 5 hours. Computer games and educational software is also a fun activity, just observe your child if he is really benefiting from it. Keep watching TV to a minimum.
3. It’s a good idea if you incorporate music into your lessons. This is an awesome way for your child to develop, and embrace his creative side while learning. The program called “Big Notes” can aid your child in reading music.
Here are other tips that most parents with an autistic child find helpful:
1. Set an appointment with your child’s teacher and his or her team. Discuss how they are integrating music and computers in your child’s curriculum.
2. Make the computer a temporary tool if your child’s writing skills are below satisfactory.
3. Music can be a great diversion and a calming technique when your child is getting out of control.
4. To ensure that everyone is on the same page, inform your child’s doctor, therapist, or psychologist as to what you are about to do; and get their input.
5. Scour your library for resources or learning aids. A lot of libraries offer CD ROMs for all ages.
6. Join forums and talk to other parents for more ideas as to how they enhance learning for their autistic child.
7. Tactile stimulation is a great way to calm a child with autism. There are various developmental activities like playing with sand, clay or water. Just make sure that your child doesn’t eat it.
8. Activities that use the large muscle groups will aid in regulating mood swings. Try giving a break every two hours to do some running or pull ups. Observe how your child outbursts decrease dramatically. If you see his behavior improving, you may lengthen the intervals between breaks. Taking your kid for a walk to the park is a great way to help his behavior at home.
If you think that there is “something not right” with your child you must find out as soon as possible if autism is the issue. Treatments are less effective with each passing day as we grow older, so find out now with the complete autism resource for determining symptoms and goes into depth about ALL treatment options for autism, natural AND medical. Includes a mountain of information concisely written to cover all the important topics such as symptoms, all treatments, training and teaching information for parents, teachers, and caregivers. Treatments and training becomes less effective as the child ages, so do your family a favor and check out the ultimate autism guide at Autism Symptoms.
You can also make extra money to help pay for treatment and training by telling people about this helpful resource. You earn $26.30 for each book sold, so start making money by clicking Autism Symptoms Affiliates
Autism Social Skills – What You Need To Know About Autistic Children
March 5, 2009
Autism is present in many children and adults around the world. Many people have problems with it – but by no means is it a crippling condition or disorder in the majority of cases. It is nothing to be feared, but it is something that parents, teachers and daycare providers should be aware of and learn to work with.
A child with autism could be compared to someone who’s socially awkward or sensitive, except that autistic children consistently have trouble in relationships. They’re not looking for the right person or the right moment. They just happen to have some trouble expressing themselves in a way that most people define as normal and healthy. This doesn’t make them any less of a person, but it does mean that we should be careful in terms of what we do and say because dealing with an autistic person the wrong way could have negative effects on their autism social skills.
An autistic child could also have some trouble saying exactly what they mean, the way that any of us could have trouble sometimes. We’ve all had those moments – we’ve stumbled over the right things to say at the right time and maybe, just maybe, we blurted out something embarassing or couldn’t accururately express what we were trying to. You remember how that feels, right? Well, people with this disorder are stuck with that feeling much of time.
Autism symptoms can vary among children, which can cause trouble when they first head out to school. Sometimes there is a tendency for these children to have tics. This is because autism causes the brain to interpret the world a little differently. We all take for granted that we can understand the way things that we see work – or at least, we understand that the world is that way.
Children with autism, understandably, act a little differently because of this. Some of them might have short fuses on their tempers. Some of them are extremely sensitive to loud noises. So sensitive in fact, that they might throw a fit if a motorcycle drives by, or if a thunderstorm picks up. Some of them have tics comparable to people who suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder – but that’s because every day, they have some trouble processing what’s going on around them. They could have tremendous IQs, but because they’re not receiving the same information as efficiently or as clearly as we are, they find themselves angrier and testier than the rest of us.
Who could blame them? Imagine for a day that you kept missing the middle words in any sentence. Imagine that your internet connection speeds up and slows down and occasionally, shows the page in a different color or even an entirely different language – let’s see if anyone could control their temper on a busy day under those conditions.
Try living that for a lifetime.
Parents have to be understanding to their kids, and so does the rest of the world. With a lot of love, patience and helpful autism therapies, this condition can be improved upon. Children deserve at least that much effort if it will help make their lives easier.
Wondering if your child has the symptoms of autism? What Autism treatments Work Best? Save your child from a challenged future by spotting the signs of autism early and learn the therapies that can dramatically improve your child’s quality of life at Autism Symptoms & Treatments
Dealing With Autism Disorder
March 3, 2009
If your child has autism disorder, it’s not the end of the world. Thanks to how quickly the world of medicine is growing, there are more and more ways to treat and help your child become an independent and functional member of society. Sure, they’ll always be a little awkward, but that just makes them even more normal. After all, aren’t we all a little awkward at times?
Various treatments are being developed now. One of the more recent treatments is only gaining steam and support in the medical world now, and that’s the idea of autism diets. Feeding children different things to help them deal with the world better seems almost counterintuitive, but there are enough people swearing by it that some doctors are looking into it seriously. It involves removing gluten and casein from your child’s diet. Apparently, it solves some gastrointestinal issues and even improves behavior. As always, there’s no miracle solution so take it with a grain of salt. Each child is different, after all.
Even identifying autistic children is becoming easier. Thanks to the internet, information has never been easier to disseminate. Parents around the world could simply look up the list of expected developments by the time your child reaches a certain point in their life and see if their child is growing up normally. Through this, they have the ability to take care of their child with a jeweler’s precision, knowing when they really have to take them to the doctor or when they’re simply being overprotective.
Support systems for parents of autistic children are no longer a matter of distance – internet forums allow communication and aid from other kind people around the world. There’s nothing more difficult than thinking you’re alone in raising your child, or that you’re raising them in a vacuum. You can sometimes get lost in the feeling that you don’t know whether you’re doing the right thing for such a sensitive condition – it helps to get some encouragement and support from people who’ve been there.
You could even contact certified professionals from your very home, if you’re really nervous. Who can blame you for wanting professional advice? They won’t be able to give your child a real work over, but they can probably tell you whether or not you’re being twitchy or if you have a real problem on your hands. Again, it’s always best to just bring your child to the doctor to be sure, but this kind of support system can help ease a lot of the stress of having an autistic child in the household.
Information is key to defeating fear – there’s nothing scarier than something you don’t know. With the internet working around the clock, supportive communities and even good old fashioned doctors, you have the chance to learn as much as you can, alleviating as much fear as possible in the process. If you have an autistic child, you’re not alone. People everywhere are dealing with the same thing. Help each other out and autism disorder will cause much less “disorder” than it normally would.
Wondering if your child has the symptoms of autism? What Autism treatments Work Best? Save your child from a challenged future by spotting the signs of autism early and learn the therapies that can dramatically improve your child’s quality of life at Autism Symptoms & Treatments
Center helps autistic patients learn
February 8, 2009
Parents, teachers of kids also can receive training
By Elaine Marsilio (Contact)
Originally published 12:00 a.m., February 8, 2009
Updated 12:43 a.m., February 8, 200
CORPUS CHRISTI — Zoe knew the routine. The 5-year-old autistic girl needed to communicate what she wanted, but had difficulty saying she wanted to look inside her plastic backpack toy.
Jamie Hughes, her therapist and the executive director of Autism Consulting Services, took the child’s hands at a session last month and placed them over each other.
Zoe, who was diagnosed with autism at 22 months old, needed to focus and make eye contact.
“Come on, let’s try again,” Hughes said. “O … pen.”
Zoe puckered her tiny lips and attempted to make out the last part as she mimicked the hand motion, “Pah.”
“Good try,” Hughes said, smiling.
Zoe is one of about 430 children younger than 14 living with autism in Corpus Christi, Hughes said.
Autism is a developmental disability usually causing delays in speech and socialization. According to 2008 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 150 people younger than 21 nationwide has autism spectrum disorder.
Autism Consulting Services opened in October to work with autistic children and adults up to 21 years old, by helping them improve their behavioral skills and giving them a unique setting in which to receive therapy. People with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities also can use the service.
The service has helped a total of 90 children and an equal number of parents in about 15 counties, mostly in South Texas. Hughes also visits families in counties such as Hidalgo and El Paso.
The new service helps to meet their patients’ needs through consultations, trainings and one-on-one therapy sessions for clients. Parents and teachers also can receive training on how to implement children’s therapy skills into everyday life.
Marsha Coulter, executive director and volunteer at Hannah’s Hope, said Autism Consulting will be beneficial to people with higher functioning disabilities because they wouldn’t need full-day programs like those offered at her establishment, which also caters to autism patients.
Coulter said Hannah’s Hope can work with the new service by referring older children there, as Hannah’s Hope only serves 3- to 9-year-olds.
Wondering if your child has the symptoms of autism? What Autism treatments Work Best? Save your child from a challenged future by spotting the signs of autism early and learn the therapies that can dramatically improve your child’s quality of life at Autism Symptoms & Treatments
See the rest of the original article here.
Autism Activities to Improve Sensory Motor Skills
February 5, 2009
Sensory integration among children with autism is a complex series of brain signals and connections. Children with autism experience smells, touches, tastes, sights, and gravity differently than most children.
Improvements can be achieved through teaching and playing with motor skill enhancing activities.
PLAYING FINGER PAINTING
This children’s messy favorite is an wonderful opportunity for improving motor sensory skills while having lots of fun. If the squishy feeling of the finger paint doesn’t feel good to your child try experimenting with paints and materials of different viscosity and texture. A couple of options include bath gel, shaving cream, pudding, and of course finger paint. Most children will find something here they enjoy, it doesn’t matter if they are living with autism, ADHD or have a low attention span. Just try a variety of things and then you should find something they like doing.
If your autistic child is unable to enjoy finger painting due to highly sensitive hands try painting with feet, toes, and elbows.
PLAYING SIMON-SAYS AND FOLLOW THE LEADER GAMES
Children can improve their sensory skills through imitation, so what better way than by playing Simon-Says and Follow the Leader? These games provide constant sensory information to your child’s brain, and the more body parts moving in an activity the better.
SPINNING AND SWINGING
Many children love spinning and swinging, and autistic children are no different.
Wondering if your child has the symptoms of autism? What Autism treatments Work Best? Save your child from a challenged future by spotting the signs of autism early and learn the therapies that can dramatically improve your child’s quality of life at Autism Symptoms & Treatments