Now that graduation is right around the corner, many parents worry about their child’s future. Will Asperger’s affect their child’s ability to find and hold a job? The answer to this is both yes and no.

People with Asperger’s may have difficulty in jobs which require a lot of social interaction but they can often find success in jobs that require focus, high concentration and solitude. An example of this would be the world of academe.

In fact, many people with Asperger’s do excel in their pursuit of higher education. The long hours of study and the many days of alone time will seem like the perfect environment for your child. In addition, the demands of a good Ph.D. program will fit well with your child’s ability to absorb and retain specialized information. This is specially true for topics that are of great interest to him.

In fact, studies have shown that very often, a child diagnosed with Asperger’s will retain their interest throughout the course of their lifetime. Therefore, it is a good idea to think about what your child loves to do and encourage him to choose a field of study that would allow him to learn more about his particular field of interest. For example, if your child likes to collect rocks, you can encourage him to take up geology. If your child is interested in model trains, he can choose to study either engineering or industrial history.

You can get a good idea of what your child’s future career will be like by taking note of what he is interested in and likes to do when he was a child.

If your child is interested in developing a career in the academe, it is a good idea to ask a professor if your child can shadow him for a couple of days to give your child a feel of what a typical day looks like for a person working in the academe. It is important that he is fully aware of the other responsibilities required of him. He needs to know that he will be expected to create and make presentations to audiences, teach students and attend conferences. He needs to know what to expect so he will not be caught off-guard later on.

This Content Is Copyrighted Material Of Autism United. If You Are Viewing This Content Please Go To Developing Your Aspergers Child’s Career in the World of the Academe.

Below is a list of some of the Autism Events happening this May -

Thursday, May 3 at 12pm ET
Tuesday, May 15 at 12pm ET
Introductory iLs Webinar for Parents
Online – Free

This 60-minute webinar is intended to introduce iLs methodology & equipment to parents. Topics covered include: how iLs works, who iLs can benefit, review of supporting research, introduction to the equipment, program structure & costs. For more information, please visit the iLs website.

Daily
Skills Live
9am to 12pm Pacific Time
Online – Free

Skills Live is a live webcast which provides you with recent news regarding autism. It also provides you with answers on common autism issues. If you have a question that you need some answers to, you can call Skills Live at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders at (408) 475-4557. Skills Live is hosted by Shannon Penrod.

Until May 13
The Greenspan Floortime Approach – Online Courses for Professionals and Parents
12-hour course
Online – $175

Dr. Stanley Greenspan has recorded several video lectures to help you understand the Greenspan Floortime Approach. It provides you with some insights and tips in working with children diagnosed with Austism Spectrum Disorders as well as other disorders relating to communication. If you would like to know more about this program, you can call (301) 320-6360 or visit their website.

Until September
Appreciating the Complex Set of Conditions Involved in the Autism Spectrum
On Demand
Online – Free

For more details regarding this program, you can visit their website (Psychiatry Care Live) or send them an email with your questions. You can also give them a call at (617) 938-6000.

To find other autism events that are happening near you, please click on the link below -

UNITED STATES

Alaska • Arizona • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware • DC • Florida • Georgia • Hawaii • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • Nevada • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New Mexico • New York • North Carolina • North Dakota • Ohio • Oklahoma • Oregon • Pennsylvania • Rhode Island • South Carolina • Tennessee • Texas • Utah • Vermont • Virginia • Washington • West Virginia • Wisconsin • Wyoming

CANADA

Alberta • British Columbia • Manitoba • Ontario • Saskatchewan

OTHER COUNTRIES

Costa Rica • Mexico

This Content Is Copyrighted Material Of Autism United. If You Are Viewing This Content Please Go To Autism Events for May 2012.

As children with autism are usually afflicted with sensory processing disorder, it is not unusual for a child with autism to be very choosy when it comes to the foods that they eat. Every child has their own different preferences when it comes to food. Some may only prefer foods with certain colors or textures. Some may prefer to eat only one type of food while others may only prefer foods with a certain temperature.

Needless to say, this poses a huge challenge for parents. When your child does not want to eat anything else aside from his favorite food, it is easy to feel frustrated and stressed out. It is a constant battle to have him try new foods and you are constantly worrying about the nutrition that he gets.

If you are concerned that your child is not getting sufficient nutrients because he only eats certain types of food, it is best that you talk to your child’s pediatrician about it. Depending on your child’s situation, your child’s pediatrician may recommend certain vitamins and supplements to ensure that your child gets the nutrients that he needs. You can also seek the assistance of an occupational therapist as they are experienced in dealing with majority of the common eating problems that many autistic children are experiencing. They can provide some assistance in terms of addressing issues regarding food textures, tastes and consistency.

When it comes to your child’s nutrition, you should never hesitate to ask for help when needed. If you are feeling frustrated and stressed, it is okay to have another family member take charge of a meal. Keep in mind that your child can sense these negative feelings and can cause him to feel agitated as well. If you would like a time out from meals, seeking the help of a family member will not only be beneficial for you but for your child as well.

The main goal at this point is not to have a perfect meal time but to be able to provide a well-balanced diet for your child. You will have to try and see what works. Be creative. At this point, it would be wise to let go of any ideal meal environment you may want to have and instead focus on finding ways to ensure that your child is getting the nutrition he needs. Choose your battles and choose them wisely.

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Many parents of autistic children are often surprised when they learn that they are not automatically considered as their child’s legal guardian when their child turns eighteen. If you would like to obtain guardianship of your autistic child, it is best that you start planning for it before your child turns eighteen. Keep in mind that legal guardianship of your child will not be granted to you automatically even if your child has been diagnosed with autism.

Your child will be legally considered as an adult the moment he turns eighteen. This means that from that day onwards, he will be allowed to make his own decisions. Moreover, you will no longer have access to his medical and school records unless he gives you the written permission to do so. All these may not be an issue if your child is capable of taking care of himself and managing his life.

But what if he does not have the capability to do so?

If you feel that your child is not capable of making decisions for himself, it may be a good idea to consider applying to be his legal guardian. When you are granted guardianship of your child, it will not only allow you to provide the best care for your child but it will also give you the right to make decisions about your child’s health care, living arrangements and schooling.

To obtain legal guardianship of your child, the first thing you need to do is to review your state’s official website as it will often list down the guidelines and processes that you need to follow. Some states would even have the forms that you need on their website. Print them out and prepare all the necessary supporting documents. Some of the basic documents needed may include your child’s medical and school records.

You will also be required to provide references of people who not only knows your child but also knows you and your family. Some good references include therapists, teachers and caregivers. These references may be required to provide specific examples to prove that your child is unable to take care of himself and to make sound decisions.

While the process of obtaining legal guardianship may be lengthy and time-consuming, the benefits that your child will reap from having you as his legal guardian will be well worth it in the end.

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Majority of the children who are diagnosed with autism are afflicted with a Sensory Processing Disorder which makes it difficult for them to process the sensory signals or information that they receive. Moreover, those who are affected with the Sensory Processing Disorder may find it challenging to organize the sensory information into appropriate responses.

To help your child manage his Sensory Processing Disorder, you can provide him a sensory item or material for him to use. There are many sensory items available so you are sure to find something that will be right for him. Many of these items can also be made and customized to your child’s needs and preferences.

One example is a sensory pillow. If you have basic sewing skills, you can create a sensory pillow for your child. It is simple and easy to make. You can do it either with the help of a sewing machine or you can even do it by hand.

To make a sensory pillow, you need to gather different tactile fabrics which you will use to create your patchwork. You need at least nine different squares of fabric. If you want to make a bigger pillow, you can always repeat some of your fabrics to create a pattern. Satin, fleece, boucle, faux fur, burlap, scratchy wool and corduroy are all great fabrics which you can use to create your sensory pillow.

Once you have collected your fabrics, you need to cut each fabric into four and a half inches square. Create three rows of three squares each. Position the fabric squares into your desired pattern. It is recommended that you position fabrics with smooth textures beside fabrics with rough textures. Pin your fabrics together and sew them. Always use a one-fourth inch seam allowance for assembling your work.

Once you are done sewing the fabrics together, you need to select a twelve and a half inches square fabric for the back panel of your pillow. Place the patchwork and back panel piece with their right sides together and pin along the four edges. Stitch the four sides of the pillow using a one-fourth inch seam allowance. Do not forget to leave a three-inch opening so you can put in your stuffing.

Once you are done sewing the sides, turn the pillow cover inside out. Instead of using your regular pillow stuffing, it is recommended that you use a textured item such as rice or beans to fill it. This will add to the tactile nature of the pillow. You can sew the opening of the pillow once you are done filling it up.

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Over the last decade, scientists have been scrambling to figure out what causes autism. Is it strictly genetic? Is there an environmental trigger? What would that trigger be? Today, it is widely believed that autism is genetic with an environmental trigger. However, scientists are still not completely sure what that trigger is. Some people say it is due to vaccines, while others have different ideas. One of the ideas that is being strongly supported right now is that a diet of processed foods may lead to a diagnosis of autism.

The Link Between Vaccines and Processed Foods

The other most common theory for an environmental trigger is that vaccines cause autism. Vaccines and processed foods actually both have something in common – they each contain traces of mercury. Many people, researchers included, believe there may be a link between mercury and autism. In vaccines, mercury is used in trace amounts as an additive. In certain foods, such as high-fructose corn syrup, there are trace amounts of mercury left over from the manufacturing process. Right now, the government claims that these levels of mercury are at levels safe for human consumption. However, what happens if someone consumes multiple processed foods in a day? The level of their mercury intake rises. Is this level still safe? Additionally, what if the trace amounts of mercury that are safe for some people, are not safe levels for those with autism? Or, what if those levels, after more extensive research, are found to not be safe for human consumption, and the government has made a mistake? Even though a poison may not be devastating in small amounts, wouldn’t it be better to simply not consume that poison at all?

Seeing the Difference

This is not just an abstract theory, the difference can be seen among families who have autistic children. Families who focus on all-natural, gluten-free organic foods have less of a risk of having one of their children be diagnosed with autism. In fact, they are at risk for less health issues, overall. Some parents even claim they were able to cure their children of autism by switching to an all-natural, organic diet. Medical research supports this fact, with a study by the University of Florida recommending that autistic children be placed on a gluten-free and casein-free diet. So many parents have seen their children improve drastically by cutting processed foods from their diet.

Looking at the Numbers

Looking at the rapid increase from 3 per 10,000 children in the 1970s, to  30 per 10,000 children in the 1990s  is a ten fold increase. We are currently at 1 – 88 in the united states and while it is extremely important to find out the exact cause of Autism we should also be coming down on the FDA for allowing a increase in dyes, processing to improve shelf life, fillers, sweetener substitutes, and so much more. Did you know that the FDA has allowed companies to greatly increase the amount of fiber needed in foods to allow a longer shelf life over the years. Think about that.. a loaf of bread use to last maybe a week if you were lucky. Now days you can exceed that by quite a bit with companies trying to increase those numbers through preservatives. It is hard to imagine a child can properly develop with all the toxins we consume just through what is allowed to be put in grocery stores.

If you look at the statistics over the past 30-50 years, you will notice that there has been a steady increase in the amount of processed food that consumers have been eating. In this same time period, there has also been a substantial increase in the cases of autism that have been diagnosed. Could these trends be related? Scientists are still investigating this, but many well-known doctors are already coming out in support of this theory. Dr. James Ryan Fenn, a Tallahassee, Florida chiropractor who has a son that suffers from autism, strongly believes there is a link between both processed foods and vaccines and autism. Dr. Fenn spends much of his time educating patients about how they can avoid many various medical issues, autism included, by eating a healthy diet and doing other simple things to take care of their body.

Make a Decision

If you have a loved one who suffers from autism, you may want to consider trying to make diet changes to see if it improves their condition. You may be surprised by the amazing results you will see after making just a few simple diet changes. If you are considering conceiving a child simple steps like reducing the processed foods you consume during pregnancy may help decrease any chances birth defects, disorders, or mental health issues. Start saying no to processed food today and approach a raw food & all natural diet!

Sources: 

Autism Spectrum Disorder and Diet – University of Florida – http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1258

Autism and Processed Foods – Discovery Health – http://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/autism/gfcf-diet1.htm

Could Processed Food be Contributing to the Increase in Autism – Autisable – http://www.autisable.com/724655146/could-processed-food-be-contributing-to-the-increase-in-autism/

National Center for Biotechnology Information - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1497666/pdf/15504445.pdf

This Content Is Copyrighted Material Of Autism United. If You Are Viewing This Content Please Go To Could Our Diets Be Increasing Autism Diagnoses?.

Below is a list of some of the Autism Events happening this April

April 9 to April 15
Online Autism Conference & Proceedings 2012
Online – Free

The 3rd Annual Online Autism Conference and Expo organized by Moms Fighting Autism is scheduled for April 9th to 15th. You can listen in to all the online presentations online. To register, you can email Ernest Priestly or register online.

April 19
Open Forum: Q&A on How to Access Insurance for Autism Therapies
Online – Free

If you are looking for information on how to access insurance for your child’s autism therapies, this is your chance to ask your questions and concerns. To register, you can call (609) 924-4298 or email Chelsi.

Daily
Skills Live
9am to 12pm Pacific Time
Online – Free

Shannon Penrod hosts Skills Live, a live webcast which gives you the most current autism news. If you have any questions regarding autism and would like your questions answered, you can call Skills Live at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders at (408) 475-4557.

Until May 13
The Greenspan Floortime Approach – Online Courses for Professionals and Parents
12-hour course
Online – $175

This course will help you understand the Greenspan Floortime Approach to working with children diagnosed with Austism Spectrum Disorders as well as other disorders relating to communication. The video lectures recorded by Dr. Stanley Greenspan will explain his world-renowned program. For more information, please call (301) 320-6360 or visit their website.

To find other autism events that are happening near you, just click on the link below -

UNITED STATES

Alabama • Alaska • Arizona • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware • DC • Florida • Georgia • Hawaii • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • Nevada • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New Mexico • New York • North Carolina • North Dakota • Ohio • Oklahoma • Oregon • Pennsylvania • Rhode Island • South Carolina • Tennessee • Texas • Utah • Vermont • Virginia • Washington • West Virginia • Wisconsin • Wyoming

CANADA

Alberta • British Columbia • Nova Scotia • Ontario • Saskatchewan

OTHER COUNTRIES

Australia • United Kingdom

This Content Is Copyrighted Material Of Autism United. If You Are Viewing This Content Please Go To Autism Events for April 2012.

Autism is a condition that has been misunderstood for a long time. Up until recently, the cause of this debilitating condition was not known, and as a result, many children and adults alike got mis-diagnosed. Autism Awareness Month is upon us once more, and this is a time to let go of all the misleading information that is in the hands of the general pubic.

Autism is a development disorder caused by a mix of several factors. These include genetic mutation, prenatal conditions that impeded the brain development of a child, and environmental attributes. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 1 in every 88 children (updated in March 2012)  in the United States has autism. It is also noted that an increase to boys being at higher risk than girls “5 Times More which was increased from 4″  was changed also.  These glaring statistics has been on the upsurge, perhaps due to better awareness and increased reporting. Autism Awareness Month is important in the sense that it will help parents and families to recognize autism symptoms in their children and take appropriate steps in managing the condition.

Children with autism have trouble when it comes to communication, and sometimes find it hard to think in conventional terms. An interesting side to this affliction, however, is the fact that some of these children have above average IQ and are consummate painters and musicians. They also excel in subjects like mathematics, physics and the sciences. However, not all are lucky – some are severely impacted by the condition and may not be able to function normally without assistance.

Get a copy Of our current Autism Statistics – Download Now

The International Autism Awareness month has been celebrated since the 1970s, and the Autism Awareness Puzzle ribbon has been a prominent fixture whenever April comes round the corner. This ribbon is a signifier of the month and is worn by people who have been affected by the condition in one way or another. Most people who have autism are full of life and are no different from me and you, and by wearing this ribbon, you will be playing a part in educating the public on this issue and help diagnose and catch cases of autism early before they become unmanageable.

World Autism Awareness Month April 2012

Autism Awareness Month, which is set to begin in April, sets the stage for discussions, events and debates on autism. It is also estimated that up to 67 million people in the world live with autism, and advocacy groups like Autism Speaks are doing their part in sensitizing people on the causes of the condition, and management regimes available for those afflicted.

Statistics also point to the fact that up to 25 percent of people with autism face significant communication hurdles. This means that they might build on their nonverbal communication skills. It takes a lot of patience and love to care for an autistic individual, and it gets better with time. Cognitive exercises coupled with a fundamental understanding of the condition in scientific terms can go a long way in alleviating the discomfort such individuals face on a daily basis.

Technological advances have come to the aid of autism sufferers. Recently, a robot named Kaspar was introduced to help children with autism understand facial expressions. The robot is programmed to smile, laugh and frown, and repeated interaction with autistic children teaches them to differentiate between these different facial variations of human emotions, allowing them to develop appropriate social skills that will help them interact normally in society.

Autism Awareness Day April 2, 2012

Autism Awareness Day is the 2nd of April, and it is on this day many private organizations come together to rally behind the cause. Governments all over the world are being lobbied by interest groups. Medication for the condition can sometimes be costly, and these organizations are fighting to have health authorities lower the prices and subsidize the cost of treatment. This will go a long way to ease the burden on caregivers, and lift the veil of stigma brought upon the innocent victims of autism.

Autism Spectrum Disorders are a group of ailments that run the gamut that is autism. Some of them include Asperger’s Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder and repetitive disorder. Autism seems to affect motor function and cognitive development. It is most prominent in children that are three years old and under. It has been shown that mothers who take vitamin supplements, specifically folic acid during and after conception are at a reduced risk of giving birth to children that are autistic. Autism Awareness Month 2012 seeks to have this kind of information disseminated to the general public, in the hopes that the condition can be rolled back even before it starts.

Developmental screening is one of the ways in which autism can be diagnosed. Autism Awareness Month is a perfect opportunity for mothers to take their children to doctors for tests to determine if the children are at par with the developmental stages they are meant to be at. Any discrepancies can be noted. However, this is not a guaranteed marker for autism, and it is important to note that only qualified medical professionals can diagnose the condition.

Autism is not something that affects a particular group. This is a condition that cuts across the board in terms of ethnicity, socioeconomic background and race. Let’s join hands this coming Autism Awareness Month and offer help to those who need it by educating ourselves and our loved ones about the condition.

This Content Is Copyrighted Material Of Autism United. If You Are Viewing This Content Please Go To Autism Awareness Month April 2012.

Many autistic children often experience some challenges when it comes to communication and language development. In an effort to help them, some parents opt to enforce their child’s language skills by providing some form of instruction to support the lessons that they learn in school.

Here are some tips to help you assist your child’s language development -

1. Set realistic expectations.

When teaching your child how to speak, it is very important that you have a realistic expectation of what your child can do. Keep in mind that language development does not happen overnight. You need to give it time. Patience and perseverance on your end will help your child achieve the goals that you have set out for him.

2. Use flashcards, photos or images.

As autistic children are visual thinkers, it is a good idea to use flashcards, pictures or images of the words that you are teaching him. This way, he can develop a mental picture of what the word actually looks like which in turn, will help him remember what the word is.

3. Respond appropriately.

While learning new words, it is expected that there will be times when your child will confuse words. He might say one word when he actually means another. When this happens, it is important that you respond appropriately even when you know that he actually means something else.

For example, if he asks for a “cup” when he actually wants a “glass,” you need to give him the “cup” as this is what he asked for. Giving him the “glass” will only confuse him more as he will then think that he was correct in calling it a cup. If you suspect that he wants a “glass,” you can clarify with him what he wants and then teach him to correctly identify the object.

4. Use words that relate to their interest.

Very often, autistic children are interested in a particular topic. Use this to your advantage by using his topic of interest in teaching him new words. For example, if your child is interested in trains, you can use trains as the subject to keep him interested. Make sure that your sentences and words relate to his favorite topic.

5. Keep it simple.

When teaching your child new words, always keep your instructions and sentences as simple as possible. You do not want to confuse him with long sentences. Keep your words simple and your sentences direct to the point.

This Content Is Copyrighted Material Of Autism United. If You Are Viewing This Content Please Go To Helping Your Autistic Child’s Language Development.

While caring for your autistic child does come with certain rewards and a sense of fulfillment, it can also be overwhelming at times and can lead to burnout especially if you feel that you are over your head with responsibilities.

Preventing burnout is important not only for yourself but also for your child as interacting with a burned out parent will likewise be very stressful for your child. If you want to be the best parent for your child, you need to take care of your needs as well.

Here are some tips to help prevent burnout -

1. Take a break from time to time

While taking care of your autistic child is your main priority, keep in mind that you also need to take some time for yourself to recharge and relax. Do not feel guilty about taking a break as doing so will also be beneficial for your child. Keep in mind that when you are tired and stressed, there is a higher tendency to be irritable and impatient and your child will definitely not benefit from that.

2. Acknowledge your feelings.

Taking care of an autistic child can sometimes take its toll and can trigger some difficult emotions such as depression, anger, resentment, fear and guilt. While it is easier to push these emotions aside, doing so will not be a good idea. You need to acknowledge your feelings and you need to allow yourself to feel what you feel.

Do not keep your emotions bottled up. Share your emotions with your family or trusted friends. Do not hesitate to speak with a professional if you feel you need it.

3. Accept help

When well-meaning family and friends offer to help, there is sometimes a tendency to refuse the offer because you do not want to inconvenience the person who offered to help. Keep in mind that they will not offer if they know that they won’t be able to handle your child. Graciously accept the offer and take this time to recharge.

It is very important that you get the support that you need before burnout occurs. There is strength in knowing that you are not alone and that there are people who are willing to help you and your child.

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