We have looked long and hard at this issue. We have reviewed many medical and trade magazines, papers, publications and websites looking for the answer. We have contacted some of the "foremost " medical authorities on ADD and ADHD, experts in child development, and pharmaceutical profiteers. Some were very cooperative and some were not. We took an analytical look at all the data and this is what we found:
* There is no definitive or scientific proof that ADD or ADHD is a medical condition justifying the use of strong drugs such as 'Ritalin'.
* The "diagnosis" is subjective and is so widely defined that it has been claimed to be caused by Thyroid Disease, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Television watching, and even Brain Malfunctions. None of which have ever been closely linked.
* “May be a brain malfunction", but brain scan images only involve children who have been “treated” with stimulants (Ritalin, Adderall, Dexedrine, and all other speed-like substances) with no controls set up to include children "diagnosed" but who have not been “treated” with stimulants (Similarities have been found between brains of “treated” kids and drug addicts).
* Statements like "ADD or ADHD can be difficult to diagnose and even harder to understand" are commonly used. Those that cannot validate this "diagnosis" with logic and hard science continue to distort the truth, create misunderstandings, misdirect, and ultimately leave one confused.
Grants for Autistic Children
Grants for Families of Children with Autism
There's no doubt about it: autism is expensive. For some families, though, the cost of autism can be devastating. That's why the National Autism Association has created a grant program specifically for families of children with autism who are in financial crisis.If you are a family residing in the United States with a child on the autism spectrum aged birth to 18, you may qualify for the grant. The maximum you may request is $1,500. Money from the grant may be applied ONLY to biomedical treatments, supplements or therapies for your child with autism - and the money is paid directly to vendors (not to families).
Similar grants are offered to families by Act-Today for Autism, Autism Family Resources, and United Healthcare Children's Foundation. The important point to note is that money from these grants never goes directly to families - and it may be used only for autism treatments and related costs (not to, for example, keep the house warm in winter).
If you are in search of a grant for autism treatment, these grant opportunities are legitimate resources. Many advertised grant opportunities, however, are not. A Google search will almost certainly lead you to sites and ads for "free grants for autism." Many of these organizations will require you to pay in advance for your "free grants" - an absurd idea, since grant, by their very nature, are "free."
If any agency or individual requests money from you as part of a grant application process, run fast and far. Then, consider reporting that agency or individual to the police.
Busting the Autism Stereotypes
As with anyone with a physical or mental disorder, autistic people deal with a wide range of reactions from others, from full support to uncaring ignorance. Unfortunately, even those who support autistic family members, co-workers, and friends may not understand autism very well. This leads to stereotypes, which can result in hatred, embarrassment, or other unhappy situations. By becoming educated about autism, you can help others in your community cope with this disorder.
It is most important to note that not all autistic people are the same. Other diseases and disorders have their own sets of rules, but autism is such a complex medical condition, that everyone reacts differently to it. Autistic people are usually rated on a functional scale, with high-functioning people being able to hold jobs and low-functioning people needing 24-hour-a-day care. Symptoms include behavioral challenges, uncontrollable movements, speech and communication difficulties, and emotional inadequacies. Some show all symptoms, while other show few, and still others may have most under control to the point where you cannot tell they have autism at all.
Because every person is different, no one thing can be said about autism and be true overall. However, most autistic people have trouble communicating emotions. This does not mean that an autistic person does not feel. He or she simply cannot express this feeling. It also does not mean strong relationship bonds are not possible. On the contrary, many autistic people are happily married and in love. Forming relationships is more difficult for most, but can be accomplished over time.
Many people believe that being autistic coincides with being a genius in some aspect. While it is true that some autistic individuals have extraordinary math, music, and art skills, this number is nowhere near the majority-in fact, relatively few autistic people function outside of the normal range in any skill. This stereotype is perpetuated in the movies and on television, because the story of a talented person fighting disadvantages (such as autism) makes a good plot. However, this is not the norm, so nothing more than the best they can personally do should be expected from an autistic person. However, it is important to note that autism is not a form of mental retardation. Some autistic people are mentally retarded as well, but most are not and should not be treated as such.
In the end, the most important lesson to take away from your studies on autism is one of tolerance. You will probably need to be patient when dealing with autistic people, but by understanding a little more about the disorder, perhaps this will be easier. Learn what you can and spread the knowledge to those you know to help create a more tolerant setting for autistic individuals in your community.
It is most important to note that not all autistic people are the same. Other diseases and disorders have their own sets of rules, but autism is such a complex medical condition, that everyone reacts differently to it. Autistic people are usually rated on a functional scale, with high-functioning people being able to hold jobs and low-functioning people needing 24-hour-a-day care. Symptoms include behavioral challenges, uncontrollable movements, speech and communication difficulties, and emotional inadequacies. Some show all symptoms, while other show few, and still others may have most under control to the point where you cannot tell they have autism at all.
Because every person is different, no one thing can be said about autism and be true overall. However, most autistic people have trouble communicating emotions. This does not mean that an autistic person does not feel. He or she simply cannot express this feeling. It also does not mean strong relationship bonds are not possible. On the contrary, many autistic people are happily married and in love. Forming relationships is more difficult for most, but can be accomplished over time.
Many people believe that being autistic coincides with being a genius in some aspect. While it is true that some autistic individuals have extraordinary math, music, and art skills, this number is nowhere near the majority-in fact, relatively few autistic people function outside of the normal range in any skill. This stereotype is perpetuated in the movies and on television, because the story of a talented person fighting disadvantages (such as autism) makes a good plot. However, this is not the norm, so nothing more than the best they can personally do should be expected from an autistic person. However, it is important to note that autism is not a form of mental retardation. Some autistic people are mentally retarded as well, but most are not and should not be treated as such.
In the end, the most important lesson to take away from your studies on autism is one of tolerance. You will probably need to be patient when dealing with autistic people, but by understanding a little more about the disorder, perhaps this will be easier. Learn what you can and spread the knowledge to those you know to help create a more tolerant setting for autistic individuals in your community.
A Gift of Sight: Visual Perception Treatment for Autistic Children
Autism effects every child differently, so it is difficult to find the exact treatments your child needs to cope with his or her symptoms. One thing that effects some autistic children (though, not all) is problems with visual perception. By using some standardized methods to help improve visual perception, you can give your child the ability to see the world more clearly, making learning and comprehension easier and possibly curbing some behavior problems as well.
Autistic children mainly have problems with sensory overload and distortion. These are some of the same problems many people not suffering from the disorder develop, and so many treatment options have become available. Individuals with autism often find, however, that the sensory overload of the world due to light, colors, contrast, shapes, and patterns, is too much to handle, causing them to act out or shut down in general. This is sometimes a genetic condition that is simply enhanced by the autism, so if the child's parents have trouble with reading or have been otherwise treated for visual perceptive problems, there is a good chance that the child needs help as well.
The Irene Method is one effective way to treat visual perception disorders. This method uses color to create a more harmonized world. You may have heard of these methods if anyone has ever suggested using a color filter over the page when reading to be able to read better and more quickly. This method is proven to work, and if your autistic child is at the maturity level of reading, you may want to try these color filters to see if there is a difference in speed and comprehension. However, it is more likely that your autistic child will benefit from color filters during the entire day, not just when reading. Special glasses have been made using colored lenses to conquer this problem. Not every child responds the same way to every color, so it is a process of trial and error to find out which color is the one blocking the harmful light. You can also choose to use colored light bulbs in your home to help autistic individuals with their visual perception problems.
This method mainly helps children in 4 areas: depth perception, social interaction, learning, and physical well being. The colors help the child determine how far he or she is from an object, and the world becomes more three-dimensional, helping depth perception. Social interaction also improves because the child feels as though he or she is in a calmer world and can more clearly see and interpret facial expressions. The colors make it possible to learn, especially when reading, and overall, the child will feel better, because it helps reduce headaches and dizziness. By testing this technique and others to help visual perception problems, you can help your child better cope with the world and his or her autism.
Autistic children mainly have problems with sensory overload and distortion. These are some of the same problems many people not suffering from the disorder develop, and so many treatment options have become available. Individuals with autism often find, however, that the sensory overload of the world due to light, colors, contrast, shapes, and patterns, is too much to handle, causing them to act out or shut down in general. This is sometimes a genetic condition that is simply enhanced by the autism, so if the child's parents have trouble with reading or have been otherwise treated for visual perceptive problems, there is a good chance that the child needs help as well.
The Irene Method is one effective way to treat visual perception disorders. This method uses color to create a more harmonized world. You may have heard of these methods if anyone has ever suggested using a color filter over the page when reading to be able to read better and more quickly. This method is proven to work, and if your autistic child is at the maturity level of reading, you may want to try these color filters to see if there is a difference in speed and comprehension. However, it is more likely that your autistic child will benefit from color filters during the entire day, not just when reading. Special glasses have been made using colored lenses to conquer this problem. Not every child responds the same way to every color, so it is a process of trial and error to find out which color is the one blocking the harmful light. You can also choose to use colored light bulbs in your home to help autistic individuals with their visual perception problems.
This method mainly helps children in 4 areas: depth perception, social interaction, learning, and physical well being. The colors help the child determine how far he or she is from an object, and the world becomes more three-dimensional, helping depth perception. Social interaction also improves because the child feels as though he or she is in a calmer world and can more clearly see and interpret facial expressions. The colors make it possible to learn, especially when reading, and overall, the child will feel better, because it helps reduce headaches and dizziness. By testing this technique and others to help visual perception problems, you can help your child better cope with the world and his or her autism.
Celebrities Have Autistic Kids Too!
Jenny McCarthyActress Jenny McCarthy, who has written several humorous books on pregnancy, motherhood, and moving on, tackles a more serious topic with her next tome - her son Evan Joseph, 4 1/2, battles autism. Her latest book, Louder Than Words: A Mother's Journey in Healing Autism, will be out on September 6th. Jenny describes it as 'a heartbreaking story about a serious health issue.'
Jenny, who runs IndigoMoms.com, is of the belief that Evan is a 'crystal child,' and she herself is an 'adult indigo.' This belief suggests that 'indigo/crystal phenomenon is the next step in our evolution as a human species.' Proponents also suggest that many indigo and crystal children are wrongly diagnosed with ADD, ADHD, and autism. Starchild has more information, for those interested.
Jenny says that, 'Evan is sensitive to air and water, he’s that hypersensitive,' so she's had to adjust her parenting. You can read an essay on the indigo/crystal belief that she wrote in 2006 for Children of The New Earth magazine by clicking here.
Tony Braxton
Songstress Toni Braxton appeared on The View today in her new role as a spokesperson to raise awareness for children diagnosed with autism. It is a subject that hit very close to home, since Toni Braxton's own youngest son, Diezel, 3, was diagnosed with autism in September 2006.
"He wasn't developing like his brother was," said Braxton about the little red flags that clued her in that something was amiss with her youngest child when compared to his 5-year-old brother, Denim.
"I know you're not supposed to compare," Toni added, "but things were drastically different."
Braxton said she heard all kinds of excuses from pediatricians and doctors as she sought help to find out what was wrong with her little boy. Toni heard everything from "Oh, he's just a little delayed" to a diagnosis of verbal apraxia to hearing problems.
"We had his hearing checked twice," Braxton said, indicating that it was fine. "All different kinds of doctors were brought in...We never got an answer and I just felt something was wrong," Toni continued.
Eventually Toni and her husband received a shocking blow when Braxton tried to enroll Diezel in school. "When I got to Vegas," Toni said, "I put him in school with his brother - a private school there - but they said, 'He shouldn't be here.'"
It was the dean of the school, in fact, that told Toni to come pick up her son because he wasn't ready to attend that particular school. As for the reasons why, Toni explained: "His behavior, speech, compliance...a little bit of everything."
The popular love song crooner described her first emotions: "I didn't know what to think. You mean there's something wrong with my child?" Braxton asked herself. Then she was given a card to an organization called Child Find in Las Vegas, who eventually diagnosed Diezel with autism.
It was at this point, when Toni began describing her son's "red flag" behaviors - such as his refusal to make eye contact, limited speech, his need to always sit on the left and use a specific red plate and designated fork - that Braxton broke down in tears and covered her face and apologized.
Very popular battery-operated flexible vibrating snake. Allows the user to move the vibration behind their back, choice of 2 speeds. Christmas Special Price-Good through 12/17/07
Price: $16.00
Vibrating Snake
Down Syndrome Facts Of Life
Down syndrome, a chromosomal abnormality and probably the most common genetic condition, occurs in approximately one in every eight hundred to one thousand live births or accounts for approximately 5-6 per cent of intellectual retardation. Although, most students with Down's Syndrome are between the mild to moderate range of mental retardation.
Initially, Down's Syndrome was given the label of 'Mongolism' due to the physical characteristics of the disorder. A student with Down's Syndrome is usually quite recognizable due to characteristics like a smaller overall stature, flat facial profile, thick epicanthal folds in the corners of their eyes, protruding tongues which is due to their smaller oral cavity and muscle hypotonia - low muscle tone.
What is autism?
Autism (sometimes called “classical autism”) is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual, repetitive, or severely limited activities and interests. Other ASDs include Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS). Experts estimate that three to six children out of every 1,000 will have autism. Males are four times more likely to have autism than females.
Be in control you are the parent
Here are some key points for parents with special needs children
- Be patient
- Treat your child like any other child without a disability
- Don't underestimate/you are in control!
- Let your child be independent on certain task that you know he/she is capable of doing
- keep practicing with them on fine motor skills ex. zipping coat, coloring, buttoning jacket etc
- Take your child out into the community(movies, malls, grocery store, and the library) this is a great way to help your child enhance his social skills.
- Discipline is very important even though your child has a disability they should know right from wrong.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
