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Animal Therapy for Autism

News Elf — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:31:44 +0000

Dolphins are one of the most intelligent animals in the world. Researchers found out that they can help people who suffer from neurological disorders, especially autistic children. Dolphin therapy is claimed to increase speech and motor skills of children with autism, however, it’s still a controversial topic.

Dolphins are popular in human culture because of their friendly appearance and loveable attitude, in Greek myths, dolphins are helpers of the Minoans, messengers of Poseidon. Recently, Dr. Ken Marten at Sea Life Park in Hawai’i demonstrated that dolphins can recognize themselves in mirrors, and, they are also sentient, fully conscious, with complex language of their own. Nowadays, Dolphins are among the most popular choices of animal-assisted therapy for children with autism, Down’s syndrome, depression and other developmental disabilities and psychological problems. In dolphin assisted therapy (DAT) programs, kids on the Autism Spectrum could swim with dolphins in natatorium, and having lessons on land. Commonly, kids are delighted to pet and play with dolphins, but there is no scientific evidence to prove that the dolphin therapy is effective.

“It provides me with hope, more than anything,” said Omar Ramos, whose son, John-Ross, has autism. “I want my child to be able to experience a lot of different things, and so it gives me a lot of hope, especially when I see him being able to do stuff in the water or with the dolphin, even with a computer.”

Many children would enjoy playful interaction with a dolphin, however, dolphin therapy can not “cure” autism as other therapies. But, it can make kids happy, so it’s still worth a try.

Service Dogs and Autism

First, do you really need an autism service dog?

Special trained dogs can help people with disability to become more independent, including people with autism. For adults and teens, an service dog is much more practical, because they are capable of handling the dog by themselves. At the same time, it doesn’t mean that autistic children cannot have service dogs, on the contrary, they could benefit kids with autism in a lot of ways. For example, if the child doesn’t come or respond when called, the dog can help you find him/her quickly, especially in school or other public places. Also, the dog could help the child become more social with their peers. These are the bright side of an autism service dog, but, you have to look at the dark side also to make an final decision. The dark side is that the child cannot take care of the dog, the parent have to look after the dog, too. And the fee of an autism service dog is very high. Besids, a dog has about the same intelligence as a three year old, would you trust a three year old with the care of your child? Ok, all things considered, let’s suppose that you still want a dog, then you must pay attention to the following questions.

Second, what is the right Service Dog breed for autistic people?

These dog breeds are recommended for people on the autism spectrum, Newfoundland, bloodhound, border collie, Yellow Labs, golden retriever or other highly intelligent breed. Many large dogs are great with kid, gentle and peaceful. Try to avoid small dogs. I cannot say which breed is the best for children with autism, after all every autistic person is different. You may need to hire an animal behavioral consultant to pick up a dog with you and your child. You can choose several most gentle dogs and bring them outside to meet your child to see which one can socialize with her/him best.

Third, how to pick up an autism service dog?

Proper training is the key in an autism service dog. Official service dogs are strictly trained on how to behave with people. Also, the match of the personality of the dog and the child is very important.

Horseback riding therapy for autism

We came back from horseback riding therapy for autism. My daughters respite worker and a little old lady who works at the stable was leading her horse. The horse got spooked and took off running and it ripped the rieigns out of our respite workers hands and out of the little old lady?? hands who was leading the horse but it took longer for her to let go so the horse dragged her a few feet.

I was watching and screaming whoa, not that it did any good but I didn?? know what to do to get the horse to stop. It was very scary and I felt helpless because my daughter was on the horse as it took off running. She was laughing and enjoy the ride until his speed threw her from the horse. I was horrified as I watched her fly through the air. All I have to say is my little girl is one tough cookie.I thought she was going to get back up and say let’s do that again. She didn’t but she didn’t seem very effected by the fact that she had just gotten thrown from the horse but my respite worker was so upset she was crying because she felt it was her fault that my daughter got thrown. When my daughter saw her crying she began crying. So I right away went over to calm our respite worker down while my husband was on the ground with my daugther. I did feel that it was better for all of us to remain calm rather than get upset because it would be harder to find out if my daughter actually got hurt. She appears to be ok. I think she is going to be sore tomorrow but she was not affected much by that whole incident. But I have to say being the one standing on the sidelines watching it, it all looked very scary. We have one more week left of the fall sessions and I don’t know if I am going to go back.

They always tell the kids to keep their feet in the stirrups but I think that is scary to do that because if my daughters feet got stuck in those stirrups the horse would have dragged her as he raced around that barn. The other thing I don’t like is that the lady who runs it doesn’t seem to really understand autism at all. She talks to the kids like they totally understand everything she says and honestly my daughter can be as unpredicatable as that horse so I think this place needs to have a better understanding of autism and also their trained people should be leading those horses and those who know the rules of the barn so that they don’t spook the horse but us parents who know nothing about horses are out there leading them. It just seems way too dangerous of a combination. She tried telling me that this has never ever happened but I find that hard to believe. The horses they are using seem old and tired out. None of them wanted to trot. Thank God she is Ok.

The webmaster of www.autism-world.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/mental-health-articles/animal-therapy-for-autism-1539315.html

Latest Autism News Across The Globe

News Elf — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:00:01 +0000

The Autism-Vaccine Controversy: Special Needs Living: Toddler …

This week, CafeMom aurorabunny talks about the vaccination debate and how it can divide the special needs and parenting communities. Each week in Special Needs Living, aurorabunny, mom to 3-year old Brody, who has autism, …

New Autism Website Launched | Isle of Wight News:Ventnor Blog

A new website on the Island will help those affected with autism.

Bill to reform insurance coverage for autism reemerges

Currently, insurance companies do not have to cover Applied Behavioral Analysis Thereapy — ABA — for children with autism. A bill prefiled by Representative Dwight Scharnhorst of Manchester would change that. …

Special Moments, Gratitude and Autism | autisable

Our blog, Cookie Talk, is a confectioners mix of recipes, facts, ideas, and fun. We’ll share DIY crafts with kids (using cookie cutters) and baking ideas. Mothering Autism is my personal blog about my children, family, finances and the …

Whose Planet Is It Anyway?: Hard Times for Autism Speaks

It appears that Autism Speaks may be feeling the financial consequences of having chosen to use fear-mongering ads as a fundraising tactic, to fund research aimed at eradicating autistic people instead of giving families any meaningful …

AGE OF AUTISM: Katie Wright: Autism and Amanda Peet, By a Parasite

By Katie Wright After reading the inane interview with Amanda Peet (who referred to parents who veer from the vaccination schedule as “parasites” in Cookie Magazine earlier this year) in this month’s “Self” magazine, I was compelled to …

Autism Teaching Techniques – What to Remember When Teaching Autistic Children

News Elf — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:26:01 +0000

Good educators are those who assist children in autism achieve success. They should be able to help their pupils overcome autism.

Teaching autistic children is not recently limited on the patients; instructors must furthermore interact with the parents and more and more family members. Parents need to be aware of their children’s case and they must have special participation in the planning of the instructions and curriculum and in monitoring the progress of their child. If teachers let the parents do their share in the learning process, the child will get not just good school experience but also better and more productive learning experiences at home.

Here are some things teachers have to bear in mind when teaching children with autism:

1. Long strings or series of verbal instructions must be avoided. As a teacher, you must always bear in mind that autistic individuals find it hard to instill the sequence in their memory. So if he or she can read, just write down the instructions on a sheet of paper. If you are giving directions involving more than three steps, write them down.

2. Most autistic people are visual thinkers. Many people with autism think in pictures, not in language. So if you want to make them familiar with some words, use pictures to demonstrate such words to the child.

3. Autistic children usually get stuck on a certain subject such as maps or cars. Since fixations on some things just can’t be avoided, better utilize them to encourage school work.

4. Utilize concrete visual techniques to teach children with number concepts. In teaching autistic children with numbers, it would be better to use visual methods such as math toys.

5. Protect children with autism from sounds that usually hurt their ears. Loud sounds irritate autistic children, so protect them by avoiding things that produce such sounds. Don’t let the child have fear on the sounds he or she doesn’t like because it can make him or her behave badly. Autism Teaching Techniques

6. If the autistic child is hyperactive, let him wear a padded weighted vest. Such apparel help calm autistic children that’s hyperactive. The garment gives pressure that calms the person’s nervous system. It would be better to allow the child to wear the vest for twenty minutes and take it off for a few minutes. This way, the nervous system is prevented from getting used to the said outfit.

7. Most children with autism have troubles controlling the motor in their hands. It is for this reason that most autistic children have messy handwriting. Oftentimes, they find it hard to achieve good handwriting and this can totally upset them. So to avoid or at least lessen such frustration, better help the child find pleasure in learning by letting him or her type on the computer.

8. Make sure the child’s desk is near the window. Fluorescent lights and some visual distractions bother autistic individuals. So when teaching autistic children, avoid illuminating the room by means of fluorescent lights and let them sit near the window.

9. Children with autism are oftentimes good at art, drawing, and computer. If you notice that the child is good in a certain field, encourage them to use and improve their talents.

10. There are autistic children who easily learn how to read using phonics while some learn by memorizing the words. This is also an important consideration in teaching autistic children. Since they learn reading the easy way through the help of phonics, then teach them phonics rule. Don’t let your child suffer anymore! Lead your child out of his world through Autism Teaching Techniques program now!

Autism Teaching Techniques is a proven Autism Solution for your Child.

Try The Program and change child’s life forever!

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/mental-health-articles/autism-teaching-techniques-what-to-remember-when-teaching-autistic-children-1498558.html

Symposium Raises Awareness Of Specialists And Pediatricians About GI Disorders In Autism And Identifies Critical Areas For Further Study

News Elf — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:06:34 +0000

Autism Speaks, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) will host one of the largest gatherings of researchers, clinicians and pediatric specialists to better understand the gastrointestinal (GI) problems in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Source: MedWorm: Autism

Autism – The complete definition and cure

News Elf — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:57:24 +0000

Autism is a brain development disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism and its associated behaviors have been estimated to occur in as many as 1 in 600 individuals. Autism is four times more prevalent in males than females and knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries. Family income, lifestyle, and educational levels do not affect the chance of autism’s occurrence. The source of this autism is not well understood. The number of people known to have autism has increased dramatically since the 1980s, partly due to changes in diagnostic practice.

Parents usually notice signs in the first two years of their child’s life. Although early behavioral or cognitive intervention can help children gain self-care, social, and communication skills, there is no known cure. Not many children with autism live independently after reaching adulthood, though some become successful. An autistic culture has developed, with some individuals seeking a cure and others believing autism should be tolerated as a difference and not treated as a disorder.

Autism Effect on Child

Autism causes kids to experience the world differently from the way most other kids do. It’s hard for kids with autism to talk with other people and express themselves using words. Kids who have autism usually keep to themselves and many can’t communicate without special help.

They also may react to what’s going on around them in unusual ways. Normal sounds may really bother someone with autism — so much so that the person covers his or her ears. Being touched, even in a gentle way, may feel uncomfortable.

Kids with autism often can’t make connections that other kids make easily. For example, when someone smiles, you know the smiling person is happy or being friendly. But a kid with autism may have trouble connecting that smile with the person’s happy feelings.

A kid who has autism also has trouble linking words to their meanings. Imagine trying to understand what your mom is saying if you didn’t know what her words really mean.

Autism causes kids to act in unusual ways. They might flap their hands, say certain words over and over, have temper tantrums, or play only with one particular toy.

Autism kids don’t like changes in routines. They like to stay on a schedule that is always the same. They also may insist that their toys or other objects be arranged a certain way and get upset if these items are moved or disturbed.

If someone has autism, his or her brain has trouble with an important job: making sense of the world. Every day, your brain interprets the sights, sounds, smells, and other sensations that you experience. If your brain couldn’t help you understand these things, you would have trouble functioning, talking, going to school, and doing other everyday stuff.

Autism means fight for life time

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Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/autism-the-complete-definition-and-cure-1163884.html

Autism and the Swine Flu Vaccine

News Elf — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 22:20:12 +0000

Parents of children with autism are acutely aware of what vaccines could mean for their sons and daughters. Many are concerned about routine vaccinations, but you should also be aware of the possible dangers of the swine flu, or Influenza A(H1N1) vaccine, in particular. This vaccine has been rushed to market, so to speak, in order to meet the public and government demand for protection from the swine flu.

GlaxoSmithKline says that “clinical trials will be limited” due to government demands and that “additional studies will therefore be required and conducted after the vaccine is made available”. Trials are expected to begin on August 17th by testing the vaccine on 12,000 children between the ages of 3 and 8. Then, 60 to 80 million doses are expected to be administered by mid-September. Officials have admittedly “guessed” at the proper dosage to rush the vaccine to market by the time school has started. They will not know of the vaccine’s effectiveness or side effects until the initial wave of testing is complete, but they do expect that two vaccinations will be necessary. They are confident in the process by which the swine flu vaccine has been derived because it is made in exactly the same way as other flu vaccines. The only difference is that the swine flu vaccine will contain adjuvants to boost the human body’s immune response. There are currently no vaccinations in the US that approve the use of adjuvants. The US would rather not have adjuvants in vaccines because it might give citizens a reason to avoid them. In 1976, adjuvants were used in the swine flu vaccine. Some people had an immunopathological reaction, which lead to their death. About 500 other people became permanently paralyzed by the neuromuscular disorder named Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS).

GBS is an immune response to foreign antigens which attacks the nervous system. It results in muscle paralysis, sensory disturbances, and sometimes cardiac arrest. GBS is normally a rare side-effect seen after an influenza vaccine. With the swine flu vaccine in 1976, it is believed that because the adjuvants increased the body’s response to the vaccination, the occurrence of GBS rose from a normal level of one in 1,000,000 to one in 105,000. Parents of children affected by autism are understandably more concerned about immunizations that could cause an autoimmune response like Guillain-Barre syndrome. It is not known for sure that the adjuvants are the exact cause, but they were banned from immunizations in the US afterwards. Because our immunizations are largely produced in other countries and in an effort to keep the vaccine readily available, the US is allowing adjuvants, this one time. They are protecting themselves and the vaccine manufacturers from lawsuits that may occur as a result of distributing this barely tested, questionable vaccine because they are faced with the pandemic status. With all of the hype and confusion around the swine flu, it may be hard to make a truly informed decision. The swine flu has been described as a mild flu which has been less of a problem and caused many less deaths than the regular seasonal flu that we see from year to year. Many parents of children with autism are always looking for safe alternatives to vaccines. Vitamin C helps your body to resist all flus and all infections. It has also been found to be extremely reliable in eliminating and reducing flu symptoms. You can get enough vitamin C by taking vitamin C powder that is buffered to be easy on your digestive system.

This vaccine has been rushed to market, so to speak, in order to meet the public and government demand for protection from the swine flu. GlaxoSmithKline says that “clinical trials will be limited” due to government demands and that “additional studies will therefore be required and conducted after the vaccine is made available”.

Trials are expected to begin on August 17th by testing the vaccine on 12,000 children between the ages of 3 and 8. Then, 60 to 80 million doses are expected to be administered by mid-September. Officials have admittedly “guessed” at the proper dosage to rush the vaccine to market by the time school has started. They will not know of the vaccine’s effectiveness or side effects until the initial wave of testing is complete, but they do expect that two vaccinations will be necessary.

They are confident in the process by which the swine flu vaccine has been derived because it is made in exactly the same way as other flu vaccines. The only difference is that the swine flu vaccine will contain adjuvants to boost the human body’s immune response. There are currently no vaccinations in the US that approve the use of adjuvants.

The US would rather not have adjuvants in vaccines because it might give citizens a reason to avoid them. In 1976, adjuvants were used in the swine flu vaccine. Some people had an immunopathological reaction, which lead to their death. About 500 other people became permanently paralyzed by the neuromuscular disorder named Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). GBS is an immune response to foreign antigens which attacks the nervous system. It results in muscle paralysis, sensory disturbances, and sometimes cardiac arrest.

GBS is normally a rare side-effect seen after an influenza vaccine. With the swine flu vaccine in 1976, it is believed that because the adjuvants increased the body’s response to the vaccination, the occurrence of GBS rose from a normal level of one in 1,000,000 to one in 105,000.

Parents of children affected by autism are understandably more concerned about immunizations that could cause an autoimmune response like Guillain-Barre syndrome. It is not known for sure that the adjuvants are the exact cause, but they were banned from immunizations in the US afterwards. Because our immunizations are largely produced in other countries and in an effort to keep the vaccine readily available, the US is allowing adjuvants, this one time. They are protecting themselves and the vaccine manufacturers from lawsuits that may occur as a result of distributing this barely tested, questionable vaccine because they are faced with the pandemic status.

With all of the hype and confusion around the swine flu, it may be hard to make a truly informed decision. The swine flu has been described as a mild flu which has been less of a problem and caused many less deaths than the regular seasonal flu that we see from year to year. Many parents of children with autism are always looking for safe alternatives to vaccines.

Vitamin C helps your body to resist all flus and all infections. It has also been found to be extremely reliable in eliminating and reducing flu symptoms. You can get enough vitamin C by taking vitamin C powder that is buffered to be easy on your digestive system.

Phil Le Breton is owner at Wholesale Nutrition. He has a strong interest in helping people achieve greater brain and body health. For more information about C-Salts, otherwise known as the best Vitamin C, or about other Vitamin C powder products, visit http://www.nutri.com where you can buy Vitamins and Supplements of the highest quality.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/autism-and-the-swine-flu-vaccine-1103849.html

Autism Parents’ Plea: Understand Kids’ Meltdowns

News Elf — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:22:18 +0000

(CNN) — Heather Moores and her 4-year-old son, Julian, sat in a waiting room at a pediatrician’s office.

Julian, who has autism, was goose-stepping and counting every coat hook on the wall aloud. He started roaring like a lion. Moores smiled at her son, then noticed the horrified looks on other people’s faces.

“People do not understand,” she said. “To them, as bizarre as his actions might look, for us, they’re a blessing. For us, it means he’s enjoying himself and happy. No one understands that. They just see an out-of-control child. They don’t understand this is a good day, when there isn’t screams upon screams.”

On the second World Autism Awareness Day, the search for a cure continues, and major court decisions have helped sort out the theories connected to the mysterious developmental disorders. Public knowledge and acceptance of autism and the difficulties the families face may be growing, as some iReporters told CNN.

But that’s little comfort to a parent whose child’s behavior can range from quirky to violent.

Children with autism have unexplainable breakdowns — their outbursts are often loud, aggressive and disturbing. Julian slams himself against the ground or wall while he screams, flailing his limbs. Julian’s younger brother, Marcus, 3, squirms away from his parents and runs into the street to oncoming cars because he is fascinated by them. He also screams with such ferocity that his face turns purple and mucus bubbles from his nostrils. Their youngest brother, Aric, also has autism and just turned 1 year old. Photo gallery from iReporters about autism. »

Heather Moores remembers that the stares in the waiting room were full of contempt. Onlookers shook their head in disgust and glared, making her feel like the “world’s worst mother.” This happens every time they go out to the doctor’s office, the barber shop or anywhere in public.

“You’ll hear people talking, ‘If it was my kid, he wouldn’t behave like that. These parents don’t know how to discipline their children. Why don’t you shut that kid up?’ said Alexandre Moores, Heather’s husband. “It makes going out unpleasant. I don’t know if you ever get used to it.”

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Autism and Fever

News Elf — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:24:19 +0000

Some parents have noted that during periods of fever, their children seem to have exhibited “less autistic” tendencies. There may be an explanation for this now as two doctors from Yeshiva University have published a study in the March 2009 Brain Research Reviews, that proposes autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may be the product of a dysregulated neuron bundle in the brain stem called the locus coeruleus-noradrenergic (LC-NA) system. Of further interest, is their observation that during episodes of fever some children with autism seemed to have improved behavior that then dissipated once the fever had subsided.

According to the study’s authors, Dominick P. Purpura, M.D., dean emeritus and distinguished professor of neuroscience at Einstein and Dr. Mark F. Mehler, M.D., chairman of neurology and director of the Institute for Brain Disorders and Neural Regeneration at Einstein, the LC-NA system is the only brain region involved both in controlling behavior and producing fever. This area of the brain is largely responsible for the production of noradrenaline, a neurotransmitter that induces our body’s “fight or flight” reaction. Noradrenaline is also a key for higher-order sensory processing of environmental stimuli, and facilitating the ability to focus one’s attention. Attention deficit disorder is frequently reported in those with autism.

The cause of this dysregulation of the LC-NA system is attributed broadly to genetic and epigenetic (chemical influencers of genomes) factors, environment and also maternal stress during pregnancy. On this last point, they cite a 2008 study, published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders documenting a higher frequency of children with ASD born from mothers who had been exposed to topical storms and hurricanes mid-gestation.

While the study does not advocate inducing fever – which could be quite dangerous – they note that these findings may serve as the foundation for the development of new therapies targeting the LC-NA systems in such a way as to re-regulate how this area of the brain works. As Dr. Mehler notes, “We now have clues to the neurobiology, the genetics, and the epigenetics of autism. To move forward, we need to invest more money in basic science to look at the genome and the epigenome in a more focused way.”

Brian Field is the co-founder of the Autism Support Network

Addressing Special Needs: Why Do Children With Autism Need Supplements?

News Elf — Mon, 18 May 2009 02:59:17 +0000

Clearly, children with autism require special attention. This attention does not only involve physical and emotional attention; the parents of these children should also take extra measures to make sure they have sufficient nutrition and nourishment. How they are nourished, of course, depends on what types of food they take. However, this can be a seriously difficult undertaking. Autistic children have impaired taste, and they tend to eat the same things over and over again, thus already limiting the food items they can take. In addition, their limited body functions do not give them the right tools to properly absorb and digest everything they take in. A proof of this is the prevalence of the leaky gut symptom among children suffering from autism. Irregular and improper bowel movements clearly mean that their digestion is not in tiptop shape, another sign that they are not getting the proper nutrition they deserve.

Here are some of the reasons why children with autism should be given supplements:

Autism as a whole-body ailment-Beyond the usual need for additional nutrition, autistic children requires supplements due to the possibility that autism is not merely a brain disorder but a full-blown illness caused by malfunctions in the body (the gut or the immune system, for instance). Of course, the exact cause of autism has been determined yet, but many studies have already been conducted to decipher whether autism originated from genetic factors or other external causes. If autism is indeed a whole-body ailment, one way to treat it is through supplements-by making the body naturally heal through with the aid of these nutrients and vitamins.

The limitations of an autistic children’s body-As mentioned earlier, a child with autism cannot absorb the nutrients of food properly due to their limited digesting capability. The best way to assist an autistic child in nutrient intake is by giving them the nutrients in its simplest form-through supplements. This way, autistic children can get all the nutrients and vitamins they need.

Replacement for lost nutrients-The Autism Research Institute and their Defeat Autism Now movement suggest a gluten- and casein-free diet from autistic children. Gluten and casein are proteins present in wheat products and milk products. Many researches have already proven that these proteins can cause brain inflammations and opioid-like effects on autistic children. Because of this, many parents have employed this diet. Yet it cannot be denied that the children also need the nutrients acquired from wheat and milk products. Therefore, the supplements can provide the children with autism the nutrients they could have gotten from these food items.

Many tests as well as testimonials from several parents of autistic children all over the world claim that the use of supplements helped improve autism symptoms. Nutritional deficiency can cause a number of adverse effects. Therefore, even if parents may doubt the claim that autism is not a brain disorder, they cannot discount the fact that their children need all the nutrients they can get. In both cases, supplements can help children with autism.

For more information on Supplements for Autism, please visit Autism-Supplements.com where you will find a Supplement Guide for Autism.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/addressing-special-needs-why-do-children-with-autism-need-supplements-922057.html

BBC: Cartoons ‘Could Help Spot Autism’

News Elf — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:14:44 +0000

Watching how a toddler responds to animations could help diagnose autism, research has suggested.

Babies usually start paying attention to movement soon after birth, and pick up information from the cues they see but children with autism often do not.

A study, published in Nature, where two-year-olds were shown manipulated animations found those with autism focussed on movement linked to sound.

UK experts said a test of this kind could help pick up autism early.

This line of research holds promise for development of new therapies based on redirecting visual attention in children with these disorders

Thomas Insel, US National Institute of Mental Health

In the Yale study, researchers created five versions of animated children’s games such as ‘peek-a-boo’ and ‘pat-a-cake’ where points of light marked movement, each with sound.

On the other half of the screen, the same animation was presented upside down and in reverse, but with the same audio as the upright version.

Previous studies have shown that, normally, children’s attention is drawn to such changes from around eight months old.

Twenty-one toddlers with autistic-spectrum disorders (ASD), 39 who were developing normally and 16 who had developmental problems but did not have autism were studied.

Both the toddlers who were developing normally and those with developmental problems showed a clear preference for looking at the upright animations. However the toddlers with ASD showed no preference and looked backwards and forwards between the two halves of the screen.

But when the toddlers were shown the ‘pat-a-cake’ animation – where the figure repeatedly and audibly claps his hands – those with ASD showed a marked preference for the upright animation, where the sounds were in time with the movement, choosing it 66% of the time.

The other children continued to prefer the upright version.

‘Grabbing their attention’

Dr Ami Klin, of the Yale Child Study Center, who worked on the research, said: “Our results suggest that, in autism, genetic predispositions are exacerbated by atypical experience from a very early age, altering brain development.

“Attention to biological motion is a fundamental mechanism of social engagement, and in the future, we need to understand how this process is derailed in autism, starting still earlier, in the first weeks and months of life.”

Thomas Insel, director of the National Institute of Mental Health – which helped fund the study, said: “For the first time, this study has pinpointed what grabs the attention of toddlers with ASDs.

“In addition to potential uses in screening for early diagnosis, this line of research holds promise for development of new therapies based on redirecting visual attention in children with these disorders.”

A spokeswoman for the National Autistic Society said: “This is a really interesting study which suggests that children with autism are on a different learning pathway from other children from a very early age.

“We warmly welcome all research which helps us further our understanding of autism, and how best to help and support those with the condition.”

Source: BBC News

Did Toxic Chemicals Kill John Travolta’s Son, Jett Travolta?

News Elf — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:32:55 +0000

Toxic cleaners are believed to be an underlying factor in Jett Travolta’s untimely death at the age of 16, according to his mother, Kelly Preston.

When Jett was 2 he was diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease. When his mother was interviewed on the Montel Williams Show she mentioned how she asked all of the parents who had children in the ICU with Kawasaki disease about the questionnaire she was given when her son was diagnosed. According to Preston, there were tons of children in the ICU and “I went and talked to everybody— every single parent—and everyone had cleaned their carpets in the last couple of weeks.”

Preston may have been onto something; research from the Children’s Hospital Boston’s Kawasaki Disease Program has confirmed a possible link between carpet cleaners and the disease that Jett was diagnosed with at the age of 2.

There have also been reports that Jett may have suffered from autism and had died of a seizure. While the family is entitled to their privacy regarding their sons developmental status, it should be noted that children with autism frequently have seizures and also suffer from a lower threshold from developing the toxic effects of chemicals. It has been scientifically proven by researcher Jill James (check out the chapter “Mind Games” in “Holler for Your Health” for details) that children with autism have a dramatically reduced level of active glutathione, which is required for detoxifying a variety of toxins including chemicals found in carpet cleaners.

The crime in Jett’s death is that the link between chemical toxins in cleaners and other products is being dismissed by many so called medical experts. Do not be swayed by their reports: toxins are the 21st century plague and they are killing our kids. Please don’t heed their advice without researching for yourself.

Please keep your kids safe! This story about Jett breaks my heart!

By the way, I have heard first hand accounts of friends who had their carpets cleaned and then had their dogs begin to have seizure disorders and ultimately die. Take care of your pets too!

Source: Blog Talk Radio

Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Oklahoma Announces Autism Benefits

News Elf — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 23:53:53 +0000

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma announced the addition of an autism benefit to insured groups effective their next policy year. This change will not in any way affect the current medical coverage that has always been available to children with autism. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma is responding to market interests in the benefits and coverage of certain autism-related medically necessary services.

Source: Autism News From Medical News Today

SensoryNanny – Jan 23,2009

News Elf — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Practical advice for parents raising children with autism, developmental delays, and sensory issues from an occupational therapist who also happens to be a mom who has “been there”.

parenting | autism | developmental delay | sensory processing | ADHD

Source: Blog Talk Radio

Sensory Nanny

News Elf — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 00:32:50 +0000

Source: Blog Talk Radio

Sensory Nanny

News Elf — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:32:44 +0000

Source: Blog Talk Radio

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