April is Autism Month The Maia Chung Autism and Disabilities Foundation is requesting that you use this month to become familiar with Autism.
Autism is an intellectual disorder.
Autism is defined by the Autism Society Of America (ASA) as: "Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.
Autism is one of five disorders that falls under the umbrella of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), a category of neurological disorders characterized by “severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development."
CHARACTERISTICS OF AUTISM
Most signs or characteristics of Autism are evident in the areas of speech or communication (verbal and non-verbal). Many of the signs or symptoms of Autism begin presenting themselves between 2 and 6 years of age.
The research indicates the following symptoms are the most commonly found characteristics of Autism:
The child is unable to coo by 12 months.
The child also does not point or gesture by 12 months.
The child does not say single words by 16 months.
The child does not say 2 or more words by 24 months.
Has lost some of social skills or language abilities.
Other Characteristics include:
No fear of danger.
Over or under sensitivity to pain.
May avoid eye contact with you.
May prefer to be by him/herself.
Has difficulty expressing what they want or need - may then try to use gestures.
May echo words or phrases.
May have inappropriate attachments to objects.
May spin his/herself or objects.
Prolonged repetitive play.
May insist on things/routines always being the same.
May exhibit inappropriate laughing (laughing when not appropriate to the situation).
May display tantrums for no apparent reason.
May avoid cuddling.
May exhibit self injurious behavior when upset i.e. biting selves or banging heads.
An overall difficulty interacting with others.
If you see the above symptoms, you should consult with your doctor and a Psychologist before drawing your own conclusions. An important note here - I stress that it's also important to see a Psychologist, or a Speech Therapist, and not just take the word of your doctor or PCP. Although medical doctors are very well trained, a Psychologist and/or Speech Pathologist have specific training in Autism and other Developmental disorders and may have a better understanding of Autism and how to treat it. However, having said that - it's best to START by seeing your doctor to rule out any other medical conditions and to get their clinical opinion initially.
Read the following:
http://www.autisable.com/772567035/autistic-adults-bloggers/?cuttag=true#cuttaganchor
Tuesday, 09 April 2013
Autistic Adults Bloggers
I would like to start by saying I'm an autism parent. I'm not autistic (are you surprised? yeah, me neither.) but I parent a 10 year old with autism. I have a view point that is necessary to be shared, I have things to tell you that might help you in some way.
I wouldn't go so far as to tell you that I am someone you should listen to or to claim to be some sort of expert because, pfft, come on, have you read my blog? Even my kids don't believe me when I tell them I know what I'm doing. I've figured some things out and I'm figuring other things out and I will be working on even more things in the future and you will hear all about it whether I actually figure it out or just fumble the ball but I want you to know that I haven't gotten to where I am, and I don't think I'd get too far without the help and insight of some very special people... people who's view point needs to be shared, people who have things to tell you that might help you in some way, people who do know what they are talking about... the autistic adults.
They have insights and ideas and experiences that I would never have considered if they hadn't taken the time to talk with me or to blog to explain or to share what they know. I have a list here of 12 autistic adults for you to check out that I follow myself... I strongly suggest you go see what they have to say. Get to know them as people, see how awesome they are and maybe you can learn a thing or two while hanging out with them.
Awesome List of Autistic Adults:
Ancora Impartial
Snagglebox (second ONLY to the dictator)
Disability and Representation
The Connor Chronicles
Shaping Clay
Inner Aspie
Tiny Grace Notes
No Guile
A Quiet Week in the House
Stuart Duncan
Stimeyland
Life on the Other Side of the Wall
