Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Overview of this Blog
This blog has been made for educators as well as parents of children who
are Autistic. There are several resources in regards to assistive
technology (how to go about getting it, funds, processes, different
types) as well as information on autism.
Some of the information that may be found on this blog in regards to autism will include the spectrum of disorders as well as characteristics that are prevalent within the spectrum. Also included are websites of funding sources, types of assistive technology and other general information that educators and families may find helpful.
Some of the information that may be found on this blog in regards to autism will include the spectrum of disorders as well as characteristics that are prevalent within the spectrum. Also included are websites of funding sources, types of assistive technology and other general information that educators and families may find helpful.
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
General information about Autism Spectrum Disorders (helpful resource links)
What is autism spectrum disorder?
Definition and symptoms
http://vkool.com/autism-spectrum-disorder/
http://www.parentcenterhub.org/repository/autism/
Autism
Behavior Problems
Asperger
Syndrome
http://www.autism-society.org/about-autism/aspergers-syndrome/
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/brain/asperger.html
http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/asperger-syndrome
 |
| picture taken from https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLNNvvbe1X6luqGaXKaENYN05t808oz0XJnT7F3190uBbepocVbuz4L8Sxue35XBjdj106uaxAClPTp8yBy9A8Kfvi5XKIIStgx4wqBoyoS460T0W1MYNuj1LNhK9edHbT7gYNKd0mf7Q/s1600/autism-spectrum-conditions.jpg |
Monday, November 3, 2014
Grant Program
This grant program offers "funding assistance to families on a quarterly basis."
http://act-today.org/act-today-grant-program.php
The Make It Fit Foundation
The Make It Fit Foundation "is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by autism." You may also visit their facebook page to view Cookies for iPads - giving children with autism a voice.
http://www.makeitfit.org/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cookies-for-Ipads-giving-children-with-autism-a-voice/186571024739428
TACA TALKS ABOUT CURING AUTISM
The following site provides a spreadsheet of different National foundations, type of funding, region, and average amount of grant money provided.
http://www.tacanow.org/family-resources/autism-grants/
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Early Signs of Autism
 |
| picture taken from http://globalautismawareness.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-signs-of-autism-poster.html |
Video: Early Signs of Autism
http://video.about.com/pediatrics/Early-Signs-of-Autism.htm?utm_term=early%20signs%20of%20autism&utm_content=p1-main-3-title&utm_medium=sem&utm_source=msn&utm_campaign=adid-c6557c1f-f97c-47fd-aaad-efa32d232b98-0-ab_msb_ocode-12627&ad=semD&an=msn_s&am=broad&q=early%20signs%20of%20autism&dqi=&o=12627&l=sem&qsrc=999&askid=c6557c1f-f97c-47fd-aaad-efa32d232b98-0-ab_msb#vdTrnTRANSCRIPT:
What is Autism
Autism is a disorder of language skills, social skills and behavior. There is a wide variation in the expression of the disorder, so it has been termed Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD. Children with ASD may be verbal or non-verbal. Some will have problems with eye contact and social interaction; they may have difficulty holding a conversation or understanding the emotions of other people. Some will show repetitive behaviors, including hand-flapping, head-banging, or repetitive or even obsessive play with toys. Affected children will have difficulty functioning normally in all settings, including at home and in school.
Subtle and Obvious Autism Signs
Early signs of autism can be subtle or very obvious. Screening begins with the parents; they should watch for slow development or regression in milestones. Some children may start out speaking a few words, but then stop speaking or communicating over time. Ask your pediatrician if you have concerns about your child’s development and if any further testing is warranted. There are some general developmental signs that all children should have at certain ages.
When You Should Be Concerned About Autism
You should be concerned if: by 6 months of age there is no smiling; by 9 months of age there is no interaction with parents by sharing smiles, sounds or facial expressions; by 12 months of age if there is no responding to the name, no babbling, no pointing, no reaching, or no waving; by 16 months of age if there are no single words; by 24 months of age if there are no 2-word phrases. If you or your pediatrician has a concern, there are screening tests that should be performed.
Autism Screenings
One of the most commonly used screening tools is the Modified Checklist of Autism in Toddlers or the M-CHAT. This is routinely performed at 18 and 24 months of age at the pediatrician’s office. It consists of 23 yes-or-no questions answered by the parent. The score gives a Pass or Fail, with a Fail indicating the need for more thorough screening. The M-CHAT is a screening test, so it is possible to have some kids who do not screen appropriately. The goal of the M-CHAT is to identify children who need further evaluation. Children with autism are being diagnosed more often now than ever. If your child is showing early signs of autism or if you have a concern, talk with your pediatrician. Once a diagnosis is made, therapy can begin so that your child can reach his or her utmost potential.
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Resources
Resources for both educators and families: (includes funding
sources, information sources, service sources, etc.)
Research, grants, services, information for educators and
families.
Grant funding on a quarterly basis.
A program that provides private jet flights for families and
children with autism to receive medical care.
A program that provides AT for children with disabilities.
Help for families who need assistance with funding to get
treatment for their child with autism.
Grants for families in need of medical treatment for their
child with autism.
Information, research, funding sources, etc.
Information, research, funding sources, etc.
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism is an umbrella term for a wide spectrum of disorders referred to as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) or Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
There are five classifications:
1 Autistic Disorder
2 Asperger Syndrome
3 Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)
4 Rett's Disorder
5 PDD-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
The following descriptions of each of the five classifications of ASD were taken from http://www.special-learning.com/article/autism_classification
Autistic Disorder
Autistic Disorder is commonly called “classic autism.” It is a neurological and developmental disorder that is typically seen during the first three years of life. Individuals diagnosed with this disorder normally manifest developmental delays in communication, social and behavior skills. They often display characteristics that set them apart from others such as the difficulty in engaging in social relationships and an obsession with behavior patterns.
Asperger Syndrome
Asperger Syndrome is identified as the mildest of all disorders under the ASD umbrella, specifically because the symptoms present in this disorder are more manageable and individuals with Asperger’s usually have a better prognosis with the help of constant and proper therapies. People with Asperger Syndrome often do not have significant language delay compared to others in the spectrum. They have the urge to engage in social interactions but may lack the ability to appropriately initiate one. They also manifest a difficulty in motor coordination such as walking, running or anything that involves refined motor skills.
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)
CDD is disorder under spectrum that allows normal development until the age of 3 or 4. Then over the course of months children start to manifest a variety of problems such as language regression, motor and social skills.
Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
This disorder under the ASD umbrella classifies individuals that exhibit some symptoms, but not all, that are associated with classic autism. Their symptoms are usually not enough to completely classify them under a specific disorder set by the experts. Some symptoms may be mild and some symptoms may be worse than others in the spectrum.
Rett’s Syndrome
Rett’s Syndrome is classified under the ASD umbrella and manifests symptoms such as loss of motor and communication skills after a period of normal development. Children affected by this disorder often lose their ability to speak even though they have normally used speech and language skills normally in the past. They often engage in stereotype hand movements such as wringing and clapping (NICHD, 2010).
Autism Spectrum Disorders mean that no two individuals diagnosed with autism will manifest the same exact symptoms and have the same level of severity. Common autism symptoms such as communication, social and behavioral difficulties will be present in all types of autism but will differ in the manner and severity.
Click on the links below to learn more about the five classifications of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)