The staggering facts about Autism in the US and why you need to know this information...
Autism in the United States is a developmental disorder that effects 1 out of 150 children at the current time. 75% of all cases are boys thus making the ratio for boys 1 in 94. It also presents a certain set of symptoms that effect each person differently ranging from mild to severe. Autism symptoms are similar in each case but do present themselves in varying ways among each individual. This is why it is called Autism is considered a spectrum disorder. 1.5 million Americans are effected with Autism. There is no known cure for Autism but early intervention and funding are key to helping families struggling with Autism.
As a mother of 2 boys on the Autism Spectrum I know firsthand what an important health issue this is. My hope is that this lens will bring more awareness to this hidden epidemic. I want to thank each and every person who takes the time to read this lens as Education and Awareness are key to creating global change.
New YouTube Voting (Plexo)
Great Lens to Learn How to Manage and Reduce Stress!
Those of us raising children on the Autism Spectrum know first hand what it is like to feel stressed out, and for many of us it can become quite overwhelming. I just found a really great lens about reducing and managing stress. It offers lots of great ideas and techniques that I thought might be useful.
Stress Reduction Simplified
http://www.squidoo.com/stressreductionsimplified
Stress Reduction Simplified
http://www.squidoo.com/stressreductionsimplified
Jack blowing out candles on his 4th birthday cake
The Boys in Gatlinburg Tennessee
Liam & Jasper
AUTISM FACT
Autism costs the nation over $90 billion per year, a figure expected to double in the next decade.
The Autism Clock from www.fightingautism.org
Thank you to Fighting Autism for creating such a Poignant Visual for Autism Awareness
AUTISM CLOCK
The autism clock calculates the current estimated U.S. incidence of autism for children ages 3-22. It was developed to allow real-time access to the current Autism incidence. The U.S. Economic Cost is calculated using an estimate of USD $30,000 annually for each child.
The autism clock calculates the current estimated U.S. incidence of autism for children ages 3-22. It was developed to allow real-time access to the current Autism incidence. The U.S. Economic Cost is calculated using an estimate of USD $30,000 annually for each child.
AUTISM FACT:
The US Autism Rate is growing at a alarming rate of 10 - 17 % annually.
AUTISM FACT:
More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined
Make a Difference and Support this Bill
Please E-mail your Congressman to Co-Sponsor HR 1881
Please Urge Your Congressman to Support HR 1881Expanding the Promise for Individuals with Autism Act of 2007. This important bill will offer much needed support, research, treatment and funding.
Find out who your congressman is here
E-mail you Congressman to Cosponsor HR 1881 Here
My Autistic Artists' Gallery
I am in the process of showcasing different artists who are also on the spectrum. As a artist myself I feel very connected to the visual arts. I think that art is one way we can connect to people on the spectrum as well. Even if we have trouble communicating verbally with persons on the spectrum, we can see their spirit and be inspired by their art. So please scroll down and be inspired...
Mark Rimland
Mark is a Autistic Artist who is a native of San Diego and has gained an international reputation for his Art and Illustrations work.. Mark has appeared on PBS' People in Motion, CBS' This Morning, CNN, NTV Art Time in Japan, Australian 60 Minutes and many other programsHis art mediums are water colors, felt tip pen, and a pressure sensitive Macintosh drawing tablet.
His father was Dr. Bernard Rimland (1928-2006), who was the founder of the Autism Research Institute was the technical consultant for the movie Rain Man.
Micky Doolittle -An Outsider Artist who is Also Autistic
Take a moment to look at Micky's Art
Micky is a Autistic person who was born in 1939 when not much was known about Autism. He has always spent his spare time painting and drawing. One interesting sidenote is that Micky enjoys drawing people which is very unusual for autistic artists, who usually prefer to draw Architecture, or images without people. Micky's earnings from his art are put into a fund to help him buy art supplies and help his living expenses.Click here to view Micky's Art
The Flip side of the Autism Coin... Amazing Abilities and Talent
Stephen Wiltshire is a incredible artist with an amazing ability to draw from memory anything he sees
One very interesting aspects of the Autism Spectrum is along with the the deficits that it presents, many on the spectrum also posess some amazing abilities that far surpass the normal neurotypical person.Stephen Wiltshire is a great example of this phenomenon. Stephen is a amazing artist from England who is also on the Autism Spectrum. He has an uncanny ability to look at anything and then record with amazing accuracy what he sees from his minds eye with pen and paper. He has had this ability from childhood and has turned his talent into a lucretive career as a fine artist. I think it is very important we celebrate these beautiful minds. As spectrum parents we should promote their example and encourage our own children to embrace what makes them unique and special.
Stephen Wiltshire's Website
Donna Williams - An Artist with "Artism"
Donna Williams is a self taught Autistic Artist from Australia. She uses a word to describe her art as Artism. She feels the connection between her autism and her art. This is a quality that she is able to capture on canvas.Click here to view Donna's Online Gallery
Jessica Park- Color Master Extrodinaire
Jessica Park is largely a self-taught painter. Her formal training consists only of art classes she took at Mount Greylock Regional High School under the direction of the painter John Maziarz. In addition to drawing with her mother, she sporadically drew and painted with the people who worked with her at home. Growing up in an erudite environment, she was in contact with books, especially art books. Her parents recall reading to her such books as The Treasury of Art Masterpieces, Harold and the Purple Crayon and books on Magritte. Furthermore, her grandfather was an art historian and an artist whose original prints are on display in the family home.Only under the relentless persistence of her parents did Jessy slowly start to emerge from her state of Nirvana. She did not speak until the age of five. In order to teach Jessy how to speak, Clara Park used images. They looked at picture books together, and Mrs. Park drew shapes that her daughter then reproduced. Within a few months, Jessy could draw, on request, a red heptagon without difficulty. To make Jessy notice the world around her, her mother attributed colors to things. Jessy was quickly able to describe colors with adjectives such as "peacock-green." Her favorite colors are still purple-black and mint-green. She was able to draw in perspective before she was eight years old.
Jessy exclusively uses acrylic paints. Before starting to paint, she carefully arranges all 64 tubes and never uses a hue straight from the tube. Her heightened color sensitivity allows her to work with six or seven different shades of one color, diluted to the point that they look white to the unsuspecting eye. In order to achieve the most detailed rendering of a building, she sketches on site. She then refers to sharp photographed close-ups. "I rarely omit a drain pipe," she says. "Only by accident.
(Above information from The Folk Art Messenger - Painting the World with a Rainbow Emmanuelle Delmas-Glass)
I really love Jessica's work. Her amazing use of color and color mixing, along with her precise structured style and perspective makes for a wonderful combination that transforms what would otherwise be photorealism into a enchanted fantasy world.
Click here to visit Jessica Park's Website
AUTISM FACT:
67 children are diagnosed per day.
AUTISM FACT:
Autism costs the nation over $90 billion per year, a figure expected to double in the next decade
Autism Foundation Sites and other sites of interest
- Autism Society of America (ASA)
- Nationwide support group that promotes lifelong access and opportunities for persons within the autism spectrum and their families to be fully included, ...
- Autism Speaks, Home Page
- Autism Speaks and the Shafallah Center Announce New Partnership ... Seattle Times Editorial Praises Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer Dawson ...
- National Autism Association
- National Autism Association advocates, educates, and empowers those affected by autism spectrum disorders. We will advocate on behalf of those who cannot ...
- Family First Fund
- The National Autism Association is a non-profit, parent-run organization. The Family First Program is just one of the many projects we fund and coordinate ...
- What Causes Autism
- The mission of the National Autism Association is to advocate, educate, and empower. We will advocate on behalf of those who cannot fight for their own ...
- US Autism and Asperger Association
- US Autism & Asperger Association ... "Advocacy - You Can Make a Difference", by Theresa Wrangham presented at Autism Orlando conference ...
- Asperger's Association of New England - AANE
- AANE: Asperger's Association of New England is a non-profit working to support people with Aspergers Syndrome. AANE's mission is to foster awareness, ...
- Pathfinders for Autism
- A Non profit organization that helps parents find supports and resources for autism.
- Hope University
- Hope University is for developmentally disabled people who posess a high potential and skills in certain areas such as music and art. They are encouraged and taught to shine in the areas they excel in already.
- Autism Information-Autism Signs-Autism Treatments
- Providing Autism information concerning early autism signs,latest autism treatments and education awareness.
The Child with Autism
A general overfiew of early autism and diagnosis
Most infants and young children are very social creatures who need and want contact with others to thrive and grow. They smile, cuddle, laugh, and respond eagerly to games like "peek-a-boo" or hide-and-seek. Occasionally, however, a child does not interact in this expected manner. Instead, the child seems to exist in his or her own world, a place characterized by repetitive routines, odd and peculiar behaviors, problems in communication, and a total lack of social awareness or interest in others. These are characteristics of a developmental disorder called autism.
Autism is usually identified by the time a child is 30 months old and always by three years of age. It is often discovered when parents become concerned that their child may be deaf, is not yet talking, resists cuddling, and avoids interaction with others.
A preschool age child with "classic" autism is generally withdrawn, aloof, and fails to respond to other people. Many of these children will not even make eye contact. They may also engage in odd or ritualistic behaviors like rocking, hand flapping, or an obsessive need to maintain order.
Many children with autism do not speak at all. Those who do may speak in rhyme, have echolalia (repeating a person's words like an echo), refer to themselves as a Ahe or Ashe, or use peculiar language.
The severity of autism varies widely, from mild to severe. Some children are very bright and do well in school, although they have problems with school adjustment. They may be able to live independently when they grow up. Other children with autism function at a much lower level. Mental retardation is commonly associated with autism.
Occasionally, a child with autism may display an extraordinary talent in art, music, or another specific area.
The cause of autism remains unknown, although current theories indicate a problem with the function or structure of the central nervous system. What we do know, however, is that parents do not cause autism.
Children with autism need a comprehensive evaluation and specialized behavioral and educational programs. Some children with autism may also benefit from treatment with medication. Child and adolescent psychiatrists are trained to diagnose autism, and to help families design and implement an appropriate treatment plan. They can also help families cope with the stress which may be associated with having a child with autism.
Although there is no cure for autism, appropriate specialized treatment provided early in life can have a positive impact on the child's development and produce an overall reduction in disruptive behaviors and symptoms.
Excerpt from The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Website November 2002
Autism is usually identified by the time a child is 30 months old and always by three years of age. It is often discovered when parents become concerned that their child may be deaf, is not yet talking, resists cuddling, and avoids interaction with others.
A preschool age child with "classic" autism is generally withdrawn, aloof, and fails to respond to other people. Many of these children will not even make eye contact. They may also engage in odd or ritualistic behaviors like rocking, hand flapping, or an obsessive need to maintain order.
Many children with autism do not speak at all. Those who do may speak in rhyme, have echolalia (repeating a person's words like an echo), refer to themselves as a Ahe or Ashe, or use peculiar language.
The severity of autism varies widely, from mild to severe. Some children are very bright and do well in school, although they have problems with school adjustment. They may be able to live independently when they grow up. Other children with autism function at a much lower level. Mental retardation is commonly associated with autism.
Occasionally, a child with autism may display an extraordinary talent in art, music, or another specific area.
The cause of autism remains unknown, although current theories indicate a problem with the function or structure of the central nervous system. What we do know, however, is that parents do not cause autism.
Children with autism need a comprehensive evaluation and specialized behavioral and educational programs. Some children with autism may also benefit from treatment with medication. Child and adolescent psychiatrists are trained to diagnose autism, and to help families design and implement an appropriate treatment plan. They can also help families cope with the stress which may be associated with having a child with autism.
Although there is no cure for autism, appropriate specialized treatment provided early in life can have a positive impact on the child's development and produce an overall reduction in disruptive behaviors and symptoms.
Excerpt from The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Website November 2002
AUTISM FACT:
1 in 94 boys is on the autism spectrum
Autism Awareness and Education Video from HealthiNation
Here is a great Autism Awareness Video hosted by Actor Lou Diamond Phillips,and features Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh,Ph.D. and founder of (CARD) Center for Autism and Related Diseases. It gives a great overview of the Autism Spectrum as well as the different types of Spectrum Disorders.
Click here to watch this Autism Awareness Video
Click here to watch this Autism Awareness Video
AUTISM FACT:
Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
Autism Warning Signs to Look for in Baby and Toddler Development:
Early Intervention is Key to Successful Outcomes..
Early Signs of Autism:
At 6 months:
Not making eye contact with parents during interaction.
Not cooing or babbling.
Not smiling when parents smile.
Not participating in vocal turn-taking (baby makes a sound, adult makes a sound, and so forth).
Not responding to peek-a-boo game.
At 12 months:
No attempts to speak.
Not pointing, waving or grasping.
No response when name is called.
Indifferent to others.
Repetitive body motions such as rocking or hand flapping.
Fixation on a single object.
Oversensitivity to textures, smells, sounds.
Strong resistance to change in routine.
Any loss of language.
At 24 months:
Does not initiate two-word phrases (that is, doesn't just echo words).
Any loss of words or developmental skill.
Source: Rebecca Landa, Center for Autism and Related Disorders at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore.
At 6 months:
Not making eye contact with parents during interaction.
Not cooing or babbling.
Not smiling when parents smile.
Not participating in vocal turn-taking (baby makes a sound, adult makes a sound, and so forth).
Not responding to peek-a-boo game.
At 12 months:
No attempts to speak.
Not pointing, waving or grasping.
No response when name is called.
Indifferent to others.
Repetitive body motions such as rocking or hand flapping.
Fixation on a single object.
Oversensitivity to textures, smells, sounds.
Strong resistance to change in routine.
Any loss of language.
At 24 months:
Does not initiate two-word phrases (that is, doesn't just echo words).
Any loss of words or developmental skill.
Source: Rebecca Landa, Center for Autism and Related Disorders at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore.
Meet Dr. Temple Grandin
Dr. Temple Grandin gives us a unique and interesting look into the life of a high functioning Adult on the Autism Spectrum
Temple Grandin, Ph.D., is inarguably the most accomplished and well-known adult with autism in the world. She is known world wide for her work on the design of livestock handling facilities. In North America half the cattle are handled in systems she has designed. She has been featured on major television programs, such as "ABC's Primetime Live", the "Today Show", "Larry King Live", "48 Hours" and "20/20" and written up in national publications, such as Time magazine, People magazine, Forbes, U.S. News and World Report, and New York Times. Among numerous other recognitions by media, Bravo Cable did a half-hour show on her life, and she was one of the "challenged" people featured in the best-selling book, Anthropologist from Mars.Dr. Grandin didn't talk until she was three and a half years old, communicating her frustration instead by screaming, peeping and humming. In 1950, she was labeled "autistic," and her parents were told she should be institutionalized. She tells her story of "groping her way from the far side of darkness" in her book Emergence: Labeled Autistic, a book which stunned the world because, until its publication, most professionals and parents assumed being diagnosed "autistic" was virtually a death sentence to achievement or productivity in life.
Dr. Grandin has become a prominent author and speaker on the subject of autism because "I have read enough to know that there are still many parents, and, yes, professionals, too, who believe that 'once autistic, always autistic.' This dictum has meant sad and sorry lives for many children diagnosed, as I was in early life, as autistic. To these people, it is incomprehensible that the characteristics of autism can be modified and controlled. However, I feel strongly that I am living proof that they can." (Taken from Emergence: Labeled Autistic)
Even though she was considered "weird" in her young school years, she eventually found a mentor, who recognized her interests and abilities, which she later expanded into becoming a successful livestock handling equipment designer, one of very few in the world. She has designed the facilities in which half the cattle are handled in the United States, consulting for firms such as Burger King, McDonald's, Swift and others.
She presently works as an Associate Professor at Colorado State University but also speaks around the world on both autism and cattle handling.
Dr. Grandin's current best seller is Animals in Translation. She also authored the best seller - Thinking in Pictures and Other Reports From My Life With Autism and produced videos - "Visual Thinking," "Careers" and "Medications" VHS; and Dr. Temple Grandin (DVD), which can be obtained from Future Horizons. At every Future Horizons' conference on autism, the audience rates her presentation as 10++. Her books have drawn equally-superlative reviews, some of which are included below:
"An insight into autism that very few people have been able to achieve."
Bernard Rimland, Ph.D.,
Institute for Child Behavior Research,
San Diego, CA
"What emerges in Thinking in Pictures is the document of an extraordinary human being, one who, in gracefully and lucidly bridging the gulf between her condition and our own, sheds light on the riddle of our common identity."
Deborah Tannen, author of
You Just Don't Understand
"Remarkable. . .Displaying uncanny powers of observation. . .(Temple Grandin) charts the differences between her life and the lives of those who think in words."
Philadelphia Inquirer
Selected Books by Dr. Grandin
Needlesstosay, I think that Dr. Grandin is a great resource to help understand what life is like for a person on the Autism Spectrum as well as being a remarkable woman period.
Here are a few of Dr.Grandin's books that I have selected and are available on Amazon.
Here are a few of Dr.Grandin's books that I have selected and are available on Amazon.
Thinking in Pictures, Expanded Edition: My Life with Autism
Amazon Price: $11.16 (as of 12/01/2008) 
The Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships: Decoding Social Mysteries Through the Unique Perspectives of Autism
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 12/01/2008)
Developing Talents: Careers for Individuals with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism
Amazon Price: $14.93 (as of 12/01/2008)
Emergence: Labeled Autistic
Amazon Price: $10.36 (as of 12/01/2008)
Asperger's and Girls
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 12/01/2008)
Temple Gradin's Conference in Hunt Valley, MD 3-9-08
Great Information from a Great Mind... My review
This past weekend I had the great priviledge to attend a presentation by Dr. Temple Grandin here in the Baltimore area. Her focus was mainly on the high functioning form of autism called Aspergers Syndrome. I have to say that I learned more in 2 hours than I have over the past 2 years since my first son was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome. Dr. Grandin is on the spectrum herself and has a remarkable ability to translate how the world is perceived by someone autistic. I gained incredible insights about my son's condition that I never understood before.
One of the main distinctions that I was able to gleen was the difference between a sensory based meltdown and a plain old behavior based meltdown. For years I have tryed to decipher what I should hold my 8 year old aspie accountable for and what he has no control over due to his Autism. He also happens to have a co-morbid behavior disorder called Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). To be frank, I think the (ODD) aspect of his diagnosis is the hardest part to deal with. You are constantly fighting against a tidal wave of opposition that never ends and it is very emotionally draining for the primary caretaker.
The sensory integration problems for these children can be quite severe and unfortunately this is not recognized or accommodated for in the school, community, and even home settings. One interesting example was flourescent tube lighting. there is a flicker that comes from flourescent lighting that many on the spectrum can see but the neurotypical cannot. It is very problematic and distracting to the child on the spectrum. Ofcourse because they do not communicate well it is not addressed. Certain sounds, flashes, sirens, textures, are much more than just annoying to the autistic individual. It can be painfully debilitating to them which is why they act out so intensely. I believe this is a huge component to behavior management and we should do everything we can to accommodate our kids so they have the right sensory environment to be the best they can be.
A good example of this would be what happened to my son last week in School. It was picture day and Liam went into meltdown mode because the bright lights and flashes used to take his picture cause him sensory issues. He unfortunately had a very bad experience in Kindergarten and the mold has been set in place so he is conditioned to freak out everytime it's picture time. (This would be a sensory integration issue and Liam needs to have adjustments and accommodations made for him in this instance)
Now the second incident that wound up putting him into crisis was totally different. Liam's schedule got changed and a new program was added to his day called Math Club. In Liam's mind he had already had his math Lesson in the classroom, therefore he felt it was unfair to have to go to Math Club too. He had a huge hissy and got into trouble. Now this example is a case where Liam needs to adjust, and go to Math Club. When I spoke to Dr. Grandin after the presentation she made it very clear that he needed to just buck up and deal with it. He needs to be held accountable for his actions and behavior in this instance, and made to go to Math Club.
It is important for these kids to know that there are certain things in life we just have to do, whether we want to or not. That's why many adults with Asperger's have trouble holding down jobs or stay way underemployed because they have never learned to handle their emotions so they can function effectly in the world.
I mean let's face it, You just cannot get angry in the workplace and throw a fullfledged temper tantrum and expect to stay employed. No one is going to put up with that behavior. It's important for us as parents to hold our kids accountable for their actions whenever it's appropriate so they learn rote this is just the way life is, and you better get with the program. No excuses.
This distinction I believe is huge for raising a aspergers child into a fully capable and successful adult. Dr. Grandin made a huge eye opening observation that all Asperger Adults over the age of 40 are gainfully employed and successful because of the generation they grew up in. Parents from the 50's and 60's did not take any garbage from their kids and they had expectations that their kids would behave a certain way. Since an Aspergers diagnosis was not even an option at the time, parents did not even question a developmental disability. If you misbehaved you would be in some serious trouble and probably got your butt kicked. These parents did not realize it but they were using their own form of adversive therapy. Now not I am not endorsing corporal punishment here by any means, but I am saying is that this generation of children got the message very clearly how to behave properly in public settings.
I think it's imperative that we as parents hold our kids to the same standards of behavior for their ultimate success in their own adult lives, and I have to personally thank Dr. Grandin for lending her expert opinion regarding this critical component of the Aspies personality.
One of the main distinctions that I was able to gleen was the difference between a sensory based meltdown and a plain old behavior based meltdown. For years I have tryed to decipher what I should hold my 8 year old aspie accountable for and what he has no control over due to his Autism. He also happens to have a co-morbid behavior disorder called Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). To be frank, I think the (ODD) aspect of his diagnosis is the hardest part to deal with. You are constantly fighting against a tidal wave of opposition that never ends and it is very emotionally draining for the primary caretaker.
The sensory integration problems for these children can be quite severe and unfortunately this is not recognized or accommodated for in the school, community, and even home settings. One interesting example was flourescent tube lighting. there is a flicker that comes from flourescent lighting that many on the spectrum can see but the neurotypical cannot. It is very problematic and distracting to the child on the spectrum. Ofcourse because they do not communicate well it is not addressed. Certain sounds, flashes, sirens, textures, are much more than just annoying to the autistic individual. It can be painfully debilitating to them which is why they act out so intensely. I believe this is a huge component to behavior management and we should do everything we can to accommodate our kids so they have the right sensory environment to be the best they can be.
A good example of this would be what happened to my son last week in School. It was picture day and Liam went into meltdown mode because the bright lights and flashes used to take his picture cause him sensory issues. He unfortunately had a very bad experience in Kindergarten and the mold has been set in place so he is conditioned to freak out everytime it's picture time. (This would be a sensory integration issue and Liam needs to have adjustments and accommodations made for him in this instance)
Now the second incident that wound up putting him into crisis was totally different. Liam's schedule got changed and a new program was added to his day called Math Club. In Liam's mind he had already had his math Lesson in the classroom, therefore he felt it was unfair to have to go to Math Club too. He had a huge hissy and got into trouble. Now this example is a case where Liam needs to adjust, and go to Math Club. When I spoke to Dr. Grandin after the presentation she made it very clear that he needed to just buck up and deal with it. He needs to be held accountable for his actions and behavior in this instance, and made to go to Math Club.
It is important for these kids to know that there are certain things in life we just have to do, whether we want to or not. That's why many adults with Asperger's have trouble holding down jobs or stay way underemployed because they have never learned to handle their emotions so they can function effectly in the world.
I mean let's face it, You just cannot get angry in the workplace and throw a fullfledged temper tantrum and expect to stay employed. No one is going to put up with that behavior. It's important for us as parents to hold our kids accountable for their actions whenever it's appropriate so they learn rote this is just the way life is, and you better get with the program. No excuses.
This distinction I believe is huge for raising a aspergers child into a fully capable and successful adult. Dr. Grandin made a huge eye opening observation that all Asperger Adults over the age of 40 are gainfully employed and successful because of the generation they grew up in. Parents from the 50's and 60's did not take any garbage from their kids and they had expectations that their kids would behave a certain way. Since an Aspergers diagnosis was not even an option at the time, parents did not even question a developmental disability. If you misbehaved you would be in some serious trouble and probably got your butt kicked. These parents did not realize it but they were using their own form of adversive therapy. Now not I am not endorsing corporal punishment here by any means, but I am saying is that this generation of children got the message very clearly how to behave properly in public settings.
I think it's imperative that we as parents hold our kids to the same standards of behavior for their ultimate success in their own adult lives, and I have to personally thank Dr. Grandin for lending her expert opinion regarding this critical component of the Aspies personality.
Shopping Sites for Autism Resources, Toys, Books, Vitamins, Software, Exercise Equipment, OT, PT, Etc.
Here is a list of stores that offer all kinds of products to assist the Autistic family.
- Autism Coach Internet Store
- The Autism Coach store offers a myriad of products designed to enhance, improve, and assist persons on the the Autism Spectrum. With the wide range of products that the Autism Coach offers, you probably can find what you are looking for.
AUTISM FACT:
Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases
Asperger's Syndrome 101
A quick overview of Aspergers Syndrome
Asperger's syndrome (AS) is an autism spectrum disorder. It is milder form of Autism but shares some of its symptoms. It is more common in boys than girls with about a 4/1 ratio.
An obsessive interest in a single subject is a major component of AS. Some children with AS have become experts on dinosaurs, makes and models of cars, even objects as seemingly odd as vacuum cleaners. Their expertise, high level of vocabulary and formal speech patterns make them seem like little professors. Children that have Aspergers Syndrome are of at least average intellengence but many "Aspies" are extremely smart and may even possess an IQ of genius or beyond.
Children with AS have trouble reading social cues and recognizing other people's feelings. They may have strange movements or mannerisms. All of these make it difficult for them to make friends. Problems with motor skills are also common in children with AS. They may be late learning to ride a bike or catch a ball, for example. Treatment focuses on the three main symptoms: poor communication skills, obsessive or repetitive routines, and physical clumsiness.
Many children with Aspergers have a distinct monotone sound to their voice that lacks emotion. I find it sort of akin to their lack of ability to read non verbal cues. It's very awkward and unusual to listen to.
An obsessive interest in a single subject is a major component of AS. Some children with AS have become experts on dinosaurs, makes and models of cars, even objects as seemingly odd as vacuum cleaners. Their expertise, high level of vocabulary and formal speech patterns make them seem like little professors. Children that have Aspergers Syndrome are of at least average intellengence but many "Aspies" are extremely smart and may even possess an IQ of genius or beyond.
Children with AS have trouble reading social cues and recognizing other people's feelings. They may have strange movements or mannerisms. All of these make it difficult for them to make friends. Problems with motor skills are also common in children with AS. They may be late learning to ride a bike or catch a ball, for example. Treatment focuses on the three main symptoms: poor communication skills, obsessive or repetitive routines, and physical clumsiness.
Many children with Aspergers have a distinct monotone sound to their voice that lacks emotion. I find it sort of akin to their lack of ability to read non verbal cues. It's very awkward and unusual to listen to.
Famous People suspected to have or had Aspergers Syndrome
Parents of Aspies, our kiddos can boast they are in good company with some pretty incredible people, here's a list they can name drop from:
Bill Gates (created the micro computer and Microsoft Corp. Also the richest man in the world
Thomas Jefferson (US President)
Alexander Gramham Bell (famous inventor of the phone)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Famous Composer)
Albert Einstein (Scientist and Genius)
Reccomended Readings on Aspergers Syndrome
Addressing the Challenging Behavior of Children with High-Functioning Autism/Asperger Syndrome in the Classroom: A Guide for Teachers and Parents by Rebecca A. Moyes
This is a great book to educate yourself on what y more...1 point
created by adventuresinautism
Chris' Autism Awareness Shopping Picks
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AutismThings.com is a wholesale on-line outlet store. We keep our prices as low as possible in order to help spread Autism Awareness. We do not do any fancy marketing and our customers are by word of mouth. We do require a minimum purchase of $75.00 per order. For orders under $75.00 kindly go to www.AwarenessDepot.com Thank you
Click Here to visit Autism Things Wholesale Online Store
AutismThings.com is a wholesale on-line outlet store. We keep our prices as low as possible in order to help spread Autism Awareness. We do not do any fancy marketing and our customers are by word of mouth. We do require a minimum purchase of $75.00 per order. For orders under $75.00 kindly go to www.AwarenessDepot.com Thank you
Click Here to visit Autism Things Wholesale Online Store
Private Funding for Autism: Things that make you go Hmmmm?
Leukemia impacts 1/25,000 children
Private Funding $310 million per year.
For every one child with Leukemia there are 150 Autistic Children
Muscular Dystrophy impacts 1/20,000 Children
Private Funding $175 Million
For every 1 child with MD there are 120 Autistic Children
Pediatric AIDS affects 1/8,000 Children
Private Funding $394 million per year
For every one child with AIDS there are 48 Autistic Children
Autism Private Funding 12 million per year Hmmmmmm?
Autism Service Dogs
Helping spectrum kids to connect to the outside world and keep them safe too...
Autism Service Dogs are a wonderful resource to help your autistic child with a wide variety of functions.Many children with Autism do not connect well with his or her environment. It can effect communication, and learning how to relate socially can be extremely difficult.
Children with Autism are often nonverbal, or when they are verbal, there can be social problems and diffiulty relating to other people. Many spectrum children crave a structured, routine & environment; Change or deviation from a routine creates feelings or fear and anxiety. Some children even exhibit serious behavioral changes including, at times, self-injury. Sensory integration problems are a concern as well for these children.
Another problem that is common with autistic children is that they tend to wander and can get lost quite quickly. I know from personal experience my youngest son can go missiing in a matter of seconds. He has even escaped from our house at age 2 while our entire family was sleeping.
The placement of a dog with the child enables the child and family to increase their mobility and socialization as a family, and the child individually. In most cases the dog accompanies the child at all times when the child leaves home. The dog goes to school with the child and the presence of the dog calms the child, reduces emotional outbursts and serves as a positive social link for the child to their home, school and community. Autism Service dogs can also be train for search and rescue if you have elopment problems.
The one setback for many seeking out a Autism Service Dog is that it is very costly to train and pair up dogs to children. Don't let this keep you from investigating and researching the possibility of having a service dog for your child.
Some programs actually help you learn how to fund raise for your dogs, or it may be possible to find rolling access funds to help you get a service dog. I have included below some links for autism service dogs.
Autism Service Dogs Links
- Autism Service Dogs of America
- This group is located in Lake Oswago, Oregon
- Paws for Ability
- The first place that started training Autism Service and Rescue dogs. They are also the largest provider of Autism Services Dogs in the US. They are located in Xenia, Ohio
- Service Dogs of Virginia
- This group is located in Charlottesville, VA
- Longstar Service Dogs
- This group is in South Dakota
- Wilderwood Service Dogs
- Located in Maryville, TN
- Video on Autsim Service Dogs
- This link has a video clip story about Autism Service Dogs
- National Service Dogs
- Located in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
- Brigadoon Youth and Service Dog Programs
- Located in Bellingham, WA
- Colorado Service Dogs
- Colorado Services Dogs, Inc. is a non-profit organization established to train and provide rescued dogs to assist people who have disabilities in leading more independent lives at work, at home and at school.
Personal Autism Websites
These are websites that people have created to give insights, information, and resources about Autism.
- Bradley Olsen's Website about his Autism
- Bradley gives his own personal account of growing up Autistic and how he experiences the world.
- Autism and Oliver: A Personal Account
- This website was created by Oliver's Parents to inform and give their accounting of what is like to have an autistic child.
- Cecilia's Pet Gallery
- This website showcases the art and photographs of a young autistic woman. Even though she has problems communicating in conventional ways. She is able to effectly show her own self expression through her drawings and taking photos of her pets.
- Ariel's Homepage
- This site was created by a parent of a autistic/pdd child to raise awareness, educate, and support other parents. This site includes lots of good information and resources.
- The Vance Family's Website
- This website was created by the Vance family about their daughter Katie who has Aspergers Syndrome. They also have included lots of information and resources for people living in New Jersey
- Eric's Personal Accounting of His Aspergers Syndrome
- This is a really wonderful website that Eric has created. He has taken great time and meticulous care to record his childhood history into adulthood explaining how Aspergers Syndrome has affected his life. He also includes lots of information about diet and natural treatments for Aspergers Syndrome.
I have to say that as a mother of a young 8 year old boy with Aspergers, who is very difficult to parent right now , it was very encouraging to see how well Eric is doing in his young adult life especially with his college and technology accomplishments. - Donna Williams Personal Site
- This site showcases Donna Williams life history who was born in the 60's and not formaly diagnosed autism until her twenties. She is a very talented artist and you can see her online gallery as well as other interesting information.
- Autism Bites
- Autism Bites - and rocks and bounces and yells. A site set up for our family of 6 autistic kids and as a support resource for other families who have autistic children.
- Jonathan's World
- A mother's accounting of her journey through Autism and links to resources
My Autism Blogger Picks
- The Stimming Spot Blog
- A mom's daily accounting of life in a Autism Aspergers Family.
- My Life in His World
- This is a father's very open and candid blog about his life with his Autistic Teenage son.
- Dear Noah
- This blog is an ongoing letter from a mother to her son of what daily life is like.
New Guestbook
PattB wrote...
Hi Chris, Thanks so much for sharing this valuable information. I have a nephew with autism, and boy you are right about the need for stress reduction in the family. So thanks for showcasing my stress reduction simplified lens. I am very happy to have the opportunity to help people out. 5 stars and a favorite!...Pat
Posted November 30, 2008
L_B_Day wrote...
This is a truly inspiring, moving and wonderful lens!
I own a Service Dog Organization who work with people with autism. Keep up the great work, and hopefully One day, all people with autism will learn how to not just cope in someone elses world, but to be a part of everyone's world.
Posted November 12, 2008
steimannbernard wrote...
i think the government will much give attention to those family or to the autistic. somehow lets support this lens!
5 stars!
Posted September 08, 2008
debnet wrote...
Great lens packed full of useful information. I had no idea that dogs were used in the states for Autism. Lensrolled to my Social stories lens :)
Posted August 02, 2008
hearthealth wrote...
This lens is amazing, a must read for young mothers esp... a lot of memories in this lens... about a former friend whose child and husband both had Asperger's, reading about Erma Bombeck, imagining Dr. Gradin's struggle to be an achiever (first read about her in People). An easy 5* and a faved too.
Posted July 03, 2008
Lensmaster
Paul Barksdale wrote
Great lens Chris, thank you for all the information. I have recently been made aware of autism and didn't know that it effected so many. I have created a blog on it and trying to raise money for the cause. Thanks again, Paul.
Posted April 03, 2008
A Quick Footnote About this Lens...
Just as you might think, Autism Awareness is a subject that is very near and dear to my heart, so I did want to make mention that I have personally researched, edited, and hand picked all the material in this lens. I wanted to make sure that everything here was quality content. There are no automated searches that bring up random sites and information.
Mothers of Disabled Children by Erma Bombeck
This is dedicated to all the Special Needs Moms and Dads too. The unsung heros who take on this "Daunting Charge" daily with unconditional love, support and whatever else it takes for our kids...
Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures and a couple by habit.This year, nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of handicapped children. Did you ever wonder how these mothers of handicapped children are chosen?
Somehow I visualize God hovering over Earth selecting His instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As he observes, He instructs His angels to make notes in a giant ledger.
Armstrong, Beth: son; patron saint, Matthew. Forest, Marjorie: daughter; patron saint, Cecilia.
Rudledge, Carrie: twins; patron saint.. . give her Gerard. He's used to profanity.
Finally, He passes a name to an angel and smiles. Give her a blind child.
The angel is curious. Why this one, God? She's so happy.
Exactly, says God. Could I give a child with a handicap to a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel.
But has she patience? asks the angel.
I don't want to her to have too much patience, or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wear off, she'll handle it.
But, Lord, I don't think she even believes in you.
God smiles. No matter. I can fix that. This one is perfect. She has just enough selfishness.
The angel gasps. Selfishness? Is that a virtue?
God nods. If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be envied. She will never take for granted a spoken word; She will never consider a step ordinary. When her child says 'Momma' for the first time, she will be present at a miracle and know it! When she describes a tree or a sunset to her blind child, she will see it as few people ever see my creations.
I will permit her to see clearly the things I see-ignorance, cruelty, prejudice-and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life, because she is doing my work as surely as she is here by my side.
And what about her patron saint? asks the angel, pen poised in midair.
God smiles. A mirror will suffice.
May 11, 1980 - FOREVER, ERMA, By the late Erma Bombeck.