Anyone related to or know someone with autism?

Ok, well I was inspired today. I was thinking about my cousin who is diagnosed with autism, and when I tell people about my cousin having autism, they don’t have a clue what it is, but it’s so hard to explain. I know April is a long ways away, but this would be the first time I would do anything like this, and I want to gather as much information as possible. I want to make a presentation for my class so I can kind of explain autism, and hang posters up and the whole thing in April. I know, every person is different, that’s why I want to get as much examples as possible.

Go Here To Learn More About Autism

1) Do you think this is a good idea?
2) Can you write onto here your experience with anyone diagnosed with autism, not just children? It would be great to see what adults and teenagers are like, too, because autism isn’t just in children. It would be just awesome if you could put a link to some pictures or videos of them too! Please, a lot of information, because I want to explain as much as possible. You could post some funny things they do, stuff like that. What it’s like to have someone diagnosed with autism in your life?
3) How can I explain autism?

Go Here To Learn More About Autism

Thanks so much! My cousin is nine, and he bangs his head alot. my mom used to think I might have a little bit of ashburgers (don’t know how to spell it haha) and we still don’t know if I do or not.

Yes. Autism is a very common condition, and so many people think it means you can’t talk at all.

Surprise: I have a type of autism called Asperger’s syndrome, my brother has moderate autism (boy does he talk a lot…never stops, actually! always about WWII) And I’ve met people with all degrees of autism, from very mild to the severity that a seventeen year old boy who I’ve never seen a say a word.

Go Here To Learn More About Autism

What is autism like? In short, it causes you to think and feel differently than “normal” people.
For me, it means I don’t think about lipstick and boyfriends like other teenagers, but about neurology and classical music and medicine;
I don’t have much patience for small talk, and other kids are really confusing; I can’t understand why they care about what who wore or who’s going with who.

I just don’t get it.
It’s great that you’re getting involved. For all you know, you may have a mild form!

Explain it as a different way of thinking and experiencing the world. Try to get across that it’s not a “problem” but a different way of existing. People with autism have their own abilities and challenges just like anyone else.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR SPECIAL OFFER

I am terrified that my little girl could be autistic too?

..i have a 5year old Son who has autism.

My Son and baby daughter look incredibly alike (my other daughter does not look like her brother and sister, and does not have autism); And they (eldest and youngest) seem to have the same behavioural traits as one another did as young babies.

I refused the fragile X and other tests i was offered pre-pregnancy, due to my opinions on abortion.

Go Here To Learn More About Autism

Does anyone have any idea of the statistics on how many siblings of an autistic child go on to have autism themselves?

I am being tortured with the worry as i’m already going through an awful lot with my Son (who i love to the ends of the earth, but find very challenging).

Can someone help please?

Go Here To Learn More About Autism

Regards, Sarah x

(ps, please don’t anyone insult me, because i love my wonderful son to the ends of the earth, as i do each of my children, but it is a real challenge to have a child with Autism, and i am so scared that i could have another.)

Go Here To Learn More About Autism

Hi Hun …as you know my angel Thomas pictured left has severe autism …and he is a twin his twin sister is fine no problems its tough having a child with any disabilities and even without they provide a challenge …as i say to people if your other child does have autism what can you do about it ..apart from worry yourself silly, yes there is a risk but did you know girls that have autism is rare …and also can be a lot more severe than boys so to me i think as a mum ‘You would know’
take life as it comes Hun and stay strong for you and your kids ..
Autism is not the end of the world ..its a journey to another one !

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR SPECIAL OFFER

Where do I get a teenager tested for Autism Spectrum Disorders or PPD?

My son is 15 1/2 years old and has been diagnosed with ADHD since the 2nd grade. He has been on every medication out there with very little success. He has no friends, no hobbies, is failing school, and is generally not happy, healthy, or doing well at all.

I strongly believe my son may have some form of this disorder, but we live in a small town in the middle of no where and the teachers, schools, and even doctors either don’t even know what this disorder is, or don’t have a clue how to test for it. How do I find a provider who will accept my son without a physician referral for testing?

Go Here To Learn More About Autism

If there has been no significant change in your son’s behavior, it may be that he’s been misdiagnosed. Certainly, he may also be experiencing depression, a frequent component of pervasive developmental disorders. You probably meant PDD and not PPD (purified protein derivative — the protein injected to test for tuberculosis when administering the Mantoux TB skin test).

Pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) refers to a group of disorders characterized by delays in the development of socialization and communication skills. Symptoms can appear as infancy, although the typical age of onset is before 3 years of age. Symptoms may include problems with using and understanding language; difficulty relating to people, objects, and events; unusual play with toys and other objects; difficulty with changes in routine or familiar surroundings, and repetitive body movements or behavior patterns.

Go Here To Learn More About Autism

Autism (a developmental brain disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication skills, and a limited range of activities and interests) is the most characteristic and best studied PDD. Other types of PDD include Asperger’s Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Rett’s Syndrome.

There’s no “test” for these disorders. A child psychologist well-versed in PDDs can screen your child by interaction and observation. Your child will be asked to complete certain tasks. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire.

Go Here To Learn More About Autism

Unless you know of a regional center in your general area, you may need a referral after all. Try contacting the mental health department and ask about a regional center and other resources for screening and therapy. Ask your child’s pediatrician about a referral to a child psychologist (or group practice) qualified to screen for and treat PDDs. Take note that not all psychologists treat ALL forms of PDD — some focus on autism spectrum while others specialize in Asperger’s and/or Rett’s. Your son may need medication to help modify and control behaviors and to treat depression, if he has that. The most important thing is that you don’t give up until you get him the help he needs. Don’t take no for an answer. Your son’s future is at stake.

I have a son with Asperger’s syndrome who was initially misdiagnosed with ADHD. For many years I went through what you are now going through. I can guide you through this and lend you the support you desperately need. You can contact me at my e-mail address anytime.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR SPECIAL OFFER

How man forms of autism are there?

I am a teaching assistant and I work with some mentally and physically handicapped teenagers. I have worked with several who have autism. Want to learn more.

There are 5 basic ‘types’ of Autism. Here are some sites that explain them:

http://www.ont-autism.uoguelph.ca/types_of_autism.shtml

http://www.statesman.com/metrostate/content/metro/autism/types_of.html

http://www.ausm.org/Information/General/related.htm

For general Autism info, see this site: (It has a lot more links at the bottom)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autism

mild autism?

can someone just give me the MAIN symtoms of mild autism in teenagers and adults?

also, is autism common or not?

My sister has Autism

Engaging in one-sided, long-winded conversations, without noticing if the listener is listening or trying to change the subject
Displaying unusual nonverbal communication, such as lack of eye contact, few facial expressions, or awkward body postures and gestures
Showing an intense obsession with one or two specific, narrow subjects, such as baseball statistics, train schedules, weather or snakes
Appearing not to understand, empathize with, or be sensitive to others’ feelings
Having a hard time "reading" other people or understanding humor
Speaking in a voice that is monotonous, rigid or unusually fast
Moving clumsily, with poor coordination
Having an odd posture or a rigid gait

Can a teenager with autism or asperger’s syndrome benefit from treatment if they have never had any before?

My sister is 17, close to 18. We have known for a long time that she has learning disabilites and ADHD, but we have recently suspected that her problems are more similar to autism or asperger’s syndrome. She has never been diagnosed with either of these, though. My mom says it’s too late to do anything about it now, that she had to have treatment in early childhood if she was to improve. I don’t know if I believe that though. Is it possible for someone her age to benefit from treatment?

Please provide some website links if you can. I did search for this but didn’t turn up anything.

It’s never to late. You won’t be able to "cure" autism/Asperger’s syndrome, but treatment can teach her many important skills, which she will need in her life. I’m 26 years old and just recently found out that I have Asperger’s syndrome, but I’m constantly learning something new that helps me both when it comes to socializing and dealing with having AS (being different). Of course it would have been ideal had she gotten the right treatment at an earlier age, but it’s not too late to start now. Don’t give up on your sister.

how to tell if a teenager has autism?

on a low degree and a high degree

Well, if you don’t find out from someone else that he is autistic, usually here are the big signs; he cannot make eye contact very good when talking one on one with him. Another is social cues, most people with autism have problems picking up social cues. Also if they are on the more "Severe" side usually they will stem flapping there hands or squeezing there hands together making weird sounds. Also even in high functioning they don’t really social alot or may seem super shy.

Most of the time if they are high functioning autistic its hard to tell if they are autistic or not. Unless they tell you or another person does. Also even though they may not make good eye contact or whatever we are still listening and paying attention to you.

What are some questions I can ask someone with autism?

I am volunteering for a program called TOPSoccer. It is essentially a soccer program for kids-teenagers with autism or other disabilities. My buddy is in the 11th grade and really quiet and shy. I never know what to talk about with her. I found out she likes to knit and plays different sports. I need some help please!

It is a challenge for most of us to know what to say in difficult situations. With your friend that is shy, you have already observed that she likes to knit and play sports. One idea: ask her to show you some of her knitting projects. When someone is shy, they may not think that their conversation is interesting to others. When you see her projects, you can comment on them, ask her to tell you about them, this will draw her out. If it seems interesting to you, ask her to teach you how to knit. This will create a situation that can bring you closer. Closeness to others developes TRUST. Trust leads to intimacy. Another idea: Ask her if you can come and watch her at a sports event, or if it’s sports like tennis or volleyball, ask if you can join in. Working with disabled kids will be easier than you think. They are hungry for attention, because they probably get left out of lots of activities that non disabled people do. You will naturally observe that some kids might have a problem catching a ball, or understanding the rules of the game, then you can see your opportunity to assist. Treat these kids just like you would treat anyone else: kindness, lots of smiles, compliments, encourage independence and respect each person for who they are. Opportunities to be helpful are everywhere around us. When we help others, we help ourselves feel good inside, as well as making others feel we care. We also recognize that sometimes we need help and others will help us through hard situations. You’re off to a great start in life. Keep up the good work!

U

Autism , medications best for teenagers and the common illnesses?

bladder and colon issues,, mental , ocd

Go Here To Learn More About Autism

My friend’s son has autism and she put him on a gluten free diet for two weeks and his headbanging stopped completeley and emotional outbursts decreased. There is a theory that children with autism have ‘leaky gut’ syndrome and that the gluten passes through their gut and goes straight to their brain, acting as a drug and affecting their behaviour. She also uses The Sonrise Program which is brilliant.

Go Here To Learn More About Autism

Jenny McCarthy’s website “generation recue” has ideas for how to help a child with autism.

If you are looking for ideas for OCD that are not related to autism, try doing Byron Katie’s “The Work” – this is a free cognitive therapy consisting of four questions to help you unwind any fearful thoughts.

Go Here To Learn More About Autism

If you get panic attacks, sign up for the free emails on the panicaway website.

Nutrition can be linked to bladder and colon issues.
For colon issues, I would check for a gluten sensivitiy. Keep a food diary and note what foods trigger the onset of any colon issues or even ‘fearful thoughts’ – this could be anything from wheat, dairy, eggs or oranges.

www.foodforthebrain.org is a charity and it has a free questionnaire you can fill out in order to get feedback on what you might be lacking in your diet.

Best wishes.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR SPECIAL OFFER

Is it possible for autism to go unrecognized?

Can a person be diagnosed with autism as a teenager? Is it too unlikely to not have been diagnosed with autism and a person is already in their teens?

Sometimes people aren’t diagnosed until they’re adults. Most people just think of the kid or teen or adult as a little bit odd but no big deal. I have a 16 y.o. aspergers son and even 10 years ago, there was barely any info on autism compared to now. People on the spectrum can ‘hide’ their autism nature particularly if they are good socially and are athletic. Boys especially don’t have to have lots of friends to do things with as it’s more accepted that they have a few good friends to hang out with or even one good friend. Boys are also considered socially a bit more immature compared to girls so it would be easy to not appear to be autistic.

Next Page »