Living With Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Three of the most documented obstacles in studying autism include: How much of the increase in autism is due to better recognition of symptoms vs. an increase in actual cases? Diagnosis of autism is subjective. How do you determine that autism... Full Answer

Social classes may have their place in teaching and practicing social conformities; but, ultimately, real-life situations are the best learning environments when a child is gently and respectfully reminded to apply what they've learned. The contrast is... Full Answer

Some kids with autism eat very selective diets. This is often due to the rigidity that is common to kids with autism. Sometimes these children have sensory issues that also limit their food choices. If the diet is very limited, a vitamin or mineral... Full Answer

Glutein and Casein Free Diets can be helpful for some autistic children, and not do much for other kids. Some parents note an increase in eye contact and awareness in their surroundings as well as an increase in speech production. Other prents notice no... Full Answer

It is important to appreciate that parenting a child of autism isn’t better or worse than parenting any other child, it’s just different.   If possible, early in the diagnosis and treatment period, it is helpful for both parents to... Full Answer

For kids with autism, texture can be a challenge. These children may only eat one texture (only puréed foods) or color of foods. Some of this group inhabit the extreme end of the picky eating spectrum that is unacceptable nutritionally,... Full Answer

In recent years, it has become widely recognized that autism has nothing to do with intelligence. Recent studies show that the IQ scores of children on the autism spectrum may not be accurate reflections of their innate intellectual potential.... Full Answer

Dealing with a child with autism can be overwhelming and scary. But people with autism have human and civil rights, and altering the sex drive of a person with autism is rarely, if ever, ethical. It is hard for us to imagine our teens having sex, but for... Full Answer

When thinking about a future job for your child or teen with autism, it's important to consider what your child is passionate about (i.e., obsessed with) and figure out how that can help him earn money. In most cases, people with autism can be... Full Answer

Non-verbal children and teens with autism are at high risk of physical and sexual abuse because of their perceived inability to communicate. Predators recognize well the opportunities for abuse: the non-verbal child who needs a one-on-one aide; an adult... Full Answer