Understanding Neurodevelopment Disorders and Treatments

 

 

The brain is the most complex organ in the human body. It makes trillions of connections which is developed through the interplay among social and environmental factors. With that said, many people today suffer from some kind of neurodevelopment disorder.

 

What is a neurodevelopmental disorder?
A neurodevelopmental disorder is a condition that involves neurological damage and appears early in a child’s development. Most such disorders appear before a child starts elementary school. They typically impair a person’s ability to speak, learn, socialize and control themselves. They often last throughout a person’s life time. Examples of neurodevelopmental disorders include autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and intellectual disabilities. There is no known cure for these conditions.

 

Are there any treatments?
Yes, there are treatments. The types vary depending on the kind of neurodevelopmental disorder involved and the deficits it causes.

 

1) Neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) is used by speech-language pathologists, physical therapists and occupational therapists. NDT is used to treat conditions like stroke, head injury and cerebral palsy that impair movement or coordination.

The therapist encourages the patient to make certain movements and has them repeat the movements until they can perform them easily. The idea is to build up the repertoire of motions a patient can easily perform.

 

2) Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a widely used therapy for autism that attempts to discourage undesirable behaviors like rocking or head-banging. The main idea behind ABA is that people are more likely to repeat behaviors that rewarded rather than behaviors that are discouraged or ignored.

In ABA, the therapist works with the patient one-on-one for 20 to 40 hours a week. ABA is likely to be concerned with the patient’s social development, their academic abilities or communication skills.

 

3) Medications have helped many people with neurodevelopmental disorders. Stimulants, for example, help people with ADHD. Two types in particular, amphetamines and methylphenidates, have helped people with ADHD improve their self-control, attention span, social behavior, and fine motor control. Some of these drugs are quick-acting and last only four to six hours, while others take longer to have an effect, but can last for up to 12 hours.

 

4) Sensory integration activities help patients make sense of the world around them. Many people with neurodevelopmental disorders are either too sensitive to the world around them and thus become quickly overwhelmed even by such a task as climbing stairs, while others have difficulty noticing and responding to sensory signals. Various types of physical therapy can help patients either improve their awareness of the world around them or learn to screen out stimuli.

 

Informational Credit:

Information for this article was provided by Courtagen Life Sciences.

 

Categories: ADHD, autism, behavior, Brain, Brain Activity, health, health care, medical care, neurodevelopment

How to Treat Autism With Traditional Chinese Medicine

Figures from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development show that the current estimated cases of autism are around one in every 1,000 and one in 500. Some scaremongers claim that vaccines are responsible for these high levels of autism, but there has never been any established link between vaccines and autism. There is also growing concern that autism may be caused by toxins and pollution in the environment. Another school of thought is that nutrition may contribute towards autism, as well as viral infections, antibiotics and other minor factors.

 

Although people talk about children ‘developing’ autism, some new research coming out of the Autism Society of America suggests that there may be a genetic link, and that the disorder is actually present at birth. The symptoms of autism normally appear by the time the child is three, and it is then that a formal diagnosis can be made. Autism is difficult to diagnose, however, as there are so many different factors and characteristics, such as social communication problems, language problems and difficulties with cognition.

 

In the Western sense, autism does not exist in traditional Chinese medicine. It is instead classified as the ‘Syndrome of 5 Delays’. These delays are categorised as walking, standing, teeth eruption, hair growth and speech. Based on the yin and yang theory, traditional Chinese medicine treats the problem within the framework of rebalancing the energy.

 

Western medicine rates the brain as being the most important part of the human physique, whereas Chinese medicine views the body and mind as being joined, as part of a circular system which includes the organs and the central nervous system. . The Chinese medicine system sees balance as the key to achieving wellness and wellbeing. The complementary system sees the organs as being a vital part of this balance.

Categories: autism, chinese, Chinese medicine, medicine, nbsp, traditional, traditional chinese

Do Schools Have the Ability to Diagnose Mental Disorders?

You may feel that your child’s mental wellness and wellbeing is really nothing to do with their school or education, and is an issue for psychological professionals (if it’s an issue at all). In truth, a school often has to step into the role of amateur psychologists. Some schools in the United States even receive extra funding from the government for every child in their care who has special needs; this can be dangerous as it sometimes means that schools may try to diagnose children with mental disorders such as autism or ADHD simply to receive extra funding.

 

One couple, Michael and Emily Thompson, found themselves on the receiving end of this saga when they got a call from their son’s school, inviting them to come in to speak to his class teacher. When they got there, they were told that their first grader had high functioning autism, and should be placed into a special class in the school. They were asked to sign paper for this, which they refused to do. This was – understandably – an emotional experience for them and they then took their child to see an independent and licensed psychiatrist, who conducted his own tests and then informed them that their child did not have autism. They then went back to furiously confront the teacher, and later learned that the school had a monetary incentive for diagnosing children with special needs.

 

If you find yourself in this position, the most important thing to remember is not to panic. Somebody at your child’s school is most certainly not equipped to make this diagnosis for your child, and so you really don’t need to be concerned if such an idea is floated. You should certainly not sign any paperwork until you have had any diagnosis confirmed by an outside authority.

Categories: autism, Child, diagnose, extra funding, Mental disorders, receive extra, School, Schools, special

Are We Equipped to Help Adults with Autism?

While autism is a health concern you usually associate with children and young people, the disorder is likely to continue to affect sufferers’ wellbeing right through into adulthood. This is according to a wealth of wellness experts and researchers in the field, who note that the US healthcare system isn’t equipped to deal with the rising numbers of adults with autism. They add, however, that some individuals with autism may be able to surpass their non-autistic counterparts at university and beyond.

 

According to the US Centres of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, it is estimated that one in every 88 children has an autism spectrum disorder. Autism researcher Paul Shattuck, from Washington University in St. Louis, notes that this means 45,000 to 50,000 kids with autism turn 18 each year. Dr. Joseph Cubells, director of medical and adult services at the Emory Autism Centre at Emory University in Atlanta, explains, ‘This is an impending health care or community care crisis. The services that are available vary from state to state, but often the resources just aren’t there.’

 

The National Alliance on Mental Illness states that, if you have an autism spectrum disorder, you are entitled to services from your public school until you reach the age of 22, at which point it is up to you and your family members to find educational or employment opportunities and appropriate living arrangements. However, wellness experts point out that the programmes for adults with autism are already thin on the ground, and this is likely to get worse as the increasing number of children who are being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders grow into adults.

 

The problem with treating or helping people with an autism spectrum disorder is that the needs change from person to person. Cubells clarifies, ‘We say autism as if it’s a single thing, much like we say cancer, but, within the general category of things we call cancer are brain tumours, lung tumours, pancreatic tumours, and each requires different treatments. Autism is very individual. It varies from one extreme where someone needs custodial care for their entire life to the other extreme where someone is a highly functional, successful person who may be regarded as being a little quirky. There are some common themes, but there’s really nothing that applies to every single person.’

 

With regards to higher education, if you’re on the higher-functioning end of the spectrum you may still be able to go to university, albeit still facing certain challenges. ‘There’s often a substantial mismatch between verbal skills and performance skills,’ Cubells says. ‘You can be highly intelligent and able to do complex math and abstract reasoning, but you don’t know how to ask someone out for coffee. Having to make friends, schedule meals, and get to class without help can be like hitting a brick wall for a lot of people on the spectrum. I often tell people with Asperger’s that they have to learn in words what most people learn intuitively.’

 

However, colleges do often provide services such as peer mentorship programmes to help ease people with autism into college life. Moreover, Shattuck and his colleagues have recently found that people on the autism spectrum are more likely to choose a science, technology or mathematics degree than people without autism, and these types of careers may be just the ones where autistic individuals find the most success. Cubells explains, ‘People on the spectrum can focus on the details. In jobs that would be hideously boring and tedious to most of us, like jobs where you spend hours alone, having a social deficit can be a real strength.’

Categories: adults, autism, autism spectrum, Disorder, nbsp, people, spectrum, spectrum disorder, university, wellness experts

Top Tips for Treating Autism and Facing the Challenges

If you have a child with autism, you’ll understand the importance of a proactive approach when it comes to learning about the condition. Your child will be able to cope with their condition far better if you work closely with others involved in your child’s care, so the better equipped you are in terms of your knowledge, the better. It’s also important that you take care of yourself so that you can face any challenges that may come your way. You should ask your GP of any local autism groups, as these are a great source of information for managing your child’s symptoms and helping them to deal with the condition. Studies have shown that parent and family education can help to reduce family stress and improve the functions of your child. You can help them to become more independent simply by understanding the condition more, so that you’re better equipped to help them deal with the challenges they will likely face as they grow up. For example, be aware of your child’s educational rights – there are laws in place which can help handicapped children, including those with autism.  In fact, where your child’s education provider is concerned, close communication is vital – your child will need support from more than simply their family unit, and their teachers will play a key role in their development. The more knowledge they have about the condition, the better you can work together to provide a supportive environment.

 

One of the best ways to manage autism is to learn the various ways to handle the range of emotions, fears and concerns that a child with autism may face. The challenges, both long-term and daily, that you and your other children face may increase the risk of depression or stress-related illnesses. It’s vital that you consider the ways to deal with these, so that you can reduce the risk for your whole family, as well as your child who is coping with autism. These may include getting involved in a hobby, visiting friends or finding ways to relax – seek out things you can enjoy which are separate to your general day-to-day activities. You should also look for support from other people – this may be friends, relatives or support groups. The latter is particularly important, especially in the early stages of diagnosis, as you will be amongst people who understand what you’re going through and can provide information and resources to you to make your life easier. Also, don’t forget the importance of speaking to your GP – they may be able to advise of counsellors who specialise in speaking with families dealing with autism. They can help your child deal with the emotions they will be feeling about their condition, as well as other family members who may be finding it difficult to cope with the stresses of this condition.

 

There are some key ways to help your child by developing a more structured home life for them. For example, consistency will help enormously to reinforce learning. You can achieve this by sticking to a schedule and try to keep disruptions to a minimum where possible. You may find it beneficial to create a home ‘safety zone’ where your child can relax and feel secure – visual cues and set boundaries will help in this situation. You should make time for fun, so that your child has time in the day to relax and enjoy themselves – this will help them to take their mind off of the stresses of their condition, as well as give you time to bond as a family. Lastly, you should pay attention to the visual signs of your child’s behaviour, such as their facial expressions or tone of voice – these will help you deal with their activity more effectively.

Categories: autism, behaviour, Child, Children, condition, deal, Family

Could Autism be More Related to Environment than We Thought?

Your child’s mental health may be more linked to his environmental wellness than previously thought, according to researchers at Stanford University. Their new study in twins, published in July’s Archives of General Psychiatry, found that environmental factors may play a larger role than shared genes in the development of autism, while a second study in the same journal discovered that one potentially important environmental trigger is taking anti-depressants during pregnancy.

 

For the first study, 192 pairs of twins from a state-wide California registry of children were identified as receiving services for developmental disabilities. The researchers examined and tested each child to confirm that at least one twin was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Of the twin pairings, 54 were identical (sharing all of the same genes) and 138 were fraternal (meaning they only shared half of their genes). Lead study author Dr. Joachim Hallmayer, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioural science at Stanford University, said it’s not surprising that the identical twins were more likely to each have autism, since they share all the same genes, but if autism was 100% due to genetics then both siblings in each pair of identical twins would have it.

 

The researchers explained that the twins’ shared environment, be it in utero or in early life, has to play a major role in their wellbeing in this way. The researchers calculated that genes account for 37% of the risk of “classic” or severe autism and 38% of the risk of milder autism spectrum disorders. This means that environmental factors form 55% of your child’s autism risk and 58% of his risk for an autism spectrum disorder. Hallmayer admitted, ‘I was very surprised. The environmental influence is stronger than I thought. It doesn’t mean that genes don’t play a role, but they may not play as big a role as thought.’

 

Dr. Gary Goldstein, president and CEO of the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, pointed out that the results of the study confirm how important it is for researchers to investigate autism’s environmental triggers. He commented, ‘I think everyone in the field believes that genetics are important to autism and that the environment must also be involved. But we don’t know exactly what those environmental factors are, and how those factors interact with the genes. This study gives further support that we should be looking at both genes and the environment.’

 

A second study, this time carried out by researchers from Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Programme in Northern California, found that if you take antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) during pregnancy, your child risk of autism increases two-fold. Moreover, if you take these drugs during the early stages of your pregnancy, your child’s autism risk is three times higher than the children of mothers who don’t use the antidepressants at all.

 

However, Dr. Natalie Meirowitz, chief of the division of maternal foetal medicine at Long Island Jewish Medical Centre, advises against flushing your medications if you suffer with depression, even if you’re expecting. She explained that your wellness, and your baby’s, is at risk to the depression itself, as depressed women may self-medicate with drugs and alcohol, have a poor diet, fail to keep their prenatal appointments, and be unable to care for their baby after delivery. According to Meirowitz, ‘Pregnancy is a very emotional time for women, and we know that a woman who stops her medication needs a lot of support. The decision to stop medications has to be made very carefully with the patients’ psychiatrist, obstetrician and with their significant other. It shouldn’t be made lightly.’

Categories: antidepressants, autism, autism risk, autism spectrum, environmental factors, genes, identical twins, Research, spectrum disorder, stanford university, study

How to Solve Your Autistic Child’s Behavioural Problems

Children who are autistic have a different way of looking at the world, which can greatly impact the wellness of the child and other family members. Your child may behave differently in social settings, or have problems with learning and communicating. On some occasions, autistic children can have violent behavioural outbursts, but it’s important to realise that these aren’t usually intentional. External factors often trigger behavioural problems in autistic children, but there are effective strategies you can use to protect family wellness against these behaviours, and ensure your child’s wellbeing.

 

1. Understand your child: Autism manifests differently in each individual child, so you need to understand your own kid’s behaviour, and how the condition affects it. What gets your child aggravated and violent? For example, this may be excessive noise and light or close physical contact with others.

 

2. Communicate with your child in the best way: As a parent, you need to adapt to your child’s behaviour and communication style. This may mean being more expressive, using more body movements or giving a lot of sensory inputs. Once you find a technique that works, stick with it; autistic children do not understand variety.

 

3. Use sensory inputs: Wellness experts asset that the best sensory input that you can provide to your autistic child is a bear hug. While this may not work well if your child reacts badly to close physical contact, most autistic children find physical contact very soothing and calming. You can also get positive results with fidget toys, bouncing on a trampoline or covering your child with quilts.

 

4. Be practical and realistic: Different behaviour isn’t the same as bad behaviour, so don’t be concerned if your child does things like hand-flapping, circling on the spot or rolling on the floor. As long as your child isn’t hurt or hurting others, you shouldn’t worry or try to control the behaviour, as this may aggravate your child.

 

5. Consult a therapist: Autistic children often benefit from a specialised teaching style, as they usually cannot learn things when taught in a normal manner. A therapist can help train you and your child in skills that can help social behavioural patterns, and group therapies are also very effective.

 

6. Channel the energies: Is your child always clambering on furniture? Try rock climbing or your local park. Does your child keep throwing things? Install a basketball hoop in your back garden. Whatever your child’s behaviour is geared towards, channel it and praise your child when they use this inclination appropriately, but be stern when they start climbing/throwing things at home. Your child needs to learn when the appropriate times are to do certain things.

 

7. Reward for positive behaviour: Discourage your child from negative behaviour by talking in a stern manner, and overwhelm them with praise, hugs and rewards when they do something right. Make sure that he understands that you are rewarding him. Make sure your tone of voice and facial expression convey what you mean.

 

8. Be consistent: If you punish your child in a particular manner when he makes a particular mistake, you should continue to use that form of discipline every time that mistake is made. Variety will confuse your child, but consistency will help him to eventually learn what he’s doing is wrong.

 

9. React quickly: You should discipline your child immediately, as postponing the punishment – and the praise you give when your child apologises – won’t make an impact as your child won’t be able to make the association.

 

10. Ensure your home environment is suitable: Eliminate breakables from your home and fix latches on every door and cupboard. This won’t solve your child’s problems, but it will ensure he is safe from harm when he acts out.

Categories: autism, autistic, autistic child, autistic children, behavioural problems, Child, close physical, nbsp, Negative Behaviour, physical contact, sensory inputs, solutions

Autism Symptoms You May be Overlooking

The word autism comes from the Greek word for ‘autos’ which means ‘self’, describing the condition which results in difficult social interactions. It wasn’t until 1960s that medical experts realised that autism was separate to Asperger’s syndrome or other similar conditions, and was treated as its own entity. Behavioural therapy and treatments are used to treat this condition and other related disorders. Autism is actually characterised as a range of related but closely connected disorders, which all share common symptoms. The condition results in the delayed development which fundamentally focuses on speech, action-reaction responses and play, as well as general interaction with their environment.

 

The symptoms of autism generally appear in the first here years of a child’s life, and are most noticeable to parents or caregivers of the child. It’s very difficult to diagnose this condition before the age of two, and the symptoms generally begin to show between 12 and 18 months, but if they are diagnosed around this time then intense treatment can help to boost the brain’s activity to return it to normality. Regardless of the severity of the condition in the child, every autistic person will experience problems in the following areas – social interactions, difficulty in initiating friendships, problems engaging in group activities and inability to hear people when others speak to them. They also have no interest in what is going on around the, they run away from displays of affection, and they have difficulty connecting with emotions in other people.

 

Autistic people have problems developing their communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal, as well as picking up social cues and body language. If your child’s behaviour becomes cold, they avoid making eye contact, their facial expressions become detached from what they say, or if they have unusual reactions to sights or sounds, then you should consult your GP for advice. Their language often is affected too, with as many as 40 percent of autistic people not speaking at all during their lives. If they mention themselves in third person, repeat words or phrases a lot, use an abnormal tone or odd rhythm when speaking, or use incorrect language use, these may be signs that they are developing autism, so you should seek medical advice.

 

What most people don’t realise is that autism isn’t restricted to verbal and developmental problems, it can also affect the physical movement of the child. They may experience difficulty in adjusting to a change in the environment, become locked in repetitive stereotypical behaviour such as twirling or hand clapping, spend extremely long periods of time staring at objects, or become obsessed with an object. They may also become interested in mundane activities which are usually habitual, such as taking a specific route to work. Because the symptoms of autism are often very subtle, and they occur at an age where many children will be displaying very similar signs through natural development, it can be very hard to spot the signs.

 

Autism can lead to the child becoming calm and composed, so many parents pass off the symptoms as the child just being well behaved. However, it’s important that you keep an eye on the behaviour of your child so as to be able to spot the signs early if there is a problem. There are various treatments available for autism, but early detection helps with the effectiveness of this treatment. If you’re concerned about any of the traits your child have developed, speak to your GP who can run tests to determine if they are displaying signs of autism.

Categories: autism, autistic people, Child, Children, social interactions, Symptoms

Why Do Boys Develop Autism More Often Than Girls?

Boys get diagnosed with autism four times as often as girls, but why? Is it that male mental health is more prone to the condition, or are we just more on the lookout for autism in boys? According to new research, including some of the latest data from the International Society for Autism Research annual conference last week, a growing consensus is arguing that sex differences exist in genetic susceptibility, brain development and social learning in autism, which has major implications to how child wellness experts understand the disorder, and how it will be treated.

The results presented by Yale University researchers showed that being female appears to provide genetic protection against autism, while scientists at Emory University have completed preliminary work demonstrating that boys and girls with autism learn social information differently, causing divergent success in interactions with other people. When you look at this new data alongside previously published studies, you begin to paint a picture of how sex affects autism; via both natural and social factors. Experts urge that this should be taken into account in diagnosing autism, and in creating individualised treatment plans.

If your child’s wellbeing is affected by autism, this means they have a developmental disorder which is characterised by deficits in social skills and repetitive behaviours. Autism affects more than 1% of the population, being diagnosed more often in boys. However, girls often appear to have more severe autism. Overall, the ratio of autism diagnoses is roughly four boys to every one girl, but when you take intelligence into account the ratio becomes even more lopsided. In children who are more intelligent, boys with autism often outnumber girls eight or 10 to one.

According to Geraldine Dawson, the chief science officer of Autism Speaks, a research funding and advocacy group, sex is ‘such an important biological clue—why do we have this excess in boys?’ Sex differences in autism and related disorders still aren’t well understood, because they were relatively ignored until recently. Plus, studies often haven’t included enough girls to be able to reliably examine sex differences, or omitted girls from the data altogether, as only a small number of girls have the disorder.

Why Do Boys Develop Autism More Often Than Girls?

Categories: autism, Research, Sex Differences

Does Air Pollution Increase Your Child’s Risk of Autism?

You only have to look at the smoggy haze of air pollution to know that it’s doing damage to family wellness; for years, wellness experts have known that air pollution can cause respiratory damage, but is this the only way that pollution affects your wellbeing? According to a new study, published last month in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, there is a link between air pollution and autism.

 

For the study, the researchers looked at children born throughout America after 1987 up until 2002. They chose 1987 because this was the first year air pollution data were available. The researchers looked at six different chemicals, all of which were found to have statistically significant correlations to the occurrence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These chemicals – known as neurotoxins – pass from mother to baby during pregnancy. However, while the research noted that there was a strong link between air pollution (and traffic-related pollutants specifically) and an increased rate of ASD, they were unable to name a single factor as responsible for the increase.

 

According to the study researchers, the data that they have at this point is insufficient to pinpoint which of the pollutants is causing the link, and so further study is needed. The researchers surmised that a combination of factors is responsible for ASD, including maternal age, genetics and environmental factors. Indeed, air pollution is one environmental factor identified by the study, but doctors stress that while the study shows an increased risk for autism, it does not show a cause.

 

This study follows another published in the same journal in May, which also raised questions about the effect traffic-caused air pollution can have on your children. The researchers of this study examined the impact of elemental carbon attributed to traffic (ECAT) exposure during infancy. Based on data from groups that lived less than 400m or more than 1,500m from a highway, the study discovered that infants who lived closer to highways – and, as such, had high ECAT exposure – were 70% more likely to be hyperactive by age seven. Therefore, both studies together indicate that air pollution from traffic has a much larger impact on your children than previously thought.

Categories: Air Pollution, autism, Research

How Can Enrichment Therapy Help Autistic Kids?

Studies have found that children with autism showed a significant improvement after six months of basic sensory exercises which could be performed at home each day, using items such as spoons, scents and sponges. The study was carried out by UC Irvine neurologists who discovered that a treatment known as environmental enrichment led to significant changes in the male subjects who were aged between 3 and 12. Analysing the trends of 28 boys who were assigned to two groups, researchers tested for the balance of age and autism severity. Following the boys for six months, they participated in standard autism therapies, but one group also had daily sensory enrichment exercises.

The parents of the children were provided with a kit which contained household products to help promote the level of environmental stimulation, including oil fragrances such as lavender or lemon, which the boys smelled four of each day as well as listening to classical music each evening. In addition to this, the parents conducted a session of four to seven exercises twice a day, which involved the senses, from touch, temperature, sight and movement. Each session lasted around 15 to 30 minutes. Over 40 percent of the children in this group showed a vast improvement in their behaviour which is commonly affected by autism. They also showed improvements in their cognitive function, where the average scores for the other group actually decreased. 69 percent of the parents in the enrichment therapy group said that it had enhanced their child’s behaviour, compared to just 31 percent of the standard-care group.

As the study involved household items, it serves as a low-cost alternative therapies which can be costly. Autism affects millions of children each day and this form of sensory enrichment therapy could be a great form of treatment to help reduce the effects of this condition. Researchers hope that it could help benefit children dealing with this condition, as well as their parents and society as a whole.

Categories: autism, Children, therapy

Indonesian School Changes Lives of Non-Verbal Autistic Kids

Unpredictable and repetitive behaviour is typical for children whose wellbeing is affected by autism, and the disorder’s symptoms and severity vary greatly. Nuha Fithriya Nafisa,14, does not speak, and sits in the bottom 20% of the autism pyramid. This means that, in order for her mental health and cognitive function to significantly improve, she’ll require an enormous amount of effort from her parents.

According to Krisnadi Yuliawan Saptadi, Nuha’s father, ‘Nuha was first diagnosed with autism at the age of one year and two months. My wife and I tried to deny it and search for options to cure our daughter, but deep down we knew Nuha was different from other children.’ One thing Nuha struggled with was making eye contact, which Adriana S. Ginanjar, a psychologist and principal of Mandiga – a school in South Jakarta for children with autism – explains is a pervasive trait among autistic children.

‘Some 10 years ago we used to force autistic children to look us in the eye, but nowadays we do not do it anymore as the understanding of autism has increased,’ he says. ‘We teach children to count, read, write and also useful everyday knowledge, for example how to behave in a supermarket. Of course, the levels of the students are very different and some can only learn around 20 new words.’

Nuha has attended Mandiga since she was two, after her father discovered the school through Yayasan Autisma Indonesia (YAI), or the Indonesia Autism Foundation. He comments, ‘This school and therapy centre is like a blessing, otherwise I have no idea how we could afford even the basic education and therapy for Nuha.’ He added, ‘when I almost gave up hope of ever communicating with my daughter, one of the teachers at Mandiga managed to ‘unlock’ Nuha’s silence by teaching her to type with a simple device.’

YAI founder and chairwoman Melly Budhiman notes, ‘In Indonesia, all the therapies needed have to be paid for by parents. A middle-class family struggles to pay for the full range of therapy, since it is very expensive. No insurance company is willing to take on an autistic child. The government has just begun to realize the needs of autistic children during the past two years, but nothing concrete has been done to help them yet.’

Indonesian School Changes Lives of Non-Verbal Autistic Kids

Categories: autism, Indonesia, School

Could Epilepsy Drugs During Pregnancy Cause Child Autism?

If you use a drug to guard your wellbeing against epilepsy during pregnancy, you might be putting your future child’s wellness at risk. This is according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, which has suggested that one in 20 children whose mothers used the drug valproate to treat epilepsy during pregnancy suffers from an autistic disorder.

The study involved 655,615 children born between 1996 and 2006, noting that 4.42% of those whose mothers used valproate while pregnant were diagnosed with an autism-spectrum disorder, and 2.5% were found to have childhood autism. An autism-spectrum disorder, which can range from mild to more severe forms, affects the mental health of an estimated one in 100 people in the UK.

However, the researchers noted that drugs to treat epilepsy are important for controlling the condition in pregnancy, and so urged for more studies to back up their findings. The drug they focused on was valproate, which is used to other neuro-psychological disorders, as well as epilepsy. The researchers commented, ‘Anti-epileptic drug exposure during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk for congenital malformations and delayed cognitive development in the offspring, but little is known about the risk of other serious neuropsychiatric disorders.’

Led by Jakob Christensen, the researchers from Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark used national registers to identify children exposed to valproate during pregnancy and diagnosed with autism-spectrum disorders, including Asperger’s syndrome. Of the 5,437 children were diagnosed with autism-spectrum disorder, the researchers identified 2,644 children exposed to anti-epileptic drugs during pregnancy, 508 of whom were exposed to valproate.

The researchers explained, ‘Because autism-spectrum disorders are serious conditions with lifelong implications for affected children and their families, even a moderate increase in risk may have major health importance. Still, the absolute risk of autism-spectrum disorder was less than 5 per cent, which is important to take into account when counselling women about the use of valproate in pregnancy.’

The researchers also warned that this finding should be balanced against the benefits of valproate for epilepsy control. According to Dr Robert Moffat, national director of the National Autistic Society Scotland, ‘The causes of autism are complex and are still being investigated. We therefore urge people not to jump to conclusions about this study and its implications. It’s important that anyone who does have concerns about their medication seeks advice from an appropriate medical professional.’

Could Epilepsy Drugs During Pregnancy Cause Child Autism?

Categories: autism, Epilepsy Drugs, Research

Gut Bacteria: A Cause of Autism?

With growing concerns over vaccines triggering autism in young toddlers, the last thing that parents want to hear is about another vaccine; however in light of ground-breaking research, a new vaccine has emerged to fight against gut bacteria which, it is said, can also fight against autism symptoms.

The gut bug known as Clostridium Boltae is said to caught disorders in the gut, which are also said to be found commonly in autistic children, with over 90% of children suffering from chronic, severe gastrointestinal symptoms and another 75% suffering from diarrhoea.

Whilst it is unclear as to why autistic children are susceptible to the bacteria, the vaccine is an attempt to reverse the effects. With autism cases rising sixfold within the past two decades, the rising concerns and sheer mystery as to why remains unclear. Whilst some researchers claim that it is the environment, others believe that the gut is the primary cause – even though they are not sure why.

The vaccine is the first of its kind that is designed to fight this type of gut bacteria. There are some suspicions that the bacteria inject toxins or metabolites into its host, which may then control or trigger the symptoms and causes of autism – in particular, regressive autism.

The downside to this vaccine is that it may take more than ten years to go through pre-clinical and human trials – longer still will be the process of making the drug marketable. It is uncertain as to whether this two-decade increase will continue to grow within the next decade.

For researchers however, this is the first – and significant – step into resolving the autistic mystery. With the vaccine able to introduce antibodies quickly for the body’s immune system to detect and identify, the toddler can be protected from the risks of intestinal infections and also, perhaps more importantly, the lifelong risk of autism. For them, it is better late than never at all.

Gut Bacteria: A Cause of Autism?

Categories: autism, autistic, autistic children, Bacteria, bowel, Children, Fight, gut bacteria, intestinal, Mental Health, Toddler, Vaccine

How Folic Acid Can Help Reduce The Risk of Autism

Folic acid has long been recommended during pregnancy to help reduce the risk of many health concerns in the unborn child, but new studies suggest that it could help to prevent autism from developing. The March of Dimes, a private US group, has gone even further to suggest that all women of a childbearing age should take this potent B-vitamin, even if they aren’t planning to get pregnant, as it can help to reduce the risk of autism in everyone.

The neural tube is the origin of the brain in the foetus and this closes very early on in the development of the child. It is when this tube is damaged that defects can occur. Such defects include spina bifida, which is a condition where the spine is damaged, as well as some brain defects. When looking at the impact of folic acid on the formation on the neural tube, they noticed that it had a positive effect on the prevention of autism as well. Studies found that the risk was 40 percent lower in those who had taken folic acid than those who hadn’t.

Folic acid can be found in many foods, including green leafy vegetables such as spinach and cabbage, fruits and nuts, which naturally contain folate. This vitamin helps the body to develop new cells. The majority of pre-natal supplements will contain this as it is a vital nutrient in the healthy development of your child. As many pregnancies are unplanned, folic acid supplements from a childbearing age are important to reduce the risk in the early stages of development, where the sensitive stage of pregnancy holds the risk of autism developing. If you’re unsure whether you’re getting enough folic acid, check with your GP who can advise you.

How Folic Acid Can Help Reduce The Risk of Autism

Categories: acid, autism, childbearing age, children's health, folic, folic acid, neural tube, pregnancy, reduce, risk

Autism: How Can Families Finance Lifelong Care for a Child?

How a nation pays for its health care is a problem that has been exercising – and continues to exercise – the best political and economic brains in the world. But even providing basic at-point-of-need care for everyone won’t solve how to care for disabled children in the US, many of them from families who have health insurance but not enough to provide for the 24-hour care their child needs.

A child with autism, for example, is likely also to have other special needs that require specialist care. A lifelong development disability, autism affects how a person communicates with and relates to the world and other people around them.

Autism is also a spectrum condition so while each person with autism may show similar problems, the condition will affect the individual in different ways and to a greater or lesser extent. Some of the more severe conditions associated with autism include cortical vision impairment and developmental cognitive disability.

The American charity, Autism Speaks, has calculated that the cost of caring for someone with autism over the course of their lifetime is $2.3million. With little or no state help available, that means the burden of providing that care falls squarely on the shoulders of families. And as estimates suggest that around 1 in 50 children will be born with autism, it is clear that this is a problem that is only going to grow.

John Nadworthy and Cynthia Haddad are the authors of The Special Needs Planning Guide. Each has a special needs child so the book is written with their own personal experience very firmly behind it.

The book aims to give parents the tools to providing the right care for their child and getting the family finances in shape to deal with the burden of taking care of a special needs child for all that child’s life. Theirs is a chronological guide, starting from birth through to adulthood, offering advice on finance, insurance, legal matters, state benefits and – importantly – dealing with the family and emotional issues around a disabled child.

Even a family with no financial worries can benefit from advice on dealing with the care of a special needs child.

Autism: How Can Families Finance Lifelong Care for a Child?

Categories: afford, autism, care, Child, lifelong care, providing, special

What is the Promising New Supplement For Autistic Children?

An antioxidant supplement may be the way forward for those with autism symptoms, following research into the substance known as N-Acetylcysteine (NAC).

Rather than relying on a heavy number of chemicals and drugs, the supplement clarifies the body and supplies extra antioxidants to those that need it, similar to Vitamin C tablets or Calcium Supplements.

Autism is a mental illness that usually develops in childhood. Whilst it is possible to live independently, the difficulties lie in learning and general functions that are usually picked up with ease. Akin to autism is Asperger syndrome, in which language – both body and speech can sometimes be an obstacle.

It is not uncommon for those with autism to be sensitive to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours.

The researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard’s Children’s hospital noted that the supplement caused symptoms such as irritability, which can lead to involuntary bouts of kicking, hitting and biting far more manageable than before.

“Today, we have no effective medication to treat repetitive behaviour such as hand flapping or any other core features of autism,” said study author Antonio Harden.

After research of over 12 weeks, the symptoms of autism were far lowered, with a significant decrease of irritability.

The supplement was given to children aged between 3 to 12 years old for 12 weeks. Afterwards, the scores of autistic symptoms dropped from 13.1 to a surprising 7.2, pending research into repetitive behaviours, shyness and the ability to communicate.

The supplement was suggested after research concluded that those with autism are deficient in antioxidants. By providing them with this supplement, life may be lubricated for them, giving both autistic children and adults the brightest future that they can attain.

In the meantime, scientists will continue to research into this promising new supplement based on their positive results.

What is the Promising New Supplement For Autistic Children?

Categories: adults, Aspergers Syndrome, autism, autistic children, Children, Research, supplement, Symptoms

Possible New Long-Term Treatment For Autism

Autism is a well-known mental health issues that affects thousands of families across the world. Despite the fact that it is one of those conditions that everyone knows about, our overall medical understanding of it is somewhat limited. Fortunately, however, research is uncovering more and more all the time and that now includes a potential new long-term treatment.

Oxytocin, which is often referred to as the ‘love hormone,’ is a peptide that is used to help new mothers lactate. It is also credited as being able to help to form the unbreakable bond between mother and child.

The hormone, which has been involved in the treatment of a number of health issues, has since catalysed numerous scientific and psychological experiments to investigate its many possible uses. Due to its capability to bond, oxytocin has been linked to social relationships and, to the excitement of many researchers and scientists; it could have possibilities as a treatment for many forms of psychiatric or developmental disorders and that includes autism.

About one in every 110 children is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Affecting the daily lives of millions of people across the world, scientists have yet to determine either the cure or the cause – that means that any advance in treatments for the condition are considered to be very valuable.

Autism Spectrum Disorder can have moderate to severe effects on development. Therefore coming up with strategies to cope with them is a major issue for the health industry, as well as for the families of those who are affected by the condition.

It’s hoped that this hormone can be used to create a long-term treatment for the condition.

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Possible New Long-Term Treatment For Autism

Categories: autism, Long term, treatment

Should People With Autism Conduct Autism Research?

It has been considered sensible practice over the history of scientific research that psychological research should be done without the active involvement of those people who the research could influence. For example, dyslexic people did not take part in research on dyslexia, and autistic people did not take part in research which could potentially affect their lives. However, this trend is beginning to change as researchers consider the benefits of the insight that such people can bring to their conditions.

More and more often studies that look at learning difficulties are now directed by people who have learning difficulties, and this is increasingly true of autism. This could have both positive and negative influences on the research. One of the positive aspects of it would be that the research would be actually be conducted by people who have genuine experience of having the disorder, and therefore understand it on a much deeper level than someone who just knows about autism from studying it.

Autistic people often have different sensory experiences to people who do not have the condition. They are often extremely sensitive to touch and some sounds cause them pain. If the person in control of the research has first-hand experience of the condition it could allow for more insightful analysis.

Of course it’s worth also pointing out that one of the most important points about scientific research is that it needs to produce impartial results. It’s possible that someone who has autism may view it in a different way. This could make them take a different approach to it than someone who is basing their opinions on science. We must evaluate further whether it is a good idea to have people who suffer with a condition conducting research on it.

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Should People With Autism Conduct Autism Research?

Categories: autism, positive, Research

Autism Care And Awareness Is Improving With New Initiatives

April is National Autism Awareness month, where many organisations aim to improve people’s understanding of this complex condition and increase the awareness of autism. Comprehensive centres are springing up in a number of communities in order to make advancements with this initiative, offering more support for people trying to deal with autism. A better understanding of the disorder will help people to review the facts associated with it, as well as better understanding how autism can affect the lives of people in your community.

Autism is a developmental disability which generally shows signs in the first three years of a person’s life, impacting their ability to communicate and interact with other people. Currently, 1 in 88 individuals are affected by this disorder and studies suggest that 46,000 families will be attempting to begin this journey this year alone. With so many people navigating this condition, a better understanding and more services are vital in order to help them do this with as much information as possible. There is no medical test available to test for autism, so diagnosing it can be tricky. The child’s behaviour needs to be monitored and analysed in order to determine whether a child is showing signs of the disorder.

A screening and diagnostic clinic would be able to offer a variety of therapies, as well as advice and information to parents – this is something which communities are hoping to bring in the near future. This would include speech pathology, sensory integration, behavioural analysis and occupational therapies. In addition to this, parents would have on-going support in helping their child. If you suspect your child has autism, you should speak to your GP as soon as possible – knowing the signs can help to greatly improve the chances of identifying the condition early, which will help when it comes to treatment.

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Autism Care And Awareness Is Improving With New Initiatives

Categories: autism, Children, new study