Trying to discipline your child can be a difficult and ever changing world of frustration for all involved. When your child has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome it can be as difficult to create rules and boundaries as it is to…(Read more.)
We have been homeschooling now for five years. We began before we had a single diagnosis for either of my boys, largely because school was a very difficult place for my oldest son. (Think sensory overload and bullying, mixed with a healthy dose of anxiety and you have an idea of what it was like for him every day – not good.)
A year after we began homeschooling, he was diagnosed with autism and generalized anxiety disorder. A year later, we learned his younger brother is profoundly dyslexic and has ADHD. In both instances, I was asked if, now that we had the diagnoses, I would be putting the boys back in school. There was an assumption that because my children now had identified “special needs”, we would need the “experts” to take over their education.
The truth is, although I was a little overwhelmed with all the needs, I also felt even more certain that a typical school environment would not accommodate my children’s learning differences. (Read more.)
Children with ADHD are more prone to meltdowns for a number of reasons. Often their brain circuitry for emotional regulation is dysfunctional in which it takes less to trigger an anger episode that lasts for a longer periods of time than other children. This is the result of faulty wiring. Working with them on relaxation techniques like taking deep breaths or counting to ten at the first sign of being upset can help. It is important for them to practice these when they are calm.
These kids often aren’t fully tuned in to what is going on around them and miss important information that causes them to misinterpret a situation and then react to what they think is going on rather than what really happened. If you are having a discussion with your child, pause frequently to make sure they are getting your point. Ask questions to make sure they understand and encourage them to ask you questions as well.
Some ADHD kids lack the ability to be flexible causing them to go into meltdown mode when there is a change in routine or an expected event does not happen. For instance a boy may be having a great time “rough housing” with his dad but does not want to stop when dad feels it has gone on long enough. This can become ugly and lead to fewer such play situations. Agreeing to use a timer and stop when the timer says to stop rather than dad might help avoid this. (Read more.)
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| Kevin |
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| Martin |
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| Patrick, Martin and Nick at Longwood Gardens |
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| Anne and husband Larry get ready to cut the ribbon! |
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| We're officially open for business! |
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| Nick and Grandmom |
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| Anne at the Polar Express |
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| Anne with State Representative Tom Killian |
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| Marty Hugs Mrs. Santa |
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| Anne with Emmaus Home treasurer Bob Moore |
It’s difficult, Naeder said, to pinpoint the exact reason children with autism wander away from their homes, schools and other safe places. Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means symptoms and behaviors can vary widely. But it’s worth examining potential causes so families can watch for triggers. “It could be a person with autism is seeking something,” Naeder said. Perhaps a special item or favorite location. “Or, as a result of their autism, they could be fleeing from something,” she explained. Maybe a loud noise or bright light.That also can make search-and-rescue missions challenging. Children with autism might run away from the sound of police vehicles or helicopters. If they are nonverbal, as Chelsea was, they might not be able to respond to someone calling their name.Though the causes of wandering are not clear, the prevalence of such behavior is documented. A 2012 study funded by Autism Speaks showed almost half of parents who have a child with autism said their child had tried to bolt from a safe, supervised place. Those were only the reported cases of wandering, so there’s a good chance the actual numbers are larger. “We’ve heard reports of parents sleeping in front of the door … it’s an incredible stressor on the entire family,” said Naeder, a social worker who has an adult brother with autism. The prevalence of autism in the U.S. means it's worth educating not just families who are directly affected, but our communities as a whole. One in 68 children are diagnosed with autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control; about 3.5 million Americans are living with the disorder. (Read more.)
As the saying goes, “Showing up is half the battle”. This is true for work, for events & for swimming lessons. At Sensory Swim® we know that if a parent of an autistic child wants their child to learn how to swim, showing up is definitely half the battle. In some cases, especially for children who have an extreme fear of the water, this may be more like 80%. This skill of learning to swim may also save that child’s life one day. But let's not waste any more time pointing out the obvious. When it comes to supporting a child on the autism spectrum who is learning to swim, a parent must get that child to come to the lesson. We have come across parents who have signed their child up for swim lessons & cancelled without even showing up. They explain that they didn't show up because their six year old son refused to put on his bathing suit. And we didn't want to make him do something he didn't feel like doing. (Read more.)
A new study in adolescent and young adult males with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) showed significant differences in the functional architecture and interactivity of the default mode network (DMN)--brain regions linked to social-cognitive impairment in ASD--compared to DMN functional connectivity measurements in young adult males without ASD. These findings, which could lead to the development of new imaging-based diagnostic markers, are described in an article published in Brain Connectivity, a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The article is available free on the Brain Connectivity website until December 31, 2017. (Read more.)
According to Kranowitz (2005), the touch system layers our bodies and gives us information about surrounding physical entities. Moreover, it works as the physical barrier between ourselves and the environment. This sense has an imperative role in developing a child’s body awareness, motor planning, and visual perception. Some children react adversely or negatively, or display escape-like behavior on being touched, hugged, or kissed, since they have difficulties in processing sensory information due to a lower functioning tactile system. This behavior is referred to as tactile defensiveness. Due to the atypical functioning of the touch mechanism and neural system, these children are often in the state of “red alert.” They may react by clinging or complaining (fright) to someone, or lashing out (fight) and running away (flight).
Tactile symptoms are among the most commonly reported sensory symptoms described by parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (Rogers et al.,2003). Children displaying tactile defensiveness may also exhibit self-stimulating behavior (stimming). Repeated movements such as hand-flapping, body-rocking, hand-gazing, and spinning have been found prevalent in children with developmental disabilities and autism. (Read more.)
Young children with autism are no more likely than those without the condition to sustain injuries that require medical attention, according a study of more than 2,000 children1. However, injuries are common among children with attention problems. About 30 percent of children with autism meet the criteria for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). “Attention problems do appear to contribute to injury risk,” says lead investigator Carolyn DiGuiseppi, professor of epidemiology and pediatrics at the Colorado School of Public Health. “That existing relationship may explain why some studies have found a higher risk of injury in children with autism.” Some studies have reported that children with autism are at increased risk of injury, perhaps because of their behavioral or motor problems2. But others have refuted that link3. (Read more.)
Studies over the past few years suggest that sleep problems may stem from the same mutations that underlie other, more characteristic features of autism. These changes may disrupt the circadian clock, a molecular timer that keeps cells in sync with the night-day cycle. So far, no evidence ties any of the top autism genes to the circadian clock. But several genetic conditions associated with autism, including tuberous sclerosis, fragile X syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome, may involve mutations that interfere with the clock. “This is a very active and needed area of investigation,” says Jonathan Lipton, a pediatric neurologist at the Boston Children’s Hospital Sleep Center. The circadian clock is a complex of proteins that forms every 24 hours in almost every cell in the body. It helps regulate the expression of genes, turning up to 40 percent of the genome on or off. (Read more.)
The number of children receiving an autism diagnosis is on the rise. And 70% of these children are being educated in mainstream schools. This means that schools have had to adapt and introduce new measures to ensure everyone’s needs are met. The introduction of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Code of Practice in 2014 in the UK placed an emphasis on the ‘inclusion’ of children with special educational needs. But what does this inclusion actually look like? With 1 in 100 people in the UK being diagnosed with autism, it’s heartening to see Islington schools catering to the needs of their students with autism and embracing their unique strengths.
At its core, inclusion should be mutually beneficial and work for every child. Recently, Sesame Street welcomed its first autistic Muppet character, Julia. In a clip that has been widely shared, Julia’s friend Abby asks her to play kickball, but Julia isn’t keen. Abby ponders how to play with Julia and finally realizes it’s best to find a game they can both enjoy doing, which is flapping their arms and pretending to be butterflies. Both of the children enjoy the same activity, which plays to both of their strengths. But, of course, unlike on Sesame Street, this doesn’t happen without careful planning and input from school staff.
From mealtime supervisors, to teaching assistants, to classroom teachers, to senior leadership teams, everyone is working to create more autism-friendly schools throughout the country. They attend after-school training, create specialized and tailored plans, and regularly work with specialist consultants, who guide them in creating the structure that autistic children need to feel a part of the class. (Read more.)
The way my head works and what helps me go to sleep is that I want to see a beautiful image of some sorts so I can keep that image in mind. It’s like seeing the City of Seattle and it's the last thing I want to see before shutting my eyes tight. I don’t do this every time I go to sleep, but sometimes, even today, if I have trouble sleeping I would want to see something gorgeous.
Sounds and music tunes help me sleep too. The realistic scenery is something I’d love to hold on to my eyes until I fall asleep. Ever had a scene you just want to keep for a long time? To me, I think that’s how great dreams come into play is the amazing thoughts we have during sleep. (Read more.)
Anyone who has ever survived being a teenager should be well aware that parenting a teenager can be no easy feat. But factor in a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or intellectual disability (ID), and you'll likely have the recipe for a unique set of challenges to the entire family unit. According to autism expert Jan Blacher, a distinguished professor in the Graduate School of Education at the University of California, Riverside, the effects of those challenges went largely understudied for years while medical professionals blamed mothers of children diagnosed with ASD for their kids' disorders. Beginning in the 1950s, doctors turned to psychiatrist Leo Kanner's "refrigerator mother" theory as evidence that a lack of maternal warmth could essentially cause autism. It wasn't until the mid-1960s when psychologist Bernard Rimland, among others, began to discredit Kanner's theory, instead popularizing the idea that autism could be rooted in neurological development, or even genetics. (Read more.)
Lorna Lynch is one of a growing number of parents home-educating a child with special needs. In the last five years, their numbers have grown by 57% across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Almost a thousand children with recognised needs are waiting for a school place. Ministers in England say they're investing to improve the system. For the past year, 11-year-old Emily has been educated at home, with extra educational activities arranged by her mother Lorna. Emily has been diagnosed with autism and ADHD, and is now on medication to manage anxiety. Home-schooling was a decision Lorna Lynch reached reluctantly after her daughter struggled to understand both lessons and other children's behaviour. "I couldn't cope with her going to school and then coming back with her so stressed out, so angry at me."
Emily found school confusing and overwhelming. "I want to learn things that I'm interested in - but it's like I can't learn anything because I don't know how and they don't tell me how." She would become angry and lash out at other children. "The meltdowns were horrendous," says Lorna, who tried three different schools before deciding to home-educate. (Read more.)
Grace Armenia isn’t like teenage girls her age. She isn’t worried about finding a boyfriend or getting her learners permit. But, she is searching for happiness and to be a part of something special.In July, Grace’s family says a coach for a local lacrosse team saw her out getting a lacrosse lesson and asked if Grace wanted to be the team’s goalie. Robert and Ericka Armenia thought it was a good idea and they’d give it a shot. “I knew she was tough and I knew she could handle that,” Robert Armenia said.
The family says the coach told them she might play as goalie sometime next year, depending on how well she did. Weeks later Grace was off the bench and in the game and faced with making her first big play, blocking a goal. (Read more.)
Hurley is not so far out of the ordinary as one might assume: A surprising number of people diagnosed with autism are raising children. An online survey recruited more than 300 mothers with autism, suggesting that there are probably thousands of parents diagnosed with autism worldwide, and perhaps hundreds of thousands or millions without a diagnosis. More evidence comes from Facebook groups, messaging platforms and blog comments, where parents compare notes and share problem-solving strategies.
Autism can pose challenges for parenting, their stories indicate. In addition to dealing with sensory overload, helping a child learn social skills can be difficult for people who struggle with social interactions themselves, for example. But autism can also provide valuable parenting skills, especially with a child who is also on the spectrum. (Read more.)
And then we had the piece of paper. The spoken words from the Psychologist. Our child was autistic. And at the time, my world stopped. In an instant my world changed forever. Or at least it felt that way. I immediately wanted to fix everything and do nothing all at once. I felt the weight of his diagnosis on my shoulders and still to this day, almost four years later, it is still securely on my back.
I have a hard time looking back at pictures from when Cooper was three. Which makes me so sad because I have two beautiful boys. Look at this picture. If you live autism you probably notice that Cooper is in motion. Always in motion. You also most definitely notice that he is pushing away from me. I have a smile on my face. What you can’t tell is that I’m covered in sweat. I am dying inside because we were at a public event and there was no denying that my child was different. My child didn’t speak. He didn’t play. He didn’t sit or even walk. He ran. He screamed. He was full of anxiety.
I spent days crying after this picture was taken. This was one of those moments that you hear about. And I’ll never forget it as long as I live. (Read more.)
You may have heard the shocking and sobering statistic before: up to 80 percent of parents who have an autistic child end up getting divorced. Many parents describe learning of this in addition to their child’s autism as somewhat of a “double diagnosis.” That is, the child and family are both going to face unique challenges, and the marriage between Mom and Dad is all but doomed to fail. This can cause incredible stress and can be disheartening.
If you’ve heard this 80 percent divorce rate statistic and have ever worried about it, rest assured; that wicked high statistic has no basis in fact whatsoever. It is an urban myth that has nevertheless persisted, despite the fact that studies have debunked it.
We’re here to tell you what science has actually discovered about this subject…as well as what you can do to strengthen your relationship with your spouse. (Read more.)
Processing information is difficult for people with ASD so recipes need to be broken down into manageable parts:
How do you handle food aversions and other eating challenges? Find something similar to something they already like. If a child likes spice cake then try carrot cake. Often an aversion is not to the taste of the food itself but to some other aspect such as presentation or texture. I love eggs but will not eat them poached or soft-boiled because I hate the texture of a soft yolk. I do enjoy them scrambled. (Read more.)
- First, list the utensils and appliances needed.
- Then list the ingredients in their full form, not the way they need to be put into the recipe (ex. rather than say diced, peeled, sliced etc., say one carrot, one apple etc.)
- Now list the instructions and break them down into manageable steps. Yes – there may be 3 pages for a recipe, but there is also the chance for cooking independence which is the goal.
Parents and close family members tend to be the first people to notice behavioral differences and developmental delays in children. However, teachers, babysitters, doctors and others can also notice the symptoms that indicate autism and suggest testing. The first step is to pay attention to the behavior and development of the child, so this information can be shared with a professional. Parents are hesitant to consider that their child may have autism, yet it is important not to wait too long for testing because delays in diagnosis should be avoided. If the child is diagnosed at an early age, many symptoms could be mitigated with behavioral therapies.
There are several tests available to help diagnose autism. The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers Revised (M-CHAT-R), Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers & Young Children (STAT) and the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) are several examples of the tools available to professionals. According to clinical psychologist Dr. Tali Shenfield, testing for autism can reveal other psychological conditions, so parents should not hesitate to do the evaluations.
Researchers have not reached the point that allows a doctor to use a blood test or another type of physical examination to detect autism in a young child. This is why it is important to take advantage of the existing psychological tests and find a qualified professional to conduct the assessment. The tests are not invasive and do not require a great amount of time to be spent in a medical office. They generally consist of multiple questions that are used by a psychologist, psychiatrist or other qualified medical professional to evaluate the likelihood of an autism disorder in the child. (Read more.)
Every single child that is born comes with a personality, skill set, and development. Biology determines most of this before they even enter the world, and we as parents are required to navigate raising the child and all of their DNA. There are children that are spirited, defiant, angry, sad, clingy, picky eaters, suffer from separation anxiety, have colic, and the list can go on and on. Every child is unique and parenting any being from birth until they reach adulthood is hard. I refuse to sit on a pedestal and say that because my child has diseases or developmental delays that my situation is any harder than any other parent in the world. Our set of circumstances are unique, and we are presented with making choices I never dreamed of making, but at the core I am still raising a little boy that loves dinosaurs, monster trucks, coins, animals, swinging, jumping and playing in his sandbox. When I list that out, it sounds like a 3 year old. It’s funny because…he is 3! He doesn’t know he’s sick. He has no idea he’s delayed, and none of the children around him seem to pay any attention to his differences or what we face.
I got caught up in the fact that he was different not realizing that every single child that surrounds us is different. I watch my friends struggle to parent their healthy children, and face making decisions they also never dreamed they would have to make. There is no preparation for parenthood. Once you have a child, it’s all a process of learning on the job. I have friends that have had to learn to parent strong willed children, ones that have had to learn to parent very sensitive children, and others that have had to learn to parent children that have separation anxiety that leaves them with no time alone. When I started to surround myself with other parents, I began to realize that every person faces challenges and adversity every single day. What I was doing was getting caught up in what he could not do, and getting engulfed in a disease I was afraid that would take him too young. I was not living in the moment and enjoying who he as becoming as a person. (Read more.)
At least half of children with autism struggle to fall or stay asleep, and parent surveys suggest the figure may exceed 80 percent. For typical children, the figures range from 1 to 16 percent, depending in part on how insomnia is defined. The precise nature of the problem varies from child to child, but the consequences are fairly universal. For parents and caregivers, sleep issues deepen the stresses they may already feel managing the needs of a child on the spectrum on top of life’s other demands.
For the child, sleep problems can make everything else more difficult, night and day. Poor-quality sleep may exacerbate many of the challenging behaviors associated with autism, such as hyperactivity, compulsions and rituals, inattention and physical aggressiveness. A study of 81 children with autism last year strongly linked waking up in the night to acting out during the day. Another study found that sleep problems in children with autism are among the strongest predictors of hospitalization. And yet another study last month linked sleep disturbances to extreme autism traits in children at the severe end of the spectrum. (Read more.)
Gross Motor Warning Signs
Does your child have stiff arms and/or legs?
Does your child have a floppy or limp body posture compared to other children of the same age?
Does your child concentrate on using one side of the body more than the other side?
Vision Warning Signs
Does your child have a trouble in maintaining eye contact?
Does your child find it difficult to pick up small objects that are dropped on the floor?
Does your child frequently close one of his eyes when trying to look at distant objects?
Hearing Warning Signs
Does your child have abnormal change in his voice tone?
Does your child have difficulty in responding to name calls?
Does your child turn his body in a way that the same ear is always facing towards sound?
Does your child have a difficulty in following instructions after the age of 3?
Does your child fail to develop sounds or words that would be appropriate at her age?
If a child is not learning a skill that other children are learning at the same age, that may be a "warning sign" that the child may be at risk for developmental delay. If a child has not learned these skills during a specific time frame, it does not mean your child is delayed. Nevertheless, it’s better to discuss this with your child’s doctor. (Read more.)
Listen, I’m ok with people that want to pray for us, ask questions about our journey, but I’m not ok with people feeling sorry for us. I have never, ever felt sorry for my son. There are days I am frustrated that he has to go through so much difficulty in his development. Other days I may feel emotional about the diseases that are ravaging his body, but I never actually feel sorry for him or pity him. In the past five years, this child has taught me more about human resilience and love than anyone has in my entire life. I watched him sit on life support clinging to life, and I watched him beat the odds and survive a critical illness. As he grew, we were told all about the limitations he would experience by all the professionals. Doctors said he would likely have significant learning disabilities, developmental delays, and they weren’t confident he would ever talk. In the early days, professionals classified him as cognitively delayed, and therapists weren’t sure he understood anything said to him. None of those things were ever easy for me to hear, but none of that ever stopped me from pushing him to learn and succeed. (Read more.)
The Safespace has helped George’s bedtime routine. Prior to the Safespace I would have to settle George which took anything from one to three hours & sometimes failed altogether! Whilst I was settling George upstairs it left my older daughter Lucy (13) downstairs on her own for long periods of time. However, with the Safespace, bedtime is a very different experience! We can put on the sensory equipment & just sit quietly next to George & hold his hand & he will generally fall asleep within 30-45 minutes snuggled up in a relaxing, calm & safe environment. In the three short months we have had the Safespace we have seen huge improvements with George & our whole family. George settles much better & is increasing his independence at bedtime. (Read more.)
Various therapy appointments, school meetings and appointments will soon fill your calendar. Learn to speak up. If you don’t like the way something is done, say so. Demand action. You know your child best. If something doesn’t feel right or a therapist doesn’t mesh well, or a “supportive” person is anything but, leave it behind. Form a relationship with his or her teachers, therapists and doctors. They will be a part of your life for a long time. Be open and honest and keep communication going back and forth. You must stay involved. Your child cannot do this without you. (Read more.)
When Turkey Day arrives, here are some general tips for enjoying a holiday meal with a child or adult who has autism:
* Dress comfortably. This probably isn’t the best time for your son to wear something new or different – especially if this has been an issue in the past. (Pick your battles.)
* Talk with your family about keeping conversation, music and TV volume at an appropriate volume. This may be difficult if your family is anything like mine. Another option is to have your son use noise-reducing headphones – either alone or with some music he enjoys. Wearing headphones may not be appropriate for the entire day. But it can be very useful when you sense that your son is becoming overstimulated.
* Create a quiet room where your child can retreat and relax while waiting for the big meal. This is a great place to keep a bag of your son’s favorite toys, books and other independent activities.
* Most importantly, remember to catch your child being “good” – that is, playing, socializing or eating in an appropriate and healthy manner. Be sure to provide plenty of positive feedback. You know what your son likes – be it praise, a hug or a small reward such as a sticker or favorite toy. I understand that it can be hard to remember to reward a well-behaving child while you’re juggling the demands of preparing a holiday meal. Consider having a kitchen timer in your pocket or set your cell phone alarm as a reminder to touch base with your child and provide that positive feedback before disruptive behavior occurs.
* Consider minimizing table décor, including scented candles. Remember, the day will be filled with the savory and sweet aromas from all the delicious food you’re preparing. It can help to reduce other sensory input at the table.
* If you’re worried that your child will gorge on snacks and appetizers prior to the meal, consider moving these treats out of sight or under cover. You may need to enlist the help of understanding family members. For example, consider placing the appetizers in one place in bowls and platters that have covers. Ask family members to take turns monitoring the “snack zone” and assist children with appropriate portions.
* Once at the table, you can help an over-excited eater slow down by placing small portions of food on his plate. You can always serve seconds.
* If your son has difficulty controlling his impulse to grab food, consider sitting him immediately next to you or someone else who can provide support and reinforce appropriate table manners.
* Another option – if the family is willing – is to plate food in the kitchen rather than pile the table with serving platters. This avoids grabbing and encourages more of a pause between servings. (Read more.)
As defined by Autism Speaks, Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.More HERE.
(Read more.)
- Music therapy and autism research supports a link between musical processing strengths and autism and the use of music as a therapeutic intervention.
- Singing can be an in-road to promote early speech by helping children access new neurological pathways to compensate for communication deficits.
- Music is at its core a structured way to present information. Melodic and rhythmic patterns give students with autism a way to organize auditory information and help memorize scripts, task sequences, and academic facts.
- Music can help individuals with autism make social and family connections through a mutual shared interest.
- Music is a creative medium that can offer a motivating and safe way to explore more flexibility and spontaneity.
Nonverbal is when a person is unable to speak. Michael and Jimi are both nonverbal. They use a communication device (iPad/Tablet with an AAC app) to speak. Michael will mimic words and may say a few in context. However, he is unable to hold a conversation. Jimi does not say a word. However, he has a vast vocabulary, they each do.
Wyatt has been speaking much more in the past year. He taught himself to speak by using Google Search. He began searching his favourite toys and one day he said to me, “ Mum, come here, look at this.” and pointed to his computer. Naturally, I looked and there was a picture of Thomas and friends on the screen. Then he says to me, “Can I have Thomas the tank engine please mom?” Of course I said, “Yes you can.” I was thrilled. I cannot tell you how blown away I was. That was the first time Wyatt had ever spoken a sentence to me. The next day Wyatt does the same thing and of course, I again said, “Yes you can.” However, after a few days of this I realize I cannot buy him a new toy every day so I told him, “Your birthday is coming soon, perhaps you will get it for your birthday.” Wyatt then said to me, “OK in five minutes please?” I told him again, “ If you’re a good boy you may just get it for your birthday.” This time he says to me, “OK in 10 minutes please?” I again told him, “ We will have to see what happens for your birthday.” Wyatt replies, “OK tomorrow please mom?” I couldn’t believe that, not only was he speaking sentences to me, now he was actually negotiating with me. What a guy, I was thoroughly impressed. Wyatt also initiates play with his brothers and sister constantly, so they end up playing with each other more often than not. (Read more.)
Young adults on the autism spectrum are more likely to also have been diagnosed with a psychiatric condition, such as depression, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than are typically developing people or those with other developmental disabilities, a study finds. And managing those multiple conditions can make the transition to young adulthood especially difficult. It's not clear how much biological factors may contribute to the higher rates, but Share-Strom definitely sees environmental factors playing a major role.
"People with autism aren't immediately born anxious or with depression," Share-Strom says. "The world is fundamentally not built for us, and people are always judging and trying to change you, whether they have the best intentions or not," he says. "Of course that's going to cause a higher rate of anxiety and depression and even suicide rates. I'd be surprised if it didn't." That makes providing resources for these young adults all the more important during that transitional period.
"When it comes to mental health diagnoses and use of psychiatric services, there's a really strong need for the entire developmental disabilities community, but it's an even bigger need for folks on the autism spectrum," says Yona Lunsky, a senior scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto and coauthor of the study. "I think sometimes people will dismiss something as being part of autism when, in fact, it's not," she adds. "There are people with autism who don't have psychiatric issues." (Read more.)
The Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE) at the UCL Institute of Education (IOE) has today released a report showcasing the outcomes of an internship scheme for autistic graduates at Deutsche Bank – the first of its kind in the UK. Working with autism charity Autistica, the bank’s three month graduate internship programme aimed to change attitudes towards autism. CRAE’s report revealed that the majority of the interns reported a positive, meaningful experience at the bank - five of the eight interns that started the scheme have had their placement extended. The report also highlighted a number of challenges identified by the participants, with some experiencing anxiety and having difficulties in judging communication and rules in the office. (Read more.)
When I first met Anne Bradley, the first adjective that popped into my mind was “joyful.” The mother of eight greeted me at the door of what is the former rectory of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in Essington, wearing a smile that seemed to radiate straight from her heart.Much has changed since then and the purpose of this new blog is to keep everyone updated. Here is a recent interview at EWTN.
I promised Anne I’d drop by to hear more about her mission, her passion, which is taking root and beginning to blossom more with every passing day. Her “miraculous story,” as Anne herself phrases it, both intrigued me and inspired me. She is a mom who loves her son with intellectual disabilities (ID) so deeply that she developed the means, not only to help him thrive, but, she hopes, to help other individuals with ID in the community thrive too.
When Anne couldn’t find the right program for her 23-year-old son Kevin, who has autism, long story short, she took a leap of faith and leased the former St. Margaret Mary school, rectory and convent from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and created “Emmaus Home.” The former rectory serves as a residence for Kevin and one other man who lives there part-time, along with Anne’s other son, Michael, who is currently serving as live-in staff. There is room for eight residents and three live-in house parents, eventually, but Kevin and his housemate are the inaugural residents. (Read more.)
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| Art at Chanticleer Gardens |
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| On a Hayride! |
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| Playing Bingo! |
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| At Cape May Point Lighthouse |
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| Art Therapy at Emmaus Home Day Program! |
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| Emmaus Home at Franklin Square Chinese Festival! |
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| At the Brandywine Zoo! |
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| Fishing! |
