Autism is a disability that affects how a person communicates and socially interacts. Since it has no physical signs, some students can find it hard to understand. Autism affects millions of people around the world.
April is Autism Awareness Month, a time to shine the light on the developmental disability that affects one in every 68 children in the United States.
Autism is a spectrum disorder. Typically, children show signs and behaviors before age three, some may show repetitive movements, while others may experience obsessive interests.
No two are alike, the signs and symptoms vary, the depth of severity for one may be very different for another. If you've met one person with ASD, you've only met one person with ASD.
People with ASD often have problems with social, emotional, and communication skills. They might repeat certain behaviors and might not want change in their daily activities. Many people with ASD also have different ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to things. Signs of ASD begin during early childhood and typically last throughout a person’s life.
Children or adults with ASD might:
- not point at objects to show interest (for example, not point at an airplane flying over)
- not look at objects when another person points at them
- have trouble relating to others or not have an interest in other people at all
- avoid eye contact and want to be alone
- have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings
- prefer not to be held or cuddled, or might cuddle only when they want to
- appear to be unaware when people talk to them, but respond to other sounds
- be very interested in people, but not know how to talk, play, or relate to them
- repeat or echo words or phrases said to them, or repeat words or phrases in place of normal language
- have trouble expressing their needs using typical words or motions
- not play “pretend” games (for example, not pretend to “feed” a doll)
- repeat actions over and over again
- have trouble adapting when a routine changes
- have unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel, or sound
- lose skills they once had (for example, stop saying words they were using)
If you think your child might have ASD or you think there could be a problem with the way your child plays, learns, speaks, or acts, contact your child’s doctor, and share your concerns.
If you or the doctor is still concerned, ask the doctor for a referral to a specialist who can do a more in-depth evaluation of your child. Specialists who can do a more in-depth evaluation and make a diagnosis include:
Developmental Pediatricians (doctors who have special training in child development and children with special needs)
Child Neurologists (doctors who work on the brain, spine, and nerves)
Child Psychologists or Psychiatrists (doctors who know about the human mind)
At the same time, call your state’s public early childhood system to request a free evaluation to find out if your child qualifies for intervention services. This is sometimes called a Child Find evaluation. You do not need to wait for a doctor’s referral or a medical diagnosis to make this call.
One of the most effective treatments for autistic people is exercise. Studies show that vigorous or strenuous exercise is associated with decreases in stereotypic (self-stimulatory) behaviors, hyperactivity, aggression, self-injury, and destructiveness. Vigorous exercise means a 20-minute or longer aerobic workout, 3 to 4 days a week; mild exercise has little effect on behavior. Many autistic children gain weight if they have an inactive life-style, and weight gain brings another set of problems.
In general, exercise is important for both physical and mental health. A number of studies have shown that vigorous exercise is one of the best treatments for depression. Exercise can reduce stress and anxiety as well as improve sleep, reaction time, and memory. Written by Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D.
Besides improving fitness, motor function, and behavior in individuals with autism, among the most important advantages of physical activity are the social implications of participating in sports and exercise. Physical activity can promote self-esteem, increase general levels of happiness, and can lead to positive social outcomes, all highly beneficial outcomes for individuals with autism.
For those with autism who are able to participate in team sports, this presents an opportunity to develop social relationships among teammates and learn how to recognize the social cues required for successful performance on the field or court. However, individuals that prefer individual sports such as running or swimming that do not rely as heavily on social cues may still benefit from the positive attributes of physical activity while forming social relationships with coaches or trainers. In all cases, participating in sports provides individuals with autism with a role in society that may not have existed otherwise.
Craft :
Sparkly, glittery water is sure to attract little eyes. This alphabet bottle is fun to make and a great activity to keep your child busy either inside on a rainy day or traveling in the car. The craft helps kids recognize letters in a creative way, and is also a great time to start a quick conversation on recycling.
What You Need:
Empty water or plastic soda bottle (best to use one without ridges)
Alphabet beads from the craft store
Glitter
Sequins or any tiny sparkly things
Corn syrup
Water
Sheet of paper
Highlighter
Glue gun (optional)
What You Do:
Write the alphabet from A-Z on a sheet of paper. Have your child lay all the beads from A-Z on the table. Check that she has all 26 letters and then drop them into the empty bottle.
Have your child drop in sequins. Help your child sprinkle some glitter inside.
Fill half the bottle with water and the other half with corn syrup. The corn syrup slows down the motion of the contents and helps the glitter not to stick together.
You can hot glue the lid onto the bottle so little hands don't spill.
Shake it up and watch the pretty water! How many letters can your child spy? Using the alphabet paper you wrote, have her highlight each letter she can find. Can she also spot the letters in her name? Have fun shaking!
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