Helping a Child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder

1. Don’t wait to seek treatment.
Early intervention is the most important key to autism treatment success. Seek help as soon as you suspect a problem in your child. Don’t wait for a diagnosis. You don’t need one to start treating your child’s symptoms.

2. Learn about autism.
The more you know about autism spectrum disorders, the better equipped you’ll be to make informed decisions for your child. Educate yourself about the treatment options, ask questions, and participate in all treatment decisions.

3. Become an expert on your child.
Figure out what triggers your kid’s “bad” or disruptive behaviors and what elicits a positive response. … Continue Reading

The Special World Of The Mentally Challenged

Once upon a time there lived a brain. This brain lived in a big city with many other brains. Some of them were older and some were younger, but they were all brains. This brain was a happy brain because it owned a body that was able to do many things. Every morning the brain awoke and did what ever it pleased with its wonderful body. It was a beautiful life until one day the brain noticed that its body did not function mentally as well as other brains. That is when the brain realized that it had a big … Continue Reading

For Mothers of Children With Autism, the Caregiving Life Proves Stressful

This isn’t the most uplifting pre-Thanksgiving entry, but this new study really resonated with me. Holidays can be particularly challenging for children with autism and their moms. To help Paige (my 13-year-old daughter with autism) enjoy her five-day break from school, I’m going to keep her busy and spend as much time as possible outside.

If you know a child with autism, I know his or her mom would appreciate any moral support you can give. I give thanks daily for the many people in my life who help us in so many ways. The following is a news release concerns … Continue Reading