Providing leisure activities may distract children with autism from long-terms habits of obsessively rearranging objects.
Many people with autism insist on sameness and do not like change. This case study was aimed at seeing if structured leisure time would help a student (15-year-old boy) with autism to spend less time moving the objects on his desk. This treatment approach was an antecedent intervention that gave the student a chance to do his behavior at a time when it was okay with the teacher. The treatment approach reduced obsessive-compulsive behavior and also caused the child to be more social in the classroom. The authors suggested that this treatment approach may be helpful for children with autism and repetitive behaviors.
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Responding to weighted vest
Aug 25, 2011 by AnonymousMy young adult son hiked the entire Appalachian trail a few years ago--form Ga to Maine--over 7 months --carrying a 40 plus pound back pack. He was calm, relaxed and maintained a positive mood as the hike continued. He was able to stop his Ablilfy meds while hiking and lost 40 pounds of excess weight. He self reports that he gained spiritual insight, confidence, and trust in his fellow humans. His comment was that he only met two people he didn't like--out of the hundreds he encountered. Based on Joe's experience, I believe hiking is a wonderful non-competitive activity for some high functining young adults on the spectrum. The weight bearing and steady movement in generally quiet and natural settings agreed with Joe. He had never hiked and never pitched a tent--but with the support of an experienced hiking partner, he made his way over 2,000 miles of hard mountainous terrain--an amazing accomplishment for anyone--and a phenomenal one for Joe.
Physician Cautions Against Restrictive Diets for Autism Unless Necessary
Feb 17, 2011 by AnonymousThis is in response to Dr. Jay L. Hoecker, an emeritus consultant in Mayo Clinic’s Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, suggests that parents of children with autism should be careful when starting their child on a new diet.
What terrible advice. It is not hard to do a Gluten Free Casein Free Diet and in fact is healthier than most diets people have their children on.
It is meat, vegetables, fruits, and avoiding wheat based flours, but this doesn't mean they don't eat "grains" . It is about cooking from scratch. It means no preservatives, or colored dyes.
Calcium and Vitamin D can be achieved from Almond Milk or Rice Milk.
The added comment that "Temple Grandin's Mother didn't put her on this diet is ridiculous. I know first hand that when my daughter has "gluten" she regresses in her behaviors, her ability to concentrate and her ability to talk.
It sunds like Dr. Jay is just another doctor that would rather pump kids with drugs that go the natural healing route. Simply appalling!
College Living for Students with Learning Disabilities, Executive functioning Deficits, Autism Spectrum Disorders (including Autism, Aspergers, and PDD-NOS)
Sep 30, 2010 by AnonymousCollege Living for Students with Learning Disabilities, Executive functioning Deficits, Autism Spectrum Disorders (including Autism, Aspergers, and PDD-NOS)
For students with special needs, life after high school is full of possibilities, including college.
Finding the right college program for students with autism spectrum disorders, Asperger’s, nonverbal learning disorder, ADD/ADHD and other learning disabilities is vital for a college student’s transition into independent adulthood. The right program should provide support for each student’s unique needs and goals.
With the help of New Directions, young adults with learning disabilities are experiencing independence for the first time in their lives. Some of our clients pursue collegiate endeavors and some pursue vocational training/tracks. New Directions helps students attend universities, community colleges, and technical and vocational schools.
For more information, go to http://www.newdirectionsfya.com/ or call 954-571-5102 to contact Dr. Drew Rubin, Ph.D.
Responding to adults with autism
Sep 12, 2010 by AnonymousI would be very interested in research studies which have focussed on the use of social stories and video-modelling for adults with autism who have aggressive outbursts when triggers to anxiety and frustration are hit. My son responds very well to social stories and these have helped him to accept many difficult situations in life which in the past would have caused him huge anxiety. But it has not been possible to help him cope when he is not prepared in time for situations which tend to trigger his frustration and on these occasions he can be very difficult to manage for the short time period of the outburst - these outbursts are very extreme, happen very quickly, and since teenage years often result in someone nearby being physically assaulted, or property being smashed. Once this assault or smash has taken place he calms down quickly, so medication isn't particularly effective for this.
If anyone has information on strategies which have helped minimise such behaviours in young adults (he is 22 years old) I would love to know of them.
Thanks