Autism Therapy: attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

definition of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): ADHD is a neurological disorder resulting in inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD is not included in the autism spectrum disorders.

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Effective Methylphenidate Treatment of an Adult Aspergers Syndrome and a Comorbid ADHD: A Clinical Investigation with fMRI
Journal of Attention Disorders, by Roy, M., Dillo W., Bessling S., Emrich HE, and Ohlmeier MD, published in 2009, summarized Nov 9, 2010

Methylphenidate may help adults who are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Asperger syndrome.

This case study presents an adult patient with ADHD and Aspergers syndrome. The 26-year old man had had problems since childhood with making and keeping social contacts. The authors note that when an adult has both ADHD and Aspergers syndrome the case may be complex and hard to diagnose. This is because both ADHD and Aspergers syndrome may result in poor social skills and lack of attention. In the case of this patient, treatment with methylphenidate improved his ability to function and reduced his ADHD symptoms.


Enhanced Independence and Quality of Life Through Treatment with Flotation-Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique of a Patient with Both Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Asperger Syndrome: A Case Report
Cases Journal, by Edebol, H., Kjellgren A., Bood S. - A., and Norlander T., published in 2009, summarized Sep 7, 2010

Flotation tanks may be a useful tool for calming the nervous system and helping with sensory integration in adults with Asperger syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

This case study describes an adult with Asperger syndrome and ADHD who was treated with flotation-Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique (flotation-REST). The 36-year old woman from Sweden also had depression. She was given 19 sessions over a year and at the end felt that she was better able to live life on her own. With time she learned to control how alert she was (arousal control). She also learned to control how active she was (activity regulation). Her senses relaxed and she became better at sensory integration.


Interactive Metronome Training in Children with Attention Deficit and Developmental Coordination Disorders
International Journal of Rehabilitation Research, by Cosper, SM, Lee GP, Peters SB, and Bishop E., published in 2009, summarized May 27, 2010

Interactive Metronome training may help children with attention deficit disorder or pervasive developmental disorder who have deficits in visuomotor control and speed.

This study was designed to see if Interactive Metronome therapy can help these children move better and pay attention better. The study was designed so that each child acted as his or her own control. The authors found that Interactive Metronome seemed to help with some aspects of motor control and reaction time. They did not see improved attention in the children after therapy. The authors note that there is very little research to back up the many claims made by people who offer Interactive Metronome therapy.


Establishing Response and Stimulus Classes for Initiating Joint Attention in Children with Autism
Research in Autism Spectrum Disorder, by Jones, EA, published in 2009, summarized Nov 27, 2009

Behavioral therapy may help children with autism learn verbal and nonverbal ways to start a social interaction.

People with autism may have problems initiating (starting) a social interaction. The first step is called “initiating joint attention.” This article describes the way that 3 preschool children with autism were taught these skills. Therapists used behavioral therapy techniques based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) theory. For one boy, the therapist used toys that could show a response (e.g., singing stuffed animal or piano with lights). When the boy did the right behavior, the therapist would make the toy react and the boy liked that. For another boy, the therapist used games as a way to teach the skills. The boys learned some of the skills, and eventually were able to use them with their.


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Minnesota Community Provides Information on Autism to Parents and Caregivers

Jan 9, 2012

Osseo Area Source of Information and Support (OASIS) in Minnesota has begun a series of lectures on dealing with kids on the autism spectrum. OASIS will meet once a month and will focus on ADHD, ADD, LD, EBD, ODD, OCD, anxiety, depression and bipolar issues as well as autism. While the meetings last from 6:30-8:30, participants may stay longer to continue with questions and answers. PrairieCare and Weaver Lake Elementary School sponsor OASIS. Future topics will include: behavior therapy, social skills, and use of technology.

Read original article: OASIS Meetings Planned for Parents, Caregivers


Meditation May Help People with Autism

Nov 29, 2011

A recent study shows that meditation may “switch off” areas of the brain associated with some psychiatric disorders, including autism. Many people have used meditation for many years for relaxation as well as quitting smoking and coping with the stress of illness. Dr. Judson Brewer of Yale University thinks meditation can do a whole lot more, including helping with ADHD, dementia, and anxiety. Brewer explained that some mental disorders seem to occur when we are preoccupied with our own thoughts. Meditation seems to affect this preoccupation by reducing that part of the brain’s activity. Another study is planned to look at the neurological effects of medication with yoga on veterans.

Read original article: Meditation is Really Good for the Brain as Study Reveals it Switches Off Areas Linked to ADHD and Alzheimer's


Listening Therapy Center Opens in the Philippines

Nov 3, 2011

Dr. Gina Diaz-Cembrano recently opened the I Listen Enhancement Center for Maximum Learning in the Philippines. Although a dentist by training, Gina felt teaching preschool was a better way to help families who had children with autism and other developmental issues such as ADHD. The center uses the Tomatis Method. Gina explains, “The Tomatis method re-trains the listening system by using electronically modified music and language to re-educate, stimulate and improve the way in which we process auditory information.” Children with learning disabilities often have difficulty in communication and social interaction, the Tomatis methods attempts to increase listening skills, communication, and memory and attention. Gina has seen that Tomatis worked well with other therapies including occupational therapy, sensory integration, and speech therapy.

Read original article: All Ears for the Tomatis Method


Center in the Philippines Breaks Barriers for Children with Autism

Jan 7, 2011

Breaking Barriers for Children (BBC) works with local Filipino communities to provide early intervention therapies for children with autism. The Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Centers (STACs) allow economically deprived children access to physical therapy, special education, supplemental feeding, and socialization skills. BBC has currently transitioned 18 STACs to their locale’s governance. For example, STAC Cabugao has already served children with disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, ADHD, and Down syndrome.

Read original article: Therapeutic Center for Children with Disabilities Opens


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Please comment on this autism topic.

AUTISM = California ABA Behavior Analysis + Special Education is the "3 in 1" Autism Therapies Treatment in California & Singapore

Oct 13, 2011 by Anonymous

St. Andrew Autism Center is the Help and service provider in Singapore for autism therapies in ABA behavior intervention and special education.

Autism is an EPIDEMIC affecting Singapore children. The "3 in 1" Autism Therapies Treatment of " Autism + ABA + Special Education"  is to help children with Autism, ADHD, Attention Deficit Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, Giftedness etc and related disabilities with learning, emotional and developmental needs to develop the communication, academic and social skills necessary so that they can successfully participate in their Singapore MOE schools or pre-schools, and communities. 

SeokLay Lau MA in Special Education, California State University Los Angeles, CalABA member.

Seoklay Lau's Public Profile <http://sg.linkedin.com/pub/seoklay-lau/34/621/5b>


AUTISM = California ABA Behavior Analysis + Special Education

Sep 22, 2011 by Anonymous

AUTISM is an EPIDEMIC affecting Singapore children.

To help Singapore children with Autism, ADHD, Attention Deficit Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, Giftedness etc and related disabilities with learning, emotional and developmental needs to develop the communication, academic and social skills necessary so that they can successfully participate in their MOE schools and pre-schools.

Seoklay Lau MA in Special Education CSULA, CalABA member.

Seoklay's Public Profile <http://sg.linkedin.com/pub/seoklay-lau/34/621/5b>


Sensory processing disorder

May 12, 2011 by Anonymous

It's very common to have SPD and ADHD, or SPD and autism, or sensory processing issues and developmental delays or learning disabilities. A child may have sensory processing disorder and food intolerances, or mental illnesses, or emotional maturity. However, a person can have sensory processing disorder and no other diagnosed conditions too.
Sensory processing disorder


Responding to interactive metronome

Feb 9, 2011 by Anonymous

As a certified Interactive Metronome Provider, I have experienced many positive results working with clients with Autism, ADD, ADHD, TBI, Asperger's Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue and seniors with balance/gait difficulty. There IS significant research on Interactive Metronome if one looks at the proper resources.  Increased focus/attention, better coordination, improved motor planning, improved self-confidence, better eye contact, less impulsiveness, less anxiety, better grades in school are only a few of the gains that clients I have worked with have gained as a result of IM. 


I have worked with close to 80 clients and have only had one client ( a 50 year old male ) with ADD who felt that IM did not help them in some way.


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Please comment on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or other autism therapy topics.

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    • Synonyms for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) include: ADHD, Attention Deficit, attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
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