Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and other methods may help children with autism learn to speak.
Some children with autism do not imitate the sounds of others. For these children, several speech therapy methods may help them learn to speak. AAC is often the first strategy to help them learn enough communication to be able to have some social interactions. There are five other methods that may also help these children: 1) avoid pressuring children to speak, and use puppets and play as encouragement instead; 2) imitate the child and they may start imitating others; 3) use exaggerated sounds and speak slowly; 4) use visual feedback and touch to help teach skills; and 5) add exercises for mouth movements that are specific to speech.
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Responding to mirror neurons
Feb 9, 2010 by AnonymousIt is my opinion that mirror neurons are the basis of our internal connection with each other. Deep inside, without the interference of the ego, is a network of vibrations that allow us to "feel" exactly what the other person is feeling. The person must be closely related to the subject.
Example is when one walks into a room and the entire mood of the room changes. That person influenced the vibrations of the room simply with his mirror neurons. His feelings were transferred to the others through the subliminal vibrations we can't feel with our five senses.
This explains the phenomenon commonly called "contact high". When an individual is under the influence of marijuana, he will influence the mood, the feelings, and other related emotions of the group as a whole because whatever is firing inside him is also firing inside the others in the group.
This can explain why autistic children can tap a part of their brain that we can't. But at the same time he must hold onto a tree in order to accept that it is real. He has lost touch with this reality because he has no mirror neurons in which to relate. He cannot find that vibration with others that we all take for granted.
The cure for this anomaly would be to find ways to help mirror neurons develop in autistic children. This network, although taken away at birth, should be examined and ways sought in which we can enhance this development.
When we pray for a person we are connecting that person with God through our mirror neurons. We can literally change the mind of one who is suffering from a disease simply by connecting him with God and dispelling the myth that he is sick.
The Effect of Early Intervention in the Progress of Autistic Child with Mental Retardation
Nov 18, 2009 by AnonymousINTRODUCTION:
Autism is an incapacitating life long developmental disorder that typically occurs in the first three years of life. Children affected with autism have disturbances in three main areas like social skill, communication and eye contact. There are many causes for autisms some are environmental and some are genetic. Since definite cause is yet to be known it cannot be cured completely. An attempt was made in the present study to know the effectiveness of different types of therapies and treatments. Parental opinion was collected from the children affected with autism. Findings indicated that most of the parents have positive views on standardized therapies, innovative therapies and treatments. Modification in behavior is possible through early intervention by therapies and treatment.
Present Study: the present study finds the effect of early intervention in the progress of autistic child with mental retardation. Investigator considered three major areas, which were generally used in progress of the autistic child, they are as follows:
Comparison between different types of standardized therapies: When different types of standardized therapies were compared with arithmetic mean, it was found that occupational therapy and speech therapy was found to be more effective compared to other type of therapies.
COMPARISON BETWEEN STANDARDIZED THERAPIES
Comparison between different types of Innovative therapies: When different type of innovative therapies are compared with arithmetic mean , it was found that touch therapy and Art therapy was found to be more effective compared to other type of therapies.
Comparison between different types of treatments: When different types treatments are compared with arithmetic mean, it was found that Diet and special diet treatment, was found to be more effective.
Major Findings of the Study
SUPERVISOR: D.r.A. RAMAKRISHNA PROFESSOR, IASE, OSMANIA UNIVERSITY
INVESTIGATOR: K.SAILAJA
Picture-Based Communications on the iPhone/iPod
Jul 21, 2009 by AnonymousHi there,
My name is Dan, and my wife Carey and I are parents to a four-year-old boy (with autism) and a two-year-old girl (neurotypical). Both of our kids are adorable and keep us laughing!
Our son is verbal, though his expressive language is weak and he struggles with sensory processing, particularly in new environments. We were turned on to picture-based communication aids by the Connecticut Birth to Three system -- laminated strips of pictures, notebooks, magnet boards, etc.
These tools worked. They helped Evan a good deal. Unfortunately, though, they weren't the most "workable" solution. Carrying around notebooks and boards is inconvenient. We'd lose the symbols, or not have the right one on hand when needed.
So, we invented an application for the iPhone and iPod Touch that lets caregivers customize and present visual schedules, social stories, timers and choices -- all right there in the palm of your hand. It's called iPrompts -- check it out at http://www.iprompts.com. We've gotten some incredible feedback about it. Hope it helps!
- Dan
This Week...
Jul 12, 2009 by AnonymousThe past week has been an emotional rollercoaster for Joshua and in turn for me. My oldest had come home for a visit, as he resides in another state. While this visit was much anticipated it also brought a level of anxiety in not knowing how Joshua would deal with his inevitable departure. So it was a week of walking on emotional egg shells, waiting for a meltdown to happen. Joshua typically does not have on the spot meltdowns, they usually come days or even weeks later, but like a storm brewing I have learned to watch for the clouds rolling in. It could come in the form of sleeplessness, unexpected and inconsolable crying or severe mood swings with seemingly no precipitators. Days before my son’s return flight I began to try to prep Joshua by telling him Anthony would be leaving in four days, and again the next day and so on. Every day he replied in the same anxiety ridden fashion, “he can’t leave…I need him” to which I would reassure him that his brother would always be there for him and would stay in touch with phone calls and emails, that we would all miss him but we would be together soon. The day of Anthony’s returning home Joshua came downstairs into my office and gave me a big hug. He asked, “Mom are you sad because Anthony is leaving…you gonna miss him?” I smiled and nodded to which he put his hand on my shoulder in trying to comfort me. “It’s ok if you miss him mom, I’ll miss him to…but I’ll take care of you until he comes back” Those are the moments that you live for!!
On a brighter note please see E-Bays Authors for Autism Speaks silent auction, and vote on a set of my signed children’s books. A worthy cause!! Hoping that everyones week is pleasant and blessed!!!
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