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Thursday, May 27, 2010

Autism Language Delay - Can A Child Display Autistic Traits And Still Not Be Autistic?

With it featuring so immensely in the media (and rightly so) a fear that many parents hold is the possibility that their child or children may be diagnosed with autism. However, before jumping to conclusions should you observe some symptoms or traits of autism in your child, it is important to get a proficient diagnosis and to look carefully to that diagnosis to craft certain that there isn't something else causing the autistic behaviors to occur. There are a number of a greater amount of health problems and disorders this are commonly misinterpreted and misdiagnosed as autism.


Misdiagnoses of autism can occur among the various autism spectrum disorders, or it can be connected to a completely unrelated condition. Parents should make sure to share all observations and considerations with the child's doctor so that possible alternate diagnoses the appropriate attention.

There are five conditions within the autism spectrum, and each of them can easily be mistaken for another.

These are:

1. Rett's Syndrome - this is a condition found only in girls which was discovered back in 1966. It is currently believed by scientists that this is not an inherited condition, but is the result of a random genetic mutation. Symptoms of Rett's Syndrome do not become apparent in babies until 6 to 18 months of age. When Rett's Syndrome starts to become apparent, the development of the baby begins to slow and their heads no longer grow in a normal way. Normal speech does not develop and repetitive hand movements, unusual walking patterns, and torso shaking begin. Children with Rett's Syndrome also frequently experience seizures, breathing problems, rigid muscles, retarded growth, and other health issues.

2. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder - this disorder almost always occurs in boys, and is extremely rare. Until the age of about 42 months, the child appears to be normal, but a dramatic linguistic and social skill loss then occurs. The child may also start experiencing seizures and lose bladder and bowel control. Typically, these children experience low intellectual development. CDD is the easiest of the autism spectrum disorders for doctors to diagnose.

3. Autism - Autism itself is often referred to as Classic Autism, Kanner's Autism, or Early Infantile Autism. Until its recognition in the 1940's, children with autism had been diagnosed as emotionally disturbed or mentally retarded. Autistic children show many different kinds of symptoms that also occur in other physical and mental disorders, making it easy to misdiagnose. Among them are issues with sensory integration and information processing, leading to a series of different kinds of behaviors.

4. Asperger's Syndrome - Asperger's Syndrome children are frequently mistaken for children with high-functioning autism. The syndrome does not typically present itself until after three years of age, as these children tend not to show any issues with language acquisition and use. Instead, they commonly form extreme interests in narrow subjects, and are often known for frequent (though not universal) ability to recite full book texts or movie lines, as well as a seemingly endless line of trivial facts. Some autism-like traits may present themselves, such as the desire for a strict routine, a struggle with social interactions and communication, and an inclination toward repetitive behaviors. Some also struggle with vocal control. Don't let your love ones suffer anymore! Lead them out through Autism Language Delay program now!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Adhd Diagnosing - Diagnosing Adhd In Your Child

Everyone in a private practice setting who runs with children or adults is going to suffer their own perception on how Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - ADD or ADHD - should be diagnosed. Some clinics take the perspective that "more is good," and will recommend a large battery of tests, often losing many thousands of dollars. Other clinics, typically amid hurried physicians, will just give a brief display scales to the parents and then make a quick diagnosis and prescribe treatment, normally a medication. Unfortunately neither of these kinds of extremes is in the patient's best interest. If you are the parent of a child or teenager who is struggling in school, and perhaps at livlihood in general, you should be familiar with what causes this disorder we clamor Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

First, the symptom of inattention. The person has trouble with focusing on the right thing, long enough to get it done. A lot of people, including his parents, complain that he just doesn't seem to listen when spoken to. Because of not sustaining attention, or because of acting like a "space cadet," he doesn't finish his chores or homework. He can't keep his mind on what he's doing for very long unless it is very exciting, or very entertaining, and he doesn't pay close attention to what he's doing, so he makes a lot of careless mistakes. Video games are an exception because they give immediate feedback, they are exciting, and they are fun. Chores and homework are not.The inattention is seen most with homework, chores, and other boring things that you want him to do. He's really disorganized. Most commonly this is seen in spending three hours to finally finish his homework, then losing it at school (it's in his backpack), or forgetting to turn it in. He really tries to avoid doing homework or chores. He gets distracted easily, or pays attention to the wrong thing at the wrong time. He is often forgetful and has to be reminded to do things often. The great majority of people diagnosed with ADHD have problems with inattention.

The next classic symptom is poor impulse control, or a lack of self-control. Not all people with ADHD have this problem, but many do. He often blurts out answers in class.

He can't wait his turn when he is playing games or at school, and pushes ahead in lines. He interrupts others a lot, he just doesn't wait well. He tends to do things without thinking about them first, and says things he doesn't think about first. He does not consider the consequences of his actions. About half of those diagnosed with ADHD are hyperactive. Since the word "hyperactive" is in the name itself you might think that everyone with the disorder must be hyperactive, but such is not the case. There are probably five or six types of ADHD, each one different from the other in terms of brain function. You can learn more about the different types of ADHD at the ADHD Information Library. How do you know if your child or teen is hyperactive? He has happy hands and feet which fidget and squirm a lot. He just can't stay in his seat for very long when he's supposed to at school or the dinner table. He may run around too much, or climb on things he's not supposed to. He is often just too loud. He is "On the go" as if he is "driven by a motor." He talks too much. He leaves footprints across the ceiling. It is important to note that at least some of these symptoms must have been seen before the age of seven. Also, that at least some of the symptoms are seen both at home and at school.

Also, that these behaviors are really a problem. Not just a little bit, but a lot. Please be aware that there are several reasons why a child could have these symptoms besides Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. For example, thyroid problems, depression, anxiety disorders, hearing problems, and so on. Please do not attempt to "diagnose" your child. See your doctor, or go to a qualified mental health professional. This web site is no substitute for talking with an expert. Keep in mind that over-diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a big problem. There are some children who are diagnosed as having ADHD that do not have it. It is not uncommon for someone with depression, or anxiety, specific learning disabilities, early onset bi-polar disorder, or Tourette's Syndrome, to be diagnosed as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

This is often the result of a diagnostic "work-up" which is too brief and does not take into account the many reasons why a child might be inattentive, impulsive, or over-active. But over-diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is not the only problem. Under-diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is also a problem. This happens most often in the school setting where the school psychologist writes his report perfectly describing an individual with ADHD, then refuses to use the label "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" in his report anywhere.

It also often happens in therapist's offices where the therapist is not familiar with the neurological aspects of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and only sees the characteristic behaviors as "acting out behaviors" due to family problems, rebelliousness, and so on. Therapists operating entirely from a "Family Systems" orientation are especially at risk for making this mistake, as I admit I did for my first two years in practice.

Some studies suggest that only one out of three people who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder will ever get help. Two out of three people who have ADHD will never receive a diagnosis or treatment. They will never really know what it is that's bothered them through their life. So we have two problems. One is the over-diagnosis and the other is the under-diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder. First, the symptom of inattention. The person has trouble with focusing on the right thing, long enough to get it done. A lot of people, including his parents, complain that he just doesn't seem to listen when spoken to. Because of not sustaining attention, or because of acting like a "space cadet," he doesn't finish his chores or homework. He can't keep his mind on what he's doing for very long unless it is very exciting, or very entertaining, and he doesn't pay close attention to what he's doing, so he makes a lot of careless mistakes. Video games are an exception because they give immediate feedback, they are exciting, and they are fun. Chores and homework are not.The inattention is seen most with homework, chores, and other boring things that you want him to do.

He's really disorganized. Most commonly this is seen in spending three hours to finally finish his homework, then losing it at school (it's in his backpack), or forgetting to turn it in. He really tries to avoid doing homework or chores. He gets distracted easily, or pays attention to the wrong thing at the wrong time. He is often forgetful and has to be reminded to do things often. The great majority of people diagnosed with ADHD have problems with inattention. The next classic symptom is poor impulse control, or a lack of self-control. Not all people with ADHD have this problem, but many do.

He often blurts out answers in class.
He can't wait his turn when he is playing games or at school, and pushes ahead in lines. He interrupts others a lot, he just doesn't wait well. He tends to do things without thinking about them first, and says things he doesn't think about first. He does not consider the consequences of his actions. About half of those diagnosed with ADHD are hyperactive. Since the word "hyperactive" is in the name itself you might think that everyone with the disorder must be hyperactive, but such is not the case. There are probably five or six types of ADHD, each one different from the other in terms of brain function. You can learn more about the different types of ADHD at the ADHD Information Library. How do you know if your child or teen is hyperactive?

He has happy hands and feet which fidget and squirm a lot. He just can't stay in his seat for very long when he's supposed to at school or the dinner table. He may run around too much, or climb on things he's not supposed to. He is often just too loud. He is "On the go" as if he is "driven by a motor." He talks too much. He leaves footprints across the ceiling. It is important to note that at least some of these symptoms must have been seen before the age of seven. Also, that at least some of the symptoms are seen both at home and at school. Also, that these behaviors are really a problem. Not just a little bit, but a lot. Please be aware that there are several reasons why a child could have these symptoms besides Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. For example, thyroid problems, depression, anxiety disorders, hearing problems, and so on. Please do not attempt to "diagnose" your child. See your doctor, or go to a qualified mental health professional. This web site is no substitute for talking with an expert. Keep in mind that over-diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a big problem. There are some children who are diagnosed as having ADHD that do not have it. It is not uncommon for someone with depression, or anxiety, specific learning disabilities, early onset bi-polar disorder, or Tourette's Syndrome, to be diagnosed as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

This is often the result of a diagnostic "work-up" which is too brief and does not take into account the many reasons why a child might be inattentive, impulsive, or over-active. But over-diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is not the only problem. Under-diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is also a problem. This happens most often in the school setting where the school psychologist writes his report perfectly describing an individual with ADHD, then refuses to use the label "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" in his report anywhere. Don't let your love ones suffer anymore! Lead them out through Adhd Diagnosing program now!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Autism Classroom Management - Can Management And Control Be Referred To As Cure?

While the medical authorities insist the current there is no cure for autism, others say if it can be controlled and effectively managed, then it is as magnificent as a cure. This survey looks closely at it and throws some more sunbeams on the argument of whether it can be cured or not.

I have talked to lots of people about autism, including those who insist it can be cured and those who say it can't be cured. My observation is that those who say it can be cured insist that if it can be effectively managed and controlled, then that's as good as a cure, especially if the condition no longer causes problems for the victims or their loved ones anymore. While what they say makes "some" sense, there are still unanswered questions about this.  


The school of thought that insist it can't be cured believe that "cure" is completely different from "management" of the condition. They believe that if the condition can't be completely eradicated, then it just can't be cured. While they also make a lot of sense in their argument, there are still questions that they just can't answer effectively.

Nonetheless, regardless of what the real answer to this question is -- the point is that if you find a way to effectively manage or control the condition, then it can be a cure for you. That's why it's recommended that everyone looks for what works for them, in getting rid of their medical conditions.

Of course, the "cure" that will work very well with one person might not work very well for the other person. But how can you know what will work best for you, or your loved one, if you don't try it out?! Don't let your love ones suffer anymore! Lead them out through Autism Classroom Management program now!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Autism Behavior Strategies - Dealing With Autistic Children Behavior

One of the most difficult areas of autism and fortunately one overly can be set systematically is the board of classic autistic behaviors that usually affect the extent of how functional a exact patient is or how still value of livlihood he and the lendees close to him experience. Although this behaviors are difficult, basically all autistic children's behaviors are not intended. They merely crop up as a result of feeling annoyed or frustrated, inability to express the needs or share this experience, or because of too still sensory input.

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for autism, only treatments and some of them are experimental. While most are widely documented, the efficacy of each treatment differs from one patient to another since the condition is not yet fully understood. But, there are plenty of ways to deal with autistic children's behaviors apart from using diets and medications. Some of them are discussed below.

1. Ask the crucial questions. Dealing with autistic behaviors begins with a behavior analysis. There are specialists you can consult for this, but parents are also encouraged to analyze their children's behavior to understand them better. On top of these, parents can also facilitate behavior modification techniques if they know firsthand the problems their kids suffer.

Questions like "Does the behavior threaten the safety and health of the child?" and "Does it pose health risks to others?" can provide some important details regarding your child's condition. Also, primary caregivers are advised to know the roots of a child's problem. Sleeping problems, for example, usually result from a child's hypersensitivity to sensory inputs or from disruptions in his body clock. Poor social skills may, on the other hand, have underlying causes such as inability to understand the nuances of a language or the lack of imaginary skills.

2. Analyze the condition using the ABC model. In behavior analysis, ABC means Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequence. This presents the relationship between the cause of the behavior and the events that occur after the behavior. Often, what happens before and after the difficult behavior affects whether it will recur. Understanding this relationship will help the caregiver identify problem areas that need their attention.

3. Avoid the recurrence of challenging behaviors. There are several strategies to prevent misbehaviors from occurring, two are widely used. First is the reinforcement of positive behaviors by rewarding it whenever it happens. And second is the reduction of the rates of negative behaviors. Don't let your love ones suffer anymore! Lead them out through Autism Behavior Strategies program now!