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High Functioning Autism or Aspergers Syndrome is the term used to describe individuals on the autism spectrum who have a normal or higher intelligence and a strong language ability, but have the core features of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Parents frequently ask “What are the symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder?” and unfortunately we can’t always give a straight answer. Autism isn’t like most diagnoses where your child will display symptoms x, y and z and you know that’s what it is. Autism has a range of symptoms that fit into two categories and the presentations between children may vary significantly. Read on to find out about some of the early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is classified as a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder. What this means is it is lifelong and relates to the development of the brain. Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterised by difficulties with social communication and interaction, and ritualised patterns of behaviours. Symptoms often present in early childhood, but the average age of diagnosis is 5.49 years.
Research suggests that individuals with autism spectrum disorders experience victimisation and social rejection up to four times more than their peers without autism. When looking at the playground, children and adolescents with autism were more likely to experience intentional social exclusion (being purposefully left out or avoided) and acts of physical aggression from their peers.
Time out can help teach children right from wrong. It means redirecting your child calmly to a designated area you have for time out when they have displayed a behaviour that is inappropriate. Outlining EXACTLY what the behavior you will use time out for is vital.
Recent research has uncovered differences among boys and girls in their presentation and experiences of ASD. Understanding of what was previously assumed to be a male-dominant diagnosis, has now broadened, uncovering unique signs and symptoms of ASD for boys and girls. It is possible that several girls with an ASD diagnosis have flown under the radar due to limited understanding of female ASD experiences. As such, it is important that parents and practitioners be aware of the signs of Autism in a female population.
As a parent you may have heard the term Sensory Integration used more and more frequently these days when a teacher, therapist or Doctor is discussing your child in regards to some difficulties they
The Visual System is self explanatory- our ability to use our sense of sight to see, observe, and make connections.
A better, more effective form of discipline is positive reinforcement. There are several advantages to use positive reinforcement rather than punishment. This includes the marked increase in interest in the subject matter at hand. For example: when the cane is used to punish incorrect responses, the child lives in fear of being called out in class. When praise or tangible items are used to reward correct responses, the child desires to engage in the lesson as they are recognised in a special way and there is a marked increase in self-esteem.
What is Praxis and Dyspraxia? Put simply, you may have been told you that your child has difficulties with motor planning (planning movements) which involves planning what to do and how to do it. It is caused by a ‘hidden’ miscommunication that occurs between your sensory and motor systems involving the nerve pathways to the…
