Nourishing Progress: The Role of Feeding Therapy in Autism Intervention
What is Tactile Sensory Processing?
The tactile system receives information from the environment around us through receptors on our skin that receive touch. Our body then is able to interpret this information and decide how to respond to it. Tactile sensory processing is necessary to develop skills needed for daily activities and social relationships. When the brain has difficulties understanding and responding to tactile information it may be expressed as hyperrosponsiveness or hyporesponsiveness.
Understanding Asperger’s Syndrome: History, Characteristics, and Diagnosis
Home What is Asperger’s Syndrome? Written By: Melanie Bren, BCBA, LBA What is Asperger’s Syndrome? Asperger’s Syndrome, until the publication of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) used to be its own diagnosis. The term was synonymous with “high functioning autism.” Asperger’s syndrome, was different than other ASDs because people with Asperger’s […]
10 ABA Techniques for ASD
Home 10 ABA Techniques for ASD Written By: Jeremiah J. Jones, RBT The internet is flooded with parent advice when it comes to working with their children. It can be even more confusing when your child may have a variety of specialized accommodations for their learning and life needs. Fortunately, in the field of Applied […]
What is Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)?
Home Written By: Melanie Bren, BCBA, LBA What is Pervasive Developmental Disorder? Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) was one of several previously separate subtypes of autism that is now included in the single diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This change of diagnosis was made in the DSM-5 that was published in 2013. […]
How to Talk to Someone with “High-Functioning” Autism
Home Written By: Farrah Coppolino, BT How to Talk to Someone with “High-Functioning” Autism I would like to preface this blog post with an explanation of why I chose certain terminology to refer to people within the ASD Community: The professional and research community generally prefer to use person-first language – “child with autism” – […]
What is Childhood Disintegrative Disorder?
Home What is Childhood Disintegrative Disorder? Written By: Natalie Roberts, RBT Reviewed By: Melanie Bren, BCBA, LBA Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD), also known as Heller’s syndrome or disintegrative psychosis is a rare condition in childhood. CDD is characterized by late onset, typically around 3 or 4 years of age, and affects development in various areas […]
What is High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Home What is High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder? Written By: Melanie Bren, BCBA, LBA The way autism spectrum disorder is classified changed in recent years. In 2013, the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) was updated and revised, in which the terms Asperger’s syndrome, autistic disorder and pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified are […]
How Many Types of Autism Are There?
Home How Many Types of Autism Are There? Written By: Melanie Bren, BCBA, LBA Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) include social communication and behavioral challenges. These challenges can be mild, severe, moderate and they exist across a spectrum. A diagnosis is based on the level of support needed (Level 1, 2 or 3). Early diagnosis means […]
What is Rhett Syndrome?
Home What is Rhett Syndrome? Written By: Melanie Bren, BCBA, LBA Rett syndrome (RS) is a neurological disorder often misdiagnosed as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), cerebral palsy, or non-specified developmental delay (PDD_NOS). RS is caused by a known defective regulatory gene (MECP2) found on the X chromosome exclusively in females. the vast majority of cases […]
The Difference Between Social Awkwardness and Autism
In today’s society, communication is the driving force for human relationships and opportunities. Unfortunately, having good social skills is not something that occurs effortlessly for everyone—many teens struggle with social interactions at school or in the community, which can make it difficult for them to build friendships and communicate their needs and wants with others. Some teens may also face extreme challenges with socialization that can lead to lower self-esteem and depression.
