What is the Theory of Mind in Children With Autism
Home What is the Theory of Mind in Children With Autism Written By: Michelle E. Sisto, MS CCC-SLP TSSLD S There are two children playing together, Ariella and Sienna. Ariella and Sienna are picking daisies and are putting them in their own baskets. Sienna finds a four leaf clover and puts it in her basket. […]
Most Important Social Skills for Kids to Have
Home Most Important Social Skills for Kids to Have Written By: Michelle E. Sisto, MS CCC-SLP TSSLD S As a speech language pathologist, one of the most frequent questions I receive is “why are you working on social skills?” Social skills fall under the umbrella term of communication. Social skills or pragmatic language is how […]
What are the Benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Autism
Home What are the Benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Autism Written By: Jules Glowinski, BTReviewed By: Melanie Bren, BCBA, LBA Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common type of talk therapy that includes working with a mental health counselor in a structured setting. The goal of CBT is to help people become aware of […]
How To Do Speech Therapy at Home: Play Activities
Home How To Do Speech Therapy at Home: Play Activities Written By: Michelle E. Sisto, MS CCC-SLP TSSLD S The best forms of therapy happen all around us. Children learn best when they are engaged and enjoying the activity. Communication is at the heart of every activity and interaction that involves your child. By using […]
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 […]
Causes of Autism: What Causes Autism in Children?
One of the many questions parents ask themselves once their child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is “Did we do something wrong? What caused this?” While it is understandable that parents and caregivers want to hear concrete answers, there isn’t a definitive one at the time. The behavioral differences of many individuals with autism are so apparent that it seems intuitive that the causes would also be obvious.
Challenges Teens with Autism Face
Hanging out with friends after school and on the weekends is a vital part of a teen’s social life. But for teens with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), social activity outside of school is a rarity, finds a new study by Paul Shattuck, PhD, autism expert and assistant professor at the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis.
“We looked at data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2 (NLTS2), a group of over 11,000 adolescents enrolled in special education,” he says.
Managing Elopement in Children with Autism
If you have a child that elopes, you are probably all too familiar with the stress and worry that come with knowing your child may wind up in a dangerous situation within a blink of an eye. Elopement is a significant safety concern that can have deadly consequences.
You may have deadbolts and latches on your doors and windows. Going on vacation or visiting with friends or relatives may have you on high alert. You may often feel anxious and on edge with constantly having to monitor your child’s whereabouts.
A Parent’s Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorder
If your child has recently been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), there are likely many emotions you’re feeling and scenarios running through your mind. However, it can provide clarity and result in a starting point for navigating the next steps in your child’s life. Like many major life events, learning your child has autism will affect everyone in your family; even your network of friends. I
t’s no surprise that you will go through many new positive and challenging experiences, face many emotions and be forced to make many hard decisions. Caregivers often feel relief or comfort when their child is officially diagnosed as it solidifies and validates suspicions they’ve had, but also brings an overwhelming amount of stress and thoughts of “what do I do next?”
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? A Guide
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or autism, is a developmental disability that refers to a broad range of characteristics that are categorized into two groups: deficits in social communication and restrictive/repetitive behaviors. Each of these categories outline a broad range (spectrum) of potential symptoms that one may display. Additionally, there are varying strengths and challenges an individual with autism faces and they are typically diagnosed with a severity level (level 1-3). According to the CDC, “People with ASD often have problems with social, emotional, and communication skills.
They might repeat certain behaviors and might not want change in their daily activities. Many people with ASD also have different ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to things. Signs of ASD begin during early childhood and typically last throughout a person’s life.” Autism affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States, which is twice as great as the 2004 rate of 1 in 26 (CDC, 2021). Autism is about four times more common among boys than girls, however, it occurs in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Learn more about autism red flags here.
What is Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or autism, is a developmental disability that refers to a broad range of characteristics that are categorized into two groups: deficits in social communication and restrictive/repetitive behaviors. Each of these categories outline a broad range (spectrum) of potential symptoms that one may display. Additionally, there are varying strengths and challenges an individual with autism face and they are typically diagnosed with a severity level (level 1-3).
According to the CDC, “People with ASD often have problems with social, emotional, and communication skills. They might repeat certain behaviors and might not want change in their daily activities. Many people with ASD also have different ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to things. Signs of ASD begin during early childhood and typically last throughout a person’s life.” Autism affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States (CDC, 2021). Autism is about four times more common among boys than girls, however, it occurs in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups.
