Tips For Living with Autism

Living with autism can be difficult, but there are some simple changes you can implement that will make a big difference. In 1994, 1 in 10,000 children were diagnosed with autism, while studies today put the number at about 1 in 88. With the increase in the amount of diagnoses, people are requesting help and advice in coping with the disorder. Within the last ten years there's been an enormous rise in the research and knowledge available. There are several ways to help with the autism diagnosis:

1. Be considered a Self-Advocate

Being a self-advocate can make coping with autism a great deal simpler. It is important to know how to correctly explain and communicate your autistic child’s educational, physical, and emotional needs to caretakers and instructors. The more comfortable you feel about discussing autism, the easier it will l be for other people to understand and adapt. As children get older, it is important to encourage them to begin speaking up on their own behalf.

2. Dietary Considerations

Changing certain foods can sometimes make a difference in behavior associated with autism. Food allergies are common in individuals with autism. Some foods to look at when making dietary changes are:.

·         Gluten – is found in almost all grains, such as wheat, rye, barley, spelt, oats, and semolina

·         Casein – is found in animal milk items, anything with lactose, as well as the wax on some fruits

·         Soy – Soy isn't just present in items like soybeans and soy sauce, but can also be contained in virtually every processed or packed food you'll find

·         Corn –is generally present in virtually every packed or processed food

Individuals with autism should speak with a healthcare professional in regards to making dietary changes.

3. Develop a Strong Social Network

A powerful support network is essential for the happiness and health of people diagnosed with autism, as well as their families. It is crucial that you develop a network of people that will help you with various types of support, such as:

·         Social - This group includes friends, classmates, and co-workers who will help you with handling daily achievements and disappointments.

·         Emotional - This group includes friends and family who may serve as reliable confidants who can help when you really need anyone to share feeling, concerns, along with other emotional elements.

·         Educational - This group includes doctors, instructors, care providers, and practitioners, along with other experts within the area, that can provide you with suggestions about major choices regarding treatment and care. This group may also include parents of other autistic children.

·         Practical - This group includes anybody close by that may assist you for emergencies that inevitably arise.

By developing a strong social network, you'll be far better equipped to tackle any situation; this can make coping with autism much easier. 

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR AUTISM

Dispelling the Myths about High Functioning Asperger Syndrome

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This is an area of study that is changing and advancing rapidly, but the public has not yet caught up to the general consensus within the psychiatric community. Today, we're going to clear up some of the broad, widely-held misconceptions about the disorder formerly known as high functioning Asperger’s Syndrome.

1.       Though certain patients with particular symptoms are often referred to as having high functioning Asperger, the condition was actually formally known as Asperger's Syndrome, named after an Austrian pediatrician named Hans Asperger who first identified the syndrome back in the 1940s. Now, let's fast forward to 2013, when the psychiatric community elected to remove Asperger's Syndrome from the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) because it is technically an affliction on the autism spectrum, and shouldn't necessarily be treated differently. However, Asperger's generally describes a less severe case that still allows individuals to autonomously work, maintain a social life, and support themselves within our society's framework without unreasonable accommodation. So from here forward, when this article refers to someone who displays the traits or symptoms of high functioning Asperger, we will do so by the current medical terminology: Autism.

2.       Here is a quick list of the most common symptoms found in patients suffering from a relatively mild autism spectrum disorder:

·         Difficulty noticing, interpreting, and responding to subtle social cues

·         Difficulty reading body language, starting or maintaining a conversation, or refraining from interrupting others who are speaking

·         Difficulty feeling or expressing empathy, especially in appropriate social situations

·         Difficulty understanding or expressing differences in people's tone, pitch, or accent (for instance, having trouble recognizing sarcasm)

·         Constant verbalization of internal thought process

·         Abnormal eye contact – either very little, or too much

·         Deep, intense interest in one or a few different subjects, about which they sometimes speak at great length (often carrying on a one-sided conversation) and which they have a multifaceted, extensive knowledge about.

3.       Many people who are searching for information about high functioning Asperger’s are actually searching for information on high functioning autism. Though they sound like they should be the same thing, the psychiatric community is still working to fold the previous diagnosis of Asperger's into the autism spectrum (on a scale of severity). High functioning autism used to mean patients who suffered from an autism spectrum disorder, and had an IQ of more than 70. High functioning autism, like high functioning Asperger, does not appear at all in the DSM-V. This is likely due to the psychiatric community's increasing reluctance to utilize IQ as an appropriate measure of intelligence, since both the concept and the method of testing have proven to be faulty in many areas.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR HIGH FUNCTIONING ASPERGER'S

Recognizing Early Signs of Autism

Be Proactive: Recognize the Early Signs of Autism

It is a parent's nightmare: that their child may have a health problem that will significantly affect the quality of their life. Though it's hard to imagine, it is important that you know and can recognize the early signs of autism, because the younger your child is when they begin to receive treatment, the more that treatment will benefit them throughout their lives.

If you are a parent of a very young child (or children,) you are in the best position to notice specific early signs of autism so that you can inform their pediatrician as early as possible if you suspect a problem. Here is a short list of the most common early signs of autism:

·         Your child begins to regress rather than continuing to develop. This is one of the most serious early signs of autism – a child develops to a certain point in terms of communication, and then seems to regress. If your child is between one and two years old and seems to lose any of the linguistic or social skills they have already developed, speak to your pediatrician right away.

·         Your child seems extraordinarily late to develop linguistic, behavioral, or motor skills. Of course, all children develop at their own speed, so you don't necessarily need to be concerned if they don't seem to be progressing in some areas as fast as you think they should. However, there are a set of age-appropriate developmental goals all children should reach as they grow, and if your child does not, it's appropriate to bring your concerns up with your child's pediatrician.

·         Your child doesn't seem to interact with you in a recognizable way. All infants are different, but some of the most important early signs of autism are deficits in a child’s ability to interact with their parents. The web site HelpGuide offers this list of delays (that) warrant an immediate evaluation by your child's pediatrician.

• By 6 months: No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions.
• By 9 months: No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions.
• By 12 months: Lack of response to name.
• By 12 months: No babbling or “baby talk.”
• By 12 months: No back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching, or waving.
• By 16 months: No spoken words.
• By 24 months: No meaningful two-word phrases that don’t involve imitating or repeating.

 It can't be emphasized enough: you are in the best position to notice the early signs of autism because you spend the most time with your child. If you are concerned your little one may have a problem, talk to your pediatrician right away. The sooner you catch it, the better chance your child will have of responding to treatments, and with a little help, living the rest of their lives to the fullest.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR AUTISM

Living with Autism

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. According to AutismSpeaks.org, these disorders are characterized by varying difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors. Most signs of autism begin to appear by age two or three. An early diagnosis is beneficial so treatment can begin that much earlier.

What is the Cause of Autism?

It hasn’t been too long ago that we did not know the answer to this question, but now thanks to extensive research, we know that there is not just one cause of autism. Over the last five years, there have been a number of rare gene changes, or mutations, associated with autism. Some of these are enough to cause autism on their own; however, many times it is a combination of autism risk genes and environmental factors. Many of the environmental risk factors involve events before and during birth. These can include advanced parental age at conception, maternal illness during pregnancy, or certain difficulties during birth.

What Does an Autism Diagnosis Mean?

It is important to note that each individual diagnosed with autism is different and very unique. Many of them have exceptional abilities with things such as music or academics. Approximately 40% have average to above average intellectual abilities, while others are significantly disabled with their diagnosis and are unable to live independently. About 25% are unable to communicate verbally, but can learn to communicate through other means.

What Type of Treatment is available for Autism?

It is important to remember that just as each individual with Autism is unique, so should each treatment be tailored to his or her individual needs. Treatment can include behavioral treatments, medicines, or a combination of the two. Many of those diagnosed with autism also have other medical conditions such as sleep disturbance, seizures, and gastrointestinal distress. When these conditions are addressed, many times it can improve attention, learning, and related behaviors.

Early intensive behavioral therapy involves a child’s entire family working with a team of professionals. In some intervention programs, therapists come into the home to work with the child or even go on outings with the family to help demonstrate appropriate reactions to certain autistic behaviors.

As children grow and develop social and learning skills, treatment should be adjusted to target specific needs, such as social skills training or specialized approaches to teaching. Transition services are beneficial to adolescents with autism to help promote a successful maturation into independence and employment opportunities that will be faced in adulthood.

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development, and these disorders are characterized by varying difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors. Although there are those diagnosed with autism that are unable to live independently, there are many, who with the proper treatment, can go on to live independent, productive lives. 

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR AUTISM

The Autism Spectrum: Autism Definition and Differentiation

Autism describes a group of neurodevelopmental disorders collectively known as the autism spectrum. The autism spectrum encompasses:

·         Autism

·         Asperger’s Syndrome

·         Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

Although these disorders are related and may all be included in the definition of autism, they are actually quite distinct from one another. At one time they were recognized as separate disorders; however, the latest psychological Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth Edition, known as the DSM-V, combines them within the autism spectrum.

Autism

Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by social impairment; impaired verbal and non-verbal communication; and restrictive, repetitive, or stereotyped behavior. These characteristics are usually apparent before the age of three.

Autism carries with it a wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of impairment. Some individuals with autism are severely developmentally disabled and may never acquire verbal communication, while others have high-functioning autism, defined as an IQ higher than 70.

A typical autism definition refers primarily to this form of autism; however, Asperger’s syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) have recently been included with autism on the autism spectrum.

Asperger’s Syndrome

Asperger’s syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder marked by difficulties with social functioning and nonverbal communication, although verbal and cognitive development is often otherwise intact.

Those with Asperger’s syndrome tend to be high functioning, although this syndrome is distinct from high-functioning autism. Despite having high intelligence, people with Asperger’s syndrome have difficulty with social interaction. They often have difficulty understanding subtle forms of nonverbal communication cues, such as eye contact and body posturing, and they may lack normal empathy.

Asperger’s syndrome is also distinguished by the tendency to pursue unusually narrow and specific topics of interest.  Individuals may also exhibit repetitive, stereotypical physical movements, such as flapping or rocking motions.

Asperger’s syndrome is distinguished from high-functioning autism in that language delays in Asperger’s syndrome tend to be minimal; however, it is often still included within a comprehensive autism definition.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specific (PDD-NOS)

Pervasive developmental disorder- not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) is sometimes called atypical autism. PDD-NOS is a DSM-IV diagnosis for individuals who may not fit all of the criteria for autism or another pervasive developmental disorder on the spectrum. Individuals with PDD-NOS often have a lower level of impairment in social skills and a higher level of functioning than individuals who meet the full criteria for autism. They may also exhibit a lesser degree of stereotypical or repetitive behavior.

Many individuals with PDD-NOS have the following characteristics:

·         Difficulties using and understanding language

·         Difficulty with social behavior

·         A need for routine and an intolerance of changes in the environment

·         Uneven skill development with higher proficiency in some areas than others, for example, delayed verbal skills but normal or elevated spatial reasoning skills

·         Unusual play with toys and other objects

·         Unusual likes and dislikes

The DSM-V, the most recent diagnostic and statistical manual for psychology and psychiatry, takes a dimensional approach to constructing a relevant autism definition. The DSM-V uses the term autism spectrum to encompass the three related disorders: autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder- not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). Although these conditions are distinct from one another, they are closely related, and considered to lie along a spectrum of types of verbal and social dysfunction.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR AUTISM

Four Types of Medication for Autism

The most effective methods for treating autism are not pharmaceutical treatments. Language and speech therapy, approaches to education such as structured teaching, and other behavioral approaches are the most important and effective methods for working with autistic individuals. However, in some cases, medication for autism may be prescribed to remediate self-injurious or repetitive behavior, or to control irritability and reduce the frequency of “temper tantrums”.

The most common types of medication for autism include:

·         Selective Seratonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

·         Antipsychotics, either first-generation or second-generation

·         Anticonvulsants

·         Stimulants

SSRI Medication for Autism 

SSRIs are a type of medication that increase the available amount of serotonin, an important neurotransmitter molecule, in the brain. They are sometimes prescribed to autistic persons in order to control some of the restricted, repetitive behaviors common in autism spectrum disorders.

Some common SSRI medications include:

·         Zoloft

·         Prozac

·         Paxil

SSRIs are most commonly used to treat anxiety and depression. In autistic persons, they are applied to individuals demonstrating anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, or repetitive behavior patterns.

Although these medications are sometimes used to treat autistic behaviors, recent analysis of available research data have suggested that, in the past, the benefits of SSRIs for treating autism behaviors may have been decidedly overstated. 

Anti-Psychotic Medication for Autism 

When behavioral approaches such as applied behavior analysis are not effective on their own, aggressive or self-injurious behavior in autism is sometimes treated with anti-psychotic medications,  

There are two main classes of anti-psychotics. The older class of antipsychotics includes:

-          Haloperidol

-          Chlorpromazine

-          Thorazine

-          Fluphenazine

These may produce side effects, including sedation, muscle stiffness, and abnormal movements.

The newer class of antipsychotics includes such drugs as:

-          Zyprexa

-          Risperdal

-          Geodon

-          Seroquel

Side effects of the newer class of antipsychotics include increased appetite and weight gain.

Anti-psychotic medications function as dopamine receptor antagonists, meaning they prevent excessive uptake of dopamine by brain cells. 

Anticonvulsant Medication for Autism 

Anticonvulsants are a type of medication most commonly used to treat seizure disorders. Among people with autism, approximately 25% also experience seizures, so it is not uncommon for autistic individuals to be on an anticonvulsant.

Common anticonvulsants include:

-          Topiramate (Topomax)

-          Lamotrigine (Lamictal)

-          Valproic acid (Depakote)

Stimulant Medication for Autism 

Stimulants are sometimes used to treat inattention and hyperactivity in the context of autism. Commonly used stimulants include:

-          Ritalin

-          Concerta

-          Dexedrine

-          Adderall

Stimulants, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, and SSRIs are all sometimes used as medication for autism. These drugs help treat behavioral abnormalities, such as restrictive and repetitive behaviors or hyperactivity. However, none of them are effective by themselves to treat autism. The best approach to autism is a behavioral approach. Methods such as Applied Behavior Analysis and Structured Teaching, along with speech and language therapy, work with autistic children to improve language abilities and social skills. Medication for autism remains somewhat controversial, with some recent studies indicating that they may not be as effective in treating the disorder as was previously believed. 

BIOFEEDBACK FOR AUTISM

Does Neurofeedback Work for Autism Spectrum Disorders?

Neurofeedback therapy uses instruments, usually electroencephalographs (EEGs), to measure electrical activity in the brain. This information is then “fed back” to individuals using sound, video, or game-like activities. The individual can use this to train themselves to modulate their brainwave activity. This approach is applicable to a variety of disorders that involve dysfunction in brain processes. This includes ADHD, addiction, anxiety, depression, some types of pain disorders, and autism spectrum disorders.

There are relatively few studies on the effects of neurofeedback for autism, but those which have been conducted have indicated that neurofeedback could work for many autistic individuals. Many mental health professionals who work with autistic children have provided case studies in which neurofeedback produced remarkable results. 

How Does Neurofeedback Work to Treat Autism? 

Neurofeedback therapy uses electroencephalograms (EEG machines), which detect electrical activity in the brain, to obtain information about brainwave processes. The information is then “fed back”, often using videos and sounds, to the participant who uses the information to consciously change brainwave patterns. This training becomes learned behavior; overtime, the patient will be able to self-regulate these brainwave patterns.

Autism is a complex syndrome, which is defined by abnormal integration processes in the brain. Neurofeedback takes a different approach to autism as opposed to other forms of treatment. Most methods of treating symptoms of autism have their effects on a behavioral level; however, neurofeedback addresses the problem at the source – the brain. Electrodes are placed on the patients scalp over the areas of the brain that correspond to the individual’s particular difficulties.

Autism is marked by a lack of integrative capability within the brain. Autistic brains have difficulty bringing together sensory and other forms of information. Sufferers of autism have difficulty “filtering out” irrelevant stimuli, and their brains display high levels of arousal. An example of Neurofeedback is the game, a technique where the speed or direction of an object is guided by brainwave frequencies. Over time and repetition the patients become trained to regulate their own brainwaves producing a calmer state of mind.

Autistic individuals, especially children, have difficulty identifying and coping with their emotions. An autistic child may be prone to “temper tantrums” which can last for protracted periods of time. When such neurofeedback techniques are implemented the patient is able to enter more relaxed states, thus making it easier for the sufferer to manage their emotions. Some case reports indicate that an autistic child, during the process of the neurofeedback session, may even become uncharacteristically calm. 

Does Neurofeedback Work for Autism, Without Significant Side Effects? 

Neurofeedback techniques are not known to have any side effects. Although an autistic child may at first be frightened by the novelty of the activities involved in neurofeedback therapy, practitioners report that this effect generally subsides quickly. 

So, How Well Does Neurofeedback Work for Autism? 

The benefits of neurofeedback therapy in autistic patients are not yet fully explored. However, case reports show successful outcomes in instances that neurofeedback was utilized in treating autism. Neurofeedback appears to have great potential in treating the problems that cause autistic individuals to have such great difficulties, thus improving their level of functioning. Further scientific exploration of autism in relation to this revolutionary new technique is underway. To schedule a consultation or to learn more about this safe, painless, non-invasive therapy please visit our website: www.braincoretherapy.com 

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR AUTISM