Taking care of children is never easy – as Mom and Dad, you must be at the beck and call of your children all day, every day. As a parent of a special needs child, you are even more in demand – ensuring that your child is following a routine, making appointments, eating the right foods, etc. It can be very difficult and although you love your child more than anything – at times it can be frustrating. Below, you will find some different ways to cope with Autism and take care of yourself as well.
Stress-Busters:
There’s no doubt that you’re stressed out. On days when everything has gone wrong, it can make you want to crawl in your bed and shut out the rest of the world. However, your child is depending on you to keep going. There are some simple stress-busters you can use to calm yourself and get rid of dangerous stress. Try deep breathing for 5 minutes at a time. Slowly inhale, counting to 10 as you do. Then, exhale slowly, taking the same amount of time as you did to inhale. As you do this, feel the stress draining away and refreshing energy filling your body.
Another great stress buster is writing in a journal. You can trust your deepest secrets, fears and frustrations to the pages of your journal, knowing that it’s only for you and that no one else will read it. Keeping a journal can be very cleansing and can be an excellent outlet for the stress.
Finding ‘Me’ Time:
It’s so important that you are able to cut away small chunks of time that are only for you. Everyone needs a break from time to time and by ensuring that you get one, you will be taking care of yourself. This will make it much easier to take care of your Autistic child. If your child goes to a regular public school, use an hour of your day while they’re gone to soak up some ‘you’ time.
Take a long, hot bath and allow yourself to relax. Watch your favorite show or take a luxurious nap! You should never feel guilty about taking time to yourself here and there – it’s needed and it will refuel your energy so that you’re better able to take care of your family.
Rewarding Yourself:
Any parent has a difficult job – and although being a parent is quite rewarding, who says you can’t reward yourself for doing a great job? Go out to dinner once a month or once every two weeks. Hire a trustworthy sitter or have a friend or family member watch the kids for a night so that you’re able to enjoy yourself with no distractions.
Go to a movie or a show – do something you really enjoy. By rewarding yourself in this way, you will be better able to cope with the stressful and sometimes difficult job of taking care of your Autistic child. Above all, take the time each day to look into your child’s eyes and you will instantly be reminded of why you work so hard to be such a great parent!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Treatment Options for Autism
Many children with Autism are on a prescription medication to help control the symptoms they experience. However, as more and more parents become aware of potentially dangerous and even fatal side effects of prescription medications, the need for alternative treatment options for Autism has grown. Below, you will find some wonderful alternative treatments used for children with Autism.
Changes in Diet –
One of the alternative treatments that are becoming very popular is changes in the diet of Autistic children. It has been found that many children respond to certain diet changes; most commonly excluding gluten and casein from the diet. These are often found in wheat and dairy products and may cause sensitivity in some Autistic children. By eliminating these particular things from the diet of Autistic children, parents have seen a significant difference in behavioral problems and issues.
Another common change in diet includes adding fatty acids like Omega 3’s. This is commonly found in fish and fish oil and can have a profound effect on Autistic children. From being able to sleep better, interacting with others in a more positive way and just increasing the overall health of the child – it’s no wonder this alternative treatment is becoming so popular.
Music and Senses –
A few of the greatest forms of alternative treatment include using music and sounds. Music is a great way of relaxing a child with Autism and some children who will not even speak will sing with the music. This is a great way to further develop speech and to calm Autistic children. Other noises, tastes, smells and textures are also employed as forms of therapy for children with Autism – allowing them to relax, learn and further developmental skills.
‘Funtime’ Therapy –
One of the greatest ways to get Autistic children to learn to play with other children and other things is to employ ‘funtime’ therapy. A therapist or even the parent may start by simply playing with the child and his or her favorite toys until a bond is established and other children are introduced to the funtime activities. This is a wonderful way for a child with Autism to build up trust and learn social skills that are important for them.
There are many different kinds of alternative treatments for children with Autism. When parents do not want to risk dangerous side effects or reactions from chemicals and prescriptions, it’s great to know they have a long list of other options they can rely on for treatment of Autism.
Spend some time talking with your doctor about your treatment options and what your child may thrive with. You may also want to conduct some research on your own so that you can get an entire view of the options available to you. By doing this, you can make the best decision regarding treatment options for your Autistic child. This will give you peace of mind, knowing you’ve made an educated decision to help your child in any way that you can.
Changes in Diet –
One of the alternative treatments that are becoming very popular is changes in the diet of Autistic children. It has been found that many children respond to certain diet changes; most commonly excluding gluten and casein from the diet. These are often found in wheat and dairy products and may cause sensitivity in some Autistic children. By eliminating these particular things from the diet of Autistic children, parents have seen a significant difference in behavioral problems and issues.
Another common change in diet includes adding fatty acids like Omega 3’s. This is commonly found in fish and fish oil and can have a profound effect on Autistic children. From being able to sleep better, interacting with others in a more positive way and just increasing the overall health of the child – it’s no wonder this alternative treatment is becoming so popular.
Music and Senses –
A few of the greatest forms of alternative treatment include using music and sounds. Music is a great way of relaxing a child with Autism and some children who will not even speak will sing with the music. This is a great way to further develop speech and to calm Autistic children. Other noises, tastes, smells and textures are also employed as forms of therapy for children with Autism – allowing them to relax, learn and further developmental skills.
‘Funtime’ Therapy –
One of the greatest ways to get Autistic children to learn to play with other children and other things is to employ ‘funtime’ therapy. A therapist or even the parent may start by simply playing with the child and his or her favorite toys until a bond is established and other children are introduced to the funtime activities. This is a wonderful way for a child with Autism to build up trust and learn social skills that are important for them.
There are many different kinds of alternative treatments for children with Autism. When parents do not want to risk dangerous side effects or reactions from chemicals and prescriptions, it’s great to know they have a long list of other options they can rely on for treatment of Autism.
Spend some time talking with your doctor about your treatment options and what your child may thrive with. You may also want to conduct some research on your own so that you can get an entire view of the options available to you. By doing this, you can make the best decision regarding treatment options for your Autistic child. This will give you peace of mind, knowing you’ve made an educated decision to help your child in any way that you can.
Friday, January 16, 2009
How to Place Your Autistic Child on the Gluten Free Diet
The gluten-free diet has gained in popularity since many parents have noticed changes in their child’s behavior and significant reductions in their symptoms. If you’ve been considering placing your child on the gluten-free diet, but you’re just not sure – this article will give you in-depth directions on how to do it! Here is some more information on how to place your autistic child on the gluten-free diet.
How to Get Started:
You will need to begin by finding some gluten-free recipes to cook for your family. Whether or not your entire family will go on the diet is up to you – some families feel as though it’s easier to create entire gluten-free meals rather than trying to prepare foods for only the autistic child. Look for gluten-free recipes online and check your local library or bookstore for gluten-free cook books. This will help you select meals you feel your family will enjoy which are free of gluten and still healthy.
Experiment a little with the different foods and allow your child to try them. Find out the likes and dislikes when it comes to gluten-free cooking. This is a trial-and-error process, so it’s up to you to make it work.
Where to Find Gluten-Free Foods:
You can find gluten-free foods in your local supermarket. However, there may only be a small selection. You can find even more by visiting your local health food store. There are gluten-free baking mixes, snacks and even entire meal ideas. Be sure to read the labels on the different foods you purchase from the grocery store. Gluten can often hide in some unlikely places – such as flavorings and spices. As you become accustomed to searching for gluten-free foods, it will be easier for you.
Things You Should Know about the Gluten-Free Diet:
It’s very important that you know what to expect with this kind of diet. Every sort of diet takes a little adjusting before its smooth sailing. However, if you plan on trying this diet, you need to try it for at least 3 to 4 months. While most people expect to see changes within a few weeks or a month, it takes longer on this diet to see results. While some families may write the diet off as unsuccessful, it could be that they haven’t given it time to actually work when they decide to quit.
So, try the diet for at least 3 months and determine whether it’s working or not. Also, you may want to keep a food journal – writing down what your child eats and what behaviors he or she has. This will help you identify whether or not the diet is making a difference with your child’s autism symptoms.
This is a great diet that has worked for many parents of autistic children. Give it a try and see how it works for you. Remember that it may take a little while to actually show results, but if it does – it will be well worth it. Good luck.
How to Get Started:
You will need to begin by finding some gluten-free recipes to cook for your family. Whether or not your entire family will go on the diet is up to you – some families feel as though it’s easier to create entire gluten-free meals rather than trying to prepare foods for only the autistic child. Look for gluten-free recipes online and check your local library or bookstore for gluten-free cook books. This will help you select meals you feel your family will enjoy which are free of gluten and still healthy.
Experiment a little with the different foods and allow your child to try them. Find out the likes and dislikes when it comes to gluten-free cooking. This is a trial-and-error process, so it’s up to you to make it work.
Where to Find Gluten-Free Foods:
You can find gluten-free foods in your local supermarket. However, there may only be a small selection. You can find even more by visiting your local health food store. There are gluten-free baking mixes, snacks and even entire meal ideas. Be sure to read the labels on the different foods you purchase from the grocery store. Gluten can often hide in some unlikely places – such as flavorings and spices. As you become accustomed to searching for gluten-free foods, it will be easier for you.
Things You Should Know about the Gluten-Free Diet:
It’s very important that you know what to expect with this kind of diet. Every sort of diet takes a little adjusting before its smooth sailing. However, if you plan on trying this diet, you need to try it for at least 3 to 4 months. While most people expect to see changes within a few weeks or a month, it takes longer on this diet to see results. While some families may write the diet off as unsuccessful, it could be that they haven’t given it time to actually work when they decide to quit.
So, try the diet for at least 3 months and determine whether it’s working or not. Also, you may want to keep a food journal – writing down what your child eats and what behaviors he or she has. This will help you identify whether or not the diet is making a difference with your child’s autism symptoms.
This is a great diet that has worked for many parents of autistic children. Give it a try and see how it works for you. Remember that it may take a little while to actually show results, but if it does – it will be well worth it. Good luck.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
What is the Gluten Free Diet?
Many parents have placed their Autistic children on the gluten free diet in an attempt to help control the symptoms of the condition. It has been reported that 8 out of 10 children with Autism respond to this diet, experiencing less problems in behavioral and social areas. For this reason, many parents want to at least give this diet a go before ruling it out as helpful for their child. Below, you will learn about the gluten free diet and how to help your Autistic child by using it.
What Exactly Is the Gluten Free Diet?
The diet basically centers on foods that are gluten-free, and although many foods do contain gluten, more alternatives are being made available. Typically, the foods which contain gluten include those containing wheat, barley, oats and rye. It’s important for parents considering the gluten-free diet to check labels of all foods coming into the household, since gluten can be present in many unlikely places. In fact, most foods which contain any sort of artificial flavoring may contain gluten.
Where to Find Gluten-Free Foods –
Although many foods do contain gluten, there are also many alternatives available. Check your local health food store to find gluten-free baking ingredients, meals and snacks. If this is all very new to you, you might want to experiment by cooking a few practice meals that are gluten-free. While it can be frustrating and difficult to become accustomed to eating gluten-free, it can also be worth the effort. If the child does well on the gluten-free diet, the family will eventually adjust and will usually be happy with the foods available to them.
What Foods are Acceptable to Eat?
There are many foods that individuals can eat – even if they are avoiding gluten. This includes but is not necessarily limited to:
- Certain Meats and Fish
- Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
- Nuts
- Eggs
Once you’ve learned your way around a gluten-free kitchen, preparing meals that are delicious and satisfying will not be difficult. Pick up some gluten-free cookbooks or search for recipes online to get started.
Although the gluten-free diet is not considered a cure for autism, it has significantly reduced the symptoms of Autism with many children. It is often easier if the entire family adopts this gluten-free diet rather than expecting only the child to eat this way. It helps in the preparation of meals and snacks as well.
Often times, parents of Autistic children will try just about anything to help the condition and its affects. The gluten-free diet can be a wonderful way to help treat the child’s symptoms and help with behaviors. If you’d like to try it – understand that the diet should continue for at least 3 to 4 months in order to determine whether it is helping or not. A few weeks or a month will not be long enough to assess the results.
What Exactly Is the Gluten Free Diet?
The diet basically centers on foods that are gluten-free, and although many foods do contain gluten, more alternatives are being made available. Typically, the foods which contain gluten include those containing wheat, barley, oats and rye. It’s important for parents considering the gluten-free diet to check labels of all foods coming into the household, since gluten can be present in many unlikely places. In fact, most foods which contain any sort of artificial flavoring may contain gluten.
Where to Find Gluten-Free Foods –
Although many foods do contain gluten, there are also many alternatives available. Check your local health food store to find gluten-free baking ingredients, meals and snacks. If this is all very new to you, you might want to experiment by cooking a few practice meals that are gluten-free. While it can be frustrating and difficult to become accustomed to eating gluten-free, it can also be worth the effort. If the child does well on the gluten-free diet, the family will eventually adjust and will usually be happy with the foods available to them.
What Foods are Acceptable to Eat?
There are many foods that individuals can eat – even if they are avoiding gluten. This includes but is not necessarily limited to:
- Certain Meats and Fish
- Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
- Nuts
- Eggs
Once you’ve learned your way around a gluten-free kitchen, preparing meals that are delicious and satisfying will not be difficult. Pick up some gluten-free cookbooks or search for recipes online to get started.
Although the gluten-free diet is not considered a cure for autism, it has significantly reduced the symptoms of Autism with many children. It is often easier if the entire family adopts this gluten-free diet rather than expecting only the child to eat this way. It helps in the preparation of meals and snacks as well.
Often times, parents of Autistic children will try just about anything to help the condition and its affects. The gluten-free diet can be a wonderful way to help treat the child’s symptoms and help with behaviors. If you’d like to try it – understand that the diet should continue for at least 3 to 4 months in order to determine whether it is helping or not. A few weeks or a month will not be long enough to assess the results.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Is There a Cure for Autism?
Many parents of Autistic children get discouraged when they hear that there is no actual cure for Autism. However, this certainly doesn’t mean that there aren’t many things you can do to help your child and yourself cope with autism. There are many different treatments that can help reduce the symptoms of autism and this can be wonderful for both you and your child. Below, you will find some of the popular treatments of Autism and how they can work.
Therapy or Counseling –
For individuals with different conditions that cannot be cured, the best thing that can happen is those individuals learning to cope with those conditions. This is exactly what happens when a parent places their autistic child in therapy or counseling. They can receive many different types of therapies which will help them deal with the limitations of autism in their daily lives including school, home, play, relationships, and more. Therapy is a great help to Autistic children and their families.
Holistic and Natural Treatments –
Many parents choose to treat their children with natural products rather than potentially harmful drugs or prescriptions. From herbs and supplements to other treatments, these types of options are very popular amongst families with an autistic child. There are many different natural products which have been proven effective against some symptoms of autism and they do not pose the threat to the individual the way chemicals and prescriptions can. Of course, it’s very important to speak with the child’s physician before starting him or her on any kind of herbal or natural treatment to ensure that it is safe. However, this can be a great resource of treatment for autistic children.
Diet –
Another great method of treatment is taking close look at your child’s diet and nutrition. Many parents have determined that some foods cause sensitivities in their Autistic child and by eliminating them, they can reduce some symptoms. The most common foods that are eliminated include those with gluten, casein and sugars. Although this is a difficult change to make in the life of a child, it can be well worth it if it helps to control issues related to autism.
While there is no cure for Autism, there are a number of things parents can do to help their children cope and live with Autism. From getting help with a therapist or counselor and experimenting with safe alternative treatments – to eliminating certain foods in the child’s diet, you may experience great success with these methods. Although you can’t cure your child’s autism, you can make it much more bearable!
Speak with your doctor today about the possibilities when it comes to treatment for Autism. Your doctor may help you determine the best possible treatment of Autism for your child so you can ensure that he or she is not held back from life with the symptoms this condition brings.
Therapy or Counseling –
For individuals with different conditions that cannot be cured, the best thing that can happen is those individuals learning to cope with those conditions. This is exactly what happens when a parent places their autistic child in therapy or counseling. They can receive many different types of therapies which will help them deal with the limitations of autism in their daily lives including school, home, play, relationships, and more. Therapy is a great help to Autistic children and their families.
Holistic and Natural Treatments –
Many parents choose to treat their children with natural products rather than potentially harmful drugs or prescriptions. From herbs and supplements to other treatments, these types of options are very popular amongst families with an autistic child. There are many different natural products which have been proven effective against some symptoms of autism and they do not pose the threat to the individual the way chemicals and prescriptions can. Of course, it’s very important to speak with the child’s physician before starting him or her on any kind of herbal or natural treatment to ensure that it is safe. However, this can be a great resource of treatment for autistic children.
Diet –
Another great method of treatment is taking close look at your child’s diet and nutrition. Many parents have determined that some foods cause sensitivities in their Autistic child and by eliminating them, they can reduce some symptoms. The most common foods that are eliminated include those with gluten, casein and sugars. Although this is a difficult change to make in the life of a child, it can be well worth it if it helps to control issues related to autism.
While there is no cure for Autism, there are a number of things parents can do to help their children cope and live with Autism. From getting help with a therapist or counselor and experimenting with safe alternative treatments – to eliminating certain foods in the child’s diet, you may experience great success with these methods. Although you can’t cure your child’s autism, you can make it much more bearable!
Speak with your doctor today about the possibilities when it comes to treatment for Autism. Your doctor may help you determine the best possible treatment of Autism for your child so you can ensure that he or she is not held back from life with the symptoms this condition brings.
Monday, January 12, 2009
What is Autism? Autism Defined and Explained
Autism is something that affects many children. It is a disorder that affects the central nervous system. When a child has autism, they fell like they want to be left alone and be to themselves. It is important that you know and see the warning signs of autism in a child.
Autism effects verbal and even nonverbal communications. They will have problems using their language, creating relationships, and responding to the world around them. The symptoms may form quite early in life, but a child is typically not diagnosed with autism until around the school age. The reason for this is because children develop at all stages, therefore it may just look like they are a little behind in learning.
There are a number of symptoms of autism, including communication problems, the lack of creative play and language issues. Some people are affected with autism more than others. Some children will have mild symptoms of autism and can go barely affects; others will need constant care for the rest of their lives because it is more severe.
There are over 1.5 million people who have some form of autism in the United States. It affects all different kinds of races and ethnic groups. Boys are more than three times likely than girls to have autism as well. But unlike the past, children with autism are no longer institutionalized as they can live with the care of their family in their home.
While there is no cure for autism, if it is caught early enough the family and doctor can work on the problem so there is a bigger potential that they will be able to integrate into their community as they get older. When the parents get educated about Autism early, they can help their child sooner.
There is not a single gene that is responsible for autism, yet it is the combination of certain genes. If a family has a child with autism, they have a 3-8% higher risk of having another child who is autistic. There are even some environmental factors that may have an increased risk to an autistic child.
It is important that you understand autism and know the warning signs in a child, as it is better to know and understand it in a child sooner than later. The effects on the child can be lessened, and they can grow up to lead a more normal life with less problems.
Autism effects verbal and even nonverbal communications. They will have problems using their language, creating relationships, and responding to the world around them. The symptoms may form quite early in life, but a child is typically not diagnosed with autism until around the school age. The reason for this is because children develop at all stages, therefore it may just look like they are a little behind in learning.
There are a number of symptoms of autism, including communication problems, the lack of creative play and language issues. Some people are affected with autism more than others. Some children will have mild symptoms of autism and can go barely affects; others will need constant care for the rest of their lives because it is more severe.
There are over 1.5 million people who have some form of autism in the United States. It affects all different kinds of races and ethnic groups. Boys are more than three times likely than girls to have autism as well. But unlike the past, children with autism are no longer institutionalized as they can live with the care of their family in their home.
While there is no cure for autism, if it is caught early enough the family and doctor can work on the problem so there is a bigger potential that they will be able to integrate into their community as they get older. When the parents get educated about Autism early, they can help their child sooner.
There is not a single gene that is responsible for autism, yet it is the combination of certain genes. If a family has a child with autism, they have a 3-8% higher risk of having another child who is autistic. There are even some environmental factors that may have an increased risk to an autistic child.
It is important that you understand autism and know the warning signs in a child, as it is better to know and understand it in a child sooner than later. The effects on the child can be lessened, and they can grow up to lead a more normal life with less problems.
Common Autism Symptoms
Autism affects many children, and it is important to know the symptoms and signs of autism to be able to look out for it. Some are more significant than others, but it is important to know what and where to look for them to be able to seek medical attention when needed.
A poor use of body language can be a sign of autism. Lack of eye contact and body language are typically big signs that you want to look for.
If they show signs of just wanting to be alone and by themselves, this can also be a symptom that they have autism.
If they are not responding to verbal cues as if they were deaf but aren’t, this could be another symptom of autism. It is as if they would be rather left alone.
They also may not want to cuddle, and would rather be separated from others, it could be a sign.
A lack of imaginary play could be a major warning sign. Watch how a child plays with their toys to see if they use any kind of imagination with their toys and how they work.
A dislike to change is a big symptom of autism. Autistic children like the same routine in their schedule and frown upon any kind of change. Change can be upsetting to them.
Throwing tantrums and aggressive play are common symptoms and signs of autism.
Short attentions spans can be a warning sign of autism. They may not show an interest in a television show or toy for very long, and often seem bored with everything.
Varied eating or sleeping patterns could be another warning sign of autism. They may not sleep as much as normal, or even have a loss of appetite for awhile.
They may fear nothing. If they appear to have no fear in a dangerous situation, it could be a symptom of autism. Climbing to the tallest stairs when they are very little would show that they have no fear.
An autistic child may not want to show affection. They would be rather left alone to do their own thing.
These are just a few of the major warning signs of autism. If you are seeing some of these symptoms in your child, you will want to bring them into your local doctor to discuss the symptoms. They will from there be able to properly test and diagnose your child.
A poor use of body language can be a sign of autism. Lack of eye contact and body language are typically big signs that you want to look for.
If they show signs of just wanting to be alone and by themselves, this can also be a symptom that they have autism.
If they are not responding to verbal cues as if they were deaf but aren’t, this could be another symptom of autism. It is as if they would be rather left alone.
They also may not want to cuddle, and would rather be separated from others, it could be a sign.
A lack of imaginary play could be a major warning sign. Watch how a child plays with their toys to see if they use any kind of imagination with their toys and how they work.
A dislike to change is a big symptom of autism. Autistic children like the same routine in their schedule and frown upon any kind of change. Change can be upsetting to them.
Throwing tantrums and aggressive play are common symptoms and signs of autism.
Short attentions spans can be a warning sign of autism. They may not show an interest in a television show or toy for very long, and often seem bored with everything.
Varied eating or sleeping patterns could be another warning sign of autism. They may not sleep as much as normal, or even have a loss of appetite for awhile.
They may fear nothing. If they appear to have no fear in a dangerous situation, it could be a symptom of autism. Climbing to the tallest stairs when they are very little would show that they have no fear.
An autistic child may not want to show affection. They would be rather left alone to do their own thing.
These are just a few of the major warning signs of autism. If you are seeing some of these symptoms in your child, you will want to bring them into your local doctor to discuss the symptoms. They will from there be able to properly test and diagnose your child.
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