Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Autism Hang 10 Surfing Therapy
Surfers Healing was founded by Israel and Danielle Paskowitz. Their son, Isaiah, was diagnosed with autism at age three. Like many autistic children, he often suffered from sensory overload-- simple sensations could overwhelm him. The ocean was the one place where he seemed to find respite.
A former competitive surfer, Israel hit upon an idea--with Isaiah on the front of his surfboard, and Izzy steering from the back, the two spent the day surfing together. Surfing had a profound impact on Isaiah. Israel and Danielle decided they wanted to share this unique therapy with other autistic children. They began to host day camps at the beach where autistic children and their families could be exposed to a completely new experience of surfing.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Private Picassos - Art Therapy in NYC
Date: December 15, 2008
Hours: 4pm
Ages: Young elementary; Tween
Price: $325/6 sessions
Address:
251 Fifth Avenue, 3rd Floor - 201-906-6555
New York , NY 10016
www.privatepicassos.com
Description: Private Picassos offers group art therapy sessions on Mondays, in collaboration with Colors of Play, LLC. This Art of Friendship program is designed to help children coping with conditions such as ADD/ADHD, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, Sensory Integration Disorder and variations on the Autism Spectrum.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Riding school provides therapy for people with disabilities
Riding school provides therapy for people with disabilitiesBy Amy Erickson
Megan Hanno's ultimate goal is to walk again.
Special Troopers Adaptive Riding School (S.T.A.R.S.) Inc. is helping the Le Mars woman move toward that goal.
The nonprofit organization provides therapeutic techniques on horseback for people of all ages, from 18 months on, with physical, cognitive or emotional disabilities.
"In most cases just about any diagnosis qualifies," said Jessie Christopherson, S.T.A.R.S. executive director. "There's a whole lot of folks out there who could be utilizing the service and don't know they qualify."Megan, 22, suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident five years ago. Since then she has had to relearn everything from swallowing to talking to walking.
Horseback riding through S.T.A.R.S. helps strengthen Megan's core muscles, the ones that help people walk, sit upright and balance, Christopherson said.
The horse's movement replicates the motion that people's pelvis and hips make when the walk on two feet, she said.
Monday afternoon Megan's mom Paula Hanno, pushed her wheelchair up a ramp to a mounting block in the S.T.A.R.S. indoor arena for Megan's weekly therapy session.
Megan said riding helps her balance.
"My abs (were) really sore," after her session the week before, she said.
"There's no way to cheat on a horse," Christopherson said. "She has to retrain her body to use muscles her brain has forgotten how to use."
As volunteer and part-time instructor, Holly Tucker, lead Brownie and Megan around the arena, Megan's constant battle was to remain upright with her chin down.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Horse Therapy in the Middle East
Autistic kids connect with innovative therapy
Autistic kids connect with innovative therapyTherapy techniques involving the use of animals in the classroom are yielding results at the Sabahat Akşıray Autistic Children’s Education Center in İzmir’s Menemen district.
[FULL]
Monday, November 10, 2008
Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Autism
Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism - new online program
The new program, a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism, is offered fully online.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
President Obama and the Autism Treatment Acceleration Act of 2008
Read the entire draft of President-Elect Obama's federal mandate for autism insurance coverageIn support of researchers, clinicians, and families who are working to find a treatment or cure ASD, Senator Obama and the autism community have united behind the “Autism Treatment Acceleration Act of 2008” This legislation authorizes federal funding in order to:
1. Create and evaluate Autism Care Centers, through a demonstration project to develop a national network of comprehensive treatment facilities that provide a full array of medical, behavioral, mental health, educational and family care services to individuals and families in a single location.
2. Establish an ASD Coordinating Committee, consisting of representatives from relevant governmental agencies, researchers, and the public, to coordinate government activities relating to ASD.
3. Establish a national autism translational “Research to Services” network for the purposes of leveraging and enhancing the autism treatment and service capacity of federal, regional, state and local agencies and integrating regional, state and local agencies as fully as possible into national efforts.
4. Create a “National Center for Project Access” to provide training and technical assistance to frontline autism service providers and enhance program evaluation support.
5. Establish a population-based ASD case registry that will facilitate the understanding of the root causes, rates, and trends of ASD.
6. Implement a grants program directed toward public and private nonprofit entities for the purpose of carrying out multimedia campaigns to increase public education and awareness about healthy developmental milestones for infants and children that may assist early identification of signs and symptoms of ASD.
7. Require that insurers provide coverage for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders and the treatment of autism spectrum disorders in connection with group health plans.
Source: ATAA 2008 (.doc) (Adventures in Autism)
Friday, November 7, 2008
Robots and Autism (Robotherapy?)
Lecture Explores Robots, Autism By Christine FrandsenStudents gathered Thursday morning to hear from a Yale associate professor describe his research with robots and how they are used to diagnose, treat and understand autism.
Associate professor, Brian Scassellati presented his research at the Department of Computer Science's colloquium. He first discussed how robots are used to study social development.
"Robots are a unique tool, a unique way to use technology to study people," Scassellati said.
In his research, Scassellati uses robots to understand certain behaviors. Watching interactions between children and a robot can help researchers ask questions and find answers about certain behaviors because robots provide a consistent test subject that humans can't offer.
Scassellati showed a video from his research showing a child's interaction with a speaking robot. At first the child copied the robot's non-sense words, but when the robot made a sound similar to the word 'truck', the child spent the next 10 minutes trying to get the robot to say the word 'truck'.
"Sometimes these robots provoke us into knowing something about ourselves," Scassellati said.
Amy Glaves, a junior studying computer science who works in BYU's robotics lab, attended the lecture and said she agrees with the use of robots for social purposes.
"I thought it was interesting, the way everything is social relevant and how we can use it to help autistic kids," Glaves said.
Scassellati has used these social interaction studies for the past seven years working with a clinical group for kids with autism.
Because autism is a social condition, and is diagnosed behaviorally, the robots provide a unique tool to find out more about the condition.
"What we have been doing with technology is to improve the way we can do diagnosis or treatment," Scassellati said.
[FULL STORY]
Related:
- Robot Playmates May Help Children With Autism
- Using a Robot to Teach Human Social Skills
- Towards interactive robots in autism therapy (PDF)
- Kaspar the Robot May Help Children with Autism
- European Integrated Project "Cogniron": Cognitive Robot Companion
- Robots, mirror neurons, virtual reality and autism
- Robots aid autistic children
- Toy Robots for Diagnosing and Curing Autism
- Robots battle autism
- Discovery Channel - Robot playmates offer "doorway" into minds of kids with autism
Speaker Immersion
Speaker Immersion
One way to teach so children with autism is to use Speaker Immersion. Speaker Immersion is a way of teaching students that speaking is reinforcing, either because we gain access to things we need or want or because our use of speech sparks a conversation. In the ladder case, we are reinforced by whatever we gain from the conversation itself, whether attention, information, or other social reinforcement.
[FULL]
One way to teach so children with autism is to use Speaker Immersion. Speaker Immersion is a way of teaching students that speaking is reinforcing, either because we gain access to things we need or want or because our use of speech sparks a conversation. In the ladder case, we are reinforced by whatever we gain from the conversation itself, whether attention, information, or other social reinforcement.
[FULL]
Thursday, November 6, 2008
(DIR) USING RELATIONSHIPS TO BRING OUT CHILDREN'S INNATE WARMTH AND NURTURING
A NEW APPROACH TO SPECIAL NEEDS : USING RELATIONSHIPS TO BRING OUT CHILDREN'S INNATE WARMTH AND NURTURING
By Carolyn Braff
To call the Rebecca School a “special needs” school doesn’t quite tell the story of this innovative facility on East 30th Street. Staff and administrators work daily to reinvent the way special needs children are educated, and the way their families are supported during the process.
Relying on the Developmental Individual Difference Relationship-based (DIR) model, the three-year-old school works with a host of counselors, social workers and an advisory board to involve families in the education process for its students, who range in age from 4 to 18.
The Rebecca School serves children with neuro-developmental delays in relating and communicating, which includes children diagnosed on the autistic spectrum. While most special needs schools use behavioral approaches, the DIR model relies on relationships to figure out where the difficulties in a child’s development lie, meet the child at this developmental level then work to move ahead.
“The thing that sets us apart mainly is the overwhelming philosophical methodology that we use, the DIR model,” said Tina McCourt, program director at the Rebecca School. “It’s very different from the way most people work with children, particularly on the autistic spectrum.”
[FULL STORY]
Related:
By Carolyn Braff
To call the Rebecca School a “special needs” school doesn’t quite tell the story of this innovative facility on East 30th Street. Staff and administrators work daily to reinvent the way special needs children are educated, and the way their families are supported during the process.
Relying on the Developmental Individual Difference Relationship-based (DIR) model, the three-year-old school works with a host of counselors, social workers and an advisory board to involve families in the education process for its students, who range in age from 4 to 18.
The Rebecca School serves children with neuro-developmental delays in relating and communicating, which includes children diagnosed on the autistic spectrum. While most special needs schools use behavioral approaches, the DIR model relies on relationships to figure out where the difficulties in a child’s development lie, meet the child at this developmental level then work to move ahead.
“The thing that sets us apart mainly is the overwhelming philosophical methodology that we use, the DIR model,” said Tina McCourt, program director at the Rebecca School. “It’s very different from the way most people work with children, particularly on the autistic spectrum.”
[FULL STORY]
Related:
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Therapeutic equestrian program offers emotional and physical benefits
When Ella Smith, of Mt. Lebanon, began a therapeutic horseback riding program a year ago, the girl was hesitant to even touch a horse.
Now, 9-year-old Ella has worked up to petting, feeding and riding the horse, too, said her mom, Julie Smith.
In-Stride With Therapeutic Riding Inc., a 2-year-old, nonprofit program operating at the West Pike Run Equestrian Center in Coal Center, helps children with special needs to gain confidence and develop abilities to focus, relax and accept change while learning to ride, said founder and director Dana Flaherty, 34, of North Strabane.
Riding also can help to develop core muscles and improve stability, which often is an issue for children with physical disabilities, Ms. Flaherty said.
In-Stride began with one rider and has had as many as 12, but enrollment recently dropped to six, largely due to its location in rural Washington County, Ms. Flaherty said.
Starting Wednesday, she will begin offering additional lessons Sundays at Morning Star Stables on Ridge Road in South Park. She also hopes to open another satellite location in Eighty Four.
"Ella loves it," Ms. Smith said. "She's not been confident when doing other things and now she's extremely confident with this."
Ella is diagnosed with pervasive development disorder, a form of autism, and with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Ms. Smith and her husband, Scott, found information about In-Stride on the Internet after learning about a similar program while vacationing in Virginia with Ella and her brother, Otis, 8.
Related:Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Citalopram (Celexa) Adverse Events Common in Children with Autism?
Adverse Events Common With Citalopram in Children With Autism Disorder: Presented at AACAP
CHICAGO -- November 3, 2008 -- Exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram is associated with adverse effects in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to results of a 5-centre, double-blind, placebo-controlled study presented here at the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) 55th Annual MeetingMORE
Horses and Humans Research Foundation
Healing People on Horseback
Chagrin Falls, Ohio - November 3, 2008 - Equine-assisted healing techniques for people diagnosed with autism and cerebral palsy will be scientifically tested in 2009 by two separate professional research teams, with the assistance of $100,000 in funding from the Horses and Humans Research Foundation.
The foundation, which supports rigorous scientific research that substantiates the healing impact of horses on humans, reported that applications for funding were received from a variety of countries and represented 16 universities. The stringent selection process resulted in awards to Good Hope Equestrian Training Center in Miami, FL and the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivieres, Canada.
"One in every 150 kids has autism," said Molly Sweeney, HHRF Board of Directors' president. "This pervasive development disorder can have devastating impacts on a family. The economic impact per child is estimated at $30,000 annually, and there are very few effective treatments. We are thrilled at the prospect of providing evidence of hope."
The Good Hope Equestrian Training Center is a 20-acre facility in southern Florida. Their research team will evaluate the effects of equine interaction on 7- to 12-year-old children diagnosed with autism. The research will focus on social function, attention and distractibility.
The University of Quebec at Trois-Rivieres is the first grant awarded internationally by the Horses and Humans Research Foundation. The university, located 85 miles north-east of Montreal, will conduct research measuring the effect of a ten-week hippotherapy Intervention on the control of head and trunk movement of children with cerebral palsy. Eighteen subjects and their horses will be fitted with telemetry-recording accelerometers to document the speed and magnitude of the subjects' upper body and head displacement throughout the program and eight weeks after.
The Horses and Humans Research Foundation was established in 2002 to fund research that will improve equine-assisted activities/therapies (EAA/T) best practices and to increase awareness of EAA/T benefits.
There are nearly 750 EAA/T programs in the United States affiliated with the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association and over 40,000 participants, which represents only a portion of the programs operating nationally and internationally.
[FULL ARTICLE]
The foundation, which supports rigorous scientific research that substantiates the healing impact of horses on humans, reported that applications for funding were received from a variety of countries and represented 16 universities. The stringent selection process resulted in awards to Good Hope Equestrian Training Center in Miami, FL and the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivieres, Canada.
"One in every 150 kids has autism," said Molly Sweeney, HHRF Board of Directors' president. "This pervasive development disorder can have devastating impacts on a family. The economic impact per child is estimated at $30,000 annually, and there are very few effective treatments. We are thrilled at the prospect of providing evidence of hope."
The Good Hope Equestrian Training Center is a 20-acre facility in southern Florida. Their research team will evaluate the effects of equine interaction on 7- to 12-year-old children diagnosed with autism. The research will focus on social function, attention and distractibility.
The University of Quebec at Trois-Rivieres is the first grant awarded internationally by the Horses and Humans Research Foundation. The university, located 85 miles north-east of Montreal, will conduct research measuring the effect of a ten-week hippotherapy Intervention on the control of head and trunk movement of children with cerebral palsy. Eighteen subjects and their horses will be fitted with telemetry-recording accelerometers to document the speed and magnitude of the subjects' upper body and head displacement throughout the program and eight weeks after.
The Horses and Humans Research Foundation was established in 2002 to fund research that will improve equine-assisted activities/therapies (EAA/T) best practices and to increase awareness of EAA/T benefits.
There are nearly 750 EAA/T programs in the United States affiliated with the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association and over 40,000 participants, which represents only a portion of the programs operating nationally and internationally.
[FULL ARTICLE]
Folic Acid as Autism Treatment
Folic acid: (also known as Vitamin M and Folacin) and Folate (the anionic form) are forms of the water-soluble Vitamin B9.Folic acid has been reported to be helpful in autism (ARRI 8/4). The great French researcher Jerome Lejeune reported that supplements of about 250 mcg of folic acid per pound of body weight per day brought on major improvement in several autistic children. Dr. Lejeune gave thousands of retarded children (mostly Down syndrome) 20 mg of folic acid per day in his various studies, with no harm, nor would any harm be expected.
These occur naturally in food and can also be taken as supplements.
Folate in foods and other sources
Leafy vegetables such as spinach, turnip greens, lettuces, dried beans and peas, fortified cereal products, sunflower seeds and certain other fruits and vegetables are rich sources of folate. Liver and liver products also contain high amounts of folate, as does bakers yeast. Some breakfast cereals (ready-to-eat and others) are fortified with 25% to 100% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for folic acid. A table of selected food sources of folate and folic acid can be found at the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference.Folate is also found in Vegemite or Marmite, with an average serving (5g) containing 100μg. Folate is also synthesized in bacteria.
Related: Folic Acid on Wikipedia
Neuroliminal Training
Giving Dolphin Therapy a run for it's money today is Neuroliminal Training (NT), subliminal messaging techniques.
Solving Autism Problems with Neuroliminal Training
Neurofeedback (EEG & HEG biofeedback) clinics that work with autistic children are still rare.
Very few have been willing to take on an autistic child, because of the difficulties involved:
1. How do you attach sensors to an autistic child? Even using a helmet?
2. If you do get a connection, how do you motivate such a child? (A key to success).
3. Autism can bankupt any family except the very wealthy.
These problems are "no problem" with Neuroliminal Training (NT). All three of the above problems above are solved with NT.
Not only are no sensors or headsets involved, but with NT, motivation isn't important at all.
Since NT works by using a subliminal messaging technique that works during sleep, or as a background to play or study, it's done at home using a repeating CD, and at an affordable cost to even a low income family. NT improves autism symptoms gradually over time in the same way as NFB. It's slow, but steady progress.
Rapamycin and Autism
Autism Treatment: Rapamycin - A New Drug to Reverse Autism’s Effects
UCLA researchers have discovered that an FDA-approved drug reverses the brain dysfunction caused by tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC); because half of TSC patients also suffer from autism the researchers are hopeful the treatment can address associated learning disorders. The journal Nature Medicine published the findings in its June 22 online edition.
UCLA researchers have discovered that an FDA-approved drug reverses the brain dysfunction caused by tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC); because half of TSC patients also suffer from autism the researchers are hopeful the treatment can address associated learning disorders. The journal Nature Medicine published the findings in its June 22 online edition.
The scientists used the drug rapamycin on mice models of TSC; rapamycin is well-known for targeting an enzyme involved in creating proteins needed for memory. The same enzyme is also regulated by TSC proteins.
“This is the first study to demonstrate that the drug rapamycin can repair learning deficits related to a genetic mutation that causes autism in humans. The same mutation in animals produces learning disorders, which we were able to eliminate in adult mice,” said lead investigator Alcino Silva, professor of neurobiology and psychiatry at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. “Our work and other recent studies suggest that some forms of mental retardation can be reversed, even in the adult brain.”
Related:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Autism
Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Feeding the Brain
Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation is quite popular in the treatment of autism. A study performed on the effects of Omega-3 supplementation on autistic behaviors showed improvement in sleep, cognition, overall health, social interaction, and eye contact.
Three types of Omega-3 fatty acids are a-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids compete with each other and it is important to keep them in the proper ratio: the ideal ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 is 1:1. Primary sources of Omega-3s are fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, while Omega-6 fatty acids are found in vegetable oils such as corn, sunflower, soy, and safflower and in margarine. Most Americans consume far too many Omega-6 fatty acids and not enough Omega-3 fatty acids, disrupting the balance of Omega-6 to Omega-3. Many experts believe that the ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 consumed by most Americans is 20:1 and some up to 50:1! We are in desperate need of Omega-3 supplementation!
Flax seeds, walnuts, and some dark, leafy vegetables contain ALA. Cold water oily fish such as wild salmon, cod, and sardines are excellent sources of DHA and EPA. (Note, only wild fish should be consumed - farm raised fish are problematic for many reasons, including their high levels of Omega-6 and lower levels of Omega-3s.) Cod liver oil and fish oil are very concentrated sources of DHA and EPA. These oils should be purified to be free from detectable levels of mercury, lead, PCBs and other contaminants. They should also contain vitamin E to prevent oxidation of the oils.
Related:
Monday, November 3, 2008
Medical Marijuana (Cannabis) for Autism?
Boy, do I have a wacky one for you today, whacky tobaccy that is. Cannabis instead used to treat autism? Moms and Dads are not allowed to raid the family stash.Cannabis Change "Crazy" Say Lib-Dems - Doctors agreeRelated:
"Antidepressant drugs are among the most prescribed medications but their adverse side effects can often be paradoxically lethal with suicide being prominent."
But hang on a moment. According to our Prime Minister Gordon Brown, cannabis is lethal, isn't it?
Not according to Doctor leveque it isn't.
He continues, "I have a surprise for some people. The U.S. Govt says cannabis as an alleged drug causes euphoria (a medical condition) which surprise surprise causes "euphoria", (a side effect), which in itself, is addicting."
"Imagine," continues Dr Leveque. "A very safe replacement for amphetamine, once the most prescribed and addicting mood stimulants, (think "Ritalin") being replaced with cannabis?" As it already is in many parts of the US, in the treatment of children with ADHD/ADD , Autism and Aspergers syndrome.
[FULL STORY]
Early Intervention Models: ABA / Applied Behavioral Analysis
ABCNews has some great information on Autism treatments.
- What Is ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)?
What Is Discrete-Trial ABA?- What If My Child Doesn't Enjoy Rewards?
- ABA vs. Developmental Approach?
- What Is 'Floor-Time Therapy'?
- What Is The Denver Model?
- What Is The TEAACH Model?
Dr. McGee answers the question: 'What Is ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)?'
Magic Dolphin Autism Therapy
Swimming With Dolphins - Health Benefits For AllRelated:
The dolphin's 'healing' powers have been attributed to a range of factors. Some theories believe it is merely the dolphin's affection and tolerance that brings such positive results. Other rumors suggest that the dolphin's natural sonar actually triggers a healing response from within the human body.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Jacob's Lessons - Free Online ABA Activities
Great website for kids on the autism spectrum,
Jacob's Lessons - Free Online ABA Activities and toddler education.Description from the site:
The activities on this website were originally created to give my
toddler a fun introduction to the computer. It grew into a terrific
interactive experience for us as well. My wife is a behavior analyst
who works with children on the autism spectrum and she began using the
activities with her students. She discovered that Jacob's Lessons is an
effective way to teach young children with autism beginning computer
skills, and is useful as a complement to their Applied Behavior
Analysis (ABA) programming. These activities were created so that the
adult works with the child during the lesson, not as an independent
activity for the child, although some of the children will be able to
do some of the lessons on their own. New lessons and modification of
current lessons will be done with your input-please use the button
below to comment, ask a question, or suggest new content for Jacob's
Lessons!
- Introduction.
- Learn to associate a number with that many objects.
- Learn to use the mouse by helping the bee color the flower.
- Contact Jacob's Dad
- Learn to use the mouse with the simplest of coloring books.
- Receptive Labeling
- Matching Pictures
- Matching Colors
- Matching Shapes
- Matching Category
- Perspective Skill Game Watch the frog's eyes
- Reading and Phonics
Nintendo Wii Therapy for Autism?
Real workout, virtual world
Autistic students take to Nintendo sports at Patterson Mill Middle/H.S.
By Cassandra A. Fortin Special to The Sun
Jean Tyrrell wanted to find activities that would allow students in the autism program at Patterson Mill Middle/High School to be more physically active during the school day.
After researching some ideas, Tyrrell said she purchased a Nintendo Wii video game console with a grant that she received.
"The kids really like Wii," said Tyrrell, a physical-education teacher. "And I think it's great. It gives the children with autism an age-appropriate leisure activity to do."
Since the game was purchased, the children have all learned to play it, said Carolyn Trovinger, who teaches the middle school autism program.
On a recent afternoon, Trovinger's students played baseball on the Wii, which features digital sensors and allows people to virtually play sports and games.
Journey Phanouvong, 12, of Belcamp made a base hit, and then clapped and cheered.
Daniel Quinn, 11, of Edgewood hit the ball and didn't want to stop playing when his turn was over.
"Some of the students would love to play Wii all day long," Tyrrell said. "We can't let them do that. So we put Wii on their daily schedule right after lunch time. That way, they know exactly when they can play."
The game is simple, so all the students can play, said Robin Yates, who teaches the high school program for autism. Each student has a different level of autism - a developmental disorder that is characterized by impaired social interaction and communication - and a different level of play. And the game allows the autistic students to play at their own pace, she said.
Despite the limited time the students have to play the game - one period a day - there are benefits for autistic children, said Trovinger.
[FULL STORY]
Related:
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Autism Service Dogs
Mother of child with autism hopes to raise fundsBy Jill Doss-Raines
The Dispatch
Some of life's simplest tasks are impossible for Misty Brown to accomplish with her son, Colby.
She cannot simply run into a grocery store to buy milk or bread if he is with her. A trip to Wal-Mart is out of the question, as are trips to most public places.
Three-year-old Colby has autism, a neurological disorder affecting one in 150 children and 1 in 94 boys. Autism is a complex disability affecting normal functioning of the brain in many areas including social development, language/communication and/or sensory issues.
For some reason, public places are a sure way to begin a meltdown for Colby. He'll throw himself on the floor, screaming until his mom picks him up. Even then, he cannot be comforted most of the time, and Brown has to leave the store.
With low verbal ability, which is a common symptom in children with autism, Colby is not able to communicate to his mom what is so irritating, frightening or overstimulating for him. Is it the lighting, the smell, the feel of the shopping cart? Brown doesn't know. She does know she has to find a way to help Colby deal with public situations, and she thinks she has found it - a service dog.
Unfortunately, the specially trained service dogs for people with autism cost $7,000. And like most treatments for autistic individuals, it is not covered by insurance.
[FULL STORY]
Related:
- Compassionate Paws
- ASDA: Autism Services Dogs of America
- Service Dog Brings Bright Future For Corey
- Service dog changes life for Fairbanks girl with autism
- Family seeks funds for autism service dog
- Service Dog Placements for Children with Autism
- Paws4Ability
- ABC News: Service Dogs May Help Autistic Children
- Michael Ewing’s family fundraising for Autism Service Dog
- Are Service Dogs Austic kids best friends?
- Dogs - a Powerful Medicine for Autistic Children
Friday, October 31, 2008
D-Cycloserine and Autism
Low-Dose D-cycloserine Ineffective for Social Withdrawal Symptoms in Children With Autism: Presented at AACAPBy Laura Gater
CHICAGO, Ill -- October 31, 2008 -- The standard drug treatment in autism is aimed at reducing associated symptoms, such as irritability and hyperactivity. No drugs have been shown to improve core social and community impairment in autism, according to David J. Posey, MD, MS, Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, IN.
In a presentation at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), Dr. Posey also noted that D-cycloserine (DCS) is a partial agonist at the glycine modulatory site of N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamatergic receptors. In schizophrenia, DCS had initially shown to improve negative symptoms that have similarities to the social withdrawal in autism. However, a recent large, multisite study failed to confirm these findings.
In a larger, double-blind, parallel-group study, Dr. Posey and colleagues aimed to determine the efficacy of low-dose DCS for social withdrawal in a larger sample of children with autism.
This study was an 8-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of boys and girls aged 3 to 12 years. Patients received either DCS 1.7 mg/kg/day divided into twice-daily doses or matching placebo for 8 weeks.
Primary outcome measures were parent-rated social withdrawal subscales of the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist (ABC) and Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) Scale. Secondary outcome measures were parent-rated ABC and Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS).
[FULL ARTICLE]
Related:
Lupron and Autism: Patent Application
TAP's Patent Application to Give Lupron to Autistic Children
Related:
Along with co-applicants Mark and David Geier, TAP Pharmaceuticals* filed an international patent application (PCT/US2007/082866), "Methods of Treating Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders," in October of last year for the use of Lupron (leuprolide acetate, a GnRH analog), with or without chelation, in children with autism. (A big discovery hat tip for finding this patent application, along with related US patent applications, goes to Kathleen Seidel of the Neurodiversity blog.) The text of this application was published in
AugustMay of this year, and treatment descriptions in 7 children can be found if the reader is willing to wade through a lot of repetitive verbiage—including a seemingly endless string of "need in the art," "known in the art," and "skilled in the art."
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Attn: Private Insurers: Autism not ‘rare’ disease, should be taken seriously
Your Turn: Autism not ‘rare’ disease, should be taken seriously
In Monday’s Post endorsement of Jill Thompson (no surprise there), there was an incredibly startling statement that I feel needs to be brought into the spotlight. The endorsement stated that “forcing private health insurers to provide coverage of rare conditions such as autism and diabetes would drive up the price of insurance.” We all know The Post Editorial Board leans Republican, but there are some serious issues with that statement.
Autism and diabetes are NOT RARE diseases. The Center for Disease Control estimated that approximately one in 150 births resulted in a child with autism; take the entire population of Ohio (11,478,006) and divide that by 150 and we can guess that over 76,000 people in this state alone have autism — that’s over three times the size of Athens — and the CDC says it is growing by 10-17 percent per year. As of August 2007, it is estimated that over 9 percent of Ohioans have diabetes. That’s more than 1 million people. It is the fifth leading cause of death in Ohio. It is especially prevalent in the Appalachian region, making it vitally important that the people we elect to represent us understand and care about the issue.
DynaVox v. 1.05 Enhancements
DynaVox Releases Software Version 1.05 for DynaVox V and Vmax Latest Software Enhances Communication Options and Provides Greater Flexibility PITTSBURGH, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- DynaVox, the world's leading provider of advanced communication solutions that assist individuals with significant speech, language and learning disabilities, announced the release of software version 1.05 for the V and Vmax speech-output devices. This new release includes a range of new features that enhance communication options, ease device setup and use, and provide greater flexibility when working with applications outside the V/Vmax communication software. New features include: -- EyeMax Support - A robust new eye gaze system, the EyeMax enables individuals with significant physical limitations to access all Vmax features using just their eyes. -- eBook Reader - This tool allows users to download books from sites such as bookshare.org and eBooks.com directly to the V or Vmax. Books added to the eBook Reader can be read onscreen using multiple access methods, or the V/Vmax can read the book aloud to the user. -- Navigator - This intuitive user interface provides quick access to speech, email, internet, computer, eBooks, and environmental control capabilities. An alphabet-based core word strategy that combines seamlessly with the InterAACT language framework, Navigator supports fast, easy and independent communication for literate adults. -- Onscreen Keyboards - These specialized keyboard pages enable V/Vmax users to operate other Windows software applications using the same selection method (e.g., scanning or eye gaze) used for their communication software. -- Enhanced Environmental Control Functionality - An intuitive setup interface allows individuals with significant physical limitations and their care teams to quickly configure V and Vmax devices to operate common household appliances such televisions, DVD players, etc. equipped with infrared remote controls. -- Bluetooth Connectivity - The V or Vmax can now be configured to control another computer through a Bluetooth connection. This benefits users who wish to use another computer as their primary computer. "This latest software release for the V and Vmax is very exciting," said Jim Shea, DynaVox's vice president of marketing. "Software version 1.05 streamlines communication and device support and makes basic tasks such as reading a book or using computer software easier and more accessible. This release is the direct result of customer feedback and DynaVox's commitment to supporting our customers by continuing to enhance our product line to better meet their needs." Software version 1.05 for the V and Vmax is available free of charge and is included with all devices shipped on or after September 24, 2008. Individuals with devices that shipped before that date can obtain the software by visiting Support at Dynavoxtech.com. Instructions for determining the current software version running on a specific V/Vmax can be found on the same page. About DynaVox DynaVox pioneers speech communication technology, giving an opportunity for a better life to the millions of adults and children around the world challenged by significant speech, language and learning disabilities caused by conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease), stroke, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's Disease, autism and mental retardation. Driving by a strong entrepreneurial culture, the company applies proprietary and third-party technologies, and applied research efforts to deliver a broad range of speech communication hardware and software tools, and offers an extensive customer support program, which enables individuals and their families to access the latest technology and reimbursement counsel regarding the company's suite of products. For more information about DynaVox, visit http://www.dynavoxtech.com. |
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
The Developmental, Individual Difference, and Relationship Based (DIR®) Model Theory and Application with Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders
This document has been developed to provide professional colleagues and parents in Australia
information on -:
• The theoretical and research support for the DIR® model, with an emphasis on the
application of the DIR® Floortime approach with children with an autistic spectrum disorder.
• Experiences and perspectives from professionals who are using the DIR® approach in their
work with children and families as well as anecotal evidence from our local Australian
parents using DIR® Floortime as an effective approach with their children.
• The levels of training and mentorship required by professionals to be able to practice as a
DIR® Floortime therapist/educator at an accredited level.
• The DIR® infrastructure and networks within Australia
Please note that this paper has been written and collated by staff from the Learning Tree
Therapy Centre, a multidisciplinary DIR® based service, which is based in Perth, Western
Australia (www.learningtreetherapy.com.au, www.sensoryconnections.com.au).
DIR Floortime Australian Position Paper
information on -:
• The theoretical and research support for the DIR® model, with an emphasis on the
application of the DIR® Floortime approach with children with an autistic spectrum disorder.
• Experiences and perspectives from professionals who are using the DIR® approach in their
work with children and families as well as anecotal evidence from our local Australian
parents using DIR® Floortime as an effective approach with their children.
• The levels of training and mentorship required by professionals to be able to practice as a
DIR® Floortime therapist/educator at an accredited level.
• The DIR® infrastructure and networks within Australia
Please note that this paper has been written and collated by staff from the Learning Tree
Therapy Centre, a multidisciplinary DIR® based service, which is based in Perth, Western
Australia (www.learningtreetherapy.com.au, www.sensoryconnections.com.au).
DIR Floortime Australian Position Paper
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Autism Agenda
O'HANLON and SPELMAN: Autism agenda beckonsMichael O'Hanlon and Stuart Spelman
WASHINGTON TIMES COMMENTARY:
In their last debate, Barack Obama and John McCain both graciously expressed concern about children with autism.
Mr. Obama in particular then spoke about the need for more research funding to understand the causes of this prevalent handicap. We concur. But that is hardly the extent of what the candidates need to understand about the state of autism in the United States today. Preventing future cases is crucial, but so is addressing the huge unmet needs of the more than 1 million Americans already afflicted.
Here's an example. At age 2, little Olivia was diagnosed with an autism disorder. Unable to speak, she preferred to sit in the corner of the room and repeatedly push her mini-Ferris Wheel hundreds of times in a row. She did not look people in the eye; she did not try to attract their attention by pointing with her index finger like normal toddlers. She was largely oblivious to, and uninterested in, other kids around her. She even lost the three or four words that she had learned the year before.
Four years later, after 30 hours a week of a type of intensive intervention that resembles speech or occupational therapy, Olivia was in regular kindergarten, following class discussions and interacting with her peers. She still was limited in her use of language, and had trouble keeping up with peers socially - but at least she was imitating and learning from her peers. Her future was still very uncertain. But her prospects for graduating from school, holding a job and having at least some real friendships had gone from nil to rather promising.
Those four years of preschool intervention came at a high price - about $75,000 a year. Medical insurance paid for none of it. Claiming that the therapies, which fell under the general billing of applied behavior analysis or ABA, were still "experimental," Olivia's insurance plan flatly denied coverage. Counting on the fact that mental and cognitive ailments have often been viewed as second-class issues by America's health care system, the insurer was confident it could escape with this bogus excuse. That was the case even though the National Academy of Sciences, American Academy of Pediatrics, and other key organizations endorse precisely the therapy regimen that Olivia followed - and even though ABA has been repeatedly shown to help up to half of all children with autism wind up mainstreamed in school, with the other half showing major progress as well.
It is time for this to change.
[FULL STORY]
Monday, October 27, 2008
Acupuncture and Autism, Treatment or Torture?
I am putting this one a step above Dolphin Therapy if for no other reason than I cannot see many kids with ASD cooperating with this treatment.Acupuncture and AutismFULL ARTICLE
Studies have shown that there is an increase in the number of children that have been diagnosed with autism. Until now, doctors have not yet found a cure to this illness which is why some parents want to experiment with alternative forms of treatment and one example is acupuncture.
Acupuncture is a holistic approach in treating and preventing certain diseases. Its main tool are very thin needles that are inserted to targeted points in the body. The body has about 400 of them linked through a system known as meridians or pathways. Once these are stimulated, these are supposed to create balance in the body.
Autism on the other hand is a brain disorder that is long term. This disease is characterized by deficits in language, social communication and cognition. Children who are diagnosed with this illness may also suffer from secondary problems such as aggression, irritability, stereotypes, hyperactivity, negativism, volatile emotions, temper tantrums, short attention span and obsessive-compulsive behavior.
Preliminary studies have shown that acupuncture may provide symptomatic relief to children suffering from autism. Although difficult at first, it is believed that it is rewarding in the long run. This is because while conventional therapy and treatment requires that the child stay still, acupuncture doesn't. Some say it's a quick prick at the vital points in the body.
A group of children in the US participated in a test to see how effective acupuncture is among children. There are 22 respondents and each of them was given the treatment once every other day for four months.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
3" Time Timer Audible, Personal (optional audible signal)
It's a universal question asked by people from every walk of life. Elapsed time is an abstract concept that is difficult to understand and even harder to manage. Yet, managing time is a first step toward independence for many and a critical success factor for everyone. This important concept needs to be clearly understood to promote the efficient use of time.
Today, there is a company dedicated to making the concept of elapsed time easier to understand for people of all ages and ability levels. Time Timer LLC is taking the idea of a simple, visual depiction of elapsed time and turning it into a line of products that helps solve time perception problems. These proven products are so easy to use that even young children and those with learning disabilities can monitor their own timed activities.
Tangible time management is finally a reality with the Time Timer® line of products. When you need to manage time or teach the concept of time, there is no better tool than a Time Timer. You don’t need to focus on, or understand a traditional clock face to successfully use a Time Timer. This innovative tool constantly reinforces the sense of elapsed time in order to promote better time management. You see and "feel" time elapse as the Time Timer’s dial graphically shows you how much time is left.
Wherever time needs to be measured, the Time Timer line of products offers a unique and superior solution. You can use Time Timer products to:
A wise person once said, "The one thing you can’t recycle is wasted time." That statement is just as true in the office as it is in school or at home. No one can afford bad time management or poor comprehension of time. With consistent use, the Time Timer product line ensures that time awareness is easy to understand and monitor.
Time Timer Watch Plus
No other tool communicates the concept of elapsed time as well as the Time Timer, and now it's available as a discreet personal watch! The Watch Plus version features all the benefits of the Time Timer Wrist Timer with incredible added features. There is a Time Timer Function that can be set anywhere from one minute up to 12 hours with an optional audible alarm for when time is up as well as a pre-alarm to let you know when time is running out. The Watch Plus also functions as a standard Watch that can be set in Analog or Digital mode, along with an optional Time of Day Alarm. With simple operating instructions, the Watch Plus comes with a convenient backlight to help you see the display in low light conditions, is water resistant up to 30 meters and comes in a durable stainless steel case. The Youth Size measures 4.75" to 6.75" cir.
Large PECS Communication Notebook (Picture Exchange Communication System)
Large PECS Communication Notebook (Picture Exchange Communication System)
- Use this notebook to organize and implement your picture exchange program.
- The front cover and inner part of the back cover also serve as pages for the picture symbols.
- A sentence strip with velcro runs across the lip of the longer back cover.
- The Large PECS Communication Notebook measures 9.25" x 10".
- This is an ideal tool for any individual using a Picture Exchange system.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Audio-Visual Entrainment (AVE)
What is Audio-Visual Entrainment (AVE)?
Light and Sound Brain Machine now helping those with autism spectrum disorders
Can brain functioning be improved with flashing lights and pulsing tones? Many seem to think so reports David Siever, CEO of Mind Alive and the inventor and developer of a unique patented audio-visual device called the DAVID machine, which stands for Digital Audio Visual Integration Device. The actual creation of this machine in 1984 was driven by the needs of others at first to reduce stage fright, stress and anxiety and later to help people cope with their Attention Deficit problems such as concentration.
For many years it has been known that sound therapy utilizing strictly sound training, which de-sensitizes the person with sensory issues, has been helpful for many on the autism spectrum. By stimulating the auditory system, and through it, by stimulating the brain, methods such as the Tomatis Method has been able to reduce the autistic symptoms to varying degrees.
Each autistic person is different and may respond differently to this program. In some cases results are seen within a few weeks, There are still good days and bad days but the trend is often upward, especially when you look back over a period of a few months. In many cases improvement has been noted in the following areas, decreased hypersensitivity to sound, reduced tactile defensiveness, improved language skills, improved appreciation for food and less picky in food preferences, better self image, improved social skills, better eye contact and less aggressive behaviors
Combining a method similar to this auditory training technique with the visual aspect of flashing lights also seems to have a very strong impact on the minds of those with autism spectrum disorders. The light and sound device consists of a set of earphones and eye goggles. What makes this piece of equipment work is a series of timed flashing white lights, coupled with intermittent pulsing tones that graduate in intensity so as not to overwhelm the listener.
The actual process that take place is called brainwave entrainment, which is exactly as the name implies that is, training brain waves to fall into an specific pre-determined brainwave pattern such as the alpha state. This is much like what happens during a similar process called biofeedback, which helps the patient concentrate to relax their minds. The results are even verified by tracking brain wave patterns through a clinically administered EEG. The same or even better results are achieved even though a different process is utilized. The mix of the two sensory tools gently bring the mind to a relaxed calm alpha state which is the state that is achieved through years and years of training in the process of meditation all in a single session. No wonder it has such a wonderful effect on people.
When my son Jonathan was first diagnosed with autism, I was so frustrated with him that I actually went "outside the box" of traditional thinking and decided to give this unit a try. We were desperately looking for something other than the typical route prescribed by doctors of medicating our young child. This was way back in 1994, which were most likely, a therapy ten years ahead of its time. With the help of the staff of Mind Alive we managed to get Jonny, then 3 ½ years old to try the DAVID. Placing the earphones and eye goggles on his little head was no easy task. In spite of this fact, we persevered. Later we discovered doing this once he was sleeping was far more effective and less intrusive.
We saw such great results at first that we decided to run our own little "mini study" on him. For a period of six weeks we slipped into his bedroom after he had fallen to sleep and slipped the gear on his little head three times a week. The changes were quite evident in the areas of improved behavior, increased eye contact and more appropriate interaction to mention a few observations. His doctor even commented:
"Jonathan has been using a sound and light machine which his mother and the program perceive to have been of benefit to him. Although there is no formal information available to support this observation, there is certainly some informal information suggesting that this might in fact be a useful therapy" It is certainly worthy of further exploration and I will be in contact with the people using the machine for further information about it"
Pioneering new ideas are what I tend to gravitate to though carving out new things is no easy task. We were so impressed with the technology I decided to open a clinic to help others called "The Wellness Center". Due to the sensory nature of the equipment the biggest challenge was getting the children to have the gear so close to their faces though this obstacle has since been overcome by using external light and sound tools. As long as we were able to get the gear on the other children with autism the results were typically good. . I then became pregnant with my fifth child and after two years of operation closed the clinic.
The easiest alternative to the actual clinic is the portable device carried by Mind Alive.
The original David PAL is $240.00 USD and can be purchased here
The all new DAVID PAL 36 is $295.00 click here to purchase
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