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Awareness and Acceptance – Why These Two Go Hand in Hand

May 14, 2015 Pamela Bryson-Weaver Leave a comment

There are quite aplenty of feedback that can be gathered nowadays pertaining to the recent World Autism Awareness Day.

Not everything is positive though as there are those who remains to be passive and nonchalant about the whole concept of Autism Spectrum Disorders, a range of complex neuro-developmental disorders characterized by communication difficulties, social impairments, and often restricted, stereotyped, and repetitive behavioral patterns. It is a joy to note though that public awareness is rising via this annual event.

Importance of Autism Awareness

But why raise awareness? You see, heightening the public’s level of understanding on the background and implications of Autism is the very gateway for people to understand what it is like to be living in the spectrum. It is not about telling people what to do but simply, in explaining to them the issues involving ASD and in disseminating useful information to guide them when interacting with an individual who has autism. Awareness, however, should be two-way—public awareness and self-awareness. Self-awareness occurs to both the individual with autism and to the individual’s understanding on how his/her actions or inactions affect another individual who is living autism day by day. General public awareness, on the other hand, tackles widespread acknowledgement and understanding of the issues revolving around autism on a societal level. Both levels of awareness are of utmost importance. By having a common understanding on what ASD is all about can lead to how individuals relate to it in their respective communities. Through autism awareness campaigns, a shared belief and values can become important issues in the community hence, ushering to a wider acceptance level.

Learn how to teach your community about Autism the positive way.

The Road to Autism Acceptance

In human psychology, acceptance is an individual’s assent to reality. It is the very recognition of autism in all its glory and flaws without protesting. It is important to note that up to this day, the road to autism acceptance is bumpy. A lot of controversies continually hound the realm of autism, from vaccines to therapies, treatments, researches, and what-have-you – and this virtually creates a tug-of-war from within hindering the very acceptance it hopes to pursue.

If only we can find that common ground about autism as it is, the level of awareness raised year after year could have pushed a higher level of public acceptance. Not only will this open huge opportunities on autism care, safety, and research but, also in encouraging individuals who are still in the dark to come forward and be heard. Without raising awareness, the drive for autism acceptance will prove to be futile – and vice-versa.

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10 Famous People Who May Have Been Living on the Spectrum

May 13, 2015 Pamela Bryson-Weaver Leave a comment

If not for Dr. Leo Kanner in 1943 and Dr. Asperger in 1944, autism as a neurological and behavioral condition might still be an “unknown” disorder.

Though their studies were published, much of society did not really have a clear picture on what “autism” is per se and did not know how to distinguish those who are living in the spectrum from those who have mental disorders. Autism has always been thought of as a “new condition” but, looking back—given what we know know—there are various famous people whom today would be recognizes as “on the spectrum. The include:

1. Albert Einstein

Known as a brilliant theoretical physicist and philosopher, Albert Einstein is believed to have had an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Not only did he have issues with social interaction, but he also had tactile sensitivity, language/speech problems, and had difficulty learning while in school. Imagine someone whose ideas were oozing from his brain and, yet, he fell behind in school. While he married and had children, it was noted that Einstein could not stand being touched by his children or by his wife. As autism has a wide-ranging spectrum, it is highly debated up to this day on whether Einstein’s “issues” are character traits of autism or simply, quirkiness on his part.

2. Sir Isaac Newton

Newton was renowned for his keenness on routines. When he was scheduled to give a lecture, he insisted the said event should go as planned, whether there was an audience or not. He was known to be very quiet and did not participate in typical conversations. Subsequently, the amount of focus he had kept him glued to his works and studies. At times, he would forget to eat. .Newton was also known to be not-that-friendly with his peers and would often block any attention to himself—a common trait among people on the spectrum.

3. Charles Darwin

Research done by Professor Michael Fitzgerald has supplied numerous facts and theories on whether the brain behind The Evolution Theory was autistic. Darwin chose to live in solitude and avoided interaction with others as much as he could. His only means of communication was through letters. Understandably, he was also fixated on chemistry and gadgets to the point of obsession. Knowing this, there is a high chance that, indeed, Charles Darwin lived on the spectrum.

4. Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart

Simply known as Mozart in modern society, this music prodigy was renowned for his eccentricity and oddness. From repetitive facial expressions to involuntary reflexes of his hands and feet, to hypersensitivity to loud sounds, echolalia, impoliteness and frequent mood swings and hyperactivity, there is little doubt that this famous classical composer surfed the spectrum., but there wasn’t a clear diagnosis on autism during his lifetime.

5. Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni

Known simply as Michelangelo throughout history, not only did he displayed brilliance as an artist but as a poet as well. However, many researchers like Dr. Arshad and Professor Fitzgerald believed that Michelangelo had Asperger’s Syndrome or high-function autism. Known for his fiery temper and obsessive-compulsive nature, Michelangelo was also noted to have a dedicated and repetitive work routine, poor social and communication skills, and limited interests. He was renowned for his unusual lifestyle and is, often described as “living in his own private reality.” These characteristics could have pointed to autism if diagnosed today.

6. Nikola Tesla

A brilliant inventor and, perhaps, the only person who could outshine Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla was also known to be an eccentric, had a series of phobias, sensitivity to light and sound, and focused on numbers. It is believed that Tesla would never stay in rooms which were not divisible by 3. He could be nice in one setting and then nasty the next minute, especially when defending his strange beliefs. If diagnosed today, there is no doubt Nikola Tesla would pass an “autism test” with flying colors.

7. Thomas Jefferson

The key writer of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States was believed to have Asperger’s syndrome. Not only was President Jefferson shy, he had a hard time interacting with other, and showed great difficulties when speaking in public. He was also overly sensitive to loud noise. His obsessions with home remodeling, his penchant of wearing slippers only to important state meetings, and keeping a mockingbird on his shoulders were not only sign of eccentricity but, if diagnosed today, were clear signs of autism.

8. James Garfield

The last of the “log cabin” presidents, James Garfield was also suspected to be an autism-savant. The 20th US President was not only known for his volatile nature but most especially of his ability to write Greek with one hand, and Latin with the other—simultaneously.

9. Stanley Kubrick

The celebrated American film director was known as a coldblooded perfectionist among his peers. He had a fixation on getting scenes the way he wanted them, leaving stars in his films tormented and stressed-out. Reclusive and known to keep a considerable distance from others, he was also known for his brilliance in playing chess. He had an obsession with animals, was uncomplimentary, and displayed lack of empathy towards others. A true genius in filmmaking, Kubrick would definitely pass the autism marker if diagnosed appropriately.

10. Bill Gates

Topping the list of the richest people around the globe, the co-founder of Microsoft is also believed to have Asperger’s Syndrome, a high-functioning autism. He displays a technical acumen and pays close attention to details. He had perfect scores on SATs and exams, displayed clipped monotonous speech pattern, is distant and avoids many forms of social interaction, avoids eye contact, and exhibits mood swings when displeased. These all point toward Gates having an ASD.

This list shows only a fraction of the famous people believed to have autism. With 1 in every 68 children in the U.S. alone diagnosed with ASD, today there is every reason to believe that these greats and others lived with the challenges ASD buts forth.

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The Evolution of Autism—and Why Acceptance is of Utmost Importance

May 7, 2015 Pamela Bryson-Weaver Leave a comment

Long before Autism was named as it is by Leo Kanner, there were endless accounts of children (as well as adults) exhibiting symptoms of the disorder. They used to be tagged as “possessed by the devil” or as children born to “ice-cold” mothers. There was also a time that it was put under schizophrenia’s umbrella until Hans Asperger came along. Asperger’s Syndrome, however, is but the teeniest tip of the autism iceberg. Over the years, the spectrum of autism disorders has evolved far-and-wide leading to variations of medical and technological terms.

If we care to check autism and its symptoms, it is right to assume that it has been the same throughout history. It is only our perception of the disorder as well as the countless researches that have been published made us look at it as “evolving.” From the theory of genetics comes the unending debate on vaccines, environmental factors, vitamin deficiencies, and pregnancy complications as the likely causes of such. Studies on rats, horses, and what-have-we have also been discussed perfunctorily throughout the course of autism’s evolution. Of course, this also leads to numerous treatments and therapies, parents vs. doctors views, educational choices, discipline, and so on, and so forth. With the Internet’s open resource, it seems there is no end on this finger-pointing debacle.

Apart from learning the what-and-why’s of Autism, however, acceptance is the very key to open a door that will encapsulate all these so-called “discoveries.” Like all other disabilities, autism acceptance has a long way to go. With 1 in every 68 kids having the said disorder, an invisible mania has blanketed people across the globe. The fear is understandable knowing that there is no known cure, but can also be debilitating to families who are already living, as what others say, “the nightmare.” Well, we are not. The first few months (at times, years) can prove to be challenging. Like other’s lives, we also receive a lot of blessings and key learning. Pure gratitude and tolerance are just two virtues that autism brings. So is being able to embrace life’s intricacies.

Today, the endless debate on vaccines, therapies, and treatments are not helping either. For everyone to move forward, it is imperative that we accept autism’s full impact on affected people’s lives. Whether high or low functioning, autism cases are growing in numbers. Yes, finding the root cause is noble. For now, however, accepting these individuals as unique persons like atypical ones is more important. Lest you forget, AUTISM is not a disease. These kids and adults who live on the spectrum are different, but no less.

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Obesity and Autism

May 6, 2015 Pamela Bryson-Weaver Leave a comment

Obesity has become a prevalent condition among children nowadays. In the same way, the sudden rise of autism has also been recorded at 1 in 68 children by the CDC.

More research suggests that obesity in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has also been rising over the years, and has been noted as high as that of developing children. This statistical data is quite staggering. Children with ASD are not only exposed to the same risk factors as that of typical developing children, they are also more susceptible and vulnerable to more adverse effects such as genetic issues, sleeping and eating disorders, physiological challenges, and so on. For all individuals with ASD, obesity poses a huge threat to their overall health and quality of life.

Likely Causes of Obesity to ASD

Three of the likely causes of obesity among children with ASD are genetics, delayed/impaired motor skills development, and psychopharmacological after-effects. Obesity in children with autism is biological in nature. Children with ASD born to parents with obese patterns are more susceptible to such growing up. Genetic determinants, however, are not specifically and fully identified.

The use of psychotropic medications is quite common among individuals with ASD, particularly to those who have severe symptoms. Medications such as stimulants, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics are usually prescribed to individuals with Autism as well as to those with behavioral and developmental needs. Some 35% to 65% are prescribed with one of these medications while, approximately 10% are prescribed with more than 3 medications. These medications are often used not as a cure but as a means to control and manage the symptoms. Though known to be effective, these medications can result in weight gain as they increase appetite and lessen physical activity. In addition, metabolic syndrome such as raised blood pressure, insulin resistance or glucose intolerance, abdominal obesity, and many more are also noted to be caused by these medications among children with Autism.

Delayed or impaired motor development usually limits the physical activity among children with autism. Most kids with severe autism have sedentary behavior due to low muscle tone, postural instability, and motor-skills impairment. These conditions often lead to involvement in physical activities difficult as these children struggle for balance, endurance, and motor planning.

Other Risk Factors

Autism with obesity are known to be associated with other risk factors such as sleep issues, and picky eating. Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep is quite common among children with ASD. Sleep issues usually affect appetite and metabolic functions leading to weight gain. Children with ASD are also known to be highly selective eaters and have the tendency to be indisposed to specific smells, colors, textures, temperatures, and so on. This “picky” eating routine leaves children to choose unhealthy foods and/or energy-dense foods which are often “more attractive” and much tastier than organic/fresh foods.

The Role of the Family

Most issues concerning dietary, sleep patterns, and physical activity are usually affected by family dynamics. Mealtime routines, feeding styles, and other parental practices relating to food and activities at home directly impact obesity clauses among children with ASD. By developing a healthy family environment and proper dietary management while infusing effective intervention, obesity among children with ASD can be prevented.

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Life Skills for Autism: Preparing Your Child For Life

May 5, 2015 Pamela Bryson-Weaver Leave a comment

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), or simply “autism”, is a wide-ranging spectrum of disorders affecting cognitive, social, communication and developmental aspects. For autism parents, managing ages 2 to 10 years can be handy.

However, this may not be the case as they enter adolescence, and then, adulthood. It is our moral obligation as parents to prepare them to a life where they can stand on their own feet—fully or even, partially. This process can require huge sacrifice and efforts, but embracing the inevitable with an open heart and mind will enable children who are living in the spectrum to live a life they want.

Individualized Approach

Teaching life skills to individuals with autism is difficult. Apart from varying manifestations of the disorders across individuals, it can be strenuous and often requires professional support. We as family members or as parents can only do so much to arm them with the right skills in facing life amid their frailties. We need all the help we can get from people who have the experience and expertise in handling ASDs. These professionals are geared with the right knowledge and familiarity of various skills needed to prepare them in living as independent adults. The key, however, in teaching life skills is to focus on an individual’s core deficits and strengths to bring out the best in them.

Facing the Inevitable Head-on

When you have decided to engage your loved one with autism on developing life skills, it is also important that you know what to expect from individualized programs. Though, experienced professionals will be at hand to teach these skills to your growing child, we are bound to continue such at home to ensure success. So, what life skills are considered critical to individuals with autism?

1. Sensory Integration

Autism is a world where metaphors are nonexistent, where everything seems to be confusing. Teaching a loved one living on the spectrum how to process his senses can help him develop communication, social connections, self-awareness, and safety.

2. Communication Skills

One hugely affected skill of individuals living on the spectrum is communication. Verbal communication, metaphors, implied meanings, and other means of communication are limited, if not non-existent, to all those living on the spectrum. Speech, proper eye contact, and interaction with peers, however, can be taught when done accordingly.

3. Strong Self-Worth

Often, children with developmental needs have low self-esteem, and this does not exclude those who have ASDs. For a happier adult life while living on the spectrum, it is imperative that self-confidence and a sense of self-respect be instilled in the minds of an autistic for them to reach their potential.

4. Interests Engagement

Individuals with ASDs are often discouraged to indulge in their obsessions. Instead, let them pursue these passions and use these to their advantage. An obsession on art or engineering or math can be harnessed proactively leading into job skills later on.

5. Safety

Safety is one concern that never goes away when you have a child with autism. With sensory difficulties, these individuals can have a hard time identifying hazards. This “ignorance” or lack of knowledge and hands-on training can make them subject to abuse later on. Teaching them safety measures will make them be more aware about abuse or harassment, certain precautions and defense should they face unsafe situations, and knowledge on how to seek help when they need it.

6. Self-Control

For someone who has a hard time understanding the world, establishing self-control can be daunting but—take note—doable. By teaching sensory, communication and social integration to an individual on ASDs, guiding him to identify certain triggers and allowing them to discover their own “coping” method, this will enable him to develop self-control.

7. Social Integration

Depending on the severity of the symptoms, developing social relationships can be tough to an individual with autism. This, however, can be improved. An individual with autism can be taught certain concepts to understand about some of the different type of relationships that he will encounter in his daily life. Like family and relatives, asking a police for direction, finding a handyman, or even making contacts to find a job.

8. Self-Sufficiency

One of the most arduous tasks in developing life skills among individuals with autism, self-sufficiency or independence can take the hard and rough road for everyone. As parents, being optimistic, patient and persevering can prove to be rewarding later on. With the help of professionals, teaching them how to be organized, responsibilities like doing household chores, setting and sticking to routines, and self-care will develop a sense of self-sufficiency for the later years in life.

9. Self-Advocacy

Keeping your child “informed” about what is going on with him and his needs is essential when preparing them for life. Encourage discovery of their developmental needs, and make them recognize their strengths, needs and weaknesses. By knowing themselves, they can better handle difficulties and, in the long run, be of help to others who are also like them.

10. Financial Independence

Getting a job and be able to keep it can be quite challenging to individuals with autism. Today more and more multi-national corporations are actually hiring individuals with ASDs making it more lucrative for them to learn about nurturing their talents and how to seek opportunities to earn a living.

Indeed, there is a lot in store for individuals with autism. By finding a sturdy support system of professionals and experts, building up their life skills at a young age will definitely result in lasting and rewarding developments to individuals with autism—and make them live a life they choose.

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AUTISM & WANDERING – Ways to Evade Tragic Circumstances

April 14, 2015 Pamela Bryson-Weaver 6 Comments

It is a known fact that nearly half of children with autism will wander from safe environments. May it be in school, at home or in a day care center, the issue of wandering or elopement always generates a deep level of fear among parents, caregivers, teachers and anyone directly involved with them. One common denominator among wandering cases is that most of these kids are considered nonverbal. They can slip through a crowd unnoticed. This makes the ordeal even more frightening as these kids often do not sense danger.

Likely Causes of Wandering

Children with autism go missing under a variety of situations and circumstances. Some seek places familiar to them or places that pique their curiosity. Places of special interest are bodies of water, a park, and a secluded or enclosed space. Kids on the spectrum may try escaping from overwhelming stimuli such as loud sounds, unusual sights, unfamiliar surroundings, and rowdy activities with other children involved. Sometimes, it can also be triggered with a disruption in their usual routine. There are a thousand and one reasons why these kids wander. As parents and guardians, it is imperative that we find ways to guarantee their safety.

Life-Saving Tips for Parents and Guardians

It is important to assume that your child can go missing. You need to accept the fact that whether you are in the comfort of your own homes or he may be in a seemingly secured school ground, the probability of an autistic child wandering is always there. Your first course of action, however, should be to identify certain risks for your child. Does he or she have a particular interest like a pool or a lake? Does he love vehicles? Do fire trucks and trains make him excited? Bodies of water like lakes, rivers, swimming holes, waterfalls, and so on can easily caught the attention of children as well as teens on the spectrum. As a parent or guardian, you often have first-hand information on certain “risks” that could draw out your child. Identify certain areas in your community particularly those nearest to the places where he is always billeted. This is of utmost importance especially when moving to a new neighborhood where everything can be interesting and trigger overstimulation of his sensory perception.

Inform and Engage

Create an information drive starting from your closest circle of family members, relatives, friends, teachers, and caregivers. Make sure that these people are alerted on your child’s potential interests and attractions. Sharing this knowledge to the people directly involved in his or her activities can be of great help in identifying places and spaces proven to be hazardous to their well-being. In most cases, this will also prove to be the most effective in search and recovery situations.

Reach out to the local law enforcement agency. Ask if they have any program that helps track a child with autism in case of a wandering or elopement incident. Some communities also offer programs concerning safety of children and teens on the spectrum. In some cases, the local law enforcement or a community provides a GPS tracker. Buying one from radio shack or any electronic retailer near you can also be of big help. Charm bracelets or any “wearables” for your child where you can place an identification badge complete with your contact details is also important. Place one also on his or her backpack or pocket for easy identification should they go out and about. Dead-bolts, inside digi-locks, and placing a STOP sign on the inside of your doorways can also help prevent kids with autism from wandering outside your home. If allowed, getting your child a service dog can also prove to be helpful. Be wary of allergies and underlying health conditions though.

In everything else, try putting yourself in your child’s shoes. What you consider the sneakiest idea might have also crossed his or her mind. Fill in the gaps before it happens—and the time is now!

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Autism & Wandering – Tips for Community Members

April 12, 2015 Pamela Bryson-Weaver Leave a comment

Wandering or elopement is common in individuals with autism. This is more prevalent in non-verbal kids. If you happen to live in a community where autism is present, it is imperative to know precautionary measures should you come across a wandering individual with autism. Unlike atypical kids and teens (or even adults), individuals with autism who wanders are often nonverbal making the ordeal even more challenging. Here are some important tips should you come across one:

If you live in a closely-knit community, identify individuals particularly children who have autism. A local autism group often has awareness campaign in the area. You do not have to make yourself a member but, the least you can offer is a considerate and concerned heart.
Be reminded that an individual on the spectrum can be resilient and tenacious. They can walk for miles and miles without a care for any impending danger. If you notice a child or teen walking alone, may it be in a secluded place or in a busy street, try asking where he or she is going. If you are disregarded as if nonexistent, try to get someone else’s attention.
Your smartphone is a significant tool in helping out. If you come across an individual with autism wandering, take a picture to easily give the law enforcement agency a visual. This will prove to be a great help when looking for missing persons. Instead of blabbering about physical description and outfit worn, you can simply show the picture for the parents or guardians to identify with.
Individuals with autism who wander are often non-verbal and non-responsive when being called. They also fear close contact with people they are not familiar with. They can either run or bolt from uncomfortable situations.
Talking to others can scare them, too. No matter how dangerous the situation, they can easily bolt to evade you. Be gentle when asking and avoid physical contact at first. Keep him or her in your line of sight.
Try to gain their trust first by introducing yourself and then, asking his or her whereabouts. The words “I am here to help you” might do the trick.
Again, your phone will prove to be a great help in wandering situations. Whether a child is with autism or not, when alone, it is imperative that you report it immediately to a law enforcement agency. Wait with the child or do not lose the child out of your sight while waiting for the help to arrive.

It takes a lot of courage and compassion not to walk away and ignore warning signs from individuals we meet on the streets. Even more so when we are busy tinkering with our own lives. However, as community members, it is our obligation to at least manifest a sense of concern especially to children with autism. We can divest tragic circumstances from occurring should we at least reach out a helping hand in trying times like this.

Book Reviews

Laura Berger

If you’ve ever had questions about ASD’s or want to know how to help a friend, family or loved struggling with an autism spectrum disorder, this is THE resource that makes it simple and easy to navigate. Pamela gives clear advice and words of hope along with resources that will help you offer your families a balanced and loving life despite the diagnoses of ASD!

Book Reviews

Kit

From the initial view of the cover, I quickly understood that this was a book which would demonstrate ways to put life back together and make life more solid. This book is certainly well written, containing numerous insights about life, for someone who has had to deal with the life-change of autism, and not. What a wonderful resource that people who deal with autism can turn to for inspiration and help toward the future.

I do know of life-change, after getting hit by a truck and laying in a coma for 37 days. Then, after awakening, having to learn to everything physical again (although, if my mind I know what to do, I had to retrain my body.) Then, 18 years later, getting hit by a truck, the second time, much of my body broken. In a large way, autism and brain injury are similar, so I see that this is a much needed book, even if you have not had to deal with either of these two areas.

Thank you Pamela, for bringing to us these words of hope. Many can learn from this wonderful book about making change work for us.

Book Reviews

Frank Healy, HSAM

Pamela Bryson Weaver takes you right into the daily journey of raising an autistic child. You will feel her love, frustration, sadness, and joys throughout the year as you go through the days, as well as her determination to help her son and all autistic children. This is a must read for parents, counselors, child workers, and anyone who has contact with autistic children.

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Awareness and Acceptance – Why These Two Go Hand in Hand

There are quite aplenty of feedback that can be gathered nowadays pertaining to the recent World Autism Awareness Day.

10 Famous People Who May Have Been Living on the Spectrum