www.aspie-editorial.com

HEADLINES

Abubakar Tariq Nadama “Charges dropped in Pa. Case of autistic boy given wrong drug”:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/05/06/ap/national/main4076131.shtml

“Autistic adults to be audited”:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7389228.stm

“US measles outbreak linked to anti-vaccine parents”:
http://www.aspieweb.net/us-measles-outbreak-linked-to-anti-vaccine-parents/

“Autism bill gets nod”:
http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008805030319

“Congress passes bill barring genetic discrimination”:
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=bill-bars-genetic-discrimination&sc=rss

Kathleen Seidel “Court rules for blogger in subpoena case”:
http://publications.mediapost.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.showArticleHomePage&art_aid=81378

Kathleen Seidel “A forceful voice in autism debate”:
http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080427/FRONTPAGE/804270376

“Store drops anti-yob device in autism row”:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/may/04/supermarkets.retail1

Melbourne, Australia “Forum for autism carers” – Saturday, 24^th May with Donna Williams:
http://www.senews.com.au/story/57710

“NAS Cymru welcomes Assembly Government Action Plan”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1665&a=16216

NAS “Social care services: make your voice heard”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=253&a=16023

“NAS Conference 2008 – 19th-20^th September, 2008”

Location: Novotel London West
http://www.autism.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1549

Campaign “Think Differently About Autism”:
http://www.think-differently.org.uk/

“ANI presents AUTREAT” – Monday – Friday, June 23 – 27, 2008

Location: Bradford, Pennsylvania

The Autreat Information Page:
http://ani.autistic s.org/aut08. html

This year’s presentations:
http://ani.autistic s.org/aut08prese ntations. html

Online registration form:
http://ani.autistic s.org/aut08regfo rm.php

Download a pdf registration form:
http://ani.autistic s.org/BROCHURE20 08booklet. Pdf

RESEARCH

“Schizophrenia linked to ‘rare and unique genetic glitches”:
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/008200803281540.htm

“Mental disorders in parents linked to autism in children”:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080505072829.htm

“Anti-psychotic drug use soars in UK children, too”:
http://www.cbc.ca/cp/health/080505/x050502A.html

Northern Ireland “NI autism treatment ‘unacceptable”:
http://www.utvinternet.ie/newsroom/indepth.asp?pt=n&id=88807

“Surprising language abilities in autistic children”:
http://www.sciencecodex.com/surprising_language_abilities_in_children_with_autism

“Autistic mannerisms reduced by sensory treatment”:
http://www.huliq.com/57892/autistic-mannerisms-reduced-sensory-treatment

“Smell linked to post traumatic stress”:
http://www.sciencealert.com.au/news/20082304-17221-2.html

EDUCATION

“Consortium created to better educate autistic students”:
http://www.charlottesvillenewsplex.tv/home/headlines/18176879.html

“Grants help ready Colchester kids for kindergarten”:
http://www.topix.net/content/trb/2008/04/grants-help-ready-colchester-kids-for-kindergarten

AUSTRALIA “School’s in as teachers strike a deal”:
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/schools-in-as-teachers-strike-a-deal/2008/05/05/1209839553516.html

UK “Teachers ‘need better training”:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7383498.stm

Distance Learning – “Earning Online High School and Online College Degrees From Home”
http://distancelearn.about.com/

EMPLOYMENT

“Auties.org”

Individuality, Diversity, Equality, Achievement

Auties.org is an Aspie & Autie friendly site for all people on the Autistic Spectrum who are ready to dare reach out to occupation and employment, open the doors to the community and market their abilities directly to the public and for those interested in supporting these pioneers.
http://www.auties.org/

“AutismJobs”

Linking job seekers with vacancies in work related to autism, Aspergers and ASDs:
http://www.autismjobs.org/?section=00010009

“Job Vacancies within the NAS”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=170
Want to Work at NASA?

NASA is more than astronauts. We are scientists, engineers, computer programmers, personnel specialists, accountants, writers, maintenance workers and many, many other kinds of people. At the NASAJobs Web site, you can review job listings, post a resume and even apply for a NASA job online.

At NASAJobs students can find opportunities for internships, cooperative programs and summer employment.

For all the diversity of NASA’s workforce, the question, “How can I become an astronaut?” is very common. The answer depends on where you are now and where you want to go.

If you haven’t finished high school yet, former astronaut Dr. Sally K. Ride has these suggestions for you:

“The most important steps that I followed were studying math and science in school. I was always interested in physics and astronomy and chemistry, and I continued to study those subjects through high school and college on into graduate school. That’s what prepared me for being an astronaut; it actually gave me the qualifications to be selected to be an astronaut. I think the advice that I would give to any kids who want to be astronauts is to make sure that they realize that NASA is looking for people with a whole variety of backgrounds: they are looking for medical doctors, microbiologists, geologists, physicists, electrical engineers. So find something that you really like and then pursue it as far as you can and NASA is apt to be interested in that profession.”

If you’ve graduated from college or are in the military, and you’re ready to apply, here’s how

“NASA Jobs”:
http://www.nasajobs.nasa.gov/

GENERAL/HUMAN INTEREST

“Asperger’s and IT: Dark secret or open secret?”:
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9072119

“Natural Learning Concepts shine the spotlight on remarkable people in “Life on the Spectrum”:
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/04/prweb816434.htm

“Adapting to the possibilities of life”:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89920017

“Scout’s play to benefit autism camp”:
http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_9126965?IADID=Search-www.dailybreeze.com-www.dailybreeze.com

“A couple say visiting Disney World helps unlock their autistic son’s closed world”:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/community/news/maitland/orl-autisticboy08may04,0,898399.story?page=1

“Sensory Comfort”:
http://www.sensorycomfort.com/

“Rainbow Research” (scent-free products):
http://www.rainbowresearch.com/

DYSLEXIA
http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/

“What Is Dyslexia?

A Book Explaining Dyslexia for Kids and Adults to Use Together”

Author: Alan M. Hultquist
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843108825

HYPERLEXIA
http://www.hyperlexia.org/

Hyperlexia – “When Babies Read”

Author: Audra Jenson
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/index.php/cat/hyperlexia

Comprehensive Guide “Well Known People with Disabilities”:
http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/article_0060.shtml

“Famous People with Asperger Syndrome or Similar Traits”:
http://www.asperger-syndrome.me.uk/people.htm

“Famous People with Asperger Syndrome”:
http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/article_2086.shtml

ADD/ADHD

“American Heart Association recommends children receive heart screening before taking stimulant medications”:
http://add.about.com/b/2008/04/22/american-heart-association-recommends-children-receive-heart-screening-before-taking-stimulant-medications.htm

“Adderall abuse found at many schools”:
http://www.kcra.com/health/15981829/detail.html

“Study: To help ADHD kids, help mothers”:
http://www.portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=120907318210605000

“Teen drivers with ADHD: Realities and Risk Factors”:
http://www.schwablearning.org/articles.aspx?r=855

“ADHD and Children Who are Gifted”:
http://www.educationoasis.com/resources/Articles/adhd_children_gifted.htm

“adders.org”

Our objective is to promote awareness to AD/HD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and to provide information and as much free practical help as we can to affected by the condition, both adults and children, their families in the UK and around the World via this website.

http://www.adders.org/

“ADDISS”:
http://www.addiss.co.uk/

SPORT

“The London Triathlon 2008 – 9^th 10^th August”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16295

“Sky diving: take the plunge for the NAS”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16319

“Adidas Women’s 5k Challenge – 7^th September, 2008”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16296

NAS “Track our Tulip Ride fundraisers with TomTom”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=228&a=15228

MUSIC

“Culleoka student achieves harmony through his music”:
http://www.columbiadailyherald.com/articles/2008/05/05/lifestyles/01lstyle.txt

“Music for ASD”:
http://www.music4asd.com/

“Do Re Mi in the Key of C”

Young children love to sing. Non-verbal children on the autism spectrum often find their voice through song. So it comes as no surprise that Debra Wesemann-Siebert(mother of 4 children, 2 of whom are diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum), would use her talents and 20+ years of experience teaching piano and voice to help children on the spectrum learn and grow through music. The result is an engaging, delightful, interactive DVD geared for preschoolers. Children can sing, dance and learn to play simple sequences on their own piano while building fine motor skills, learning rhythm, melody and harmony, as well as practicing reading, matching and imitation skills. Best of all, parents do not need any music training to use the DVD with their children. Colour co-ordinated puppets introduce each segment: do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti do. Kids voices and kid-shaped music keep children engaged, with minimal adult training. 35 mins
http://www.bravibeginnings.com/

ART

“World Autism Awareness Day – Don’t ‘Dis’ The Ability … Artworks by Individuals on the Autism Spectrum”:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/105530.php

TEIXIERA MENDES – also known as the Brazilian Picasso

A world renowned artist and master of his craft, Brazilian born Teixeira Mendes paints exclusively for the Veronica Bird Charitable Foundation’s Ahead With Autism Art Gallery.

By selecting and adroitly recombining elements through plastic means – reshapes that which his eyes have registered, his head has pondered, and his heart has enfolded.

All his life the artist has pursued this course, making no indictment, pointing no accusing finger. Offering no apologies, shunning rationalization, always facing up to things as they are.

Drawing on its European roots, Teixeira Mendes’ painting invites the viewer to luxuriate and leads him though a catharsis, helping him shed the shackles of oppression, of barrenness, and of a man’s inability to fit into or be the master of his times.
http://www.aheadwithautism.com/viewart.html

MOVIE/ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

VIDEO William Stillman “The Soul of Autism”:
http://wcbstv.com/video/?id=111027@wcbs.dayport.com

“Actors for Autism”:
http://www.actorsforautism.com/

“Today’s Man”:
http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/todaysman/film.html

“Navigating life with humor and bewilderment – Today’s Man”:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/08/arts/television/08gott.html?ex=1357448400&en=f0d3e16629852a3a&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

“Jackson Sandwich”:
http://www.filmakers.com/indivs/JacksonSandwich.htm

BIPOLAR FILM “Living the Roller-coaster”:
http://www.filmakers.com/indivs/LivingRollerCoaster.htm

In Conjunction “The Icarus Project”:
http://theicarusproject.net/

“Filmaker’s Library – Psychology”:
http://www.filmakers.com/PSYCHO.html

BOOKS

VIDEO “Autism awareness book fair”:
http://player.clipsyndicate.com/view/5895/576408?cpt=8&wpid=2057

“Autism resource library follows in teacher’s passion”:
http://www.thenorthwestern.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080425/OSH/80425140/1987

“Why Bogart’s Kiss is your Kiss, His Soda your Soda”:
http://discovermagazine.com/2008/may/05-why-bogarts-kiss-is-your-kiss

“Autistics Guide To Dating”

A Book by Autistics, for Autistics and Those Who Love Them or Who Are in Love with Them

Authors: Emilia Murry Ramey and Jody John Ramey
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843108818

“Love, Sex and Long-Term Relationships”

What People With Asperger Syndrome Really Really Want

Author: Sarah Hendrickx

Foreword by Stephen M. Shore
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843106050
“Living Sensationally”

Understanding Your senses

Author: Winnie Dunn
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/index.php/cat/autism

“Providing Practical Support for People with ASD”

Supported Living in the Community

Author: Denise Edwards
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843105770

“Asperger Syndrome and Alcohol”

Drinking to Cope?

Authors: Matthew Tinsley and Sarah Hendrickx

Foreword by Temple Grandin
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843106098

“How to Make School Make Sense”

A Parent’s Guide to Helping the Child with Asperger Syndrome

Author: Clare Lawrence

Foreword by Tony Attwood
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843106647

Outstanding Site & Accompanying Book “Asperger Solution”
http://www.aspergersolution.com/

Highly Recommended Read “Asperger Solution”

Author: Kevin Foley BA (Hons) Econ. PGCE

Having seen his son struggle with the demands of the mainstream, Kevin Foley now believes that:

“Too many children with AS suffer ‘meltdown’ as a result of being forced to operate in environments that test their immature executive, social, and emotional skills to breaking point – and beyond. We need to ‘personalise’ our children’s education so that this doesn’t happen. We need to cast a cold eye on what currently passes for ‘inclusion’ and be aware of the intrusion and exclusion that is the daily reality for many of our children in mainstream schools.”
http://www.aspergersolution.com/page8.htm

In closing, since NASA is celebrating its “50^th Anniversary of scientific and technological excellence”, now’s as good a time as any to reflect and take in a little history as well as explore a great new site!  Dr. Temple Grandin (an autistic adult) who became a successful engineer, academic and speaker, once famously called NASA a sheltered workshop for those who are autistic/AS.  She believes that people on the spectrum are the great innovators, and “if the world was left to you socialites, nothing would get done and we would still be in caves talking to each other.”

Their 50th Anniversary website is filled to the brim with featured events, image gallery, history and more…:
http://www.nasa.gov/50th/home/index.html

Professor Stephen Hawking’s Lecture Series for NASA ~ discussing the benefits provided by space exploration, scientific discovery, and aeronautics research to the economy, education, health, and the environment: http://www.nasa.gov/50th/NASA_lecture_series/hawking.html

Something for the younger members of the family ~ “Cool NASA Stuff for Kids” ~ “NASA Kids’ Club”:
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forkids/kidsclub/flash/index.html

Hope you enjoyed the read.

Till next time,

Take Care,

Julie

Autism/AS and Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS)

First Published Sunday, 4th May, 2008.

The American Academy of Pediatricians reports there is no evidence to support a link between vaccine and autism or IBS. IBS tends to be triggered by stress and anxiety. It’s not difficult to understand a physical link between emotion and IBS when you consider that the bowel(as with lung and skin) develops from the same forerunner tissue in the embryo as the brain and nervous system. In regard children experiencing IBS, it’s important to be looking at what may be causing elevated levels of stress in their day(peer/teacher stressors/changes at home or school/tests etc) to pinpoint the IBS trigger.  For older teens/adults, elevated levels of stress may be down to work-related stress, friendship/relationship difficulties, financial pressures.

Despite some reports claiming IBS is more common in females than males, in actual fact, it’s just as common in both sexes. It’s often the case that people will experience a combination of mild and more severe symptoms, with flare-ups from time to time. It’s estimated that between one and three and one in five people will suffer from IBS at some point in their life.

There are four main chronic and recurring symptoms of IBS: pain, constipation and/or diarrhoea and abdominal bloating. Other symptoms may include nausea, headache, excessive wind, poor appetite and bladder problems. The exact cause is unknown, but as anxiety is the dominant emotion in autistics, stress/anxiety would be high on the list of considerations. Diet itself does not cause IBS, but spicy, very high fibre and high fat foods would all likely worsen the symptoms.

A combination of factors across all populations that may be triggers are: stress, overactivity in the gut, overactivity of nerves and muscles in the intestines, food allergy or intolerance, hormonal factors, and diet and lifestyle changes. Adults with IBS learn to watch out for foods that are bothersome, and avoid them. Exercise is important.

The most troublesome symptom of IBS is often the pain as a result of abdominal spasms. There are treatments like Buscopan IBS Relief to help relieve pain in medically confirmed IBS. It has a relaxing antispasmodic effect which works directly on the muscle on the bowel to relieve the colicky pain of cramps and spasms associated with IBS. I remember my eldest son being given an anti-spasmodic brilliant green med way back when he was 5 years(he’s now 22yrs) and extremely anxious/stressed over school, though IBS was never diagnosed. Both our boys have IBS as do other Aspie family members.

It’s important to point out that blood in the bowel is NEVER a sign of IBS. In this case, a swift visit to the Doc for further investigation is in order. This is particularly important if you think the blood is mixed with the motion.

For further information about IBS:

http://www.ibs-relief.co.uk/
http://www.ibsnetwork.org.uk/portal/
http://www.corecharity.org.uk/

Latest Research/Articles

New Guidelines Issued for Management of IBS/Irritable Bowel Syndrome Linked To Genetic Causes:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/new_guidelines_issued_for_management_of_ibs.htm

Studies Explore High Stress-Gastrointestinal Disorders Connection:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/studies_explore_high_stressgastrointestinal_disorders_conne.htm

TOILET TRAINING – A SPECTRUM GUIDE

First Published Sunday, 4th May, 2008.

While some autistic children are toilet trained without any difficulty, becoming clean and dry at an unusually early age, others are late in learning and may be very resistant to training. The general rule is not to make any fuss about children’s mistakes but to take them to the potty/bathroom regularly and especially at those times when they are most likely to need to empty their bowels or bladder. This would include upon waking after a dry night or daytime sleep, after meals and after drinks given between meals. If successful, the child should be given lots of praise and attention for successful performance and perhaps some other suitable reward(sticker, token etc) that ties in with the child’s main interests and is meaningful to him/her.

Many children on the spectrum dislike, even fear the potty or toilet. A very cold seat will be enough to worry some. The flushing may terrify children, though it may fascinate others. Resistance to change in an established routine is one of the reasons for delay in toilet training. Many will only wet or soil when wearing a nappy. Some may display excellent bowel and bladder control, remaining clean and dry for hours until a nappy is placed on them. As babies, they had learned to associate bowel and bladder function with wearing a nappy and cling to this routine after infancy has passed.

When it came time to training my three children, as well as a multitude of others in my care(special needs children included), maintaining a relaxed, calm approach complimentary to a reliable, structured routine enabled training to occur as a natural progression over time. That’s not to say that there weren’t challenges along the way, such as my youngest son hiding behind curtains or under the trampoline, having discovered yet another cosy place to release a movement. They say that boys are harder to train than girls. Our daughter(AS) was trained within 3 days as it simply “clicked” with her. She was 2 yrs of age and went directly from nappies to underwear. A musical potty worked well for our youngest son. Our sons(both AS) took substantially longer to train, but what matters is that old phrase “all in good time” as eventually, with patience and perseverance, when your child is good and ready(often with ‘gestalt’ learning) the pieces simply come together, falling perfectly into place after a period of time.

The following information includes a look at a very helpful book, some helpful toilet training sites and how to handle one of the less desirable behaviours, smearing.

BOOK: “Toilet Training for Individuals with Autism or other Developmental Issues”

http://www.amazon.com/Toilet-Training-Individuals-Autism-Developmental/dp/1932565493

Table of Contents

Ch 1 …. The Importance of Toilet Training

Ch 2 …. Determining Readiness

Ch 3 …. Developing a Toileting Routine

Ch 4 ….Dressing for the Occasion

Ch 5 …. Habit Training

Ch 6 …. Teaching Continence

Ch 7 …. Communicating the Need to Use the Toilet

Ch 8 …. When Toilet Training is Successful

Ch 9 …. Toileting in Unfamiliar Environments

Ch 10 … Nighttime Training

Ch 11 … Support Strategies

CH 12 … Common Problems (and Solutions)

Appendix

Data Collection Form

Sample Social Story

Glossary

Resources

“… once a person is beyond four years old, toilet training usually becomes a priority.” (pg. 11)

From Chapter 1

Autistic people have been reported by researchers as being the most difficult population to toilet train. Many techniques used to toilet train children are not sufficient when used to teach toileting skills to autistic persons. There are, however, strategies which have been demonstrated to be effective when teaching toileting skills.

Every individual is unique. However, there are particular characteristics associated with autism that impact behavior. These factors have a significant impact on the success of challenges presented when toilet training. To be successful in one’s training efforts, it is essential that the characteristics and needs unique to the individual be considered when planning interventions.

Characteristics to be addressed when planning intervention include:

• Communication needs

• Literal communication

• Sensory awareness

• Sensitivity to stimulation

• Preference for routine or ritual

• Motor planning difficulties

• Limited imitation

• Sequential learning

• Increased levels of anxiety

• Difficulty adjusting behaviors to fit new situations

From Chapter 3

Rather than be viewed as a single event, toileting needs to be approached as a sequenced chain of behaviors that includes all of the behaviors preceding and following elimination. Use visual cues such as picture strips showing the sequence of behaviors to complete as part of the entire toileting process.

Approach using the toilet as an entire sequence of related behaviors for the learner to complete, including:

• Follow a visual schedule for eating foods, drinking fluids and accessing the toilet.

• Enter the bathroom and close the door when appropriate.

• Undress only as necessary for using the toilet.

• Sit on the toilet, relax, and remain on the toilet until finished.

• Access toilet paper, wipe, and properly dispose of toilet paper.

• Get off the toilet, flush one time, close the commode lid, and get dressed.

• Wash and dry hands, properly dispose of towel, indicate being finished with toileting, and exit the bathroom.

• Return to check what is next on the schedule and begin that activity.

From Chapter 5 – Habit Training

One type of toilet training available is called habit training. When providing habit training, the goal is to develop bladder and bowel control by regularly accessing toileting facilities. Eliminating in the toilet becomes a learned habit by repeating the behavior in the same way over and over. This is different from the other goal of other types of toilet training. Usually the goal is teaching persons to independently access facilities when they are aware of the need to eliminate. Habit training provides a socially acceptable way to have dignity and improved personal hygiene when someone is not a god candidate for usual toilet training techniques.

Habit training may be an appropriate option to consider if:

• There is no awareness of the need to urinate or defecate.

• The person is older than six years of age and other training techniques have not been effective.

• The individual has a mental age lower than three years.

• There is no awareness or change in behavior when diapers or clothing are wet or soiled.

The most critical part of a successful habit training program is the development and consistent use of a suitable schedule. With habit training, accurately identifying times when the learner usually urinates and has bowel movements greatly affects the program’s success.

Developing and following a routine is an important part of habit training. Anytime the person is taken to the toilet, be sure to follow the entire toileting routine including visual prompts, undressing and dressing.

• Avoid asking if the person needs to use the bathroom when the schedule indicates a toileting time. Simply prompt the person that it is time to use the bathroom. Allowing the person to indicate that they do not need to eliminate should not be an option at this point. The cue for “potty” on the schedule is the signal that the toileting routine needs to begin.

• If the individual wets or soils clothing between schedules toilet times, calmly help them clean up with minimal social interaction. Do not act emotional, hostile, or upset. Do not scold, lecture, or nag. Simply help the person clean up in a dignified manner and continue with the next scheduled activity. Continue to take the person to the bathroom in accordance with the schedule, following the usual routine and making no reference to the earlier “accident.”

  

From Chapter 12

Negative Reactions to Taking Away Diapers

Occasionally, someone being toilet trained becomes upset and resists attempts to replace diapers with training pants or underwear. For individuals sensitive to the texture and pressure provided by different types of fabrics or clothing styles, this can be a significant source of discomfort. The satisfying sensations provided by the diaper may come from the tight feel at the legs and waist, the overall pressure of the diaper’s snugness against the body, or the feeling of the particular fabric against the skin.

When someone reacts negatively to having diapers replaced with training pants or underpants:

• Place diapers over the underpants and over time gradually cut away or otherwise remove small parts of the diaper, starting with the part that does not provide the greatest amount of satisfying feeling to the person.

• Have him wear underpants instead of diapers for short periods of time daily, gradually increase the number of periods in underpants, then increase the time frames.

• Use preteaching strategies and reward wearing underpants.

CASE EXAMPLE

Lauren tantrummed when Mom put underpants on her. She enjoyed the snug, thick feeling of her diapers. Mom decided to put underpants on Lauren and put her diaper on top of the underpants. Lauren did not seem to mind this. Mom slowly began fastening the diapers slightly looser each day, until some days they would fall off. This gradual change did not seem to bother Lauren. She would remove the diaper when it was too loose and became accustomed to the feel of underpants. After two weeks of baggy diapers, she would fuss if Mom tried to put a diaper on her.

Tips for Toilet Training

• Use simple, concrete language.

• Be consistent with the teaching method and use the same one everyday. If it isn’t working after a few weeks, try another method but then be consistent with it.

• Get the child’s team and family member’s on board with the toileting plan so everyone uses it consistently. Toileting occurs across many settings.

• Use visual supports throughout the toileting process to reinforce the steps. ASD children need visual supports to help process information.

• Take the “autism view” when toileting. Break steps down into a logical order so the child understands them.

• Use rewards that are truly motivating for the child and then only use them for the toileting process. Make sure they are meaningful to the child and not what a parent thinks is meaningful.

• Reward mini-steps along the way to keep motivation high.

• If the child does not know how to physically release a bowel movement, try having him blow bubbles or use a blowing-type toy (pop bottle whistle with a string that moves when you blow into it) while on the toilet to mimic the feeling of releasing a bowel movement.

• Never punish a child for accidents or slip-ups. These will occur along the way.

• Toileting is a complex process – have patience. It may take many weeks to break years of using diapers.

SMEARING

Smearing faeces generally begins by incidental action when a child, exploring his own body, finds faeces in his nappy and pulls out a sample. To the child, faeces has no real meaning, negative or positive, until he/she encounters it. If the child is on the autism spectrum and enjoys the sensation of it, then he/she might be reinforced by that sensation and over time, learn to find more faeces with which to play in the absence of other acceptable stimuli for which he/she can be reinforced and in which he/she can find enjoyment. Both children and adults on the spectrum may smear, throw and/or eat their own faeces.

At a second level, social problems arise when concerned adults make a fuss over the faeces(as well as the child’s behaviour) from a health-hygiene perspective. Depending on the response from adults, a child may be reinforced socially for faeces-play by the fact that everytime he/she plays in it, generally mother approaches. Over time, faeces play becomes a form of powerful communication meaning “Come here!” Therefore, when any child(or adult) smears faeces, parents/carers need to approach after a random period of time without any fuss and direct the child to an acceptable activity for which he can be reinforced after half a minute or so. (The same applies to deliberate urinating or vomiting and self-injurious behaviour.) As is the case with so many other behavioural issues, punishing the child in a neurotypical conventional sense, for smearing faeces, actually makes the problem worse as any attention is “good” attention to the child.

For further reading…

“The Potty Journey”Author: Judith A. Coucouvanis

http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9001.htm

“TEACCH – Applied Structured Teaching Principles to Toilet Training”Includes examples of visual systems:

“NAS – Toilet Training”:

http://www.autism.org.uk/en-gb/living-with-autism/understanding-behaviour/toilet-training.aspx

“18 and Under – To Treat Bed-Wetting, Try Healthy Doses of Patience”:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/12/health/12klas.html?ref=health

AUTISM AND SEIZURES

First Published Saturday, 3rd May, 2008.

One in four children on the autism spectrum reportedly experience seizures of one form or another. They may range from full-scale convulsions to blackouts or brief staring spells. The spectrum of symptoms can make it hard to spot seizures, which can also be diagnosed through the use of electroencephalograms which measure changes in brainwaves. Anticonvulsants can usually control seizures effectively. Some of the most common antiseizure medications include carbamazepine (Tegretol®), lamotrigine (Lamictal®), topiramate (Topamax®), and valproic acid (Depakote®). It’s important to be sure that the right anticonvulsant is selected, since some can have serious side effects.

Approximately 33% of autistic people develop seizures upon entering puberty. The exact reason for the onset of seizures is not known, but it is likely that the seizure activity may be due to hormonal changes in the body. Parents of autistic children should be aware of the possible positive and negative changes that can occur with puberty. Of particular importance is the need for parents to be cognizant of the fact that their child/teen may experience clinical or subclinical seizures which, if left untreated, can lead to deleterious effects.

Some parents have an EEG performed to determine whether their child shows any seizure activity. However, even if the EEG does not detect abnormal activity during the testing period, it should not be concluded that their child/teen does not have seizures. To increase the likelihood of detection, some are assessed with an EEG over a 24 to 48 hour period.

Often there’s a subtle change in mood/behaviour shortly prior to a seizure occurring, but it can be difficult to detect whether it’s a behavioural change or an impending seizure. Some of the medications prescribed(eg Epilum and Tegretol) have a behavioural effect as well as treating the epilepsy.

Some possible signs of subclinical seizure activity include:
· exhibiting behavior problems, such as aggression, self-injury, and severe tantrumming;
· making little or no academic gains after doing well during childhood and pre-teen years;
· and/or losing some behavioral and/or cognitive gains.

There is certainly a long standing link between seizures and autism. There are also studies that show a link between children who experienced infantile convulsions and a subsequent diagnosis of autism. My eldest son started convulsing at the age of 12 months(in his sleep). As a young mother, it was very frightening to witness. A Doctor promptly arrived at 2am and subsequent convulsions followed. In my son’s case, the convulsions were febrile and I was advised to administer 3 times the usual dosage of calpol to prevent further spasms from occurring. A spinal tap was duly performed at a Brisbane Children’s Hospital(mothers were not permitted to view the procedure understandably) and follow-up appointments were made. As is common with febrile convulsions, my son grew out of them by the age of 4yrs.

Children with Tuberous Sclerosis sometimes have both symptoms of autism and a history of infantile convulsions. Those with Landau-Kleffner Syndrome may also have symptoms of autism, on-going seizures and abnormal EEGs.

Further Reading…

Book  “Children with Seizures”
Author:  Martin L. Kutscher MD
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843108238

“Autism-Seizures”:
http://www.autismuk.com/index12.htm

“Epilepsy Action”-British Epilepsy Association
http://www.epilepsy.org.uk/

“Epilepsy Foundation – USA”:
http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/

“Epilepsy Australia”:
http://www.epilepsyaustralia.net/

“Epilepsy.com” – In-depth information for people with epilepsy, their families, and the professionals who care for them.
http://www.epilepsy.com/

“The EEG:  ElectroencephalogramTest”: 
http://www.uihealthcare.com/topics/medicaldepartments/neurology/eegtest/index.html

“Common Questions About Epilepsy”:
http://www.uihealthcare.com/topics/medicaldepartments/neurology/epilepsyquestions/index.html

“Anticonvulsant Drug Therapy”:
http://www.uihealthcare.com/topics/medicaldepartments/neurology/anticonvulsantdrugtherapy/index.html

“Seizures Are a Scary Reality for Many”:
http://www.uihealthcare.com/topics/medicaldepartments/neurology/seizures/index.html

“Anti-Seizure Medication and Their Side Effects”:
http://www.efwp.org/programs/side_effects.shtml

Research

“Epilepsy Nearly Doubles Depression Risk”

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/epilepsy_nearly_doubles_depression_risk.htm

“CBT Can Alleviate Nonepileptic Seizures”

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/cbt_can_alleviate_nonepileptic_seizures.htm

“Blue-Skies Research Finds Proteins Underlying Epilepsy, Depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar, I.D., Alzheimer’s & Huntingtons”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/blueskies_research_finds_proteins_underlying_epilepsy_de.htm

“Epilepsy & Behavior: The Sexual Transformation Delusion”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/epilepsy__behavior_the_sexual_transformation_delusion.htm

“Coloured Lasers May Offer A Way To Treat Epilepsy”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/coloured_lasers_may_offer_a_way_to_treat_epilepsy.htm

“Dostoevsky Mice Cured of Epilepsy”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/dostoevsky_mice_cured_of_epilepsy.htm

“Comparative Effectiveness Trial Leads To Evidence-Based Care For Childhood Epilepsy”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/comparative_effectiveness_trial_leads_to_evidencebased_care.htm

Articles

“Autism & Seizures: A Brief Overview”:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/autism__seizures_a_brief_overview.htm

“The Voices of Epilepsy”
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/the-voices-of-epilepsy/

Seizures “Apprentice Star Katie Hopkins: Why I Kept Sandhurst In The Dark About My Epilepsy”

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/seizures_apprentice_star_katie_hopkins_why_i_kept_sandhurs.htm

Tuberous Sclerosis & Seizures “Reigate Boy, 4, On Life-Changing Ketogenic Diet”

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/tuberous_sclerosis__seizures_reigate_boy_4_on_lifechang.htm

“Epilepsy: Text Reminder To Take Epilepsy Tablets”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/epilepsy_text_reminder_to_take_epilepsy_tablets.htm

“BBC: Dangerous Myths About Epilepsy”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/bbc_dangerous_myths_about_epilepsy.htm

“From Times Past- Gladiator’s Blood As A Cure For Epilepsy”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/from_times_past_gladiators_blood_as_a_cure_for_epilepsy.htm

“National Epilepsy Awareness Month: Autism & Epilepsy – A Missed Connection, Causes & Descriptions & More”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/national_epilepsy_awareness_month_autism__epilepsy__a_mis.htm

2. KetoSiska left…

My son had problems with seizures, and after trying different approches, we have been suggested to try out the ketogenic type of nutrition, and I can say that the results are very satisfying.

THYROID DYSFUNCTION & AUTISM

First Published Saturday, 3rd May, 2008.

I wrote the following piece a couple of years ago when the following questions were posed within the community. Another acquaintance has recently been diagnosed with Graves Disease, so it appears a good time to revisit older work. The information remains valid, and I hope, perhaps useful to others.

Parent asked:

“I’ve just been told that there’s a link between thyroid problems and autism. Do you have any literature on this? Is it true? I have never heard of this before and hope you can enlighten me. I have just been diagnosed with “Graves Disease” which is an advancement of over active thyroid.”

My response:
The possibility of thyroid dysfunction among the autistic population has been considered and studied. Despite investigations, no abnormalities could be demonstrated. The following is an excerpt from one study undertaken by Cohen DJ, Young JG, Lowe TL & Harcherik D.:

Thyroid Hormone in Autistic Children

Thyroid hormone plays an important role in the pre and postnatal development & function of the central nervous system. Disturbances in thyroid regulation have been hypothesized in childhood autism. We evaluated blood indices of thyroid function, including serum thyroxine, triiodothyronine, and thyroid-stimulating hormone, in a large number of autistic children. No differences were found between autistic and NT children.

However, immunological studies of the autistic population have revealed features also found in those with autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases, including Grave’s thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and insulin-dependant diabetes, show some genetic predisposition. Similarly, autism is higher among identical twins than in the usual population.

There is a high prevalence(1 in 4000 births) of congenital hypothyroidism, the most common in pediatric med. Naturally, it may be included as part of newborn screening. If undetected it can lead to deafness or mental retardation. Because of the central role of thyroid hormones in brain development in the fetus & neonate, and in growth, what’s known as hypothyroxinemia in the first years of life has profound and irreversible consequences. Early detection and treatment usually allows a normal life for the child in question.

The following are interesting links for Newborn screening and Hypothyroidism in infants and children.
(*note condition profiles):
http://www.newbornscreening.com/
http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/hypokids.htm

Additional info. On Graves…No single gene causes Graves. It’s thought to be triggered by both genetics and environmental factors, such as stress. Heredity along with other characteristics seem to play a role in determining susceptibility. Studies show for example, that if one identical twin contracts Graves, there’s a 20% likelihood of the other twin contracting it. Women are more likely than men to develop it. As many as 1 in 8 women have a thyroid condition. Smokers with Graves are more likely to develop eye problems than non smokers.

What’s important to note is that most autoimmune diseases such as Graves, are associated with several sequence variants. For example, the link between celiac disease and thyroid disease is well established. It’s been shown in studies that the prevalence of celiac disease in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease is 4-15 times greater than in the general population. About 30% of subjects with Grave’s have a member of the immediate family who has also had an autoimmune condition.

There is an autism/thyroid internet based group for brainstorming and support purposes:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Autism-Thyroid/

Further information…

Treatment is more complex for overactive than underactive. A scan will determine the type(be it Grave’s, thyroid nodules or the self-limiting form-subacute). There are three main treatments to choose from. Betablockers are commonly prescribed. Propranolol tablets are more frequently used. Thyroxine tablets may be prescribed to balance the anti-thyroid meds.

Symptoms tend to improve quite rapidly. 1 patient in 50 has side effects on anti-thyroid meds(mild skin rash or joint pains). Getting the dose right can be tricky. These meds can make thyroid activity swing the other way, running too slowly. If you’re given radioactive iodine, your neck may feel a little sore in the first few days(the small amount of radioactivity used has been shown not to cause harm).

Thyroid function should be checked via blood test every 12 months for the rest of your life. Prominence and discomfort of eyes, even if not present at the time of diagnosis, can occasionally occur during or after treatment. Your Doc should be informed if your eye sight is affected in any way.

Risk of relapse is between 50 & 80% over a 10 year period. Best to avoid iodine, along with a number of other foods and drugs. The condition can be triggered by dietary additives or drugs and certainly from interaction between certain meds.

For further reading…
Book:”How to cope successfully with thyroid problems”:
http://www.mypharmacy.co.uk/health_books/books/h/how_to_cope_successfully_with_thyroid_problems.htm

“Basic Causes of Thryoid Dysfunction”:
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/hypothyroidism/109402

“Thyroid Research – Thyroid information from the past and present…for the future”

The aim of the site is to put extracts from thyroid-related medical research online and to trace the development of diagnosis and treatment. Patients will find it useful for an in depth exploration of their conditions. Doctors and medical students will discover a wealth of information, much of it previously not available except from specialist libraries with restricted access. Medical historians will be saved long trips to libraries and can obtain articles dating back more than a century.
http://www.thyroidhistory.net/

Related Articles

NYTimes  “Hypothyroidism – When to Treat a Sluggish Thyroid”

http://health.nytimes.com/ref/health/healthguide/esn-hypothyroidism-ess.html?ref=health

First Published Thursday, 1st May, 2008.

Fwd:

Hello all,

As you can see below, the IACC will be holding its May meeting in two weeks.
ASAN is organizing a delegation of self-advocates, parents, professionals
and others to give public comment in support of quality of life oriented
research and neurodiversity and against offensive language and eugenics. If
anyone is interested, please contact us at info@autisticadvoca cy.org. Thank
you and I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Ari Ne’eman
President
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
1101 15th Street, NW Suite 1212
Washington, DC 20005
http://www.autistic advocacy. org
732.763.5530

A meeting of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee [under the
Combating Autism Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-416)] will take place on Monday, May
12, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Building and
International Trade Center, Rotunda Room, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW,
Washington, DC 20004. The meeting will be open to the public, with
attendance limited to space available. Individuals who plan to attend and
need special assistance, such as sign language interpretation or other
reasonable accommodations, should indicate these needs when registering for
the meeting. The registration website can be found at the link below:
https://guest. cvent.com/ EVENTS/Register/ IdentityConfirma tion.aspx? e=a2817fac- 3c5d-4094- bdcb-194f8c9f2de o
The agenda for this meeting will be posted soon. To view the agenda once it
is posted, or for more information on the Interagency Autism Coordinating
Committee, please see the link below:
http://www.nimh. nih.gov/research -funding/ scientific- meetings/ recurring- meetings/ iacc/index. shtml