Autism treatments: Risky alternative therapies have little basis in science
I found this article in the Chicago Tribune. Very interesting, please read it...
After reviewing thousands of pages of court documents and scientific studies and interviewing top researchers in the field, the Tribune found that many autism treatments amount to uncontrolled experiments on vulnerable children.
Many are unproven and risky, based on scientific research that is flawed, preliminary or misconstrued.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/chi-autism-treatments-nov22,0,1396079.story
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RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS WANTED!
Are you a New Jersey parent of a child with autism aged birth to 21 who is currently receiving or has received ABA interventions? If so we are seeking research participants for a study to be conducted. Participation in this study involves completing a brief online survey which will only take 5 to 10 minutes of your time. The purpose of the study is to determine parental perceptions as to the efficacy of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) teaching interventions for their children with autism.
If you are interested kindly contact: Nicole Turon-Diaz at 973-650-7986 or nturondiaz@verizon.net. You can also use the following link to go directly to the study and participate: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ABA
Thank you!
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Qigong Massage for Autism treatment
I am a mother and a practitioner and I am looking at taking Qigong Massage for Autism next week. I was wondering if others have tried this or were interested in learning more about it. www.qsti.org is the website. It has some compelling videos of recoveries with young children. The treatment is basically 10-15 minutes a day for 5 months or more. So the parents learn the treatment at home and work with a practitioner once a week. It was developed in Oregon so most likely anyone who is familiar with it would live in that area. I live in Massachusetts so I am in the first class to take this on the east coast. There is an information night next week 8/18 if people are in the greater boston area and want to learn more about this therapy.
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Byonetics Anyone?
I get online a lot and I try and find holistic or alternative type treatmens. During one of my searches, I came across a website for Byonetics by Jean Genet. Apparently he was diagnosed and overcame Autism. I checked the website out and it seemed pretty generic. It asks that if you are interested or want to know if your child qualifies, please email him. So I did, I emailed him the requested information and he responded by saying that he did indeed meet the criteria.
The costs is pricie as for any treatment I have found or researched. My understanding it is some set of CDs that you play for your child during the evening. (dolphin sound waves?)
Since then I continue to receive these emails that are forwarded to me, from byonetics of parents and their success stories. I emailed him once again, because of course everyone wants their child cured and to overcome Autism. I told him I felt it was hoax. He responded by saying that if and when I am ready to let them know.
I just feel if it were a success, you would hear more parents reccomending it. Like the GFCF Diet, etc.
Soooo... My point (lol) has anyone else heard of this? If so what is your take and would you reccomend it?
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'"GETTING THE WORD OUT" --- H.I.T. AUTISM'S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
“The brain CAN be changed.” Dr. Nelson Mane’
The purpose and objective of this “look-back” is to see WHERE we have been… so as to move FORWARD towards more and MORE ACCOMPLISHMENT!!!
(H.I.T. Autism’s Quarterly Newsletter)
For
(August – September – October)
August:
7/31st (early start to the quarter) Dr. Nelson hosts and speaks at the Children’s Board about “Hope for Autism Spectrum Disorders and ADHD”. http://www.hitautism.com/events"><FONT color=#800080 face=Arial>http://www.hitautism.com/events</FONT></A></P>
8/3 Film crew videos 3 Parent Testimonials about the Hemispheric Integration Therapy and the success it is having with their children, with various Neurobehavioral Disorders. Dr. Larissa Cohen gives a medical perspective on the success that Hemispheric Integration has had with her son.
Links to Testimonials:
1. http://www.youtube.com/user/manecenter#p/u/10/CV4tV0fPGZw"><FONT face=Arial>http://www.youtube.com/user/manecenter#p/u/10/CV4tV0fPGZw</FONT></A></P>
2. http://www.youtube.com/user/manecenter#p/u/8/t-ILP_rqOGE"><FONT face=Arial>http://www.youtube.com/user/manecenter#p/u/8/t-ILP_rqOGE</FONT></A></P>
3. http://www.youtube.com/user/manecenter#p/u/11/cvHuhZ7CMa0"><FONT face=Arial>http://www.youtube.com/user/manecenter#p/u/11/cvHuhZ7CMa0</FONT></A></P>
8/4 Dr. Mane’ hosts 1st Monthly Gymboree Playdate Classes for 5yrs and under children on the autism spectrum. http://www.meetup.com/Mane-H-I-T-Autism-Support-Squad/"><FONT color=#800080 face=Arial>http://www.meetup.com/Mane-H-I-T-Autism-Support-Squad/</FONT></A></P>
8/12 Dr. Mane’ hosts the regular Monthly Support Group Meeting for Parents, Caregivers, etc.
http://www.meetup.com/Mane-H-I-T-Autism-Support-Squad/"><FONT color=#800080 face=Arial>http://www.meetup.com/Mane-H-I-T-Autism-Support-Squad/</FONT></A></P>
8/14 “Walking in the Dark”, the movie/documentary that features Dr. Mane’ and the families that have been treating with Dr. Mane’ and enjoying successful results with Hemispheric Integration Therapy had a 2nd showing in Ft. Myers, FL.
Link to Movie Preview: http://www.hitautism.com/uncategorized/new-autism-documentary-preview"><FONT color=#800080 face=Arial>http://www.hitautism.com/uncategorized/new-autism-documentary-preview</FONT></A></P>
8/17 Regular Monthly Playdate at Gator Fred’s for kids on the Autism Spectrum and their Families. http://www.meetup.com/Mane-H-I-T-Autism-Support-Squad/"><FONT color=#800080 face=Arial>http://www.meetup.com/Mane-H-I-T-Autism-Support-Squad/</FONT></A></P>
8/25 “At the Movies Television Show with Gus Mollasis”. Dr. Mane’ is interviewed with a Parent about Hemispheric Integration Therapy and it’s success with Autism Spectrum with the theme of Temple Grandin and the Emmy award winning movie about her life with Autism Spectrum.
Link to show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QHXGwRE2Y0&feature=related"><FONT color=#800080 face=Arial>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QHXGwRE2Y0&feature=related</FONT></A></P>
8/27 & 8/28 Mane’ Support Group hosts a Field Trip to Daytona Beach, FL for Children on the Autism Spectrum and their families with “Surfing for Autism”. To view pictures of event and join support group. http://www.meetup.com/Mane-H-I-T-Autism-Support-Squad/"><FONT color=#800080 face=Arial>http://www.meetup.com/Mane-H-I-T-Autism-Support-Squad/</FONT></A></P>
September:
9/1 Dr. Mane’ hosts 2ndt Monthly Gymboree Playdate Classes for 5yrs and under children on the autism spectrum. http://www.meetup.com/Mane-H-I-T-Autism-Support-Squad/"><FONT color=#800080 face=Arial>http://www.meetup.com/Mane-H-I-T-Autism-Support-Squad/</FONT></A></P>
9/2 Channel 13 Fox Anchor Kelly Ring interviews Dr. Nelson Mane’ on the subject of “ADHD and Overmedication”.
Link to interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUZ0nlA6FDo"><FONT color=#800080 face=Arial>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUZ0nlA6FDo</FONT></A></P>
9/3 Film crew videos 3 more Parent Testimonials about the Hemispheric Integration Therapy and the success it is having with their children within the Autism Spectrum.
Links to Testimonials:
1. http://www.youtube.com/user/manecenter#p/u/6/MA4IgOgRnLM"><FONT face=Arial>http://www.youtube.com/user/manecenter#p/u/6/MA4IgOgRnLM</FONT></A></P>
2. http://www.youtube.com/user/manecenter#p/u/0/-1m1AVx2DNA"><FONT face=Arial>http://www.youtube.com/user/manecenter#p/u/0/-1m1AVx2DNA</FONT></A></P>
3. http://www.youtube.com/user/manecenter#p/u/2/_OUGPboQ4KI"><FONT face=Arial>http://www.youtube.com/user/manecenter#p/u/2/_OUGPboQ4KI</FONT></A></P>
9/9 Dr. Mane’ hosts the regular Monthly Support Group Meeting for Parents, Caregivers, etc.
http://www.meetup.com/Mane-H-I-T-Autism-Support-Squad/"><FONT color=#800080 face=Arial>http://www.meetup.com/Mane-H-I-T-Autism-Support-Squad/</FONT></A></P>
9/21 Regular Monthly Playdate at Gator Fred’s for kids on the Autism Spectrum and their Families. http://www.meetup.com/Mane-H-I-T-Autism-Support-Squad/"><FONT color=#800080 face=Arial>http://www.meetup.com/Mane-H-I-T-Autism-Support-Squad/</FONT></A></P>
October:
10/3 Mane’ Support Group hosts a Field Trip to a Skating Camp for Children on the Autism Spectrum and their families with “ASkate for Autism”. To view pictures of event and join support group. http://www.meetup.com/Mane-H-I-T-Autism-Support-Squad/"><FONT color=#800080 face=Arial>http://www.meetup.com/Mane-H-I-T-Autism-Support-Squad/</FONT></A></P>
10/6 Dr. Mane’ hosts 3rd monthly Gymboree Playdate Classes for 5yrs and under children on the autism spectrum. http://www.meetup.com/Mane-H-I-T-Autism-Support-Squad/"><FONT color=#800080 face=Arial>http://www.meetup.com/Mane-H-I-T-Autism-Support-Squad/</FONT></A></P>
10/9 The Mane’ Center hosts a Special Event, Free Reading and Eye Movement Screening. To view pictures of event and join support group.
To view a parent perspective: http://www.youtube.com/user/manecenter#p/u/7/6wH7tN2GF-o"><FONT face=Arial>http://www.youtube.com/user/manecenter#p/u/7/6wH7tN2GF-o</FONT></A></P>
10/14 Dr. Mane’ hosts the regular Monthly Support Group Meeting for Parents, Caregivers, etc.
http://www.meetup.com/Mane-H-I-T-Autism-Support-Squad/"><FONT color=#800080 face=Arial>http://www.meetup.com/Mane-H-I-T-Autism-Support-Squad/</FONT></A></P>
10/18 Dr. Mane’ launching New Web Site for The Mane’ Center. http://www.manecenter.com/"><FONT color=#800080 face=Arial>http://www.manecenter.com/</FONT></A></P>
10/19 Regular Monthly Playdate at Gator Fred’s for kids on the Autism Spectrum and their Families. http://www.meetup.com/Mane-H-I-T-Autism-Support-Squad/"><FONT color=#800080 face=Arial>http://www.meetup.com/Mane-H-I-T-Autism-Support-Squad/</FONT></A></P>
10/24 DR. NELSON MANE' went “INTERNATIONAL” in a Radio Interview by Kevin Healey of "Autism Radio UK
LINK TO THE INTERVIEW:
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.autismradiouk.co.uk%2Farchive%2Flisten-again%2F200.php&h=f74b0SMH3fDi0l9R2F1yxVh3Hwg" target=_blank>http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.autismradiouk.co.uk%2Farchive%2Flisten-again%2F200.php&h=f74b0SMH3fDi0l9R2F1yxVh3Hwg</A></SPAN></FONT></P>
“Hope” is a state of “Well-Being” that is truly POWERFUL indeed…may this “HOPE” for Autism Spectrum be spread FAR and WIDE!!!
Are we getting the Word Out??? …With “Your” Help …WE CAN!!!
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Bringing your child into the world
When we talk about autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder, we refer to a neurological condition which comes in many different forms, types and levels of severity. Children with the condition may experience issues not only with their cognitive and motor development skills, but with their digestive systems as well. As a result, a child may have vitamin and mineral deficiencies that can affect his visual perception, digestive tract and resulting bodily functions. When addressing his needs, we have to consider what he is eating, how much fresh air he is getting, and the level of interaction he experiences in his daily life. For a child to be able to improve, every aspect of his life should be taken into consideration.
In this respect, life and therapy should become a continuous learning experience that allows a child to learn and practice his skills. It was for this reason that we founded our education system called LIFE, which stands for http://www.healthinmotionrehab.com/life-program.php">Learning Independent Function Everyday. For us, the goal is to focus on what a child can accomplish with the proper guidance and support. Our philosophy is that there is no therapy, only LIFE; no treatment, just function. We know that each child’s condition is unique. We do not give a child exercises to perform, but take the time to teach him the necessary functions to successfully interact with his environment. By approaching a child’s condition holistically, we can pinpoint which aspects of his cognitive and motor functions can be understood and addressed. In this way, we can begin to understand a child and how his actions relate to his condition, which makes it possible for him to develop.
Starting to understand his behaviour. To begin this process, one of the first steps towards enabling your child’s improvement is establishing an understanding of the his condition and behaviour. If a child is licking things for example, parents might not be able to work out the reason behind his actions. When we examine each aspect of his development however, his behaviour begins to make sense. As one of the few sensory organs that a child with autism may use consistently, the tongue becomes a sensory tool in the place of touch. Often, this is the result of sensory problems resulting in either hyper or hyposensitivity in his extremities. When a child receives either too much or too little stimulation, he will not be able to process the information going to his brain. When combined with other issues such as visual impairment, a child may have difficulty registering both methods of environmental stimulation. He may not be blind, but he does not process the information that he sees. As a result of his limited interaction with the things and people around him, he will lock himself in a certain world of his own. As parents, therapists and caregivers, it is our goal to guide him out of his shell and into the world of independence and proper function.
Working with your child. As a parent, you play an integral role in your child’s accomplishments and abilities. So, to successfully approach your child at this point, we recommend following the 3 W’s: watch, wait and win. If you talk to him, explain what everything around him is for. From his hands, to his fingers, to his legs and feet--every part of his body should be explained, so that he can understand their purpose. If a child can move, then he can learn. This means that he can discover the world for himself, and start to emerge from his shell. However, what we need to be careful with is how quickly his environment changes. We cannot simply destroy the world a child is in; we have to prepare a space for him, otherwise he will shrink back and become worse than before. To get a child involved, we need to take him out of his space step by step. It is our job to explain what each subject is for, how to use it and then gradually get him to test it for himself and understand. By repeating these steps again and again, the child will begin to unlock himself and show us his personality and who he is as a person.
Getting him involved. When a child is comfortable with the people and surroundings he is interacting with, only then he will start to show what he is truly capable of doing. What makes a big difference in his development is how you show your child that you need and love him. Do not force him--there is a big difference--but try and get him involved in your daily routine. The process of cooking, for example, can be a beautiful tool for showing him the different foods and the process of creating different dishes. While he is learning, make sure to keep him safe at all times so that he continues to trust and be open to his learning environment. Again, be patient and use a lot of explanation. Even if you feel that he is not interested, try--his reaction might be because it’s something that he has never done. Introduce him to new experiences. Have him participate in your daily living even if you think he doesn’t want to or seems unaware. Keep him with you, and show him new things every day. Give short, but clear and meaningful explanations of what something is and how to use it. Eventually, he will begin to follow.
Supporting his development. Of course, it is our job ensure that a child stays healthy so that he can continue with each of his accomplishments. To support his development, a child’s nutrition will therefore play a key role in what he is able to do. A child with autism requires very nutritious, yet light foods that are easy to digest. By paying attention to this need, it will normalize the child’s digestive tract and resolve any additional related issues that he may have. Avoid any process foods and soft drinks, and always look at the label when buying certain things. In carefully addressing each aspect of your child’s life, you will help him develop as best he can.
We need to remind ourselves that, for a child with autism, life remains a sea full of rich experiences just waiting to be explored. We just need to make him aware of them, and facilitate the transition from his own space to the rest of the world. Avoid drastic changes that will lead your child to close himself off to the world around him, and introduce new concepts to him slowly. Everything comes in its own time, and his development is no different. What plays a key part in a child’s abilities is the role of the parent. Don’t assume that all of your child’s learning will come about through his weekly treatments--it happens 24/7, and you are with your child longer than any therapist or child specialist. As a result, we always train parents and update them them regarding their child’s condition, what to do and how to proceed. By observing a child, introducing him to new things and supporting his learning, we allow him to progress and become a part of our world.
For more articles like this, visit http://www.enabledkids.ca">www.enabledkids.ca.</a><br></p>
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What to expect from your autistic child
Life with an autistic child is a journey filled with all sorts of new experiences. As you watch your child develop and grow, it is important to understand how his condition will affect him and his ability to progress. A child with autism can have different symptoms, appearances and experience sensory problems including disturbances in his sense of smell, vision and proprioceptors in his hands and legs. Therefore, when examining an autistic child’s behaviour we have to realize that certain actions occur, not necessarily due to his own intentions, but as part of the cycle that he is encompassed by. If he does not receive enough reception from his extremities due to his sensory problems, it will disturb his daily function and lead to changes in his behaviour that will accumulate over time. This is why it is important to learn what kinds of things to expect from your child, and the ways in which we can address his strengths and weaknesses.
Put yourself in his shoes. To begin with, we need to examine what motivates a child, as well as what frustrates him. If you put yourself in his shoes, you can imagine how it feels when you’re trying to do something that just isn’t working out. After several tries, you become frustrated and upset. A child with autism is no exception to this experience, so it is your job to try and look for the causes behind his anger and irritation.
When we talk about a child with autism, we have to give him all his therapy in one room, or similar rooms so that he is not unfamiliar with the space. This reduces the amount of frustration that he will experience, allowing him to focus on what he is being taught. As well, we need to adjust therapy to relate specifically to a child’s strengths and weaknesses. Each child may be stimulated by different things. For some, bright lights and colours can produce a response; for others, it will have no effect. So, in order to successfully motivate him you have to constantly look for things that produce a reaction.
Watch, wait and win. To get a positive response from you child, we can go back to our 3 W’s philosophy: watch, wait and win. You need to observe your child and offer him different options. In this respect, ‘choice’ doesn’t mean giving him 5 options for everything; it can be as simple as letting him choose between having an egg or sandwich for lunch. The key components of this approach are patience, repetition and getting him involved. Do not rush your child, or force him to do things. Our goal is to try to have him smell, see it and taste his food in order to develop his sensory stimulation. When we include a child in learning and making decisions in our daily lives, it is easier to see where he is coming from and therefore support his development.
Ask questions and explain everything. Even if you don’t get a response, make sure that you take the time to ask him questions. Ask him what he wants to wear, and how he would like to be dressed. Explain what hands and clothing are for, how to eat and interact; things that are being used constantly in his everyday life. Elaborate on how objects are being used and their purpose in a very simple, very short description. When you say no to your child, explain why--the word ‘no’ is not a sufficient answer. By taking the time to ensure that he understands, he is far more likely to make connections between each action and apply them in his daily interactions.
Don’t rush. What we need to remember is that every child develops at his own pace. This is especially true when looking at one of the main components of a child’s therapy, which is the significance of playing games. Games are the culmination of all the skills a child acquires during his therapy with you or his therapist. Because of this, it is important to have him participate only when he is ready. Don’t be in a rush and attempt to push complex actions onto your child if you see that he is not ready. Once he learns certain cognitive and motor functions, then you can introduce games to him again, including ones that you have developed yourself. Let him have fun. When he knows the necessary skills, he will be ready and eager to play. However, if you try to get him involved when he is not ready yet, your efforts will begin to backfire and he will withdraw from participating.
So when you work with your child, keep in mind that everyone will have a different set of symptoms and characteristic behaviours. Try to understand your child’s actions and where he is coming from. Observe your child and give him choices as you introduce the world to him. Explain, elaborate and repeat things to him until he begins to understand. Remember: patience, understanding and support will help your child achieve his full potential.
For more articles, visithttp://www.enabledkids.ca"> www.enabledkids.ca.</a><br>
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The stages of child development
There are certain milestones that a child should reach as he
develops. If this does not occur, it is possible that a child may have a
neurological disorder or developmental delay. However, some of these
conditions are preventable. With early detection and the proper
treatment and care, a child may be able to overcome his condition and
continue to progress like any child.
What will play a key role in your child’s development is the type of therapy that he will receive. Pediatric massage therapists, for example, have to be specialized in working with
children that have different neurological disorders because a child’s
treatment has to be tailored to his development. The same can be said
for pediatric physiotherapy, which looks to teach a child complete
functions and help him achieve his developmental milestones. In order to
allow a child to progress, each of his therapies need to be linked to
one another and tailored specifically to his needs. This can be done by
teaching a child under a unified approach, as we have done with our http://www.healthinmotionrehab.com/life-program.php" target="_blank">LIFE Program (Learning Independent Function Everyday).
The earlier that a child is diagnosed, the
better his prospects are for minimizing any effects that could impact
his development. Here is a basic guide of what to look for in your
child’s progress, and what to watch out for as he grows older and
interacts with the world around him. -----------------------------------------------------------------
At one month of age, a child should be:
Turning his or her head towards a hand that is stroking the child’s
cheek or mouth; bringing both hands towards his or her mouth; turning
towards familiar voices and sounds; suckling the breast and touching it
with his or her hands.
Warning signs at one month include:
Poor suckling at the breast or refusing to suckle; little movement of
the arms and legs; little or no reaction to loud sounds or bright
lights; crying for long periods for no apparent reason; vomiting and
diarrhea.
At six months, a child should be:
Raising the head and chest when lying on the stomach; reaching for dangling objects; grasping for things.
Warning signs at six months include:
Stiffness or difficulty moving limbs; constant moving of the head;
little or no response to sounds or familiar faces; refusing feeding from
the breast or other foods.
At 12 months, a child should be:
Sitting without support; crawling on his or her hands and knees and
pulling up to stand; taking steps while holding onto support; trying to
imitate words and sounds and responding to simple requests; enjoying
playing and clapping; repeating sounds and gestures for attention;
picking objects up with the thumb and one finger; starting to hold
objects such a spoon and cup and attempting at self-feeding.
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If your child begins to show any of these
warning signs, make sure to contact your physician and discuss his
condition. In some cases, you may need to consult more than one expert
in child development. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and do as much
research as possible. This is YOUR child’s development, so do your best
to help your child achieve his full potential.
If anyone has any questions they’d like to ask us, feel free to leave us a comment or http://www.enabledkids.ca/natan@enabledkids.ca">email us and we’ll be happy to help in any way we can.
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