Potty Training an Autistic Child

Potty training a normal, healthy child can be hard work. What do you do when that child is Autistic? Maybe they do not even understand what it means to use the potty. Here are some helpful suggestion when potty training and Autistic child.

1. Make sure the child is ready to be potty trained. Just because all the books says they need to be trained at two does not mean your Autistic child has the ability to do so. Do they know when they are wet or have a dirty diaper? Do they have a dry diaper all night?

2. Does your Autistic child have the skills to undress and redress. If not this can making potty training harder unless you intend to let them run around naked for the next few months. This can also make for a lot of time spent scrubbing carpets. It is best to wait to potty train until your child can easily undress and redress them selves.

3. Use a reward system when potty training. If they use the potty, or attempt to use it give them some type of reward. This can be a treat or a toy. Make sure that anyone working with the child knows they are to be rewarded for their potty efforts.

4. Do not punish the child for accidents. If your child has an accident remind them that is what the potty is for. Make sure everyone working with the child knows this too. Mixed messages will not help.

5. Find out what your child's schedule is. It does not take long to do this. When during the day are your child's diapers dirty? Use these times to sit the child on the potty. You can keep a journal of the day to see a pattern in potty time. Then you will know the times to focus on potty training the most.

6. Do not give up. If your child does not catch on right away do not give up. It takes a few weeks for a new skill to be learned. If you keep switching from diapers to the potty this will just confuse the child even more. Consistency will be a key factor when potty training. This goes for any child not just Autistic children.

7. Do not make your child feel stressed about potty training. If they think they have to use the potty they may immediately turn against it. Let your child see the potty and get familiar with it before they are made to sit there. Place the potty out in an area for them to examine it for a few days . This will let them become comfortable with the idea.

Remember Autistic children can take longer to catch on to a new skill. Do not stress out about the potty training. It will happen when the child is ready. If you are stressed the child will feel that, and they will have a much harder time relaxing to use the potty. It could make them avoid potty training all together. Just relax, your Autistic child will not be in diapers forever.

Accepting the diagnosis of autism

Receive an autism diagnosis can seem overwhelming. You can be left with many unanswered questions concerning the diagnosis. You might think, the diagnosis is wrong. This is not the case for your child. There are different feelings and emotions that you will experience when dealing with a diagnosis of autism. Here are some of the ways that you can feel and ways to deal with the diagnosis.

Denial - of-

Denial is a common sense to handle any medical problems. It is sometimes easier to deny that there is still a problem. Some parents are unwilling to consider that there might be something wrong with their child. Then they, seeming any as there is nothing wrong. The doctor was wrong, their child is completely normal. In denial about the diagnosis will not help anything. As soon as you accept that your child is autistic the better the two of you will be. The condition will not disappear if you ignore it. To accept the diagnosis and move will be a big step for you, as a parent to take. Faster, this occurs earlier that you can start to look into treatment options.

Anger

Anger is one of the emotions you might feel when you receive a diagnosis of autism. You can be angry with yourself or angry against God. Why your child is autistic. You can be angry with other parents who have children in good health. It's a normal feeling to experience. Remember, while you feel angry to think of all the great things about your child. Share your feelings with others. Keeping anger bottled, it can be a bad thing.

Grief

Sometimes, when a parent gets diagnosed with autism spend a period of mourning. They are sad that their child has something wrong with them, they can feel sad that the dreams they had for their child may need to change. You can be sad about how the world will deal with their child and the difficulties they will face. Grief is a normal emotion to cross. The key is to get through the grief and acceptance. Try not to look at things that are false. There must be some adjustments to your plans for the future of your child. This is what life is all about change. If you are unable to go beyond the mourning phase, you will need to speak to a person. It can help, have a few therapy sessions to deal with feelings that you are experiencing.

Acceptance

Finally come to grips with the diagnosis of autism can take some time. Some people are just happy to get an answer to what is wrong with their child. Others are struggling to accept that their child is different from other children. Finally, you will accept your child is different and that's okay. When you have accepted the diagnosis of autism, you can start helping your child. Do some research you can on autism. Think about the difficulty, it is for your child. They must be behind them in their treatments one hundred percent. The first step of this operation is acceptance.

Alternative treatments for autism

Usually the first treatment mentioned for autism drug. It is changing. More people are open to try alternative treatments. Medications can have terrible side effects, so that more people are seeking natural products. Here are some alternative treatments for autism.

Nutritional

There are several diets that can be used in the treatment of autism. They range from eating gluten free products to eliminate dairy from the diet. Some autistic children have a sensitivity of certain ingredients in food. These ingredients will contribute to problems of behaviour or collapses when consumed.

Omega - 3

Omega-3 is useful in the treatment of autism, as many other diseases. People with omega-3 found better habits sleep, social interaction and on the health of their children. People who want to try this alternative treatment can add fish oil to the diet of their children. It can be found in capsules fish oil or liquid. Some children have difficulty swallowing a capsule. You will find the liquid in a flavorless type that is mixed in a glass.

Music therapy

Several studies have shown music therapy must be very beneficial for the child with autism. Sometimes an autistic child will sing with the music while they do not want to talk about. It is a way of working on the speech of the child. The music can be soothing to an autistic child. It can relax them enough to participate in an activity with other people.

Sensory integration

Children with autism may be very sensitive to smells, tastes, textures, and sounds. Sensory integration therapy helps the child to deal with everything that it gives them problems. It can also be used to reassure a child with something that smell or texture.

Speech-language pathology

Speech therapy is a must for all children with autism. Children with autism usually misuse words. often have difficulty understanding the meaning of the words as little or a lot. Speech-language pathologists can help teach gestures and non-verbal children's communication skills. They can help the child to learn to read the body language of others.

Play therapy

Play therapy can be very useful when treating an autistic child. Play therapy allows the child to relax and focus on the things that only they like. A therapist working with an autistic child will play on the floor with the child. They give the child various toys and see if the child takes a taste to one of them. processes then attempts to interact with the child, if the child begins to play. Finisher has a relationship with the child, they can bring another child in play therapy. This can be a good way to get the autistic child to play with other children. A manager would normally play therapy, but the parent can make therapy after what they learned techniques.

Here are some of the many alternative treatments available for autism. The medicine doesn't have to be a first resort. These can also be combined with medicine for a better treatment plan.

Signs of Autism

With all the recent publicity of Autism in the news you might be wondering what are the signs of Autism. Here are a list of signs that can be associated to Autism. If you see these signs in your child speak to their doctor about having them evaluated. The sooner that Autism is discovered the better the chances are at treating it.

1. Does not reach developmental milestones on time. Each child develops differently. Some children will crawl at four months while others will not until they are several months older. This can be perfectly normal. The problem starts when every milestone is much later than usual. If your child is not meeting the developmental stages talk with their doctor.

2. Child does not talk. Children learn to talk at different ages. Some will start talking very young while others will just start blurting out whole sentences one day. This can be very normal. However if your child does not have any babbling type talk by the age of one this could be a cause for concern. Most children will says some words by the time they are sixteen months. If your child is not ask their doctor if they think an evaluation is necessary.

3. No eye contact. Most babies and children will look at you when you are talking to them. Autistic children will often not give you eye contact. It will appear they are looking off into a daze instead of paying attention to you. They will not point to objects. They will not look at something you are trying to show them. Instead they look past it.

4. Child does not show emotion. Autistic children often do not show any emotion. They do not smile back when a person smiles at them. They do not show any cares when someone around them is expressing pain, or crying. The Autistic child does not usually like to be held or cuddled. They will not reach up for their parents to hold them.

5. Likes to play by their self. The Autistic child usually will play alone. They feel more comfortable being by them self. They have a hard time making friends. They do not know how to relate to other kids. They do not understand when another child is joking with them. They take everything said to them literally.

6. The child loses skills the knew. The child may have learned to talk and then it seems as if they forgot how. They can learn a new skill and then a week later have no idea how to do it. Autistic children often lose skills they have learned.

These are just a few of the signs of Autism. If you notice any of them in your children talk to their doctor. All children with Autism will not have every sign. Getting them diagnosed as soon as possible will allow treatment to begin sooner. Getting your child evaluated as soon as you suspect a problem is very important. Even if there is nothing wrong it is better to be safe. The earlier treatment can be started the better for the child.

Signs of Persuasive Developmental Disorder

Children with Persuasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) show different signs at different times. This is one of the reasons they are not classified as fully Autistic. Lets look at one of the signs associated with PDD-NOS.

Unusual Behaviors

Children with Persuasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified often exhibit unusual behaviors. Some of these behaviors can include repetitive actions. The repetitive actions can include hand flapping or movements of their fingers. They may insist on eating the same food for every meal. They may become focused on one topic and learn everything they can about that topic. For example they may take a liking to baseball. They then will learn everything they can about baseball. They might be able to tell you all the stats for their favorite team.

Children with PDD-NOS often have a hard time with change. They want their routine to be the same everyday. The littlest change can set them up for a meltdown. They may arrange their toys a certain way and if someone disturbs them it can be devastating to the child. Teaching them new skills can be very hard to do. They do not want to change their routine to allow time to learn the new skill. They may also not want to learn a new skill just because it is different. They like doing the same things, and learning something new changes that.

Some children with Persuasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified will develop an attachment to some object. They may like the way the object feels in their hand. Children with PDD-NOS usually like a certain texture. They will keep switching objects until they find one that makes them feel comfortable. The object could be something unusual like a rubber band, or a piece of fabric. When they find an object they like it may be hard to take the object from the child.

They can also have an attachment to a smell, or taste. If their mother was to change her perfume it could upset the child. If their clothes were to be washed in a new detergent they may not want to wear them. Something as simple as using a different type of soap could trigger an uneasy feeling for a child with Persuasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.

Sensory issues are often found in children with PDD-NOS. They might not want a parent to hug or cuddle them, but they like to rough house. Kids with Persuasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified might like the way a certain food feels in their mouth. They will only want to eat this food for each meal. This can make getting the proper nutrition difficult. Sometimes loud sounds can bother these children, or they ignore them completely. This makes the parents question a hearing problem when really it is PDD-NOS.

Unusual behaviors are just one sign of Persuasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. There are many other signs. If you see signs like this in your child mention it to their doctor. They can tell you if it is something to be concerned about.

Let Your Autistic Child be a Kid

Many parents with Autistic children are afraid to let their child be a kid. They get so wrapped up in their child's treatment they forget to let them have fun. They focus on keeping them safe, and become to protective. The child's life becomes full of doctors, or therapy appointments. They get little time to just be a kid. While it is important to keep your child safe it is also important to give them time to do things they like. Here are some things you can do to make sure your child gets to be a kid.

1. Give your Autistic child a certain time each day to do whatever they want to. If they have a toy or game they like to play let them. Everyone needs a break from doctors appointments and such.

2. Arrange activities for your child that they like. This could be something like a trip to the park once a week, or a meal at their favorite restaurant. Let the child pick the activity. Maybe they would like some time to spend with grandma, or grandpa.

3. Let them run and play like the other kids. Kids like to run and play in the dirt. This will not hurt them. Let them be a kid and have fun. Keeping them sheltered will not help them. It will make them more afraid of being around other kids. If they show an interest let them play with the other children. Let the get dirty. They will come clean with a bath.

4. Do not teach your child to be a victim. Just because they are Autistic does not mean they can not have a normal life. They need to be taught to not let their condition stop them in life. Teach your Autistic child they can do anything they set out to do.

5. Do not let your child's diagnosis of Autism become an excuse. Give your child consequences if they do something wrong. Do not let them get away with things simply because they are Autistic. Children learn pretty quick that the excuse of their condition can get them special treatment. This will not help them later on in life.

6. Give your Autistic child chores. Make sure they are chores the child is capable of doing. This will give the child the pride of knowing they can accomplish something. Give them rewards for completing the chores. The chores could be as simple as making their bed, or picking up their toys.

7. Do not lower your expectations for your Autistic child. Teach them to always do their best. Having a medical condition should not give them a reason to not try. If they do not try they will never know their full potential.

Kids get hurt. They get dirty. That is all a part of being a kid. They will be much happier. Do your part and watch over them, but allow them to have some freedom. Even though your child has special needs allow them the chance to be a child.

Traveling With an Autistic Child

Daily life with an Autistic child can be a challenge to say the least. What should you do if you are traveling for vacation, or another purpose? Lets look at some things a parent can do when traveling with their Autistic child.

1. Plan ahead. If at all possible plan trips far in advance. This gives you time to talk with your child and get them used to the idea of traveling. You can explain to them where they will be going, and some of the things they will be doing while away.

2. Bring items from home that your Autistic child likes. Bring their favorite toys. Bring along their pillow and blanket they use each night. Try and keep as many items that are familiar to your child with you while traveling. This can help your child to relax in their new environment.

3. Bring all their necessary medications. You do not want to be away from home and not have their medicine. Get the prescriptions refilled before the trip to make sure you do not run out.

4. Try and keep a schedule while traveling. If possible keep some of the schedule you use while at home. Try to get up and go to bed at the same time each day. Autistic children needs their schedules to feel safe.

5. Do not overload your child. If your child has a lot of sensory issues do not over load them while traveling. If you see your child getting overwhelmed go back to your hotel for a break. Warn your child if the place you are going has loud noises, or bright lights if these are issues.

6. Do not force your child to do something they are not comfortable doing. For example do not make them go to a amusement park if they do not like loud noises and lots of people. Consider bringing a qualified person to watch your child while you visit the park. They could do an activity that your child would like instead.

7. Make sure your child has something with them that has your name, and phone number where you can be reached incase the child gets lost. If your child is verbal make sure they know how to tell someone they are lost. This can be very hard for an Autistic child. They have hard time dealing with people anyway.

8. If you have to travel for an emergency try to stay calm. If you are stressed about the trip your Autistic child will pick up on this and become stressed their selves.

9. Take lots of activities the child enjoys to keep them occupied while traveling. This could be hand held games, or a portable DVD player. This can help keep your child from becoming overly bored. It can also give them something to focus on if they start to feel uneasy.

10. Notify the place where you are staying that your child is Autistic. This is very important if your child likes to wander on their own. The staff at the hotel will know if they see the child and you are not with them to contact you right away.

Traveling with an Autistic child will take some extra planning, but it can be done. Just try and keep as much structure to the trip as possible. It will make the trip more enjoyable for you and your child.

Can you cure autism

It is a question that all parents of an autistic child will ask at some point given. The answer is no. There's no cure for autism. While you can see advertisements for books or products that promise a cure for autism, the misleading you. Autism has no cure. There are lots of treatments that may be easier to live with autism.

Here are some treatments can help with autism.

Therapies

There are several types of treatments that can help in the treatment of autism. Professional, physical, behavioral, speech, music, sensory, drug, set, and many other types of therapy can make a big difference in the lives of the autistic child. Therapies will not cure your child autism. They want to just help, teach them different ways to cope with.

Alternative treatments

Natural and alternative therapies is increasing. These may include the use of herbs instead of prescription drugs. Herbs do not have side effects in traditional medicine. Dietary vitamins and minerals there are help treat autism. Always inform the doctor of natural products that you use with your child. Some herbs can have interactions with prescription drugs. Remember again these herbs and vitamins are not remedies. They are just to help some of the symptoms of autism.

Nutritional methods

Some people are turning to food in the treatment of autism. They eliminate certain foods that can cause sensitivity. Remove some of the foods, eating dairy products, gluten is and artificial dyes. The idea behind this method is to remove the foods that cause sensitivity remove behavior problems. You can have your child tested for food allergies. Ask the doctor your child on allergy testing. This will let you know if your child may behave due to a food allergy. It will also give you an idea of what foods to eliminate from your diet.

There is no cure for autism, but there are many treatments that can help with some of the symptoms. When you try a new treatment only try one at a time. This will let you know if it helps or not. Allow sufficient time for the treatment to work. Two or three months is usually enough time to know if a new treatment is working. There will no be no miracle treatment that provides immediate results. If you use a herbal tea or vitamin treatment inform the doctor. They must be aware of the things you try. Herbs and vitamins can cause reactions with other medications. It is important that the treatment team remains informed and on the same page. More positively, this will make the results of your child.

Don't waste your money on products that claim to cure autism. If there was a cure, he would have said to you by your doctor instead of a guy on an infomercial late at night. Continue to help your child by treating the symptoms of autism. This will help your child to have a better life.

How Autism is Treated

Once you find out your child is Autistic you will then want to begin some type of treatment plan. There are many different treatments for Autism. Many worry that they will have to use medications that can be dangerous to their child. This is not the case. While some children need medication not all children do. There are a lot of other treatments available to the Autistic child besides prescription medication.

Some people will go with the standard type of treatment plan, while others will try an alternative, natural plan. We will look at some different types of treatment for Autism.

Medication

There are many types of medications used in treating Autism. These medications can be for different problems associated with Autism. Some are used to help with anxiety that is often found in Autistic children. Autistic children sometimes have problems with falling asleep. Medication can be used to help with this. Antipsychotic drugs are often used in children dealing with behavioral problems. These medications will not cure the Autism. Medications can have terrible side effects. The child needs to be monitored closely while on any medication.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy helps to teach the Autistic child to be independent. They learn daily skills they need like dressing, or taking a bath. They will work on fine motor skills. They also teach the child to use any devices they may have to help them function in daily life. They will be taught safety measures. This could be safety when outside, or dangers in the house.

Physical Therapy

Many Autistic children require physical therapy. This type of therapy can help children with low muscle tone. They also work with young children on basic motor skills. This can include walking, standing, and rolling. Many Autistic children can have other health problems. These problems can benefit from physical therapy too.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy will concentrate on teaching the Autistic child appropriate behaviors. Usually this will include some form of a reward system. They are taught how to act in social settings. This therapy is often done in the child's home setting. The parents are taught ways to deal with the child's unwanted behaviors. Usually an Autistic child will learn they will be rewarded for good behaviors, and they will stop some of the bad behavior.

Speech Therapy

Autistic children often have a hard time communicating. They have problems understanding non verbal cues. Some Autistic children do not speak at all, so they have to be taught ways to communicate with others. Children with Autism need to be taught about body language. Some children with Autism that do not speak are taught to communicate by signing, or with the use of pictures. The speech therapist will work on getting a non verbal child to speak.

These are just a few of the many treatments available to a child with Autism. Not all children will require all of the treatments. The most important factor is to find a treatment plan that works for your child. With proper treatment your Autistic child can thrive.

Dairy Free Diet to Treat Autism

Forældre vender til deres barns kost til ved behandling af autisme. Nogle mener, at autistiske børn har en fødevarer følsomhed. De tror, mejeri, også kendt som kasein er en af fødevarerne, som kan forårsage problemer med autistiske børn. Fjerne alle mejeriprodukter fra dit barns kost kan i første omgang synes meget vanskeligt at gøre. De fleste børn elsker ost og is.

De fleste mennesker efter en mejeri fri kost også fjerne Gluten fra kosten. Ingrediens i mejeriet, det menes at forårsage problemer er kasein. Kasein er et protein, der findes i mejeriprodukter som mælk, ost, yoghurt, smør og nogle mellem. Det er meget vigtigt at læse alle etiketter på fødevarer barnet vil spise.

Hvis du vil prøve den mejeri fri kost med dit barn, skal du sørge for, at de får nok calcium. Dette kan gøres med vitamin kosttilskud, eller erstatter mælk. Mange typer fødevarer herunder calcium.

Det menes, at kaseinet reagerer i det autistiske barns krop forårsager de uønskede funktionsmåder. De tror, at hvis de mejeriprodukter er fjernet nogle af problemerne vil forlade. Det bør tage et par måneder at vide, hvis kosten arbejder for dit barn. Hvis du overvejer at fjerne Gluten fra kosten også anbefales det at du prøve at fjerne mejeriet først. Mejeriet er fjernet fra det organ, der er meget hurtigere end Gluten. Gluten kan tage ti måneder eller derover skal fjernes helt fra kroppen.

Efter en kasein fri kost kan være dyre. De fleste mælk udskiftninger koster dobbelt pris af almindelig mælk. Ikke alle butikker vil gennemføre frie mejeriprodukter. De kan normalt ses på specialty eller sundhed fødevarer butikker. Du kan finde kasein gratis produkter på internettet til mail order. Der er også masser af kasein frie opskrifter tilgængelige online. For at spare på omkostningerne til kasein frie fødevarer nogle familier finde en anden familie i deres område ved hjælp af den samme kost og dele omkostningerne ved ingredienser ved at købe i løs vægt. De opdeles derefter i fødevarer.

Hvis du vælger at forsøge en kasein (mejeriprodukter) fri kost med dit autistiske barn huske at give tilstrækkelig tid til at se, hvis kosten er at hjælpe. Det kan være nyttigt at føre en journal under forsøget kost. Registrere funktionsmåder dit autistiske barn har. Derefter kan du se, hvis antallet af funktionsmåder droppe. Hvis du ikke har fjernet Gluten fra dit barns kost kan du overveje dette, hvis dit barn ikke forbedre fra mejeriprodukter fri kost.

For at finde ud af hvis dit autistiske barn har en følsomhed på mejeriprodukter (kasein) har dem allergi testet. Dette fortæller dig, hvis du skal fjerne andre fødevarer fra kosten. Hvis du ønsker yderligere oplysninger om kasein fri kost at besøge dit lokale bibliotek. Du kan finde mange bøger, der beskæftiger sig med dairy frie lever. Internettet er også en stor kilde til oplysninger.

En kasein fri kost kan være nyttige i behandling af dit barns autisme. Det er imidlertid ikke en kur for autisme. Det hjælper kun behandle nogle af symptomerne.

Treatments for Aspergers Syndrome

There is not one set treatment for Aspergers syndrome. You will not find a medication that will cure a child with Aspergers. Instead you will find several treatments to help with the problems associated with Aspergers syndrome. Here we will examine some of the treatments used with Aspergers syndrome.

Social Skills Training

Children with Aspergers syndrome have a hard time understanding facial expressions, and tone of voice. They tend to take everything said to them very literally. They do not know when a person is joking with them. Children can be taught to recognize changes in peoples voice, and what different facial expressions mean. They also need to be taught how to use better eye contact. This type of training can help the child to make friends. They are taught how to act around other people. Some children with Aspergers want to be around other kids, they just do not know how to act with them. They can be taught how to act when out shopping, or at a restaurant.

Cognitive behavior Therapy

This type of therapy teaches the child with Aspergers syndrome to find ways to cope. They are taught ways to reduce anxiety. They learn how to spot a situation that can cause them trouble. Then they learn techniques to cope when they are in that situation. Aspergers children often have a lot of anxiety. They have a hard time in social settings. They can have anxiety attacks, or complete meltdowns. The Cognitive therapy teaches them ways to stop the meltdowns from occurring. This therapy will teach a child with Aspergers that when they feel an unwanted behavior coming on something they can do to stop it. They are taught how to remove them selves from a situation that makes them uneasy.

Medication

There is no medication that will treat Aspergers. However there is medication to help with some of the symptoms of Aspergers. Many children with Aspergers have anxiety and depression. There are medications that can help relieve these problems. Relieving the anxiety can help the child feel more comfortable in social settings. Medications like these can have side effects. You will need to monitor your child's behavior while they are on the medication. Some children with Aspergers have a hard time sleeping. There are medications to help the child sleep.

Parenting Education

There is training for the parents of Aspergers children. This training consists of ways you can deal with behaviors. Learning things that can help to calm your child down when they are having a meltdown, or anxiety attack. Parents are taught ways of using reward systems to control behavior problems. They are taught how to deal with the behaviors in the home. This helps them to deal with behaviors in other places too.

With these treatments the life of an Aspergers child can be easier. If no treatment is given children with Aspergers can have trouble with depression, and anxiety. They have such a hard time dealing with people socially they might turn to alcohol, or drugs to relax them. Getting a treatment plan that works is a number one priority for your Aspergers child.

Autistic children need schedules

Schedules are an important part of every child's life. This is especially true when it comes to a child with special needs such as autism. Will help the autistic child to feel the structure with a calendar. Children with autism often have the cause of the anxiety they treat. Having a schedule helps to lower levels of anxiety. They know what to expect on a daily basis. They know at some point of the day, what they will do.

If there are structures of an autistic child or living things daily schedules are very hectic. An autistic child have many doctors and therapist appointments. Sometimes, there is more than one appointment a day. To keep a schedule can help you and your child to make sure that they are not missing appointments.

Some autistic children have problems with reading. You can use a Visual schedule. At the photos for all daily activities. This allows them to see what comes next. Have a program for your child with autism will avoid some breakdowns. Keep the displayed calendar where your children can see it. If you want to change to explain changes in regime for your child. Autistic children like routines and a change could throw their crank all day.

Timetables can be useful when you try to get the child to do something they do not want to do. Just show them when they do that they will have to move on. Tell them that they do not move on until the end of this activity.

There are always things that come, try to respect as much as possible the calendar. When things will attempt to get back on schedule as soon as possible. It's weekends. If your child is used to obtain seven o'clock in the morning to continue to do so. Keep their bedrooms almost at the same time every night. Your autistic child will be happier when they have had enough sleep.

Timetables will make life much easier for you and your autistic child. Keep posted for your child to see and to stick to the plan the best that you can. An example of a calendar, you can use below.

7 M Wake up, get dressed and ready for the day

8: 00 Am breakfast

9 Appointment of therapy: Home

11 AM time/period

Lunch 12

13 Outdoor games

14 Arts and crafts

15 Free time

Dinner 17

Time tv 18

19. The bath time

Bedtime 20

This makes it possible for the child to know what is happening on the day. Include doctors, or therapy to schedule appointments. An older child can still benefit from a schedule. After school time and extra curriculum activities, it needs to be adapted. You can include the time of homework and chores in the graph. When you start using a chart for your autistic child will see an improvement in the flow of your day. This also leaves little time for boredom. There is always something planned to do.

Autism and the school system

Autistic children have specific needs when it comes to education. Many children with autism go to school and do very well with some specific changes. There are laws relating to children with disabilities. Here are some of the things you need to know about autism and school.

Persons with Disabilities Act

Persons with disabilities act was passed so that all children receive a free and appropriate public education that responds to their needs. The law requires that children with needs special education service, as long as the compliance with the requirements. Autism meets that requirement.

Free and appropriate education

It is an education that meets the specific needs of your child. Is the one that allows to make progress learning.

Least restrictive learning environment

This means that your child will be placed in an educational setting that matches their specific needs while allowing them to socialize with children who are not disabled. The school will do what it can to meet the needs of your autistic child while keeping them in regular classrooms.

If you want to know what special needs of your child need the school will evaluate your child. This assessment can come from school or parents. If you suspect a problem writing a letter to the school, ask them to evaluate your child. They will send a house where you can sign the document that gives permission for the assessment must take place. When evaluating will be your child tested for learning disabilities, but also mental problems or the behaviour. When the evaluation is complete, the school will have a meeting with you to discuss their findings, and what can be done to help your child.

IEP

An IEP is used when a child is in need of special education services. The group, which evaluates the child becomes an integral part of the team that creates the IEP. Parents will also have an influence on what is included in the IEP. An IEP will inform the child needs is to get an appropriate education. They will also be the list of services, the child will receive at the IEP. IEP can be evaluated at any time, if the services do not work for the child. An example of some services that may be included in an IEP are extra time when completing class work, have tests read aloud to the child, or assistance for the child. Each IEP will be different for each child. IEP is evaluated on an annual basis, unless parents request it before. Parents have the right to be at every IEP meeting.

You are the best advocate for your child when it comes to the school system. Some schools will try to give you the race around. They will do what they can to prevent your child from having all the special services to the school. You must be one for your child. You are their voice. If you do not feel comfortable is only attending school that jurists and lawyers, who are there to help.

Tips for Getting your Autistic Child Photographed

The needs of an Autistic child can be photographing them very difficult. They can have a hard time sitting in one position, or have sensory issues with bright lights. Here are some tips for getting the perfect picture of your Autistic child.

1. If you are going to a photographer make sure you let them know ahead of time your child is Autistic. Let them know of any issues with bright lights, or problems sitting still. This will give them time to make some changes if need be.

2. Take pictures of your Autistic child at home, or on outings. A picture does not have to be taken by a professional to be good. If your child has a hard time sitting still get a picture of them while they are sleeping.

3. Take our child to get their picture taken during good times of the day. If you know that afternoons are usually filled with temper tantrums ad meltdowns make the appointment for first thing in the morning, or another time your child is more relaxed.

4. If your child has a special toy that helps them feel relaxed take it along to the photo session. It might help the child to remain calm while having their picture done. If your child insists on holding the toy ask the photographer to include it. If your child does not like to look directly at the camera have their picture taken while they are looking up.

5. Have a photographer come to the house if you do not feel comfortable taking the pictures. They can capture your Autistic child in their natural setting. This might make your child feel more relaxed. Consider taking the pictures outdoors.

6. If your child can not sit still for a picture allow them to stand, or lay down if they choose. Do not try to force them into a position they are uncomfortable with. This could lead to a meltdown. Allow them to direct the photo shoot. If the photographer does not want to cooperate find someone else that will.

7. Ask around. Find out where other parents have taken their Autistic children. They may know someone who has experience with special children.

8. Wear comfortable clothes for pictures. There are no rules that say every picture must feature your child in formal wear. Uncomfortable clothing can really bother an Autistic child with sensory issues.

9. Do not push so hard for a perfect picture. Pictures of children laughing and playing can be just as good as them sitting posed. If you keep pushing for a perfect picture you might upset the child to the point of getting no pictures.

10. Give the Autistic child time to warm up to the camera. Let them see how it works if they have not had their picture taken before. This can make them more relaxed and calm.

Try and make the experience as calm and relaxing as possible. This will allow your child to feel at ease. The pictures will turn out better by letting your child e themselves.

What are the Signs of Aspergers Syndrome

Aspergers is a form of Autism. People with Aspergers syndrome are on the higher end of the spectrum. They usually have normal language skills. Their main problem is dealing with people socially. Usually these problems are first noticed when a child begins school. The child can have all the signs of Aspergers, or only a few. Here are some of the common signs of Aspergers syndrome.

1. Have a hard time talking to other kids. Kids with Aspergers syndrome have a hard time going up to someone and starting a conversation.

2. Speak in words that are very advanced for their age. The Asperger's child may use words that adults would use.

3. Have trouble understanding when someone is joking, or being sarcastic. Children with Aspergers have a hard time understanding tones of people's voices. They tend to take everything said seriously.

4. Have very limited interests. A child with Aspergers syndrome may only want to focus on one thing. They may take a liking to puzzles, and only want to do puzzles all the time. They will often learn everything they can about one subject. That will be all they focus on.

5. Have a hard time with changes in their routine. This can be hard for a child starting school. They had a routine at home and now that is being changed. The same thing can happen during breaks during the school year. This is a common problem of Autistic children.

6. Talking a lot. Children with Aspergers usually talk a lot. They often say whatever they are thinking whether it is appropriate or not. Most of the conversations they have are one sided. While it looks like the child is talking to you, they are really talking at you.

7. Problems making friends. Kids with Aspergers have trouble making friends due to their inability to relate to the other children. They sometimes try to hard to make friends and scare the other kids away.

8. No eye contact. Children with Aspergers usually will not look you in the eye when speaking. This is another common trait of an Autistic child.

9. Using repetitive movements. This can be a movement like spinning around, or bouncing back and forth while sitting. These movements are calming to the Aspergers child.

10. Problems with speaking. The Aspergers child may speak really fast. They usually do not stop to see if the person they are talking to is paying attention. Their tone of voice is flat and does not change to show emotions.

11. Problems with movement. Children with Aspergers often have trouble with their coordination skills. They may always be tripping or stumbling over their own feet. They may take a long time to learn how to ride a bike.

Asperger children have the most positive outcome on the Autism spectrum. They have high intelligence and language skills. They can often be taught the social skills they need to get by. If you notice any of these signs in your child mention them to the doctor.

Is my Child Autistic

Autism is a popular topic in the news right now. Several celebrities have came out and told the world about their Autistic children. This is causing more people to be aware of Autism, and to question whether their child is Autistic. Nobody wants to think that something could be wrong with their child. Then they watch a news report, or hear someone talking about a child that has Autism and they start to question their own child.

The symptoms of Autism are many, and they vary in each child. Just because you see some symptoms of Autism in your child does not mean they are Autistic. There are other medical conditions that have the same symptoms. Some children are late on their developmental milestones. Each child develops at their own rate. Just because your child is not talking by the time they are one does not mean for certain they have Autism.

If you have concerns about your child's development speak to their healthcare provider. They can tell you if further testing should be considered. A lot of parents try to self diagnoses their children. This can be a big mistake. It takes several qualified medical professionals to diagnose a child with Autism. This will not be done with one appointment at the pediatrician. You will have a team of health care providers evaluating your child. The earlier you have your child evaluated the better the chances of treatment helping the child.

Try not to compare your child with other children. Each child is an individual. They grow and develop at their own rate. While they may be late at some milestones, they may excel at others. Sometimes a parent has a gut instinct that tells them there is something wrong. If you feel that your child is having problems and the doctor does not agree, get a second opinion. Parents have to be the voice for their child.

Finding out if your child is Autistic can take time. It can be a life changing experience for both the child and the parent. Once you find out if your child is Autistic you can begin the process of treatment, or finding out what is causing your child's problems if it is not Autism.

Signs that your child needs to be evaluated further include.

1. No eye contact

2. No communication. This can be sounds, or words.

3. Shows no emotions.

4. Does not pretend play.

5. Uses repetitive movements.

6. Have a hard time with schedule changes.

7. Do not respond to you when you are talking to them. This can be with looks or words.

8. Does things over and over again.

9. Loses skills they knew.

10. Develops an attachment to a certain food, or smell. These are sensory issues.

If you see these signs in your child talk to the doctor about them. Getting a diagnosis and treatment plan are very important. At the same time do not worry over every little thing. Some children just take a little longer to reach their milestones.

How to Cope as a Parent of an Autistic Child

Having an Autistic child can be very hard, and rewarding at the same time. Some days will go according to plan, and others will make you want to climb back in bed. You will need a way to cope to stay strong for you child. Here are some ways of coping when you have a child with Autism.

Support Group

Find a local support group in your area for parents with Autistic children. They will understand what you are going through. They have been there or are going through the same things you are. Sometimes having someone to talk to that understands can make a huge difference. They may have suggestions that can help in your daily routines. Sometimes it is just nice to have someone to talk to other than a doctor or therapist.

Journals

Writing in a journal can be a great coping mechanism. It allows you to express your feelings and thoughts. This journal can be a place to let out all of your frustrations as a parent of an autistic child. No one else has to read the journal. It can be a private place to vent. Sometimes just writing can help relieve stress and anxiety you might be feeling. Your journal can also be a place to keep track of behaviors your child has on a day to day basis.

Get away

Everyone needs time to their self. This is true whether you are dealing with an Autistic child, or any other medical problem. Find a qualified care giver for your child and get out. Have a date night with your spouse, or just get away for some alone time. Go watch that movie you wanted to see. Run some errands that are hard to take your child along too. Just give your self some away time. If you cannot leave the house make some time after your child has gone to bed for a relaxing bath. Just give yourself some time to unwind. It will make things better for you and your child.

Ask for help

Every mom tries to be a super mom. They do not want to ask for help because that means they cannot do it alone. Forget this attitude. Having a child with Autism requires help. If you are becoming stressed and overwhelmed it is not good for you or your child. Sometimes we all need help. If you are trying a treatment and it is not improving things with your Autistic child ask the doctor for another way. Ask someone such as your spouse to help with the errands. Sometimes it is too hard to take your Autistic child out without some sort of struggle. Getting someone to do simple tasks for you can save time and frustrations. If you need help ask. No one can read your mind, you have to tell them you need help.

Having an Autistic child is a hard job. Having ways to cope will make your job easier. It will also make things better for your child by having you calm and stress free.

Tips for Celebrating Holidays with Your Autistic Child

The holidays are all about being with family and enjoying the festivities. This can be very difficult for a child with Autism. This does not mean the holidays are ruined, it just means that as a parent you will have to take some precautions. Here are some tips for celebrating the holidays with your Autistic child.

1. Plan visits with family and friends for short time periods. If you plan short visits your child is less likely to get over tired, or overwhelmed. Keep the visitors to a few at time.

2. Do not force your child to participate in activities they do not like. If you are having a family dinner and your Autistic child does not want to sit at the table with a lot of people let them sit where they are comfortable.

3. Keep your child's schedule. If bed time is at eight in the evening, stick to it. Explain to visitors that your child's needs come first, and they need their sleep. Taking a sleepy child somewhere will be asking for trouble. If there is something that requires them staying up later in the evening try to get a nap in the afternoon. This will help the child enjoy the activity later in the day.

4. Spread holiday activities out over a few days. This way your child does not become too overwhelmed. There is no rule stating that you have to visit all the family in one day. They would much rather see your child in a happy mood than in the midst of a meltdown.

5. Leave your child home while Christmas shopping. If your Autistic child does not like crowds do not take them Christmas shopping. Leave them home with your spouse, or other responsible care giver. It is hard enough to deal with the crowded stores alone. It could be miserable bringing an unhappy child along.

6. Consider opening a few presents at a time. Opening Christmas presents is very exciting to a child. To a Autistic child the excitement can become overwhelming. An autistic child often has issues with over stimulation. By opening a few presents at a time the child does become to overwhelmed, and can enjoy their gifts.

7. If you have your child on a special diet make sure friends and family know this. You do not want other people feeding your child things that could ruin the progress you have made. Some people might not agree with your choices about your child's diet. Be strong and stick to your beliefs.

8. Remember the reason for the holidays. They are meant to be spent with family and loved ones. Enjoy the holiday with your Autistic child. Be thankful for all you have in your life.

9. Reward your child for their good behavior while visiting others. This will help with unwanted behaviors. The child will know they can earn a prize so they will work harder on behaving.

10. Relax. If your child senses stress or anxiety from you they will become uneasy.

The holidays with an Autistic child can be a wonderful time with a little extra planning. Forget about the daily problems and struggles you have. Remember all the good things you have. Most of all enjoy the holidays with your Autistic child.

What is Persuasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified

Persuasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified is also known as PDD-NOS. This is where a child only shows some of the signs of Autism. They may not show these signs at all times, or in all places. Usually PDD-NOS is first seen in children three or four years of age. Yet some children show signs while still an infant. There are different areas that the signs could be present. We will look at two of these.

Social Interaction

The developmental delays in social interaction can often be seen when the child is a baby. They may not look you in the eyes, or smile when you are interacting with them. They do not hold their arms up for you to pick them up. They might play off by their self. Some of the children with PDD-NOS may enjoy being cuddled on occasion. They might enjoy rough housing with their older sibling or parent.

These PDD-NOS children usually do not have problems with separation from their parents. They also do not have issues with strangers. They may run right up to a stranger like they would their parents. When the child is older they will usually become close to their parents or other adults. They have a hard time making friends. They do not like participating in games with other kids. Some children with mild PDD-NOS will want to make friends, but since they have a hard time dealing with other people socially this will be hard for them.

Communication Impairments

The impairments of communication in children with Persuasive Developmental Disorder Not Other Specified can start while in infancy. The child will not babble or try to talk like other children do. They may pick up a word and repeat it over and over again.

Some PDD-NOS children pick up speech easy, but they have problems using the right words in the right situation. They have trouble understanding the tone in someone's voice when they are joking or using sarcasm. If someone tells them something they take it literally. For example if the child was told it is raining cats and dogs they would most likely go look out the window and expect to see cats and dogs falling from the sky. Persuasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified children may only talk about subjects they are interested in. It may seem that they are talking at you instead of with you.

Children with Persuasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified have a hard time with emotions. They usually experience emotions, but to the extreme. If they are mad they have temper tantrums that last much loner than a normal child. This is the same for fears, or sadness. They may have extremely happy times. They usually will not show facial expressions that go along with the emotion.

These are just two of the many signs of a child with Persuasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. If you see these signs in your child speak to their doctor about your concerns. They can examine the child to see if further testing in necessary.

Gluten Free Diet

The Gluten free diet consists of removing any foods from your Autistic child's diet that contain Gluten. This can seem hard at first because so many foods do have Gluten in them. Gluten is found in most prepared foods. Foods containing wheat, barley ,oats, or rye need to be eliminated from the diet. Gluten can also be found in some vinegars and sauces. Artificial flavorings often contain Gluten.

When using the Gluten free diet you have to be careful and read all labels on foods. Gluten can be in foods you would not think of, like spices. The theory behind removing Gluten from an Autistic child's diet is that when the child eats a food with Gluten it causes their body to react differently than a child without Autism.

The Gluten free diet can be expensive to follow. Most Gluten free products are sold in specialty, or health stores. These stores usually charge a much higher price. Some major grocery stores are now carrying Gluten free products. You can find Gluten free flour, pancake mix, waffles, cookies, snacks, and many other foods. Most parents find out it is cheaper to make their own Gluten free food. Recipes can be found on the internet, or in Gluten free cookbooks. Some parents go together with another family following the Gluten free diet and buy in bulk. Then they share the foods. This can help lower the costs of the Gluten free items.

Autistic children following a Gluten free diet can eat meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, nut, eggs, and products made with gluten free ingredients. It can be hard to keep a child from eating their favorite snacks, and treats. Some of these can be made by using Gluten free products. Muffins and cookies can be made from Gluten free flour. It just takes some getting used to the new way of eating.

Often people following a Gluten free diet will remove all dairy (Casein) products from their diet as well. You can find out if your Autistic child has an allergy to a certain food by having allergy testing done. The doctor can arrange for this testing.

If you are going to try the Gluten free diet with your child you have to be prepared to follow it for several months to tell if it is going to make any difference. Gluten remains in the body for a long time. Most people do not give the diet a long enough chance to work. Trying it for a week or two will not give the body enough time to remove any remaining Gluten from its system. Some people do however see improvements right away in their Autistic child.

If you want to find more information about Gluten free dieting there are several books available. Visit your local library, or book store to find one. To find Gluten free recipes try searching online using your favorite search engine. The Gluten free diet will not work with every autistic child. The majority of the children that show improvement had a sensitivity to the gluten to begin with.

The Gluten free diet is not a cure for Autism. It is used to help lesson the symptoms of Autism.

How PDD-NOS is Diagnosed

PDD-NOS is a diagnosis given when a child does not meet all the criteria for Autism, but they show several of the signs. PDD-NOS or Persuasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified is diagnosed with several different types of assessments. We will look at these different types of assessments needed for PDD-NOS.

Medical Assessment

The medical assessment will examine the child completely to rule out any health conditions that could be causing the symptoms the child is experiencing. Some health conditions can cause similar symptoms as those in Persuasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.

Educational Assessment

The child will be tested in several different educational areas. They will be assessed on what skills they have appropriate for their age. They will be assessed on daily living skills. These skills include dressing, bathing, eating, etc. These skills can be assessed by testing, or interviewing the parents, and teachers.

Interviews with Child's Parents, Teachers

Children with Persuasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified can have different symptoms at different times or places. Interviewing the child's parents and teachers gives a better picture of the child. A child in school is with the teachers for several hours a day. They can add very important information to the child's assessment. The same can be said for anyone that spends a lot of time with the child. This might be a daycare provider, or grandma.

Psychological Assessment

The child will be assessed by a Psychologist to rule out any mental disorders that could be causing the problems. The child will be examined for delays in several areas like cognitive, or social. They will be evaluated for anxiety, or problems with depression.

Behavior Observation Assessment

The doctor assessing the child for PDD-NOS might want to observe the child in a natural setting. This can be done in the child's home. This gives the doctor a better view of symptoms a child is having. They can see how the child acts with their family.

Communication Assessment

The child will have their communication skills tested. This will be done with testing and by talking to the child's parents. The child will be assessed for their ability to understand others, and their ability to use their words. The doctor will want to know if the child understands body language, and facial expressions.

Occupational Assessment

The occupational assessment will check how well the child can use their fine motor skills. They will also check for any sensory issues the child may be dealing with. An example of a sensory issue would be a child that only likes certain textures. This can make choosing clothing difficult.

After all of the assessments are complete the team will meet and decide if the child has met the criteria for a diagnosis of Persuasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. If the child is found to have PDD-NOS a treatment plan will be created. Getting treatment for the child is very important. The treatments can help a child with Persuasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified to be able to communicate better. They can learn how to act in social settings. Overall treatment can make their life easier.

Melatonin Helps Autistic Children Sleep

Our bodies naturally produce Melatonin. In Autistic children the amount of Melatonin produced is not enough. They have problems falling asleep at night. Night after night of too little sleep can really take a toll on an Autistic child. They can have more unwanted behaviors. If a child is not sleeping, most of the time the parent is not sleeping either. This can make for a terribly grouchy child and parent. Starting out the day tired can ruin the entire day. The child will not want to cooperate with you or anyone else. This can make therapy or doctors appointments very unpleasant.

If your Autistic child is having problems sleeping you might want to try giving them Melatonin supplements. They can be found at most pharmacies, or health food stores. Melatonin is a safer approach than using prescription medication. Prescription medications can make the child dependant on them to sleep. The Melatonin is naturally produced in our bodies. The supplement just helps to make sure the body has enough to allow the child to fall asleep.

Melatonin should be given to the child about thirty minutes before their bed time. The dosage should be the lowest that still is effective. Most Autistic children do well on a dose of one to three milligrams. Always start with the lowest dose. Too high of a dose can make waking the child hard. It can also give the child nightmares. If too high a dose is given the child can still be tired and groggy the next day. This is not the desired effect. You want the child to feel rested and energized.

Melatonin usually does not lose it's effectiveness. The Melatonin should not stop working with continuous use. If by some slight chance it does stop taking it for a few days, or a week. Then when you restart the Melatonin it should work fine. Melatonin taken in Autistic kids is found to have other benefits as well. The children who take Melatonin are found to be more alert the next day. Melatonin has also been found to help with some anxiety and depression. This can be a way to avoid medications that sometimes have harmful side effects.

If your Autistic child is having problem sleeping Melatonin might be the answer. Your child needs a good nights rest. If they are on any medications to help them sleep consult the doctor before trying Melatonin. Melatonin should only be given to the child once a day before bed time. If given in the middle of the night it could interrupt the child's internal clock. This could cause more problems than the lack of sleep.

If your doctor suggest a sleeping medication be used for your Autistic child consider using Melatonin. It does not have any side effects. The child will not become dependant on the Melatonin to help them sleep. It is all natural, and our bodies produce the Melatonin. Some times our bodies just do not produce enough. The Melatonin supplement adds the extra amount needed to fall asleep, and stay asleep for a good nights rest.

Medicine Used to Treat Autism

There are many types of medications used to treat Autism. These medications will fall into different categories based on the type of problem that is being dealt with. Medication will not cure the Autism, it just helps with some of the problems associated with it. Here are some of the medications used when treating an Autistic child.

Antipsychotic

This type of medication is used to treat behavior problems in children with Autism. They can also be used to treat insomnia, and aggression. This type of medication should be used if behavior therapy is not working. Some times an Autistic child will try to harm their selves. Antipsychotic medicines can help control this.

Anticonvulsant

Some Autistic children have seizures. This type of medication is used in controlling or preventing the seizures.

Depression and Anxiety Medications

A large portion of Autistic children deal with depression and anxiety. They need medication to help control these feelings. These medications are found to cause suicidal thoughts in some kids. Watch for changes in your child's behavior.

Sedatives

Children with Autism sometimes have a hard time falling asleep at night. They are given a sedative to help them sleep. There are natural alternatives that can be used in place of sedatives. They will not make your child dependant on them to fall asleep.

Stimulant

Stimulants are used in treating kids with hyperactivity. They are also used in children that have a hard time paying attention or concentrating. These medicines can help the child focus longer. This can be useful for a school age child who is having problems paying attention in school. They can help a child who is having trouble staying focused on their school work. This can mean a difference in passing or failing.

Medications can help treat the problems found in Autistic children. Parents need to be careful when using any medications with their children. Some of these medications can have terrible side effects. Each child will react differently to the medicine. If you notice the medicine is not helping consult your child's doctor. Medications need to be combined with other types of therapy to successfully work in treating Autism. Always use the lowest effective dose of the medications. Do not start or stop a medication without talking to your child's doctor first. Some Autistic children do not speak so it is important to watch for changes in their behavior. If they begin acting strange they could be having a reaction to the medicine, and need to see the doctor.

Medication should be a last resort when treating Autism. If it must be used, combine the medication with other forms of therapy for better results. Remember the medicine is not a cure for Autism. The medicine just helps to lesson some of the symptoms the child is experiencing. Always be sure of the correct dosage of medication to give your child. Talk to the doctor about any long terms side effects caused by the prescription. Also make sure to ask about any interactions with other medications your child is taking. Sometimes medication will be the only thing that helps your Autistic child. Just make sure the child is monitored for any side effects.

What Causes Autism

What causes Autism is something every doctor hears when they tell a parent their child is Autistic. There is not one definite answer to this question. There are several thoughts on what causes Autism. Some of the causes of Autism are thought to be genetic. Doctors think there are several genes that cause Autism, but have yet to locate them. They now feel that some people are born with the predisposition to be Autistic. Then they have some type of environmental trigger and they become Autistic.

Autism is more common in boys that girls. Some studies show a connection to environmental factors and Autism. They think that the pollution and toxins in the air can contribute to a child having Autism. Studies have shown small towns with high cases of Autism. The towns had one thing in common, a high pollution source. Usually the source is a factory of some sort that release a lot of toxins, and chemicals into the air.

A majority of people believe Autism was caused by the Mercury, or Thimersal in vaccinations. This was due to the fact that Autism was first diagnosed about the same time as vaccinations were given.

There has been a lot of studies an research about vaccines causing a child to become Autistic. So far there has been no evidence to suggest the connection between vaccinating your child and Autism. There could be more risks from not having the vaccinations.

Some studies have shown children being exposed to high levels of Mercury were more likely to have Autism. This was a fear with the vaccinations, but the majority of shots these days do not contain any mercury or Thimersal. If they do contain Thimersal it is in very trace amounts. High levels of Mercury can be contributed to eating a lot of fish, and industrial emissions. Researchers think there could be a connection to pregnant women being exposed to Mercury and their children having Autism. There are new studies testing pregnant women to see how much Mercury is in their systems and testing the babies at birth. They can then monitor the babies with high Mercury levels and see if they have any problems later on.

There are theories that Autism is caused from an underlying health issue. Certain diseases make a child more likely to develop Autism. Some of these diseases include Fragile X syndrome, and congenital Rubella. Others believe Autism is caused by a metabolic imbalance.

It used to be thought that Autism was caused from an early emotional trauma. They also thought bad parenting was to blame. Doctors tried to blame mothers for not giving their children enough attention and love. These theories have been found untrue. Much more research is needed to identify the true cause or causes of Autism. Until a definite answer is found no one will know what cause a child to be Autistic. These theories are all just that, theories. Someday hopefully doctors will understand what causes a child to be Autistic, and they can work on a way to prevent, or cure it.