See this at: family-networks.org| Added on 03/02/07

By Barbara Luborsky, OTR/L From a sensory integrative perspective, learning occurs when a person receives accurate sensory information, processes it, and uses it to organize behaviors. In some instances, the system does not function as it should, and... See more

By Barbara Luborsky, OTR/L From a sensory integrative perspective, learning occurs when a person receives accurate sensory information, processes it, and uses it to organize behaviors. In some instances, the system does not function as it should, and the individual does not do a good job with noticing input, sorting it, prioritizing it, or responding appropriately. When children receive inaccurate or unreliable sensory input, their ability to process the information and create responses is disrupted (Dunn, 1991). Poor sensory integration can lead to problems with attention, motor control, activity level or ability to experience, learn, and interact with the environment and others. Deficits can impact behaviors in many ways and must be inferred from observing a child’s behavior and performance. In such cases, if the deficiencies are severe, there may be what is called Dysfunction of Sensory Integration (DSI), also known as Sensory Processing Disorder, (SPD). Children who experience DSI... See less

See this at: emedicine.com| Added on 02/08/07

Coauthor(s): W Peter Metz, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School; Paul Dagg, MD, Clinical Director, Vice Chair, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Royal Ottawa... See more

Coauthor(s): W Peter Metz, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School; Paul Dagg, MD, Clinical Director, Vice Chair, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Royal Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Canada | Robert J Hilt, MD, FAAP, is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Psychiatric Association See less

See this at: emedicinehealth.com| Added on 02/08/07

Asperger syndrome, also known as Asperger disorder or AS, is a pervasive developmental disorder (a spectrum of behavioral disorders including autism). Asperger syndrome is characterized by an inability to understand how to interact socially and a... See more

Asperger syndrome, also known as Asperger disorder or AS, is a pervasive developmental disorder (a spectrum of behavioral disorders including autism). Asperger syndrome is characterized by an inability to understand how to interact socially and a pattern of repetitive behaviors and/or restricted interests. Unlike persons with autism, those with Asperger syndrome do not show a marked delay in language development or cognitive development. Asperger syndrome is commonly recognized in children after the age of 3 years and is more frequently diagnosed in boys. Individuals with Asperger syndrome have serious impairments in their social and communication skills, including poor nonverbal communication. However, many individuals have good cognitive and verbal skills, and typically have normal to superior intelligence. Many have excellent rote memory and become intensely interested in one or two subjects. Children with Asperger syndrome are typically educated in the mainstream setting but... See less

See this at: autistics.org| Added on 02/08/07

I have seen an alarming increase in discussion about psychiatric medications "for autism" or for parents' autistic children, as if it is a trivial matter. It is not. As a result, I have written this, which talks about psychiatric medications and... See more

I have seen an alarming increase in discussion about psychiatric medications "for autism" or for parents' autistic children, as if it is a trivial matter. It is not. As a result, I have written this, which talks about psychiatric medications and gives guidelines for their use. My views on this have been discounted as being too extreme or absolute. It is not wrong to have extreme or absolute views, particularly in a matter which affects one personally, and not peripherally (I am autistic; I am not a parent watching an autistic). I have had doctors ask me before, what various psychiatric medications do, and have been consulted with about the use and misuse of such medications. Basically, I have had doctors admit that I know more than they do about the subject. For anyone wondering, here are my "Credentials" for speaking about these things. Note: The terms "meds" and "psych meds" may be used as abbreviations for "medications" and "psychiatric medications" throughout these documents. Since... See less

See this at: hot-ideas.org| Added on 01/19/07

Hands-On Tasks and IDEAS produces resources for educators and parents for creating activities designed to build & develop basic skills for children and adults challenged by learning and developmental disorders.

Hands-On Tasks and IDEAS produces resources for educators and parents for creating activities designed to build & develop basic skills for children and adults challenged by learning and developmental disorders. See less

See this at: southflorida.com| Added on 01/18/07

Some days it seems the only predictable thing about it is the unpredictability. The only consistent attribute, the inconsistency. There is little argument on any level but that autism is baffling, even to those who spend their lives around it. The... See more

Some days it seems the only predictable thing about it is the unpredictability. The only consistent attribute, the inconsistency. There is little argument on any level but that autism is baffling, even to those who spend their lives around it. The child who lives with autism may look "normal," but his or her behavior can be perplexing and downright difficult. Today, the citadel of autism, once thought an "incurable" disorder, is cracking around the foundation. Every day, individuals with autism show us they can overcome, compensate for, and otherwise manage many of the condition's most challenging aspects. Equipping those around our children with a simple understanding of autism's most basic elements has a tremendous effect on the children's journey towards productive, independent adulthood. Autism is an extremely complex disorder, but we can distill it to three critical components: sensory processing difficulties, speech/language delays and impairments, and whole child/social... See less

See this at: p.webring.com| Added on 04/21/06

Autism Web Ring Want to join it? If you have a Special Needs Kids or Autism Site I can Add it! Visit Us Online at: www.Autism-Today.org Or also at: Gifts And Things: http://giftsandthings.vstoregifts.com Have Questions? E-Mail me at... See more

Autism Web Ring Want to join it? If you have a Special Needs Kids or Autism Site I can Add it! Visit Us Online at: www.Autism-Today.org Or also at: Gifts And Things: http://giftsandthings.vstoregifts.com Have Questions? E-Mail me at Webmaster@Autism-Today.org Sean Boardman Owner of Autism-Today! See less

See this at: christianforums.com| Added on 04/11/06

Hi, I am a 34 year old female who was recently diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome this past June (2005). Since then I have found a whole new found freedom. Ever since I can remember I have struggled with stuff that my gifts and talents have hidden... See more

Hi, I am a 34 year old female who was recently diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome this past June (2005). Since then I have found a whole new found freedom. Ever since I can remember I have struggled with stuff that my gifts and talents have hidden from everyone including myself. For example, I have always have this unnerving need to be held non-stop...this was not an emotional need but rather a physical one. I couldn't find a way to tell anyone in a way that they actually understood. I was accused of being too needy, and emotionally "unstable" and similar ideas. I was afraid someone would look at my parents and accuse them of not loving me enough...when I knew all too well they did...I just seemed to need more than the average kid. I even used to cry myself to sleep because of it. Now I own a weighted blanket and that urge has subsided. After about three nights of using the blanket, I slept a full eight hours with only waking up once for the first time in about 15 years or more. See less

Highlights: You may need to sign up to see this article I wrote.

See this at: christianforums.com| Added on 01/05/07

Hi…I was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome in July 2005. Most people that meet me have no idea that I have a neurological disorder…they usually just describe me as being unique or different. I was asked to share some of my experiences so that you... See more

Hi…I was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome in July 2005. Most people that meet me have no idea that I have a neurological disorder…they usually just describe me as being unique or different. I was asked to share some of my experiences so that you might have a better understanding of what some of your kids may be going through. First off, I have not had much experience with others on the spectrum, but I have read a lots of information about the varied difficulties that people on the spectrum have. So my descriptions will not apply to everyone, but hopefully they will be helpful to many. Most 5 year olds aren't sure how to express their feelings just yet more or less a child who is hindered developmentally with their emotions. Me, I am 35 now and still don't have labels for my feelings and when I am emotional or over stimulated I still can't say things…I do in my head but I can't even form the words to ask for a hug…the words get stuck somewhere between my brain and my vocal cords...you... See less

See this at: aspiesforfreedom.com| Added on 04/11/06

Living people widely suspected (but not confirmed) to have an autism spectrum disorder. Notable persons known to have an autism spectrum disorder. Historical notables suspected (but not confirmed) to have had an autism spectrum disorder.

Living people widely suspected (but not confirmed) to have an autism spectrum disorder. Notable persons known to have an autism spectrum disorder. Historical notables suspected (but not confirmed) to have had an autism spectrum disorder. See less

See this at: autismservicedogsofa...| Added on 09/08/06

(Pervasive Developmental Disorder) is the umbrella term under which the following specific diagnoses are defined: * Autistic Disorder * Asperger’s Disorder * Retts Disorder * Childhood Disintegrative Disorder * P.D.D Not Otherwise specified... See more

(Pervasive Developmental Disorder) is the umbrella term under which the following specific diagnoses are defined: * Autistic Disorder * Asperger’s Disorder * Retts Disorder * Childhood Disintegrative Disorder * P.D.D Not Otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). Each disorder involves a unique complex of symptoms and only a qualified specialist in developmental disorders should evaluate and determine an accurate diagnosis. Opinions differ among researchers and clinicians as to the cause of Autism, some asserting a correlation between the MMR vaccine and autism, while others claim a genetic predisposition. At the present time, we have no conclusive, compelling explanation. See less

See this at: abilitiesinfo.com| Added on 01/05/07

Therapeutic Listening™ is an individualized sound training program that consists of equipment and materials that have been designed to produce specific effects on listening skills. Listening difficulties such as the inability to accurately perceive,... See more

Therapeutic Listening™ is an individualized sound training program that consists of equipment and materials that have been designed to produce specific effects on listening skills. Listening difficulties such as the inability to accurately perceive, process, and respond to sounds are often a part of other sensory, motor, attention, and learning difficulties affecting a large number of children and adults. Occupational therapists trained in working with children with sensory processing disorders have more recently begun incorporating sound-based technologies into their practices in order to approach the vestibular and auditory systems more directly. Listening is a function of the entire brain and thus, Therapeutic Listening™ incorporates whole body treatment in combination with music. Therapeutic Listening™ selectively combines a number of electronically altered compact discs, based on the ideas and technology created by Alfred Tomatis, Guy Berard, and Ingo Steinbech, within a Sensory... See less

Highlights: Required equipment includes a portable CD player with a numerical volume control which plays music equally to both the left and right ear with good quality sound, Sennheiser headphones, and one to four specifically selected CDs that range in price from $40.00 to $80.00.

See this at: ctds.info| Added on 04/11/06

Magnesium is a must. The diets of all Americans are likely to be deficient........Even a mild deficiency causes sensitiveness to noise, nervousness, irritability, mental depression, confusion, twitching, trembling, apprehension, insomnia, muscle... See more

Magnesium is a must. The diets of all Americans are likely to be deficient........Even a mild deficiency causes sensitiveness to noise, nervousness, irritability, mental depression, confusion, twitching, trembling, apprehension, insomnia, muscle weakness and cramps in the toes, feet, legs, or fingers. See less

Highlights: Asthma is has been linked to Mg deficiencies in a wide variety of studies. Asthma and allergies not only frequently occur together, but they frequently occur together along with gastrointestinal upset in many chronic disorders including Mitral Valve Prolapse syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos...

See this at: kidsahead.net| Added on 04/11/06

Relationship Development Intervention is a treatment specifically designed to address the unique deficits of autism. It is effective and appropriate for all ages, stages, and levels of functioning. RDI addresses the core deficits of autism, such as... See more

Relationship Development Intervention is a treatment specifically designed to address the unique deficits of autism. It is effective and appropriate for all ages, stages, and levels of functioning. RDI addresses the core deficits of autism, such as Emotional Referencing, Social Coordination, Delcarative Language, and Flexible thinking. These deficits are universal to individuals on the autistic spectrum; they are deficits shared by all ASD individuals. In the past, common interventions used to treat autism have not been shown to effect these deficits. In other words, they are lifelong deficits. RDI "targets" these deficits and has been shown to effect them. Please see Dr. Gutstein's pre-publication Research Manuscript on his website www.rdiconnect.com. This research paper has recently been accepted for publication into the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. Publication is due to occur in early 2005. See less

See this at: cognews.com| Added on 09/08/06

( Reply ) | Re: Autism brain has fewer neurons for emotions by the underdog on Friday July 28, @12:11PM | Granted I have a probably criminally simple understanding of neuroscience however I think I would have to subscribe to the latter theory on why... See more

( Reply ) | Re: Autism brain has fewer neurons for emotions by the underdog on Friday July 28, @12:11PM | Granted I have a probably criminally simple understanding of neuroscience however I think I would have to subscribe to the latter theory on why there are less neurons in the amygdala of persons with autism. If there were fewer neurons at birth wouldn't other portions of the brain attempt to compensate by taking over social / emotional functions? See less

See this at: nih.gov| Added on 09/08/06

Previous View Held Autism Limited to Communication, Social Behavior, and Reasoning A recent study provides evidence that autism affects the functioning of virtually the entire brain, and is not limited to the brain areas involved with social... See more

Previous View Held Autism Limited to Communication, Social Behavior, and Reasoning A recent study provides evidence that autism affects the functioning of virtually the entire brain, and is not limited to the brain areas involved with social interactions, communication behaviors, and reasoning abilities, as had been previously thought. The study, conducted by scientists in a research network supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), found that autism also affects a broad array of skills and abilities, including those involved with sensory perception, movement, and memory. The findings, appearing in the August Child Neuropsychology, strongly suggest that autism is a disorder in which the various parts of the brain have difficulty working together to accomplish complex tasks. The study was conducted by researchers in the Collaborative Program of Excellence in Autism (CPEA), a research network funded by two components of the NIH, the National Institute of Child Health and... See less

See this at: nih.gov| Added on 09/08/06

Basis For Why People With Autism Think In Pictures Researchers have found in two studies that autism may involve a lack of connections and coordination in separate areas of the brain. In people with autism, the brain areas that perform complex... See more

Basis For Why People With Autism Think In Pictures Researchers have found in two studies that autism may involve a lack of connections and coordination in separate areas of the brain. In people with autism, the brain areas that perform complex analysis appear less likely to work together during problem solving tasks than in people who do not have the disorder, report researchers working in a network funded by the National Institutes of Health. The researchers found that communications between these higher-order centers in the brains of people with autism appear to be directly related to the thickness of the anatomical connections between them. In a separate report, the same research team found that, in people with autism, brain areas normally associated with visual tasks also appear to be active during language-related tasks, providing evidence to explain a bias towards visual thinking common in autism. “These findings provide support to a new theory that views autism as a failure of... See less

See this at: siena.edu| Added on 04/11/06

Aspergers Syndrome (AS) - a neurobiological disorder, which most researchers feel, falls at the "high-end" of the Autistic Spectrum. Individuals with AS can have symptoms ranging from mild to severe. While sharing many of the same characteristics as... See more

Aspergers Syndrome (AS) - a neurobiological disorder, which most researchers feel, falls at the "high-end" of the Autistic Spectrum. Individuals with AS can have symptoms ranging from mild to severe. While sharing many of the same characteristics as PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified) and HFA (High-Functioning Autism), AS is a relatively new term in the United States, having only recently being officially recognized as a diagnosis by the medical community. Individuals with Asperger Syndrome and related disorders exhibit serious deficiencies in social and communication skills. They often have obsessive repetitive routines and preoccupations with a particular subject. Because of their high degree of functionality and their naivete, those with AS are often viewed by their peers as odd, and are frequently a target for bullying. Characteristics - Children with these diagnoses exhibit serious and chronic social, behavioral and communicative impairments. Not... See less

See this at: autismwebsite.com| Added on 04/11/06

The Autism Research Institute (ARI), a non-profit organization, was established in 1967. ARI is primarily devoted to conducting research, and to disseminating the results of research, on the causes of autism and on methods of preventing, diagnosing... See more

The Autism Research Institute (ARI), a non-profit organization, was established in 1967. ARI is primarily devoted to conducting research, and to disseminating the results of research, on the causes of autism and on methods of preventing, diagnosing and treating autism and other severe behavioral disorders of childhood. We provide information based on research to parents and professionals throughout the world. See less

See this at: thegraycenter.org| Added on 03/29/06

Welcome to The Gray Center! The Gray Center for Social Learning and Understanding is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and those who work alongside them to improve mutual understanding.... See more

Welcome to The Gray Center! The Gray Center for Social Learning and Understanding is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and those who work alongside them to improve mutual understanding. We approach the social impairment in ASD as a shared impairment. We work to improve social understanding on both sides of the social equation, helping individuals with ASD to communicate and interact more successfully with the people with whom they live and work. See less

See this at: kindtree.org| Added on 04/11/06

Here you can find local autism resources, exclusive autism information and links, our KindTree newsletter, our celebratory "Autism Rocks" T-shirts and other products, reviews of books on autism, creations by autistic artists, autistic events we... See more

Here you can find local autism resources, exclusive autism information and links, our KindTree newsletter, our celebratory "Autism Rocks" T-shirts and other products, reviews of books on autism, creations by autistic artists, autistic events we produce (including our unique Summer Autism Retreat and our Spring Autism Forum), and more... See less

Highlights: KindTree is dedicated to serving and celebrating the Autism Community through art, education, and recreation. With warm hearted whimsy, an open sense of family and a deep level of caring, we reach inside ourselves to embrace our flaws, gather our strengths, and offer our love while...

See this at: autism.org| Added on 03/29/06

This Web page was developed to provide information on various topics related to or about autism. This web site was made possible by the generosity of Khera Communications, Inc.

This Web page was developed to provide information on various topics related to or about autism. This web site was made possible by the generosity of Khera Communications, Inc. See less

See this at: nas.org.uk| Added on 03/29/06

2006 is International Asperger Year and the NAS is marking the event by celebrating the achievements of people with Asperger syndrome. We're inviting people with Asperger syndrome to tell us their success stories. A selection of stories is already... See more

2006 is International Asperger Year and the NAS is marking the event by celebrating the achievements of people with Asperger syndrome. We're inviting people with Asperger syndrome to tell us their success stories. A selection of stories is already published on our website. See less