April 23rd, 2009
Graduation for anyone is a scary thing, right? Especially when you grew up in a sheltered environment where everything you need is provided by your parents. Finally you are on your own. This is the scary part.
Imagine, for a moment, that your are an autistic individual on your way to the real world. This is harder since the environment in which you grew up in is a controlled one, meaning that your parents and school control the surroundings for you to be able to cope better. But in the real world of business it is not the same. You will encounter people who are not as understanding as the people you grew up with and most of them work in unethical ways.
Also you have to dress up all by yourself, fend on your own, brush your teeth, wear appropriate clothes and use a deodorant. These may come easy to others but for autistic individuals it can be a chore.
However, this may not be the problem for you, it may be for others. Problems in the work area may arise since others do not understand what autism is. They discriminate against it. For the bosses, they have to train autistic individuals to be able to function in the work area plus make the employees understand the situation of the autistic individaul tehy have to work with.
For all this to work out, an autistic individual should be made to realize that a big change will occur in his or her life once he or she graduates from college. having mentor or therapist or simply family support will be able to help the individul cope with the major changes in life.
Tags: Autism, autistic education, coping with autism, teaching autistic
Posted in Autism, Interaction with Autistics | Comments Off
April 22nd, 2009
Hugging and squuezing autistic children is not the same for others. For us, hugs can relieve stress and calm us but for them it increases their anxiety leading to a more frustrated and confused self. They cannot communicate their needs effectively.
To better address this problem, a hug machine was created by a woman who has autism. this is to help relieve the frustration autistic children by giving them control of their situation.
How does a HUG MACHINE work?
It has two padded sideborads connected near the bottom of the board to form a V-shape. a lever helps push the sideboards together to create pressure and also allows the user control the amount of pressure. The hug machine is also called the hug box or squeeze machine.
The hug machine provides the pressure the autistic children needs to affect their heightened sensory perception makingt them concentrate on the pressure which calms them. For them pressure releases anxiety.
If hug machines are out of your budget, you can get creative. wrap your child in a blanket or you can improvise a hug machine, just follow the same principles of the original hug machine. Or, you can contact your child’s schoold if they have plans of purchasing one.
The hug machine may not make all your child’s problem go away but it functions to help your child and others like him better survive in our environment.
Tags: Autism, dealing with autistic, hug machine for autistic
Posted in Treatment of Autism | Comments Off
April 12th, 2009
We should keep in mind that nothing will “cure” autism but the medications that an autistic person has to take will only help to control the symptoms or effects of the disorder. As with all drugs, there are indications and contraindications. each drug has a different effect to a different person, we should use it very carefully adn watch how the body reacts to the medications.
Remember that you have to be sure of the drug that needs to be taken. Read the dosage carefully and how to administer it. this is important if you are uneasy at the thought of injecting yourself or your child. if that is the case, you can ask your doctor for an alyernative method to take the medication.
As all medications say on their label, keep out of children’s reach. its never to wrong to prevent accidents from happening. research on the effects of the drug if someone who doesnt have autism by mistake takes it and find out what to do just in case.
Side effects on drugs are common. Find out the side effects of your drug and consider your options very carefully. Ask your doctor. How long will the medication be taken? is there a possibility you may become dependent or tolerant of the drug?
You can research about your medications. you can find them on the internet, books and magazines that are up-to-date about autism. you can also ask your doctor and your pharmacist. By doing so, you’ll be able to monitor and take better care of your health.
Tags: Autism, dealing with autism, medication of autistic, treating autism
Posted in Treatment of Autism | Comments Off
March 21st, 2009
What is I.D.E.A?
It is the “Individuals with Disabilities Education Act“. This should be one of the laws you must be familiar especially if you or someone you know have autism or other diabilities. IDEA give educational rights to children aged 3-21 to have a special eductional program designed specifically for their special needs. IDEA assesses a child first before putting him in a special school or if your child can follow and cope, he can get in a public school.
What is the American Disabilities Act?
This act that all should be familiar with discourages discrimination against people with disabilities in work, public places and by the government. you should not be refused or treated indifferently because of your disorder.
The constitution protects people with disorders to have equal rights with people. one is the right to vote and to express themselves.
By knowing the law and how it applies to you and or others with autism, you can be sure that they can be treated in a fair way and not be ignored or mistreated.
Tags: Autism, dealing with autistics, laws protecting autistics, rights of autistics
Posted in Legal Basis and Protection of Autistic Persons | Comments Off
February 19th, 2009
Family vacations can be stressful during the planning process and becomes a satisfying experience for all in the end. Family vacations with an autistic child is no different. You just have to keep in mind that for an autistic child, vacations can be either confusing or a memorable and learning experience at the same time.
How should you plan your itinerary?
You should keep in mind that certain locations can greatly influence your autistic child. you should choose based on your child’s special needs. Vacations by the beach, lake or going camping can best suit your child if he or she is sensitive to sound. All in all, you should also consider the enjoyment of the other family members,
Timing also plays an important role during vacations. You may want to avoid large crowds that may confuse or scare yoour child. You can do so by either going to a place very early or late or you may consider going on a vacation during the off-season if your child’s school will not be affected.
Distance should also be considered. How far away from your home? How will you get there? You will have to map out your area. Search the nearest hospital in case of accidents etc. What are your transportations to be used? You have to educate your child with the different types of vehicle or transportations you may encounter during your trip. You may prepare your child about security especially if you need to go through an airport.
Everyone should be able to enjoy during vacations. But we should not neglect learning and social interaction opportunities for an autistic child. Outdoors, especially the beach can be a comfortable place for an autistic child especially if he or she likes to shout without upsetting others. Museums can also be a great learning place for kids who are normally quiet where they can ask questions and vice versa.
How do you deal with other people around?
Sometimes we will meet people who have never encountered autism before. Try to understand their lack of knowledge yet at the same time defend your child if he or she is being treated unjustly. Satring usually happens so try not to be rude to the people who do. Instead just ignore them and focus on making your vacation a happy, memorable and a learning experience for everyone.
Tags: activities for autistics, Autism, dealing with autistics
Posted in Interaction with Autistics | Comments Off