Archive
How I learn
May 3, 2012
By Lee Passehl
Learning can sometimes be difficult for people on the spectrum. In this blog, I will explain to you how I learn and process information for the first time.
When I learn a new subject or lesson in college, or anywhere else, I view it as seeing a picture up close right where I press my nose up against it. At first you can only see one part of the picture or just one color. At this point I really can’t see the whole picture. However, when I get a better idea of whatever it is I’m learning, the lens slowly zooms out and I can see a better view of the subject and I understand it more and more. Sometimes the “picture” can be too unpleasant and I just prefer to zoom in so I don’t see the entire picture.
To me, everybody has their own zoom lens, but some people can focus on the big picture faster than others when learning something (that’s if they are willing to learn the topic). It is harder for me to zoom out and get the picture to focus in faster than others because my brain processes information slower than neurotypicals, or autistics that are a little more developed in one area than I am. If I have a little bit of knowledge of the subject, I can focus in on the lesson better. Everyone is different and there are people who get the entire picture faster or slower than certain people. For me, it takes me more time to learn something than my classmates so I have to work harder at it, or just do the best I can.
Radio Control car racing came to me faster because I had watched full scale car racing in real life. I had that competitive instinct already because I learned it from other car racers on television. If it is a subject that I don’t have much interest in, it is much harder for me to learn and process. I am, however, better at this practice now than I was five to seven years ago or even two years ago. I now ask more questions, both in class and in conversations, to help keep my interest up.This also helps develop the fringes of the picture. I then try to minimize my typical distractions, which are human voices, engine noises, and music. All this helps me to read and concentrate better, too. I’m still figuring it out. So far I’m getting an “A” in Japanese!
Lee blogs for the Autism Society about his life with autism. Read his story!
Topics:Living with Autism
Autism Diet and Nutrition; Poor Methylation and Sulfation Biochemistry
May 2, 2012
By Autism Society
In celebration of its partnership with Potandon Produce, the Autism Society will share an autism diet and nutrition blog post each week throughout April. It is the hope of the Autism Society and Potandon that we can work together to empower you to make the best decisions for a child with autism. Please note that these tips are meant to be informational. Before making any dietary changes, you should consult a physician. The Autism Society does not endorse any specific type of treatment (See the Options Policy).
Tips were republished from the Autism Advocate article, Autism Diets and Nutrition: Providing Health Benefits for Many Children with ASD. Read the article here.
Poor Methylation and Sulfation Biochemistry
Medical studies have shown that methylation, transsulfuration and sulfation are one set of biochemical pathways that do not function optimally for many children with autism. These pathways—involved in the processes of detoxification, heavy metal elimination, digestion, immune function, cellular/metabolic function, gut integrity and microbial balance—can be supported, as follows, by avoiding certain substances and supplying needed nutrients.
- Remove phenolic foods. When the biochemical processes of methylation, transsulfuration or sulfation are not functioning well, limiting phenols and salicylates is important. Artificial phenols occur in petroleum-derived additives, such as artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. Even naturally occurring phenols, called salicylates, present in organic and non-organic foods such as grapes, raisins, apples, berries, almonds, honey and more, can create a variety of behavioral, emotional and physical symptoms.
- Improve methylation and sulfation through supplementation. Supplementing with nutrients that can support these biochemical pathways is important. Methyl-donors and methylation/transsulfuration support, such as vitamin B12, folate, B6, DMG/TMG, magnesium and zinc, are important supplements to consider. Determining which supplements are needed and adding them can be helpful to regulating the biochemistry and reducing autism symptoms.
Matthews, Julie. "Autism Diets and Nutrition: Providing Health Benefits for Many Children with ASD." Autism Advocate Second Edition 2010 (2010).
Topics:Environmental Health, Living with Autism
Autism Awareness: A Good Start, But We Can Do More
April 26, 2012
By Dan Olawski
April is my son Mikey’s birthday month…it’s also National Autism Awareness Month. Little did my wife and I know, seven years ago, that the month of April would be important to us for both reasons.
Most Americans are now aware, however slightly, that April is Autism Awareness Month. And you’d have to have been living under a rock to have missed the recent big news about the drastic increase in the number of children with autism (the rate is now at 1 in 88 children, and 1 in 54 boys, having some form of the developmental disorder). But, honestly, we have to ask ourselves how much that matters to those of us already touched by autism.
Long after April is over…long after the stories fade from the news…autism is still there. And we, as parents, family, and teachers of children with autism, are the ones truly aware of autism and the fact that diagnosis is only the first step in a life-long process.
Special awareness months and heightened attention to autism in the news are important for educating the public and motivating parents to get their children tested in case they see the potential signs of autism. But we need more than that…
Awareness months need to be followed up by “Treatment Months.” The media needs to report on autism treatments and focus on families with children who are in need of all the help they can get and not just on the heart-warming story of the high school teen with autism who plays sports and has tons of friends. Mainstream news stories rarely show the real daily challenges that a child with autism faces.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for Autism Awareness. It’s why I write these blogs. It’s why I wear my autism wristbands. It’s why I volunteer whenever I can. But whenever April comes around I can’t help but be reminded by Mikey’s birthday, and the news, that much, much more needs to be done in the world of autism.
Right now it seems like Autism Awareness is mainly focused on diagnosis. Again, that’s incredibly important and very necessary. But, the post-diagnosis landscape still feels like a barren desert for many parents. In most cases, you’re told your child has autism and then not much else. I can honestly say that after Mikey’s diagnosis I felt so frustrated by that “now what” feeling of helplessness and fear. It’s important to be aware of autism; it’s more important to know what to do about it.
Taking into account that our children are each unique in their needs and how autism impacts their lives, I propose that every doctor and therapist that makes an autism diagnosis should also be required to provide some sort of comprehensive plan for parents and caregivers. This plan should be put together based on studies, input, and advice from the CDC, doctors, teachers/therapists, and parents. Parents facing a new autism diagnosis need guidance and support from sources they can trust.
A few days ago, as we celebrated Mikey’s 7th birthday, I realized how lucky we have been with his early diagnosis and the skilled teachers and therapists he’s had. But I also stopped to think about the way I felt right after his diagnosis and how every April, as the awareness campaign ramps up, I feel for the parents of children who will receive a new autism diagnosis.
With that in mind, I deeply believe that if we can take all the good that comes out Autism Awareness and convert that into factual, proven therapies and treatments we will do far more good than any brief news story on the 11:00 news will ever do. And that will truly make April a happy, happy month in more ways than one.
Dan Olawski blogs about fatherhood and his son Mikey for the Autism Society. He lives with his family on Long Island, N.Y., where he works as a writer/editor. His time is spent following Mikey with a vacuum cleaner, watching his beloved New York Yankees and continuing his pursuit of the perfect chocolate chip cookie. He can be contacted at dantheeditorman@gmail.com.
Editor’s note: If your child has just been diagnosed with autism, read the Autism Society resource After the Diagnosis for some initial guidance.
Topics:Living with Autism
Autism Diet and Nutrition: Toxicity and Poor Detoxification
April 25, 2012
By Autism Society
In celebration of its partnership with Potandon Produce, the Autism Society will share an autism diet and nutrition blog post each week throughout April. It is the hope of the Autism Society and Potandon that we can work together to empower you to make the best decisions for a child with autism. Please note that these tips are meant to be informational. Before making any dietary changes, you should consult a physician. The Autism Society does not endorse any specific type of treatment (See the Options Policy).
Tips were republished from the Autism Advocate article, Autism Diets and Nutrition: Providing Health Benefits for Many Children with ASD. Read the article here.
Toxicity and Poor Detoxification
When detoxification is not working optimally or is overburdened by pre-existing toxins, avoiding additional toxins from food is important. These chemicals can cross the blood-brain barrier and affect the brain, creating hyperactivity, aggression, irritability and sometimes self-injurious behavior. Ways to remove toxins include:
• Avoid food additives. Artificial ingredients are very difficult for the body to process, so avoiding artificial colors, flavors, preservatives and MSG is crucial.
• Avoid toxins in food supply and meal preparation. Prevent the introduction of further toxins into the body by avoiding aluminum and plastic in cooking. This includes aluminum pans and aluminum foil, as well as storing and microwaving in plastic. Minimize or eliminate canned foods and drinks.
• Eat organic. Eat high-quality foods that are free of pesticides and hormones, such as organic produce, grass-fed meat, and pastured eggs and chickens. Non-organic chicken can contain arsenic. Eating organic foods avoids consumption of pesticides, other harmful chemicals, GMOs (genetically modified organisms) and hormones. Organic foods also provide higher nutrient content.
• Add foods that support the liver. Antioxidants, such as beta carotene; vitamins A, C and E; B vitamins, including folic acid; and selenium support liver detoxification. Sulfur-rich foods, such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale and Brussels sprouts are especially beneficial in liver detoxification processes. Spices, such as cinnamon and turmeric, support the liver. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant, and adequate levels are supported by the consumption of asparagus, watermelon, broccoli, papayas, avocados and the herb, milk thistle, as well as through nutritional supplementation.
Matthews, Julie. "Autism Diets and Nutrition: Providing Health Benefits for Many Children with ASD." Autism Advocate Second Edition 2010 (2010).
Topics:
In response to questions about our billboard
April 20, 2012
By Autism Society
An Autism Society billboard was recently installed in Texas. While feedback has been very positive, some individuals on Facebook have expressed concerns about the word “born.” Please note the intention of the billboard, which was completely funded by an individual donor, was to get a message out to the general public about the rising incidence of autism. The billboard was not meant as a venue to state the Autism Society’s organizational position about the finer points of the cause or course of autism. We provide more detailed information on our website.
The Autism Society is open to engage in discussion with those interested in improving the lives of all affected by autism. We understand that there will always be points we don’t all agree on, but individuals with autism living quality lives is not one of them. Debate is healthy and has always been welcomed at the Autism Society. Our issue with some of the discussion is that, instead of being a constructive discussion about messaging, some have attempted to elicit a campaign against our organization. This type of discussion distracts from the positive intentions of the billboard as well as the important work that should be our shared expectation and focus.
Despite limited resources, the Autism Society is incredibly fortunate to have a national network of chapters, run by volunteers, including parents, individuals with autism, professionals and others in the community willing to give their time and energy to advance our mission. It stems from our deep gratitude to the thousands who have given their time and support over decades that we take issue with those who choose to create controversy and take away from efforts that really impact people’s lives. Energy spent on discussion of word choice will not improve anyone’s life, nor will it bring real training to professionals, address waiting lists or the unavailability of vital services, nor will it generate greater understanding and support from the community. Today, the Autism Society is the nation’s largest grassroots organization committed to helping individuals with autism. We work so individuals can be treated with dignity and have opportunities that maximize their independence and autonomy.
Over the past year or so, the Autism Society has made some very deliberate changes. Our board of directors and advisory panels are comprised of individuals completely dedicated to improving the lives of all affected by autism. This includes people on the spectrum, but also their family members, professionals who work with them, as well as friends and communities. We strongly believe that we must get beyond the belief that only parents can do this, and accept that those who are not living with autism can be just as dedicated. Collectively, our voices and efforts can truly affect change. The national office and Autism Society chapters seek out those who bring wisdom, knowledge, support and the willingness to stand up for, and with, those living with autism every day. The Autism Society is incredibly proud of its chapters and network of volunteers and dedicated professionals around the country. We will continue to focus our energy toward an organization that supports and strengthens their efforts.
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Topics:Living with Autism
Autism Diet and Nutrition: Yeast Overgrowth
April 19, 2012
By Autism Society
In celebration of its partnership with Potandon Produce, the Autism Society will share an autism diet and nutrition fact each week throughout April. It is the hope of the Autism Society and Potandon that we can work together to empower you to make the best decisions as they relate to diet for yourself or a loved one with autism. Please note that these tips are meant to be informational. Before making any dietary changes, you should consult a physician. The Autism Society does not endorse any specific form of treatment (See the Options Policy).
Tips were republished from the Autism Advocate article, Autism Diets and Nutrition: Providing Health Benefits for Many Children with ASD. Read the article here.
Yeast Overgrowth
Yeast is a harmful organism that can affect energy level, clarity of thought and intestinal health. Yeast overgrowth is often triggered by antibiotic use. Yeast overgrowth creates gut inflammation and decreases gut function. The following dietary practices help rid the body of yeast overgrowth:
- Remove sugars. Sugars feed yeast, contributing to yeast overgrowth. Reduce the amount of cookies, muffins and other sugar-rich treats. Even sugar in fruit, especially dried fruit and fruit juice, can be a problem for some.
- Remove yeast-containing foods. Bread, grapes, plums, aged meats and cheeses, and vinegars can feed yeast and should be removed.
- Reduce or remove starches. Like sugar, carbohydrates feed yeast. Reducing refined carbohydrates that convert to sugar rapidly and have little nutritional value decreases the foods yeast have to feed on. Some people choose diets such as the Specific Carbohydrate Diet.
- (SCD) that eliminates starches that can feed yeast, such as potatoes, corn and gluten-free grains.
- Add probiotic-rich foods. Fermented foods contain live beneficial bacteria that crowd out yeast and support a healthy internal environment; thus, adding probiotic supplementation is recommended.
Matthews, Julie. "Autism Diets and Nutrition: Providing Health Benefits for Many Children with ASD." Autism Advocate Second Edition 2010 (2010).
Topics:Living with Autism
Services
April 13, 2012
By Jeff Stimpson
I tried to line stuff up for my 13-year-old son Alex last Thanksgiving break, the break I've come to regard as "the four-day Sahara."
"The holidays book up well in advance - parents jump right on those school holidays," said the lady who runs the overnight-respite program. I worked for months to get Alex into this program. I called her in early October about overnights through the end of the calendar year.
This Sahara is tough. By Saturday morning Alex is saying, "David's coming? Rosa's coming? David's coming?" as he slips on his shoes, hoodie and backpack. "Take a walk," he also says. "Wanna walk!" David and Rosa are, well, "companions" I guess you'd call them if - like us - your son was too old for a "babysitter."
Autism doesn't take a four-day weekend. By the morning of Black Friday, Alex is bored out of his mind. He doesn't want to do letters with me, he doesn't want to pick up his room or put laundry away (jobs he usually throws himself into). He yelps into his iPad. He wants to go out, hour after hour. I take him out. He wants to go out immediately after we come home, usually with somebody besides mom and dad.
The big hope for Thanksgiving break is overnight respite, a terrific program in which guys like Alex are taken by their fathers to a nondescript apartment building on West 95th Street near the river, past the security guard who takes one look at Alex and says "sixth floor," and up to a three-bedroom where Alex could stay for days and nights, gaining his independence while his mom and I catch up on our sleep.
Alex crapped out of this program last spring by bolting. Then the supervisor worked with me to let him go there for daytimes during the last week of August. He did well. So well, I guess, that the second morning the supervisor called me and said they could take him for four days, until Labor Day eve. I was tempted, but he wasn't ready, I told her. From that offer I came away with the idea that holidays are clear for vacancies in overnight respite. I come away with the idea that most families with children with autism have better parents than Alex does.
Parents jump right on those school holidays. "What's Alex's schedule in February?" the supervisor asks. I see that adult programs take finagling, unlike the children's programs that Alex often just slipped into. Stuff for grown-ups - like the one he's growing into - require thought, planning, more thought, and frightening amount of plain old luck.
Jeff Stimpson lives in New York with his wife Jill and two sons. He is the author of Alex: The Fathering of a Preemie and Alex the Boy: Episodes From a Family’s Life With Autism (both available on Amazon). He maintains a blog about his family at jeffslife.tripod.com/alextheboy, and is a frequent contributor to various sites and publications on special-needs parenting, such as Autism-Asperger’s Digest, Autism Spectrum News, and An Anthology of Disability Literature (available on Amazon). He is on LinkedIn under “Jeff Stimpson” and Twitter under “Jeffslife.”
Topics:Living with Autism
Tips from the folks at Paperworks Studio: Rules
April 12, 2012
By Paperworks Studio
Individuals on the autism spectrum are compelled to be rule abiders - it is not a choice. Rules and routine bring comfort.
There are many written rules you have to follow at work, but there are also many unwritten rules that you must follow in order to be successful in your job. Unwritten rules are social rules that you may not be aware of, but you are expected to follow them anyway because everyone else follows those rules as well.
These written and unwritten rules have to do with many aspects of the work environment including:
• Wearing appropriate work attire
• Practicing appropriate grooming and hygiene habits
• Following instructions
• Accepting feedback from a supervisor
• Asking for help
• Dealing with interruptions
• Dealing with changes in routines and procedures
• Greetings and goodbyes
• Making small talk with co-workers
• Teamwork
• Keeping appropriate personal space
• Private versus public behaviors
• Making friends at work
• Dealing with customers
• Coping strategies to manage stress, frustration and anxiety
• Time management and organizational strategies
• Following a work schedule
• Completing work on time
• Break time
• Bullying and workplace harassment
When faced with a new situation, you may not know how to behave. You may not “feel” social situations. Therefore, you have to memorize the appropriate response. This memorization takes practice. Before starting a job, the list above should be something you are familiar with and have practiced with another person. Ask your friend, a teacher or a relative to help you learn about these written and unwritten rules – in fact, ask them all to practice with you! Try to remember that, even with practice, unexpected and unfamiliar situations may arise. It is important to know that practice may not make you perfect in every situation, but it will certainly make you more prepared for success on the job! Good luck!
The Autism Society has teamed up with Goodwill’s Paperworks Studio, a mission-based, social enterprise that employs artists with disabilities to create unique greeting cards from recycled materials like blue jeans, coffee, wool sweaters and flowers. For every pack of greeting cards sold, the company will donate a portion to the Autism Society. The quality of the cards is impeccable and the love and inspiration is unmatched. Purchase the cards here!
Topics:Living with Autism
Autism Diet and Nutrition: Nutrient Deficiencies
April 11, 2012
By Autism Society
In celebration of its partnership with Potandon Produce, the Autism Society will share an autism diet and nutrition fact each week throughout April. It is the hope of the Autism Society and Potandon that we can work together to empower you to make the best decisions as they relate to diet for yourself or a loved one with autism. Please note that these tips are meant to be informational. Before making any dietary changes, you should consult a physician. The Autism Society does not endorse any specific form of treatment (See the Options Policy).
Tips were republished from the Autism Advocate article, Autism Diets and Nutrition: Providing Health Benefits for Many Children with ASD. You can read the full article here.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Is your child a picky eater? Due to sensory issues, many children on the autism spectrum dislike the tastes and textures of certain foods; therefore, nutrient deficiencies are common. Specific nutrients are required for complex biochemical processes, and nutrients can only be digested and absorbed through food and supplementation when the GI tract is functioning well. In addition to boosting digestion, it is important to get a wide variety of nutrients through foods. Some ways to boost nutrient intake include:
- Increase the quality and digestibility of food. Boost the amount of nutrient-dense foods, such as vegetables, in the diet. For ideas on increasing variety, see the list of nutrient-dense foods below. Soaking and fermenting grains increases digestibility.
- Sneak in vegetables for picky eaters. Pureeing organic vegetables and adding them to meatballs, smoothies, pancakes, muffins and sauces is a great way to disguise them. Try juicing to get concentrated nutrients that are easy to digest—making ice pops from organic juices or smoothies is a good way to serve nutrient-dense vegetables and fruits to kids.
- Add supplementation. It can be difficult for a child with autism to get the required therapeutic levels of nutrients through food. Adding vitamins, minerals, fatty acids or amino acids can be helpful in boosting needed nutrients. Introducing enzymes that aid with digestion of foods and probiotics can supply beneficial bacteria. Calcium supplementation is particularly important when dairy is removed from the diet.
Matthews, Julie. "Autism Diets and Nutrition: Providing Health Benefits for Many Children with ASD." Autism Advocate Second Edition 2010 (2010).
Topics:Living with Autism
Autism Diet and Nutrition: How to Begin
April 4, 2012
By Autism Society
In celebration of its partnership with Potandon Produce, the Autism Society will share autism diet and nutrition tips each week throughout April. It is the hope of the Autism Society and Potandon that we can work together to empower individuals to make the best decisions for themselves or a loved one with autism. Please note that these tips are meant to be informational. Before making any dietary changes, you should consult a physician. The Autism Society does not endorse any specific treatment (see the Options Policy).
Tips are republished from the Autism Advocate article, Autism Diets and Nutrition: Providing Health Benefits for Many Children with ASD.
Week 1:
How to Begin: Dietary Modifications to Improve Leaky Gut and Gut Inflammation
Improving digestion, reducing inflammation and healing the gut are important steps in overall health and healing. Behavior, language, eye contact and skin rashes are a few of the areas that can improve. The following dietary changes are a good place to start:
- Remove foods that inflame the gut. Gluten, casein, soy, corn and eggs are common offenders. The exact foods to remove will depend on the individual; however, gluten- and casein-free diets are among the most popular and effective. Sugar and refined oils also contribute to inflammation.
- Add foods that heal the gut. Foods such as ginger and turmeric reduce inflammation. Fish oil, flax seeds and walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties. Fermented foods help heal the gut. Butyric acid is a short-chain fatty acid (often produced by good bacteria from the consumption of soluble fiber) found in butterfat and ghee that helps nourish the intestinal lining.
- Include foods that supply beneficial bacteria. Fermented foods, such as non-dairy yogurt, young coconut kefir and cultured vegetables, help supply good bacteria that reduce inflammation and create an environment that is healing.
- Add foods that increase beneficial bacteria levels. Prebiotics are foods, often high in soluble fiber, that support good bacteria and increase levels in the gut. These foods include: asparagus, bananas, beans/legumes, chicory root, garlic, honey, kefir/yogurt, leeks, onions and peas.
Matthews, Julie. "Autism Diets and Nutrition: Providing Health Benefits for Many Children with ASD." Autism Advocate Second Edition 2010 (2010).
Topics:Living with Autism
