Early Intervention for Autism Strengthened Across Florida
The law will fill in the gaps in learning opportunities by offering an extra year of Early Steps and a specialized summer program. Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed a major bill aimed at increasing early detection and intervention for children with autism. The legislation, widely praised by advocates and lawmakers alike, is designed to address […]
How Ben’s Blue Bags are Changing First Responders’ Approach
One Indiana firefighter is taking meaningful steps to bring greater awareness and support to individuals on the autism spectrum, especially in emergency situations where communication and comfort are critical. Ben’s Blue Bags are specially designed bags filled with sensory toys and tools that help first responders better treat and connect with patients on the autism […]
The Role of Sensory Seeking in Autistic Kids’ Behavior
Children with autism often engage in sensory seeking behaviors, which are actions taken to fulfill sensory needs and experiences. These behaviors frequently arise during free play activities and when children initiate stimuli during various home activities. Sensory seekers are often driven by the desire to engage multiple senses, demonstrating a multi-sensory nature in their behaviors. […]
Autism with ADHD Symptoms: An Overview
Research indicates that autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently occur together. Studies from 2022 show that between 50% and 70% of individuals diagnosed with autism also exhibit ADHD symptoms. This high prevalence underscores the significance of recognizing the co-occurrence of these two developmental conditions. Challenges in Diagnosis Diagnosing autism with ADHD symptoms poses various challenges […]
Identifying the Physical Signs of Autism in Children
Identifying the early indicators of autism in children is crucial for timely intervention and support. These signs can manifest before a child reaches preschool age and often become more pronounced as they enter early schooling. Early signs of autism can sometimes become evident in infants and young children. These indicators can arise before a child […]
The Implications of High Masking in Women with Autism
Masking in autism refers to the conscious or unconscious effort made by individuals, particularly women, to hide or suppress their autistic traits in social situations. This behavior often involves mimicking neurotypical peers and adopting socially acceptable behaviors to fit in. Masking can include various actions, such as imitating facial expressions, controlling movements, and rehearsing conversations. […]
Understanding Selective Mutism in ASD
Selective mutism is classified as an anxiety disorder in the DSM-5, which was released in 2013. This condition is characterized by an individual’s inability to speak in specific social situations while still being able to communicate in others. It primarily affects children and is relatively uncommon, with less than 1% of children diagnosed with the […]
When Was Autism Identified?
Autism is a term that’s now widely recognized, often appearing in conversations about child development, education, and neurodiversity. But it wasn’t always this way. There was a time when the unique behaviors and needs of autistic individuals were misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or simply ignored. So, when did things begin to change? When was autism first identified, […]
Exploring Medication Options for Children with Asperger’s Syndrome
Certain types of medications can assist in managing severe symptoms associated with Asperger’s syndrome or related conditions. While there are no drugs specifically approved by the FDA for the treatment of Asperger’s or autism spectrum disorders, some medications can help alleviate related symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. The use of these medications […]
A Guide to Functional Communication Training in ABA
Functional Communication Training (FCT) is a widely recognized intervention used in ABA therapy that effectively addresses severe behavior problems. Initially described by Carr and Durand in 1985, FCT aims to help individuals, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder, replace challenging behaviors with appropriate communication methods. This can include gestures, sign language, or picture exchange systems. […]
