Language can be a tricky subject, especially when it applies to the set of challenges that parents and children face when a child is diagnosed with one of the disorders on the autism spectrum. In this piece we will set out clear definitions to try and get past some of the difficult terminology that surrounds the subject.
The majority of children with autism and related disorders exhibit unwanted behaviors such as hitting others, aggression, poor attention, impaired learning or self injury. For parents, stopping this kind of behavior is often frustrating and unsuccessful. In fact, in most cases, trying to discourage often makes the behaviors worse in the child. One way to deal with such behavior problems is application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy training or applied behavior analysis. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is now an accepted therapy for autism treatment in the US and most health insurance plans to cover the treatment.
Autism spectrum disorder impacts how a child perceives and socializes with others. Social interaction, communication and behavior – crucial areas of child development – are affected. Some children show signs of ASD in early infancy while others develop normally for the first few months or years of life, but then suddenly become withdrawn, aggressive or lose language skills they’ve already acquired.
As a grandparent now, I’m astonished at how much things have changed for children since I was growing up way back in the seventies. When it comes to looking at the foods, medication, health and safety of children these days it seems we’ve taken made some progress, but in may ways we’ve gone backwards. It’s not that I’m against technology and the latest innovations, but when you examine it closely I wonder if it helps us manage our lives as much as we think it does.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects at least 1 out of every 10 children in America. It’s vital to the well-being of our country’s children to spread awareness in hope of getting those who have it the help they need – many symptoms are written off as natural due to lack of understanding.
