Autism Spectrum Support Group Online

The Autism Spectrum Support Group

This group is for discussion that encompasses the Autism Spectrum: Asperger’s Syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), autistic disorder, Rett’s syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder. We encourage all those affected by Autism, in one form or another, to share your experience, and in, the experience of fellow HelloLife users.

Members Online (4)

Group Health Coaches (1) Ask

Jessica Corwin, RD

Latest Blogs More

When Autism is Running the House

Autism changes the lives of everyone around it. Parents might learn that a child has the disorder as early as infancy, and from that moment... Read More ▶
[The Well Mind] Revised Austim Criteria Has Parents and Experts Worried

The release date for the American Psychiatric Association's new diagnostic guide is fast approaching - and not everyone is happy about that. In fact, many... Read More ▶
[The Well Mind] The Great Autism Debate - Epidemic or Detection Boom?

What is the cause for the leap in autism rates? Are we being poisoned by our environment? Is our monitor screen culture robbing us of... Read More ▶
A Continued Inspiration In My Life: Children with Autism Spectrum

Children with autism are incredibly unique and, in my opinion, they bless everyone around them with a new perspective on life. I worked for two... Read More ▶
Autism: Learn the Signs

In America, it is estimated that for every 100 babies born, 1 will be born different. At first, this baby will appear like all the... Read More ▶

What's New in Autism Spectrum

0
Bri Luginbill
Unusual patterns of eye contact helps detect whether babies may develop autism...what are your thoughts?
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-…
1/30
2
Laura Hogg
Apparently disorders such as anxiety are more common in people with autism...thoughts?
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/01/23…
1/24
- Bri Luginbill said:
  definitely agree with this. All the kids/young adults I took care off that had autism had some sort of anxiety as well. 1/30
- Erin Froehlich said:
  To me, this is almost a given. People are social animals. Anxiety stems from a lack of confidence. Autistic people have trouble with reading others and social interaction. They lack confidence in a key life skill.2/13
0
Bri Luginbill
Great article about how to help ease anxiety for those that have autism. Great pointers!
http://community.advanceweb.com/blogs/sp…
1/12
1
Jeanelle
This is my first support group. My 3 year old son was just diagnosed with Autism and i'm not sure what to do...1/11
- Bri Luginbill said:
  Hello Jeanelle. I hope I can help, I worked with autistic children for 2 years. I used to work in the home with them and their families. One of the kids I worked with was around your child's age too. He was such a sweetheart and I am sure your little one is too! :)
  
  First, it's good to figure out where your son is on the autism spectrum. Maybe your doctor told you when your son was diagnosed. This can help you figure out how to get started.
  
  Second, it's great to implement a personal care plan for your son. What would you like his goals to be? What would you like him to learn? What are his behaviors like that need to be worked on? This plan can be made by you and a prospective community mental health professional.(or just by you and your family, whatever you prefer)
  
  All the children I worked with had one of these. It was such a great help to the family! And, although I was not the person coming up with the plan, I helped the family implement it. I worked with each child on their programs and I had to document each child's progress on their own care plan.
  
  Just to give you an example of a program, I will tell you one from a past child I worked with. one of the kids I worked with was very non-verbal. So, one of his programs was to read him the abcs and 123's and colors. It turned into a sort of game that he loved, especially if we sang the abcs :) After months of reading them to him daily, he would ask by saying the sign language for please to sing abcs, before I would sing them, I would verbally tell him to sing them himself and that he could do it! After another month, he started saying A. then A,B. and learned more and more as time passed.
  
  One last tip (sorry I am writing so long, I hope this helps!) the work I did for the family was free for them, I was paid through a program that they qualified for because of their son's developmental disability. There are lots of programs like these and you can take advantage of them! It's so great to have someone helping with your child and you can pick the right person that works for your family.
  
  I hope this helped and if you have any questions, feel free to ask! 1/12
0
E.M. Wollof
Study links Autism to Immune System Changes:
http://psychcentral.com/news/2012/01/04/…1/4
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Erin Froehlich posted the blog [The Well Mind] Revised Austim Criteria Has Parents and Experts Worried.
The release date for the American Psychiatric Association's new diagnostic guide is fast approaching - and not everyone is happy about that. In fact, many parents and experts are vocally concerned about the changes it will bring. The association is proposing an entirely new way of describing autism.
12/30
3
Pamala
Question? Whats your thoughts on using strattera for your autistic child. Have you notuced any improvements in their focus or are there set back.12/28
- Erin Froehlich said:
  Pam - I don't have much to say about strattera, but having a sister with Asperger's syndrome and doing some research on the subject, I've found some really amazing information a parent feedback on DMG for autism. The best part is that it is extremely safe and supports overall health - it's essentially a b vitamin derivative. I posted a link to a blog I wrote on it below. I'd strongly encourage you to check into this!1/3
- Pamala said:
  The Strattera didn't work for my son. He showed no improvements in his focus. Without me telling his teachers he was on Stratterthey commented that he was hitting more and not paying attention during the time he was using the meds - so I stopped. Regarding DMG I have also used this but it makes him hyper. DMG is good but you can also use TMG with folica cid which is a good combo and helps. DMG usually helps with the language portion of autism. I do keep DMG on hand and try periodically to see if it still makes him hyper. I have found that taking brain strong (over the counter supplement from Walmart) has helped him in his focus. I also use some aroma bright student which is an essential oil that you can take internal or externally (i prefer externally) for my son works well.
  1/31
- Erin Froehlich said:
  Wow, Pamala! I'll have to pass all this on for my sister! You should really think about putting your reviews of these different products for autism in a blog. There are a TON of people who would find that sort of information really helpful! Thanks!1/31
0
Laura Hogg
Great story: "Autism-friendly Santas a hit at malls, parties." What a wonderful idea!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/21…
12/21