Autism Today, latest news and resources for autism and autism related issues

Just like that, our four-year-old son Jack had left the building. He exited through a sliding glass door. It was cold and dark outside. We weren't sure whether he was wearing his sneakers. We had no idea where he'd gone. Or, what inspired him to leave. We did know, however, Jack wouldn't be coming back on his own. He was off and running somewhere in his own little world, which unfortunately, isn't always totally connected to ours.

This wasn't the first time Jack had vacated the relative safety of the comfortable home he's known for most of his short life. His maiden unannounced voyage happened a year ago. I found him about a half-mile away at a construction site, happily playing in a pile of rocks. A few months later, he strayed into our detached garage, where I discovered him trying on empty cardboard boxes.

To see more of this article, visit http://www.autismtoday.com/?01

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Article 2. Sensory Disorders- By Stella Waterhouse

There has long been acceptance of the fact that people with autism demonstrate abnormal responses to sensory stimuli. Some professionals though believe that people with autism actually experience sensory stimuli in an unusual way: and that the bizarre perceptual experiences actually cause the 'abnormal' reactions. This has led to the idea that, when severe, such perceptual problems contribute to confusion, social withdrawal, communication and cognitive problems, stress and obsessive-compulsive behaviours.

To see more of this article, visit http://www.autismtoday.com/article_sensorydisorders.rtf

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Creative

1. Poem- Their World- By Doris Washington

At times you cannot reach them.
For what they have affects their social skills, and
communication.

They also have problems with social interaction.
And some cannot hold a conversation.

They may appear deaf, and may not respond to you
when you talk to them.
And they need advance notice, for when you touch them.

Changes in their routine, can be difficult for them to understand.
And each of them is unique, and different. And those who love
them, do the best they can.

They also have no real fear of dangerous situations.
And all of a sudden, they may become over anxious.
And you may not understand them.

It is important to learn more about them.
For you can enhance their lives, as well as save them.
For This Is-
Their World

To learn more about Doris Washington, please visit http://www.autismtoday.com/?/01

2. Visit our website at http://www.autismtoday.com/?01 to see the art of Jonny Sicoli

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Global

1. A Week Tuesday- By Karen Sicoli. Written one week after the September 11 tragedy in the United States

Dear Friends, Parents, Educators, Children and Colleagues:

It's been one week since this horrible tragedy hit so many so very close to home. It will take a long time to recover from the aftershock that shook the nation on September 11th 2001. Our prayers and deepest sympathies are with all the victims, the Red Cross, Relief efforts, Law Officials, the families and everyone else who even knew someone affected by this terrible event.

My dream with AutismToday.com has always been to create a GLOBAL autism information community so that all people can better deal with the many challenges associated with this disorder. The vision is that this worldwide band of men, women and children will unite in the mutual goal of improving the quality of life for loved ones with autism. Additionally their families and communities will benefit which will have a ripple effect on the world.

Our objectives have strengthened as a result of this event. For everyone to live in peace without prejudice, fear and resentment towards any particular population is what WILL HEAL the world.

This moment in time is a turning point for us all. What happens next will shape the future for our children and our children's children regardless of culture, color of skin, country of origin and "different-ability". We must learn to cope and heal our societal dysfunction as we do within our own communities and families so we can make our ONE WORLD a better more peaceful place.

"No problem can be solved by the same consciousness that created it. We must learn to see the world anew."
Albert Einstein, "Man of the Century"

God bless us all.

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Conferences and Special Events
Exceptional Resources Inc. will be holding their 2nd Annual conference on Autism and Aspergers Syndrome called Keys To The Treasure Chest- X Marks the Spot. The conference will be held in Edmonton, Alberta Canada and will feature Catherine Faherty and Paul MCGaffey as Keynote speakers.

To find out more, visit http://www.autismconferences.com/featuredconf.shtml/?01
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Autism Q&A

Questions and Answers dealing with autism- Karen Leigh Simmons, Author of "Little Rainman"

1. Subject: Challenging Behaviours
Question - Dear Karen, My son Hari-6 years old has been diagnosed with high functioning autism. He attends a school for children with learning disabilities and is progressing well.
the problem is- he does not like to hear the word"no".He starts hitting, punching, kicking---.How do I explain to him that he cannot go for a picnic everyday or eat as many chocolates as he wants? There is a big scene everytime i deny him anything.sometimes I say I will allow it later or after he has done a specified task. But this does not work everytime.HELP.
Lakshmi
Answer - I had the same problem with my "non special needs" kid. She thought when I said no, it meant nose and pointed to her nose! No seriously, you need to set the ground rule that to not understand the word no is "Not" an option. The behavior is what you need to work on. There are many tools for dealing with behavior.
2. Subject: Medication for 7yr. old with Aspergers
Question - My 7 year old is just finishing up the 1st grade. His teacher informed me that since about Feb. my son has had a very hard time holding his focus. He saw a neurologist about a year and a half ago. We have been getting the run around for the past year to get him back in because his neurologist has since left the city. His appt. is for the end of May. My son is starting to fall behind in school and I would like to know if Ritalin would be an option. I don't like the idea of medication but don't see any other alternative. His 1st neurologist suggested a different drug but I forgot what the name of it was. Is this common practice to medicate a child with aspergers? Is there anyone else having the same problems?
Deborah
Answer - Hi Deborah, I knowwwww what you mean. Until I put Jonny on Dexedrine, I was skeptical. Even after putting him on it, I still didn't know how much GOOD it was doing for his attention span until we decided to do a blind placeabo (sp?) test at his school. The results: from a kid who was practically got kicked off the bus to a much more calm, socially appropriate kid. I swear by meds. Of course, they must be the right kind for the right kid. I haven't heard a great deal of good about Ritalin. Perhaps suggest Dexedrine to your doctor and see what they say.
To see more Q&A, visit http://www.autismtoday.com/autismqa.htm
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Submitting articles and getting published

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· the latest medical information
· humorous or inspirational stories
· resource information
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You can submit your article by e-mail to info@autismtoday.com. We can also work with you to publish and market your books, videos and other resources.
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