Feeding problems can be pretty daunting in autism. Your child may have oral sensitivities and react to different textures, tastes and smells. All of this can make for a pretty picky eater. Many children with autism do what we perceive to be strange things like, for instance, eating in “layers.” Sometimes children will pick the cheese off of their pizza, then eat the bread, or even eat the cheese, hamburger and bun separately at McDonald’s. Sometimes children will peel the breading off of chicken nuggets and eat that separately from the chicken. Continue reading →

Sensory integration is a strange thing. Many people, most in fact, don’t understand how it relates to autism, but it plays a major part in how you or your child with autism spectrum disorder reacts to his or her environment. Their bodies are wired differently than that of a person who is often referred to as “NT” or “neurologically typical.” They have a very immature nervous system. One that cannot tolerate certain senses — sight, smell, sound, touch and taste. Some children cannot stand to be touched, while others crave what is referred to as “proprioceptive input.” Does your child love to crash into your couch? Continue reading →

Most parents, when their child is diagnosed with autism, place much emphasis on the type of diagnosis given. There are many diagnoses that are under the autism spectrum disorder “umbrella” such as PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder), PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified), high functioning autism, autism and asperger syndrome. Don’t place too much emphasis on the diagnosis that is given. A child who is given a diagnosis of PDD-NOS and a child given the diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome, are often indistinguishable. Continue reading →

Autism is a brain disorder that typically affects a person’s ability to communicate, form relationships with others, and respond appropriately to the environment. Some people with autism are relatively high-functioning, with speech and intelligence intact. Others are mentally retarded, non-verbal, or have serious language delays. For some, autism makes them seem closed off and shut down; others seem locked into repetitive behaviors and rigid patterns of thinking.

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