Children With Special Needs Autism News and More

Children With Special Needs Autism News

children with special needs autism

The ACES team of specialists is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals and families impacted with Autism or other special needs. ACES focuses on improving academic, communication, adaptive, motor and social skills of children of ...

Autism and Developmental Disabilities - La Jolla Village News

COLONIE -- Privacy laws prevented Rena Hurley from knowing if any other students in the North Colonie schools shared her 11-year-old daughter's diagnosis of severe autism and what services they might be getting. So Hurley became president of the ...

New groups aim to help special needs students - Times Union

The College of Teacher Education and Leadership at Arizona State University has announced a new master’s degree – M.Ed. in Special Education Consultation and Collaboration: Autism Emphasis – that will be offered online as part of ASU Online and ...

College of Teacher Ed unveils online autism-focused M.Ed. - Asu News

As the long days of summer progress, parents often find it challenging to keep their offspring engaged and entertained. For parents of children with autism and other developmental differences, the challenge is still greater. This summer, the Center ...

Summer play group for children with autism at Los Gatos center offers ... - San Jose Mercury News

Laurie and Glenn James and their son Luke, 7, right, who has autism, and his brother Tyler. If Laurie and Glenn James were able to give their son Luke all the recommended therapy to treat his autism, it would cost about $3,200 a month. Insurance ...

On track with TACT - Frederick News-Post

James "Hymie" Many White Horses was born with autism and, according to prosecutors, spent most of his short life as a victim of abuse. The 2-year-old boy died of undetermined causes last May. His mother, Summer Many White Horses, was initially ...

Many White Horses case shines light on larger issue of abuse - Great Falls Tribune

GORE — While other campers at Camp Grey Squirrel painted T-shirts inside an air conditioned building, 13-year-old Garrett Horsechief was outside, pitching stones in a rock pond and feeling its cool water. Garrett needs several breaks from painting ...

Specialized camp, special kids - Muskogee Daily Phoenix

As a mother of a 15-year old boy with autism who still needs full-time supervision with his daily routines, I was distraught reading an article about “Growing Old with Autism.” The article was written for Time Magazine in May 25, 2009 by Karl ...

Purpose driven viision: an autism enabling community - Manila Bulleting Online

Purpose driven vision: An autism enabling community - Manila Bulleting Online

EAST LIVERPOOL - East Liverpool City Hospital and the Calcutta YMCA are offering a summer camp program for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The program is designed for children ages 3-7. The camp activities will take place 9 ...

Children With Special Needs Autism Search Links

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Resolved Question: computer software to help a 4 year old with Autism?

i have recently brought my son a PC to help him with his education and development. i want to buy some software that help children with special needs in all areas. does anyone know where or what software would be the best on to get??? thanks any sort of software that will help with general stuff like, colours, shapes, counting etc just a starter for him... if i find out where to get some from i will let u know! ;-) more

Resolved Question: how to avoid vaccines?

i have read this recently: Six Reasons to Question Vaccinations 1. Vaccinations are forced. For example, there are compulsory vaccination laws in every state. If something is good it doesn't have to be forced. 2. Vaccinations are toxins by definition. 3. Vaccinations are indigenous to only one model of healthcare--the allopathic medical model--and its practitioner's particular understanding of disease phenomena. 4. Vaccinations are promoted by fear, guilt, and 'creative' statistics. 5. Vaccinations are represented as safe and effective when evidence suggests they are neither. 6. Vaccinations are aggressively pushed by public health departments and other government agencies as though they were a public health issue when they are not. This is done to insure a high rate of compliance. Ten Reasons to Just Say 'No' to Vaccinations 1. Vaccinations are toxins by definition. 2. Vaccinations are aggressively promoted by those who have a financial stake in their consumption. 3. Vaccinations are promoted using fear, intimidation, and coercion. 4. Vaccinations are big business. 5. Vaccine manufacturers are nearly liability proof for their products. 6. Vaccinations are not only forced upon us, but those who deny us the exercise of our free will refuse to take responsibility for the consequences of their actions. 7. Evidence suggests that vaccinations damage the immune system, the nervous system and the spirit-mind-body connection. 8. Compulsory vaccinations ignore biochemical and psychospiritual individuality. 9. Vaccinations are misrepresented by government agencies as a public health issue which they are not. 10. Vaccinations are heavily subsidized, heavily propagandized and can be seen as a wake-up call for us to see how we allow ourselves to be programmed by huge vested interests. Walene James ---------- Walene goes on to say: Perhaps more important than anything else is for our group to consider the larger picture: What lessons do we need to learn trying to stem the tide of coercion from an out-of-control medical-pharmaceutical industry and the Mass Mind that allows this? How does understanding and working with the vaccination issue contribute to our maturation as spiritually aware and fully alive human beings? Here is a list of questions to ask your ped.. Questions For Pediatricians About Vaccines Dear Pediatrician, You say there is no link between MMR and Autism. But then, 1. What is causing the epidemic of autism cases? 2. Why are children with autism testing positive for mercury? 3. Why is the measles virus found in the guts of autism patients? 4. Why is chelation (heavy metal detoxification) the most effective procedure (30% results) in treating autism cases? 5. You pediatricians say that autism appears "at around the time the MMR vaccine is given. In many cases older children have regressed into ASD after getting the MMR shot. How can you explain this? 6. Why don't you stop the MMR or break it up? Surely Measles and mumps are curable diseases and far more benign than autism and other PDD and neurological disorders? 7. What makes you doctors so special that you know better than the patients who are suffering and trying to get across the source of their misery to you people? 8. Why is it that vaccine manufacturers are now keeping aside around 60% of the MRP of vaccines to fight court cases? 9. Why are vaccines mercury free in the US now while the mercury laced vaccines are being peddled in the Third World countries? (my note, what is the real concern here? Saving money or saving lives?) 10.Do you inform the parents of vaccine dangers, and the side effects of the vaccine ingredients? 11.Why are long term tests on vaccines not being conducted? 12.Why have vaccine manufacturers influenced US politician Mr. First to make them immune from law suits? 13.Why was the immunity clause introduced clandestinely? 14.Dangers from vaccines have been discussed in medical circles since 1909. Dangers from mercury in vaccines have been discussed since 1938. Why was the public not informed about the results of these discussions. Even today vaccine dangers are discussed away from public gaze. WHY? 15.The Vaccine Development Report 2006, acknowledges the public furor over Thimerosal and yet vows to continue the use. Why? 16.Why is mercury so essential for vaccines? Why are carcinogens and potent toxins used in vaccines? 17.What is keeping the US and other governments from testing the long term effects of ethyl mercury? 18.Why are tests on mice proving the dangerous after effects of ethyl mercury relegated to the dustbin? 19.What tests have been conducted to prove that the vaccination process is ABSOLUTELY safe and can be given to all children whatever their state of health, medical history and ethnicity? 20.Do the pediatricians keep a watch on the children they have vaccinated? 21.Do they keep track of vaccine after e rn babies. Why do they then keep quiet about the mercury INJECTED into the infants BLOODSTREAM of the infants, and in such huge quantities? 29. The EPA warns about trace elements of mercury in tuna fish. Again, what about the mercury INJECTED into the infants BLOODSTREAM of the infants, and in such huge quantities? 30. If the vaccine industry is asked to prepare and distribute vaccines for free, and if the pediatricians are asked to inject them for free then will these groups still be so enthusiastic about vaccines? In India the doctors do not heed the call of the government to conduct and participate in free vaccine camps. But they do conduct paid vaccine camps at the behest of vaccine MNC's. You MUST answer all my questions because autism has progressed from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 166 and is slated to become 1 in 150 and then maybe grip the entire population. It is already being discussed that neurological disorders resembling autism is prevalent in alarmingly large sections of the p ffects and report them to the authorities? 22.If yes, then what are the vaccine after effects? 23.Why does the CDC record anaphylactic seizures, shock, encephalitis, meningitis, other neurological disorders as probable vaccine after effects on its website? Why does it warn about "allergies" to vaccines? 24.Do you inform the parents of those children you vaccinate about the above mentioned after effects? 25.Why are parents of children in Third World countries kept in the dark about the above mentioned after effects? 26. And most important, what studies have been undertaken to know how the MMR vaccine interacts with the other vaccines preceding it? 27. The EPA in the USA says that mercury is "safe" up to 0.1 mcg of body weight. By the time children are given the 24 shots, and they receive the flu shot, the mercury in their body may go up to 249.6mcg. How can this be deemed "absolutely safe"? 28. The pediatricians warn of mercury in environment affecting pregnant mothers and newbo more

Resolved Question: Can you send a child school part time & home School the rest of the time of can you only do one or the other?

My oldest son is just over 5 years old and has Autism. He is in school at the moment but not full time.He needs alot of help at school and has a statement of special educational needs. The problem is that the statement is not giving him the help he need. My self and the school have been in arguements with the education authorities for months to try and get it increased but they refuse. Even though he is 5 years old and legally should be going to school full time 5 days a week he isn't He is only going four days a week and this is at a push. the school only wanted him 3 days a week but eventually they agreed to take him 4 days a week. because they are spreading the small amount of funds that they have to help him over 4 days he isn't getting the help he needs each day and is starting to struggle. I really have had enough of all the arguing to try and get more funds to get the help he needs. I did think about taking him out of school and home schooling him in stead so that I can give him all the help he needs. But I am concerned that if I take him out of school he wont have the interaction with other children that he really needs to help him with his Autism. I was wondering if it is possible to send him to school 3 days a week and homeschool him the other 2 days working closly with his school. Does any know if this is possible or is there any one who already does this with there child who could give me advice. What are the legalities of this. I wanted to try and find out more about this before talking to his school again. Also does any one know of any good website where I can find good information about home schooling. I live in the uk. Any advice wouldbe much appreciated. Thanks in advance One other thing if I did decide to take my son out of school and home school him how do I go about this. do I have to register with the government or council to say im home schooling him any advice would be great thanks more

Resolved Question: Advice needed on an eight year old with sever autism/ADHD and Ritalin?

God where to start? This has been coming for months now, and our son seems to be in a downward spiral with regards to his behaviour. He was on Ritalin when he was six, for only 4 months before I could stand no longer the way it made him so isolated and seems to make him almost 'zombie' like. That was the only time he has been on it. He seems at present to be completely out of control. As we have two other boys on the spectrum I understand fully the traits, routines, communication problems associated with autism. Our son has little communication, he can say unlinked words, hums in different tones ie, happy is a high pitched tone, distressed is a crying hum, hyper is a drilling tone, but he has great difficulty in expressing his wants, needs or emotions. We are at a loss as to why his behaviour has become so erratic, he is very set by routines and these have been kept too, apart from the odd occasion where unforeseen changes happen beyond our control. Currently he is, ~aggressive (which is so unlike him) ~After being out of nappies for 5 months his toileting skills were excellent, however now he is weeing constantly on all floors, in toy boxes, in his bed. ~He is spitting water and juice is peoples faces. ~He is screaming loudly, for no reason we can determine. ~He understands when he has done something wrong, as he laughs at his actions, the response from others, then runs away before he can be caught. ~He is throwing items belong to the family out of the bedroom windows and hiding close personal toys belonging to the other boys. ~He is stealing food, often we only find out when cleaning the bedroom and finding the wrappers, food bits, hidden behind his bed or in toys that only he uses. ~He is becoming aggressive to Bracken, our chocolate labrador, whom in the past he has had a deep connection with. God such a negative list, he is a beautiful child and can be so loving. It truly breaks my heart to see him like this, but after many a day of me crying in private at the sheer frustration I feel in being unable to help and understand these outbursts, I am at a crossroads now regarding Ritalin. I REALLY don't want to put him back on this drug but after trying many behaviour programmes, having taken loads of advice from professionals, and knowing that his behaviour will carry on to get worse, I feel this is the only option now available. His behaviour is not only disrupting him, but the family as a whole. We not only have his needs to consider, but those of our other two who are special needs as well. HELP!!! Ginny Jin... Yes he has had therapy, and it was those professionals that put him on Ritalin at six years of age. In the UK (where we are) They usually don't give this drug untill the child is over eight, but due to the high level of his ADHD, the fact that the Special Needs school he was attending, found him too hyper to handle, he was placed on this drug. We have also looked at his diet, he has been on a wheat free, gluten free diet before, but once again, there is no change? Thanks Ginny, trying we really are, it's just hard you know! x Just....He was diangosed with autism when he was three, early but all the signs were there. He was only diagnosed with ADHD when he was six, on both he had thougher assessments which lasted a few days. I am 1000% sure that he has both, the only way I can describe him is that he is like a bee on speed. He has all the classic traits of autism but he can never settle and the stimming that he does is more often than not running back and fourth with no stopping for hrs and hrs. more

Resolved Question: Would you dress as a 'super hero' to rescue a child...?

A Thai fireman turned superhero when he dressed up as comic-book character Spider-Man to coax a frightened eight-year-old from a balcony, police said Tuesday. Teachers at a special needs school in Bangkok alerted authorities on Monday when an autistic pupil, scared of attending his first day at school, sat out on the third-floor ledge and refused to come inside, a police sergeant told AFP. Despite teachers' efforts to beckon the boy inside, he refused to budge until his mother mentioned her son's love of superheroes, prompting fireman Sonchai Yoosabai to take a novel approach to the problem. The rescuer dashed back to his fire station and made a quick change into a Spider-Man costume before returning to the boy, he said. "I told him Spider-Man is here to rescue you, no monsters are going to attack you and I told him to walk slowly towards me as running could be dangerous," Somchai told local television. The young boy immediately stood up and walked into his rescuers arms, police said. Somchai said he keeps the Spider-Man costume and an outfit of Japanese television character Ultraman at the station in order to liven up school fire drills. http://uk.news.yahoo.com/18/20090326/tod-thai-spider-man-rescues-autistic-boy-7f81b96.html As a mum of autistic boys, I find this story heartwarming. Autism is so complex and no two children are the same. For this fireman to dress as a familiar character for the child to recognise and calm him is beautiful. A happy article for a change! more

Resolved Question: How do you persuade a reluctant asbergers 13 year old to go to school?

My friend is at her wits end, her son is being assessed for asbergers or mild autism but is still attending mainstream school as there is no place for him at there local school for special needs. If you know anything about asbergers/autism you will know how stubborn they can be. He isn't bullied but there is a certain amount of teasing and he just HATES it there, changing to another mainstream school is not an option as he has already been to 2 others and he just hates school. The trouble is, now she is being threatened with prosecution as he doesn't go to school every day. She finds it so hard to force a tall, strong 13 year old to dress in his uniform and get in the car when he is screaming, crying and kicking out, she is a single working mother with another child to get to school too. On the days he DOES go he comes home and rants and raves for the rest of the day, blaming her for sending him to school in the first place. The school say they have made so many allowances already but he really has to attend. Psychiatrists are very sympathetic but have no practical solutions. She is at the end of her tether and getting very depressed. So sorry for the length of question...! gsmom...I am not offended at all. I am just trying to help a friend. She may be partly to blame as she has given in to him a lot for a little peace and quiet...she is now reaping what she sowed! lyssa...Thanks for the advice sweetie. I dont think home schooling is an option as she works to feed the family as a single mother. The school are not being helpful though. more

Resolved Question: How do the Parents of a child with learning difficulties effect the childs education?

ADHD, Downs sydrome, Autism, do children with theses education needs get held back or have more oppurtunities depending on their parents. For example if they attend a mainstream school with learning support or a special needs school and if their parents don't realise thier potential? more

Resolved Question: HEY :) IM DOING AN ART PROJECT WITH SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN!?

its for an art competition and they each have to do a picture on anything at all. I was wondering if anybody might have some very simple and quick idea's on what i could do with them. all of the picters have to be different and they can use collage or whatever they please, keeping in mind that these are special needs children such as autism and downsyndrom! thanking you in advance :) more

Resolved Question: My Aunt wants her children to have Aspergers!!?

Sometimes I wonder if she has Muncheusen's by-proxy. She adopted a boy 12 years ago when he was two. He came from a poor home environment with a prostitute drug addicted mother, the whole family was happy to welcome him and give him a better life. Over the course of the past twelve years she has labelled this boy with ADHD, Aspergers, Fetal alcahol syndrome, Asthma and everything else possible under the sun! he is 14 years old and gets what ever he wants, when ever he wants, he is sullen, un-coperative and has already been in trouble with the police for assault! She has always given in to him and talked to him about his biological mother and her prositution and drug/alcahol abuse, basically giving him the idea there is something wrong with him because of his real mother and that he doesn't need to be responsible for his behaviour. Well, now she has adopted his biological half sister, she is a wonderful, normal little girl who had been in foster care since birth up until her adoption there is nothing wrong with her, she is 2 years old and very talkative and playful, the problem is my Aunt is already talking about her possibly having Aspergers because she 'dances about' and 'likes to line things up'. I work with both able bodied and special needs children and in my professional opinion there is NOTHING wrong with this little girl. I have tried to tell my Aunt this but she seems determind to label this child with some sort of behaviour disorder or Autism. I don't want to see my little cousin go the same way as her brother because of my Hyperchondriac Aunt (she is always 'ill' with something) She loves her children but can't see the mental harm she is doing to them. What can I do? it would be very hard to prove as 'abuse'. I work as a play specialist/play therapy consultant. Nothing to do with child welfare/social services. She is also getting disability payments for herself and her older child ( I suspect she has coached him, and learned about Asperger symptoms to convince doctors) and I fear this is why she is doing it. I think my Aunt is an attention seeker, when she told me about the dancing around I said to her 'well, she's two! of course she dances around, it's her job!' I just don't understand her at all and her husband jusy goes along with it all. The eldest has just been diagnosed with ADHD and Aspergers but she has been trying to get that diagnosis for 12 years, I think she has coached him to behave as if he has both so that they could get the diagnosis and the disabiltiy benefits/charity help (just had a Wii console bought for him by the Family Fund) It sounds crazy but I honestly think the whole thing is engineered. more

Resolved Question: Is there a legal requirement as to how far away from you house some one can let off fire works?

I know its new year but we live in a terrace house with holiday cottages either side. In-front of each cottage is a road and then the gardens are the other side of road. The holiday makers staying in one of the cottages next door to us are letting off fire works right out side are house practically in the road barley 2 meters from are house you can see the rockets whizz pass are windows. I am terrified that one is going to go though are window in a minute, is there any law as to how close to a house you can let off fire works. Also I have 2 children with special needs on with cerybal palsy and one with Autism who has very sensitive hearing. Because they are letting the fire works off really near to house it is very noisy and the sound is terrifying my children. I have asked the to stop and to take them and let them off some where else but they don't care and won't listen. I wasn't sure whether to phone the police or not I don't want to waste police time Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks In Advance I forgot to say im in the uk more

Resolved Question: Can HMRevenue &Customs Officer tax possessions that I own & that are in my name for a debt in my husbands name?

We have had a bad couple of years financially and my husband has struggled to pay his tax bill. My Husband owes about £9000 in tax. He has phoned the tax office many times to explain his situation and they agreed to a payment plan. My husband has been paying off £200 every month which is all we can afford. All of a sudden they have started to get funny and have now sent a letter which we received this morning saying if the rest is not paid in full by the 5th of January then they will start legal proceeding against my husband and will send a office to seize possessions. We have not done any thing wrong my husband has not missed a payment and isn't refusing to pay. He is no longer working self employed and is employed and is paying his normal tax every month of top of the £200 per month instalments. He is going to contact them again on monday to find out why they are doing this and why he can't continue to pay by instalments. He has also written a letter to send to them too. We do not have £9000 to pay off the rest and there is no way we can find £9000 in one week. We can't take out a loan as we have poor credit rating. We are starting to sort out our debts and have managed to pay of most of our debts and can now afford to pay larger instalments each month towards this tax bill. But my question is If they do take legal action and send a HM Revenue & Customs Officer around can they take my possessions that I own and that are in my name. If I have proof that they are in my name and have been paid with my money. Im most concerned about my car. I purchased a new car (not a brand new car) last week as our old car was on it last legs and also we needed a bigger car. I paid with my money and am the registered owner of car. My husband is insured to drive the car but is not the owner. Can they take the car if its in my name. We rely on the car. We have 2 children with special needs one with Autism and one with cerybral palsy. We have to go back to hospital regually for check ups. Also im expecting our 3rd child and am a high risk pregnancy and have to go to hospital every week. The nearest hospital is a 40 minute drive away so we rely heavily on the car and would be very stuck with out it. Any advice would be much appreciated Thanks in advance Thanks for your advice so far. in answer to lightworker response I had to buy a new car as the car we had kept breaking down. And the sun roof was leaking beyond repair. There was so much mildew & mould in car that it was not healthy to use to drive the children around. We needed some thing reliable to get are children to there hospital appointments. Like I said before I did not buy a brand new car. Its a second hand car that only cost me £900 so its not like I spent thousands. A car is essential to us. Also we did not get in to debt by not acting resposibly. We did not ask or want to get in to so much debt it just happend. 3 years ago we did not have any debt my husband started a new job but one month after he started they told him they had found some one else who would work for less money and told him to leave. It took him many months to find more work. And whilst he was out of work we had to take out loans and use credit cards to pay the bills to keep a roof over ours & our sons head. we did what we thought was right at the time. once my husband had found new work we started paying off the debts off as quickly as we could. But unfortunatly we had to use some of the money that we had ment to use to pay off the tax to pay other debts. Stupid I know but again we did what we thought was right at the time. We have now cleared most of are other debts and this is the main one left. We are not refusing to pay it and are trying to pay what we can afford each month. When I posted this question I was asking for advice. I was not asking for coments and rudence about our situation. It is easy for people who have never been in debt to coment and say how stupid people in debt are but you have to have been there to really understand. more

Resolved Question: (UK) Nappies for special needs children?

Hi my son is 3, he has autism and i am having a problem finding nappies to fit him. He is the size of a 4 - 5 year old and the largest size in the shops (size 6) is very tight on him. Can anyone tell me where i can buy larger ones or if i am able to qualify for free ones from social services, and who do i contact. Thankyou, Lisa x more

Resolved Question: open a house for orphans in Angola or Mozambique help?

hi i would love to be able to help orphans from these country's by opening a place where they could be properly cared, especially children with special needs (down syndrome, autism,,etc..) I don't know where to start. more

Resolved Question: Fiction books on special needs children?

I've become really interested in kids with special needs recently and have been helping out at the local special school. I read 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time' recently and thought it was really interesting. I'm not so keen on non-fiction books but love to read does anyone know of any good fiction books about kids (or even adults) with autism/aspergers/downs/ADD or anything similar? thanks! =] thanks 'justmeinthisworld', i have heard of Torey Hayden and will check out some of her books maybe i should have made myself more clear, by 'non-fiction' i don't mean that i don't want the book to be a true story, that would be great! i just mean that i'm not looking for an information book like 'what is autism' at the moment. hope thats clearer! if some were unsure, the book isn't for the kids, i'm still at school myself and only volunteer occasionally. the book is for me. thanks everyone for your answers! 'aspiegirl', that sounds like a really good book, thanks for looking that up for me, i'll check back later to see if you've found the author ; ) 'person with a disability!' I know! it's really good! it's really cool to see the kid's perspective on life and his unique way of thinking =] more

Resolved Question: Apalled by her behaviour?

my MIL takes my daughter overnight once a week, she may take herr swimming, take her to a soft play centre, various things. she dropped my girl off the other day saying she took her to the soft play centre. she added she took her away from playing with a little boy. i asked why - was he hitting her etc. she said no 'he just wasnt right'. confused, i aasked her what she meant 'he wasnt right, he was downs or something' i was speechless. i asked her why she felt my daughter shouldnt be playing with children who are special needs to which she replied 'she is different, she will learn nothing from them'. i said i strongly disagreed that she would learn tolerance, respect and that we dont treat other who are diffferent to us with disrespect. she left shortly after. the next day she came down, my daughter was watching 'something special' which is a kids show that has special needs kids in it and it also teaches makaton. in it they sing songs, paint, tell stories etc. she loves it. and ive picked up some of the simple signs like juice, milk, book etc things that relate to my daughter - and she is picking it up to, so at 12mos old, she can ask for juice without being able to say juice which im proud of. anyway, on seeing my daughter was watching this, she said 'i dont know why you let her watch this' i have a nephew with autism and her attitude literally sickens me to the point where im seriously considering banning her from taking my daughter on her opwn as i dont want my girl developing this sort of attitude toward people then my daughter getting punished for being nasty to others. what would you do. Daisy - yeah, its great they have a show like that to teach kids about different people, my girl is so in love with mr tumble, she laughs so hard at him! more

Resolved Question: For Those Intrested In Autism 'Long Text' On The Traid Of Traits..Very Intresting My Twins Were Involved In

People are currently diagnosed with autism when they have a triad of traits – impaired social ability, difficulties with communication, and restricted and repetitive behaviour. But are all three characteristics inextricably linked? Dr Francesca Happé thinks not: studies of people with autism and their relatives over almost two decades have led her and her colleagues to believe each of the three features of autism are caused by largely independent genes, are associated with different brain regions and are related to different cognitive characteristics. A Cognitive Psychologist, DrHappé has spent some 20 years trying towork out why people with autismview the world so differently. ‘People with autism have striking social difficulties,’ she said. ‘They find it hard to recognise other people’s thoughts and feelings. At the same time, they have superior cognitive processing in terms of eye for detail. We have been looking at the underlying causes of these different aspects of autism, searching for a parsimonious explanation, but try as we might, we have been unable to find one.’ So instead of continuing to search for a single cause of autism, they are now trying to understand more about what causes the three individual characteristics, and why they co-occur. To this end, DrHappé and her IoP colleague Professor Patrick Bolton have launched the largest ever communitybased twin study of the autism spectrum with the help of 300 families who are part of the IoP-based TwinsEarlyDevelopment Study (TEDS). Using information gathered from TEDS families, DrHappé, Dr Angelica Ronald and colleagues have already found a considerable number of children who have difficulties in only one area of the autistic ‘triad.’What’s more, the comparison of the development of identical and non-identical TEDS twins when they were aged seven and eight suggests that, while each different aspect of the triad is highly heritable, separate genes contribute to each individual trait. ‘It looks as if largely independent genetic influences operate on the three different traits,’ said DrHappé. ‘If this is correct, the search for genes ‘for’ autism may be far less effective than searching for genes affecting, for example, social skills specifically, or those contributing to rigid and repetitive traits.’ This conclusion has been supported by other studies that illustrate how individual traits run in families of people with autism – close family members often share just one of the triad of traits, to a lesser or greater degree. ‘Many fathers of children with autism in particular show the same sort of focus on detail, rather than the bigger picture,’ she said, ‘and social difficulties can also be found in family members whomay not show an eye for detail.’ If the theory is correct, she says, many individuals may possess one characteristic of the triad, but do not meet the diagnostic criteria for autism. ‘There may be people who have pretty poor social skills, but have no problems with communication, or people who are able socially, but have rigid and repetitive behaviour.’ The newMedical Research Council-funded twin study seeks to find out more about the causes of the triad’s individual traits as well as their interaction in autism. 200 of the participating families have at least one twin with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum. ‘We will be visiting families and interviewing them about symptoms and current functioning, asking about childhood illness and other health problems in order to identify environmental factors that may have played a part, and undertaking cognitive testing of the twins to look for different psychological processes that underpin the triad traits.’ The TEDS twins are now aged between 12 and 14. ‘Because we have information about them that families and teachers gave when they were younger, we will be able to check back for precursors to the development of the characteristics during the early years,’ she said. The researchers will eventually use the information they gather to help search for genetic, environmental and cognitive influences underlying each of the individual features. ‘What we want to do is to understand how the triad hangs together in autism,’ she said. ‘Most importantly, as we abandon the search for a single cause for autism and increase our understanding of the three distinct characteristics, we may need to abandon the search for a single “cure” for autism, and instead tackle the individual traits of the triad.’ | Autism spectrum disorder | 15 Separating the triad of autismtraits ‘Research suggests separate genes contribute to each individual trait’ When I found out I was pregnant in 1998, I was over the moon,’ says Angie Perks. ‘Then I had a scan, which confirmed that I was having twins. At 37 weeks, I gave birth by C-section to Kylie, who weighed 5lb 9oz, and then Thomas who was 6lb 3oz. ‘By 14 months, Kylie was walking and talking. At 18 months, Thomas finally began to walk, but he never played with his twin sister and wasn’t talking, so I asked my health visitor who was also concerned about him. She got in contact with the child development centre and a lady came to see us. Penny came to our house to watch Thomas. I remember he was sat on the floor lining his bricks in a row and making sounds. She sat writing in her book then she looked at us and said, “I think Thomas may have autism.” I actually had an idea that she might say that as I had looked on the internet and came across this website which explained to me what the symptoms were. After an assessment at hospital, Thomas was diagnosed with severe autism. The twins are now nine, and Thomas is still non-verbal and still in nappies. He can be destructive and it is sometimes hard work looking after him and making sure Kylie doesn’t lose out. My mum helps a lot and Kylie has now started going dancing and has some shows coming up, though Thomas won’t be able to sit through them. ‘Thomas goes to a really good special school and they write me a letter every day to say what he’s done as he can’t tell me. He loves his routine and he stays in his room for hours and hours. Kylie is his big sister and always will be. When other children ask her about her brother, she tells them he’s got autism and what that means. Children can be cruel, and if they don’t understand, she doesn’t want to know them. ‘People don’t realise they are twins because they are nothing alike at all. They look different and they have completely different personalities. I used to be really upset at the stares that Thomas would get, but now I just take no notice. People just see him as a naughty boy. They really don’t understand about autism, and they certainly don’t understand why one twin can have it and the other not. Sorry its worded like that i had to copy and paste ..if you would like to see the original version ..email me x more

Resolved Question: 6 year old exposing himself in the playground....?

A little boy in my daughters class has Autism. He is a sweet little boy with an excellent Mother. He has a special needs teacher in the class, but not at break time. At lunchtime today he dropped his trousers and showed his willy to the teacher, standing with two other girls, for absolutely no reason. They sent him to the office to be dealt with by the head, who he is terrified of! My friend thinks he is bored in the playground as he doesn't know how to direct himself, and play or interact with other children. She is devastated, and has no idea how to punish him, obviously it has to stop, and it can't ever happen again. Any Ideas??? RDWR..... I personally think willy is a far more appropriate word than penis when talking about a young boy. more

Resolved Question: I am volunteering with special needs kids twice a week (0-5yrs), what are some good small group activities?

The children have various needs ranging from Downs Syndrome and Autism to Dyspraxia. They are all between 0-5yrs of age girls and boys. I would like to do some activities within a small group of 3-4 at a time. Can you suggest anything that would help these children learn and have fun. more

Resolved Question: I am volunteering with special needs kids twice a week (0-5yrs), what are some good small group activities?

Resolved Question: Moving to the USA, advise please?

My husband has been offered a job transfer from the UK to Philadelphia. We have two children, one age 14 and a son of 12 who has special needs (autism). I have an aunt who has lived in Orlando for many years and two cousins in Chicago - whom I have never met!! This is all very new territory for us so any advice on good places to live in the Philadelphia area (Horsham) is the office base for my husband. Or any good websites, how to apply for green cards etc. would be very welcome, many thanks! more

Resolved Question: Should children learn (more) about Asperger's at schools? And why?

In my science lesson, we learnt about the MMR vaccines and autism. But since my five years of going to my secondary school, there was no lesson where they taught us about Asperger's or autism... What are your opinions? Should teachers educate kids on Asperger's and Special Needs? I think they should, children would have a clear understanding of Asperger's and would be able to understand what it is to have autism or any learning difficulty or disability. more

Resolved Question: Parents of children with Autism: Did you have ALOT of problems with the LEA?

live in essex & for 2 years now we've been trying to get our sons statement updated etc etc so he can go to a special school specifically for kids with autism...the local education authority have done the statement but have 'adjusted' his 'banding' from D to E, but this has been done 'under-handedly' so that a local special needs school will take him instead..except its for severe learning difficulties & the amount of autistic kids on the role is 6. Yes i'm recieving 'legal advice' but WHEN ARE THE EDUCATION AUTHORITY GOING TO GET THEIR FINGERS OUT & SORT OUT EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM..WITHOUT 'going around the houses for 2 years' & discriminating & fiddling things to THEIR advantage INSTEAD of assessing an individual childs needs PROPERLY? anyone else had nothing but trouble with there childs schooling? my son only has mild autism but they seem to be 'beefing' it up so he goes to school with severely disabled kids & i DO NOT WANT HIM TO FEEL ANY 'different' if it isn't necessary the banding from xmas 07 was band D assessing him on 1 hour a day (when they get funding for 6 hrs) since they've upped it to E (PATHETIC) more

Resolved Question: I want some books explaining special needs to mainstream children?

We have3 children in our reception class with special needs,should the children be told????? are there some good books explainin Downs,Autism and other special needs,,or websites??? thanks more

Resolved Question: Autism and Special Educational needs, My son who is autistic and also has dyspraxia has been awarded a SENs?

My so is now 10 years old and for the last 6 years I have been fighting my LEA for him to be issued with a statement of SENs, Ive now been informed that he will now be issued with a statement giving him funding for 50% of the week, I cant find out how much funding the school will get for him or even if this funding will be used to help my child, After my long battle how can I find out how much extra cash the school will receive for him and that they will use these resources to help him? Yes my son is in school in England and not the USA more

Resolved Question: Where is the best place to live in the UK near Tamworth?

Hi all, My husband may be getting transferred to work in Tamworth and I would like to know where is the best place to live near there? I read somewhere that Tamworth was a place you move OUT of if you have managed to acquire any skill or education. The guy who wrote that sounded bitter, mentioning that people there pass the time by breaking beer bottles over each others' heads. So it doesn't sound like the idea place for us. We would like to live somewhere (or close enough) where there is good shopping, there are restaurants, is relatively safe, and has a good school or support system for a special needs child with autism. It looks like Birmingham is the closest, big city, but is it a good place to live? We are also concerned with cost of living and finding a place to rent. I, myself, don't mind small towns as long as we can travel to a larger city in a short amount of time. Thank you in advance for your responses! more

Resolved Question: Does anyone know of childrens charities to apply for a grant to? Thanks?

We have a son of 11 with severe autism. We have been recommended by our son's occupational therapist to try and obtain sensory integration equipment funding from charities, we live in the UK. The equipment is quite pricey but is essential for our son. Does anyone know of any good charities that provide this sort of funding for special needs children? Many thanks in advance for your help. more

Resolved Question: I am not sure what to do, work part time or full time?

Hi. I really need some advice here. I have two children, a daughter of 13 and a son of 11 who has autism (he has just started attending his autism school on a residential basis, 4 nights a week home at weekends). Already he is very happy and settled there and we are so very relieved. They are an excellent school. As you can imagine I have put in a lot of time with my son over the years, fighting for the right education for him etc. Now I am left with me for the first time in a long long time! Its been very isolating having a special needs child, but I have started to build my confidence up and are applying for some jobs. I used to be a PA/Secretary before the children and had a very good career. My husband thankfully has a good job, but I really do need to earn some money again and have some fulfillment in my life! I just do not know whether to go for it and go full time, or just part time!! I need to pay off quite a bit of debt too. Any advice would be really welcome! more

Resolved Question: Why do these young kids coming out of school think they know it all?

I have a child who happens to be autistic and there is a helper/assistant in his class room that tries to belittle my knowledge of autism and what my child needs. It makes me so mad, I often want to knock her out. Not only is she a child herself but she doesn't have a typical child much less a special needs child. Which I have brought to her attention before... Any suggestions on how to handle this little twit? Sorry my anger is obvious! My little boy I believe senses that she dislikes me and possibly feels my anxiety and anger when she is around and he in turn dislikes her, (i assume because of our differences) or maybe he just dislikes her. I try not to speak with her when my son is around but she will go out of her way to make me mad. There is no telling what she says about me when I am not around and he scratches her tries to bite her and has aggressive behavior towards her and only her in his classroom any suggestions? Andrea B: Yes I know she has some college experience but it takes more than that to be good with special children.... College means nothing when your going from yourself being in school with others your age or older to going to the public school system working with special kids. If she is this hateful with me I am glad there are other adults which I adore in that class room because I would hate to see how she would treat these precious kids, because some like mine are almost completely non-verbal and they can't communicate verbally how she is treating them. I also would like to think that if I was working with your child I would go out of my way to treat you respectfully and never try to act like I know what is better for your child than you do. Because let me say no one who wants more for the child than the parents. At least in my case. I know that the ps system wants that college but take it from me the parents would reather have someone with experience that is good with our babies. My sons teacher hasn't got any children but you can watch her and tell she was created for this kind of work and she is in my opinion the best special needs teacher in our district for sure I couldn't have wanted a better class room for him. So I recognize that their are good teachers and assistants that don't have kids but to me if you don't have kids don't come to me like you know all the answers I have been a parent to my special child for 6 years. I know my child and I know what is best for him. He is not aggressive with anyone else but her their has to be a reason for that. Some peoples personality just don't blend with our special kids (not that all kids aren't special) but you know what I mean, I hope. more

Resolved Question: Do you consider me to being a lazy b@stard.?

I work with special needs children from 5 upto 18. Most of the work involves young teens with challenging behaviour, very aggressive tendancies and anti-social. I do work with primary school age children with ADHD, Autism, Down-Syndrome etc from time to time. I support them as a 1:1 in the school and in the house groups as I help them to gain independance. Hours can vary from a 7:30am start and finish at 3:00pm the next day with a sleep-in covering 8 hours. you dont actually get any sleep though because of the problems the teens present. I can work up to 60 hours a week during the school holidays leaving myself no time to foister a relationship with my wife and 2 boys. On my days off I drop the kids off, clean, wash, run errands, cook, pick the kids up and get them ready for bed. My wife works just as hard as a solicitor. Im just trying to justify myself to some ignorant people who see me picking the kids up from school. They try calling me scumbag and scrounger as I pass. WHY?. more

Resolved Question: What would you do in this situation???

I feel awful typing this but I have a neighbour who is constantly coming to my house at all times of day from 8am - 10pm. Staying for hours at a time. She asks to borrow money, which she never repays, only small amounts though (£3-£5). I have loaned about 6 times, now I pretend that I have no money and would have to visit the cash point but can't as the nearest is 3 miles away. We met when through SureStart I helped to clean up her house as it was filthy and she was at risk of her 2 children being taking into care. (This happened anyway as she didn't keep it clean.) Also her body odour is awful and I have to spray everywhere after she leaves. I just don't know what to do on this situation as I don't want to hurt her feeling as I am of a caring nature and feel so cruel. She has learning difficulties also and I don't think she understands. I am not qualified to deal with this and am worn out as it is having 4 children with special needs myself (ADHD& Autism. What would you do? Thanks blue-girl her children have already been taken into care. I will try the council though, thanks Thank you for the answers everyone. She is not violent completely the opposit infact. Neither is she talking drugs, she doesn't even smoke or drin k, he worst thing she is guilty of is being a pain. Deep down I think she is lonely as she was brought up in care with no family. more

Resolved Question: can you help me find harmony school for special needs children in balerno edinburgh?

my son has aspergers syndrome and looking for school with experienced teachers who know about autism in or around edinburgh more

Resolved Question: My 3 year old is currently being assessed for autism spectrum disorder?

But I'm not convinced that is his problem. He has been slow to speak but has improved massively in the last months. He can say how he feels about things "i want to..." "I'm sad/happy/cross" he is very affectionate and will make good eye contact, but not all the time. His main issue is socialisation - he has a great relationship with his younger sister and cousins (ages 4 - 9) plus other family friends he sees regularly, but at nursery, he plays independently - is quite happy being around the other children but doesn't really feel the need to join in. He has difficulty being directed to different activities, which is obviously something he'll need to do in a school environment. His nursery is quite 'special needs' focussed so i am happy that it is a good environment for him. He has been agressive in the past and can be over-rough at times (brush past other children knocking into them without seeming to realise his impact - literally!). Any other conditions he could have? more

Resolved Question: Educational Psychologists Plz! Teaching teachers how to improve children with reading difficulties!?

I got this evil coursework to do, i would like to do it on Children with reading difficulties! 'Please choose one group of children with special educational needs as the focus of your assignment. For example, you may choose gifted (more able) children, children with reading difficulties, specific language impairment, numeracy difficulties, general learning disabilities, behavioural and emotional difficulties or children with autism Write a short document, drawing on research and theory in Psychology of Education to advise teachers in a mainstream school on the education of these children.' is there any good research and what are the current teaching techniques already out there? help from any one who's an educational psychologist or training to become one would be much appriciated!! more

Resolved Question: are special needs children idiots?

I am sick to death of my son who has Autism being called an idiot and a classroom disruptive person by parents who are very lucky to have so called normal children.He is in mainstream school much to my disgust he should have been in a special school who could meet his needs,i would like to hear from other parents who have had similar problems like myself where you fight the education system and get nowhere then you have parents of normal children at your throat everytime they play up in class.My autistic son is now 15yrs so i have had a long time with this problem.Love to hear from you more

Resolved Question: Why do LEA's make it difficult for Autistic kids to get into Autism base schools which meet their specific nee

I have a child who needs specialised teaching to meet his significant social interacion and communicaion skills but the LEA is making so difficult and while they are pushing pens my childs education deteriorating its so unfair. We were told this would be possible without a statement under special circumstances but my child has been let down again and attends part time for 2 days in mainstream with minimum support and is struggling like hell but the LEA does not give a damn.(it takes a minimum of 6 months to get a statement) Can anyone explain WHY???!!! Tony Blair says "Every child matters" and "education, education,education" but when it comes to kids who are very bright academically but have specific Special Educational Needs no one cares!!! HELP!!! more

Resolved Question: Education Sector-gross misconduct or PC fascism?

I work as a Teacher Assistant in a South London state school and I was several times bruised and cut in the process of restraining children with autism and/or severe behavioural problems who were being a danger to themselves as well as to their class. I was not given proper skills in this area or was I hired to deal with Special Education Needs. In more than one year at the service of this school, I have always managed challenging behaviours with professionalism and, not even in self defence, have I ever hurt a child in anyway. Last Friday, after a particularly stressful week, I lost my temper. I was suspended from work after swearing three times (the “f”word) to a child who was being increasingly disruptive and threatening. I’m not a member of any union and I will have to defend myself in front of a board of Governors in about 10 days. I am a popular member of staff but the headteacher, whom I have challenged in the past, is hostile. Any advice? more

Resolved Question: Education Sector - gross miscunduct or PC fascism?

Resolved Question: Can you tell me adout special needs courses?

I am thinking about working in schools dealind with children with Autism and the courses I have to do to ensure a job can't afford to do a degree just yet more

Resolved Question: PGCE STUDENTS AND GRADUATES: what did you write for your personal statement?

I am strugling to put my thoughts into words, please can you tell me what you wrote for your application. I am applying for the PGCE Primary, I have been volunteering in local school for just over a year, i have previously volunteered in another primary school, i have also worked in a number of nursery schools and playgroups. I'm in my final year of a Health and social care management degree, and doing my disertation on 'Autism in schools - whether children with autism should go to special schools or mainstream school'. I really am stuck for what to write, but i need to get the application in asap to stand the best chance of getting a place on a course. Please HELP!!! and THANK YOU in advance for your assistance and advice.... x x If you have ever written one, and wouldn't mind it would be really helpful if i could see what you wrote, not to copy or anything stupid like that - as i know it needs to be about me and my experiences - but so i can see what kind of thing i need to be putting and where to start. more

Resolved Question: autism!!!!!?

I ask many questions on here about autism because my daughter is autistic and am always eager to hear about other peoples experience because as parents of children with autism will know they are like snowflakes no two the same. I feel quite privaliged to live in the u.k and my daughter goes to an excellent special needs school but i am quite sure in my mind that the americans do lead the way in this field and do alot more for children with asd. My heart though goes out to countries were it is way down on their priorities either because of war or other reasons. Having a child with autism can be difficult but i thank my lucky stars every day she was born in this country. more

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Untitled

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My negative-ish last two posts do not sit well with me. Yes, I worry. Yes, I doubt and question. But I try my darndest not to let that consume me, or my blog. I do so appreciate all the comments of support and empathy. And the jokes to cheer me up too! Let’s not linger in the worry, though. Let’s mo ... more

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