This resource was created to support customer service representatives and is accompanied by our Autism Be positive, calm and unhurried. Take your cues from the person you are supporting. For example, if a person on the autism spectrum seems sensitive to touch, take their lead during the greeting Use direct, simple language and allow time for a response. Don’t present too much information at once and avoid the use of idioms; such as “A penny for your thoughts.” Too much extraneous chat may be confusing. Outline expectations. Clearly articulate what needs to be done and approximately how long it will take. Indicate when each step is completed. For example: “To apply to this program, I need you to do two things,” or “This...
Gut bacteria may contribute directly to the development of autism-like behaviors, according to the results of a new study in mice. In their study, which features in the journal Cell, researchers from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena built on the work of previous studies that identified differences in the microbiomes of people with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The microbiome is the name for the collective genomes belonging to the communities of microorganisms that inhabit the human gut. "In recent years, numerous studies have revealed differences in the bacterial composition of the gut microbiome between individuals with ASD and neurotypical [people]," says author Sarkis Mazmanian. "However, while this previous research identifies potentially important associations, it is unable to resolve...
On June 15, Governor Greg Abbott signed a budget bill which included a requirement for Texas Medicaid to cover medically necessary care, including applied behavior analysis (ABA), for all Texas Medicaid-enrolled children. An estimated 80,000 children with autism in Texas rely on Medicaid for their healthcare and previously were unable to access the most basic, evidence-based treatments for diagnosis. The added coverage will ensure access to appropriate services, resources and interventions, including ABA, following an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. This timely access to care may influence individuals’ life outcomes, including reducing needs for special education services, improving quality of life or opening the door for further education, employment and independent living. In the coming months, children under the age of 21 will have access to medically necessary...
As the identification of autism is on the rise, now 1 in 68 children according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), parents, educators and other professionals continue to be faced with the challenges of supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the home, school and community settings. Common challenges children with ASD face are difficulty with expressive and receptive communication, sensory integration deficits and social/emotional challenges (understanding and recognizing facial expressions, social cues and their emotions as well as emotions of others). Children with ASD can exhibit a broad range in these areas, some having more difficulty in one or more areas than another. Many children ASD may also experience heightened levels of anxiety. Recently, yoga has become...
I am asked time and time again what items we use for our son with autism to make his life and our lives easier. So, here is a breakdown of the things that he (or we) couldn’t live without. Disclaimer: These are the things that work for my son, Liam. I am not claiming these things will work for everyone, merely sharing in an effort to help other children. 1. Crash Pad First and foremost, the Crash Pad has been the BEST item we have ever bought for our son. (Thankfully, we were able to get a grant from a local 501c to purchase it.) If you have a child on the spectrum who craves input, loves to smash him...
