Early therapy can change brains of kids with autism
Oct. 31, 2012
As the number of children with autism has risen dramatically over the past couple of decades, experts have learned that the earlier a child gets diagnosed, the earlier specialized therapy can be initiated, which can significantly improve outcomes.
Testing Autism and Air Travel
Oct. 26, 2012
For Dana Napoleon, a flight attendant in Tacoma, Wash., zipping in and out the nation’s airports every week is second nature. Yet she is still filled with dread every time she flies with her 10-year-old son. Other children might scamper through the airport, delighted by the moving sidewalks and dreaming of sand castles.
Families With Children On Autism Spectrum Look For Insurance Reform
Oct. 24, 2012
WESTERVILLE, Ohio – Some state legislatures are making a renewed push for insurance reform to help families with children on the Autism Spectrum. Three of the four children in the Kneice household in Westerville are on the Autism Spectrum. Jennifer Kneice said that she has cried over the amount of money her family has paid for special therapy for her children.
‘Growing Up Autistic’: Teen Author Trevor Pacelli Publishes First Book
Oct. 23, 2012
When he was diagnosed with autism at five years old, Trevor Pacelli knew that his childhood and adolescence would be drastically different than that of his peers. But he never let his disorder hold him back — now 19, Pacelli is a published author. His book, “Six-Word Lessons On Growing Up Autistic: 100 Lessons To Understand How Autistic People See Life,” offers practical guidance for understanding autism, and insight on the way that autistic kids and teens view the world. In the excerpt below, Pacelli shares 10 things you should know about autistic teens.
Autistic kicker Anthony Starego hits the game winner for Brick in upset of Toms River North
Oct. 23, 2012
The field goal kicker fell into his familiar routine late Friday night: He took three measured steps back, then one to the side. He paused and leaned his upper body back, staring at the spot where the football would be placed.
For New Jersey student with autism, course load includes track
Oct. 12, 2012
Sixth grader William Potts was ready to run at Haddonfield Middle School’s last cross-country practice, as he has been almost every practice day since September. The coed team’s roster lists 82 participants, but only two to three dozen attend the optional five-day-a-week workouts, coach Maureen Baker said last week.
Signs of autism spectrum disorder
Oct. 15, 2012
Does your child avoid eye contact, have little or no interest in making new friends or prefer solitary activities to social games?
These may be signs that your child has an autism spectrum disorder. Symptoms of autism spectrum disorders can be present in many different ways, and they can be confusing for parents, particularly if they aren’t sure what to look for.
Classroom Yoga Improves Behavior of Kids with Autism
Oct. 15, 2012
Children with autism spectrum disorder who participate in classroom yoga tend to behave better than kids with autism who don’t, according to a new study. Teachers at an elementary school in the Bronx reported that their school’s daily yoga program reduced aggressive behavior, social withdrawal and hyperactivity in the children with autism.
Social Media Helps Student with Autism Find His Voice
Oct. 10, 2012
Sometimes a picture can be worth a thousand followers too. That’s what happened to Henry Frost after he posted a photo to Facebook. The photo shows 13-year-old Frost sitting on the steps outside a downtown Tampa building with his service dog Denzel.
Nearly half of children with autism wander from safety
Oct. 8, 2012
The fear that overtakes a parent when a child wanders away from home or other safe place is easily compounded when that child has an autism-spectrum disorder. A new study shows that such behavior occurs more often than in other kids, and that the hazards can be significant.