New study Suggests that Delayed Diagnosis of Autism in Girls May be Due to Less Severe Symprtoms

Researchers from the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, MD found that girls may present less severe symptoms of autism spectrum disorder than boys, causing them to be diagnosed with the condition later.

“The researchers identified differences in symptoms between boys and girls. They found girls struggled more with the ability to interpret social cues, while boys were more likely to demonstrate “severe mannerisms,” including repetitive behaviors such as hand flapping. Boys were also more likely than girls to have limited interests.

Older boys aged 10-15 were more likely than girls of the same age to struggle with social cues, however, and have difficulties with language in social situations.”

Read the full article from Medical News Today HERE

The National Autistic Society’s Response to the Queen’s Speech

Today the new Government delivered its first Queen’s Speech, an annual event where the Queen announces the Government’s legislative agenda for the forthcoming year.

Read what the NAS has to say about the Queen’s speech HERE.

Are kids born naughty?

Are kids born naughty or are they just spoiled?

Why do kids misbehave?

Is it nature or nurture?

Dr. Dawn Harper and Dr. Ravi Jayaram will explore these questions in a new documentary series called ‘Born Naughty?‘ on Channel 4 (UK only). The series will start tomorrow, 14 May 2015 at 8pm.

I really hope that this programme will give describe the complexity of the development of behaviours. I guess we shall see…

In the name of Fear… of Autism

I am angry. VERY ANGRY. 1 in 88 people in America has a diagnosis of Autism and yet this still happens??? How could they do this?

I understand that not everyone would react in a similar way as these crew members, but I am horrified at their ignorance. I am also aware that the crew’s priority at times like this is to diffuse the situation (if it escalated) in a calm manner. One may argue that they did so by giving the girl some hot food, but they should have left it there. They should not have landed the plane and kicked the family out ‘just in case’ the girl had a meltdown. This is utterly disrespectful. The crew members should be punished for this.

This highlights the fact that people do need to be more aware of what Autism is, how it manifests and how to interact with people who are diagnosed with it.

Jake Barnett: Math and Science Prodigy

Below is a video of Jake Barnett in 60 Minutes. He is a Maths and Science genius and he also has Asperger’s Syndrome. I first knew of Jake Barnett through reading his mother’s book, The Spark, which is about the ups and downs that their whole family experienced mainly due to Jake’s Asperger’s. Most of his first teachers did not understand him. His family, especially his mother, fought long and hard to get the best education for Jake. Kristine (Jake’s mother) knew what Jake needed. She knew that Jake’s ceiling is much higher than what professionals have told them. Through the family’s hard work, Jake has ‘come out of his shell’.

Rosie King’s TEDMED talk about her Autism

That moment when…

 

I can’t remember the last time I bragged about people following me on Twitter, but it’s Dr. Temple Grandin!! I’ve admired Dr. Grandin’s work for a very long time and she has has been one of my inspirations throughout my adult life, so you can’t imagine my excitement when she follwed me!

Towards an improved understanding and acceptance of Autism

Today’s Daily Prompt: What change, big or small, would you like your blog to make in the world?

I want my blog to add to the growing sources of information about Autism. A lot of people with Autism are misunderstood since much of the popular beliefs about the condition is influenced by the media and out-dated studies. While a lot of these sources are correct and positive, they often fail to account for the differences between individuals with Autism.

Having worked with, taught and befriended people with Autism, I have become aware that Autism manifests differently. Each individual with Autism has his/ her own set of strengths and areas of needs that are unique to them. This reality tends to confuse people with little or no experience of Autism- ‘how can they have the same diagnosis but be completely different from each other?’ To be honest, I don’t know why this is the case. Nevertheless, what I found useful was to get to know each individual and respond to their needs and strengths accordingly.

By sharing my opinions, what I have read, listened to or watched, maybe I could increase people’s awareness, understanding and acceptance of Autism.

A Story That Needs to Be Told: Stephen Andrade-Martinez

Click HERE to watch Stephen’s story.

“Stephen has Autism, and has a history of displaying behaviour that challenges. Living at home with his parents and 2 siblings, his family were able to manage Stephen’s behaviour by implementing Positive Behavioural Support. When Stephen left the family to go to School his behaviour deteriorated and he was sent to a hospital, which has now become his permanent home.”

Stephen’s mum, Leo wants him back home. He is currently stays at a Psychiatric Ward 24/7. He is not getting the support and affection that he needs- both of which his parents are able to provide. Leo is campaigning to bring Stephen home. Help her by signing her petition HERE

Has Anyone Read this?

The Spark

Yes. It’s another book about Asperger’s Syndrome/ Autism.

Yes, it is a positive one.

I know, not everyone with Autism/Asperger’s are the same.

Yes, I recommend it.

It’s about a parent who accepted that her child is different but rejected others’ advise to allow this difference to become debilitating. This is about a parent and child’s amazing journey in life where they allowed Autism to be a part of their lives. They accepted it, lived with it, and saw its positive side.