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
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.
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.
“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
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.
Seinfeld recently revealed that he thinks he is on the Autism Spectrum in an interview with Brian Williams on NBC’s ‘The Nightly News’. When asked about why, he said that he is ‘never paying attention to the right things, basic social engagement is really a struggle. I’m very literal. When people talk to me and they use expressions, I don’t know what they’re saying‘.
While his revelation may seem positive because of his acceptance of this possibility, I believe that his explanation of the ‘markers’ shows how limited his understanding of Autism is. Sure, he did not shy away from admitting that he may have Autism – a way of saying that having Autism is not a bad thing, but his description is deeply problematic.
His description is a negative one- it included what could be wrong or what one may see as ‘dysfunctional’ in people with Autism. I have always believed that while it is important to acknowledge what people cannot do, it is more important to highlight and focus on what they CAN DO. In addition, the seemingly negative things that he outlined can be seen as positives. ‘Never paying attention to the right thing’ all depends on what one thinks ‘right things’ are. In my experience, people with Autism are exeptionally brilliant at focusing on fine details – the ones that people without Autism cannot see.
Social engagement is not always a struggle. Again, this depends on who is interacting with the person with Autism. Having an open mind goes a long way. Also, I have met people with Autism who have more confidence in public speaking than me.
Being literal, or not understanding sarcasm or implied meaning in language may be seen as a weakness, but trust me, this skill can be taught. The same goes with expressions.
My other issue with Seinfeld’s description is the lack of acknowledgement that people with Autism differ from one another. If you’ve met one person with Autism, you’ve met one person with Autism.
While it may seem like I am attacking Jerry Seinfeld, please be assured that I am not. I just want to explain the improtance of being aware of the complexities and the positives of having Autism. More often, I speak with people who only know how to describe Autism by outlining the negative behaviours and the things they cannot do. I think it’s time to stop that trend. I want us to focus on what they can do and what is great about having Autism.
I am not Kelli Stapleson – a brilliant piece written by a mom with unconditional love for her child
What can be done for adults with Autism? – there are not a lot of studies, provisions or help available for grown ups with Autism. The system seems to forget that kids with Autism grow up to be adults with Autism. What can be done?
A mother and his son in Australia is seeking help as they are about to be deported on the sole basis of his son having Autism. The boy’s mother, Maria is a nurse who have lived and worked in Australia since 2007. Upon applying for a visa renewal, the government denied her as her son, who has Autism, is deemed to be a burden to the health care system. (Click HERE to read more on their story)
Understanding and Embracing Diversity 