A Message to Parents

Dear Parents, I am finally back after a long silence for almost two years. It is very hard to disengage myself from thinking and writing about...

Archive for May, 2013

An Obsession Can Lead to A Career

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

Instead of saying the child is obsessed with a certain subject or an activity, we can call it an interest or area of strength. Things that we keep doing or repeating over and over are things that we can do well. For example practicing a sport, riding a bike, playing a game, reading in certain

A Hope for Non-Verbal Children

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

According to “Autistica”, 24% of autistic children are non-verbal or minimally verbal. Researchers at the University of Bermingham, UK, supported by “Autistica” found that: 1- The learning of a language is tightly related to motor behaviors (like knocking a toy), and the imitation of facial experssions or gestures. The imitation of gestures and facial expressions

Playing the Child’s Favorite Game Reduces Severity of Condition

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

Children with autism don’t respond to the games, like peek-a-boo, the way neurotypically developed kids do. They avoid the interaction with people or tune them out altogether. Remember that the poor social skills are one of the autism’s main traits. Researchers found that parents should rather play with their kids the games they like. In

Fetal Growth Related to Autism

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

This is the biggest study of fetal growth and autism ever. Extreme, whether big or small, growth of the fetus in the womb can be a risk factor of developing autism. Babies weighing over 4.5 kg (9lb14) or under 2.5 kg (5.5lb) at birth showed higher incidence of autism. This isn’t related to whether the

Temple Grandin Speaking on May 16

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

The world’s most famous autistics adult, Dr. Temple Grandin, will be speaking at the main branch of the Cambridge Public Library, Massachusetts, 449 Broadway, on May 16 at 6:30 pm. Dr. Temple Grandin is an animal science Professor at the Colorado State University. She also runs a her own business of designing live stock animal

Early Intervention Is A Game-Changer

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

Three recent studies show the benefits of an early diagnosis of autism. The new studies confirm what I have mentioned in my article autism-tips.com/?p=1251 based on my experience from working with kids with autism. Scientists can detect brain anomalies as early as six months old. At this young age the brain is still malleable and

Get Ready for The Summer Break

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

Summer is around the corner! You are probably wondering what should you do with your child with ASD for two months or more! You are torn between two temptations: Should I let her rest, relax and forget about her daily routine? Or should I keep the strict school schedule going? This is what I think

Is Your Child Bored in School?

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

What should you do if your child is bored in her/his school? Do you know why is she/he bored? Is the program too easy for her/him? In this case your child needs to change the current placement which needs to be discussed in the IEP meeting seriously with no delay. You definitely want your child