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...

Posts Tagged ‘parenting’

Categories of The Autistic Brain

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

In her new book, Temple Grandin, the most famous high-functioning autistic person in the world, adds a new category of the autistic brain. Her hypothesis was scientifically confirmed by researchers. She defines her own brain as a “visual” brain. The second kind is the “verbal” brain. Recently a new category was added, namely the “pattern”

Large Brain Size and Extra Spinal Fluid Are Biomarkers for Autism

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

This is a new and unique research that was done by a group of researchers with the UC Davis MIND Institute. During pregnancy and infancy the early detection and diagnosis of this condition can help tremendously in reducing the learning and behavior disabilities. We always emphasize the importance of early intervention in order to get

Autism Related to Higher Levels of Toxic Metals

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

The topic of “what causes autism”, has always been at the heart of the autism community’s concern and interest. Up to this date, the real cause(s) of autism are not known yet. However, several reasons are suspected. But the most suspected causes are genetics, environmental, or combinations of both. In February 25, 2013 a study

‘Sensory-Focused’ Autism Therapy

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

This is an environmental enrichment therapy that parents can provide/perform with their children at home. It improves sensory issues of smell, sight, texture, temperature, and movement. It has a significant positive effect on children with autism. The auther of this research is Michael Leon, a professor of neurobiology and behavior at the Center for Autism

One Third of Autism Cases Also Have ADHD Symptoms

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

An article published today, June 5, 2013, about a new research done at Kennedy Krieger Institute suggests that one third of the children diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) between 4 and 8 years of age, also showed clinically clear symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The study published in Autism: The International Journal and

Summer Continued Education

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

Summer is around the corner. Many parents are wondering what to do with their children’s day once school is out? Should they just take it easy and have children enjoy a non-scheduled routine? Or should they send them to summer school or summer camps and keep them busy? In the US the number of days

An Early Intervention Program for 12 Months Old Children with ASD

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

The Early Start Denver Model (DSDM) is a comprehensive behavioral program that reduces cost of special education services throughout the schooling years. When joining this program many services and therapies will be reduced. The program is clinically controlled. Social skills and interaction showed great improvement following this program. Even if the first two years in

“ADHD Is A Fictitious Disease”: Psychiatrist Leon Eisenberg

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

It is a dilemma for most parents whether they should give their child diagnosed with ADHD medicine or not. Ritalin is one of the most administrated drug to treat ADHD. Is it true that ADHD is a disease in the first place? Most importantly, how does a drug affect your child development in the short

What Is “Normal”? What Is “Special?”

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

Why doesn’t the grapefruit have any grapes inside? I was taken aback and shocked when a HF (high-functioning) student asked me this question. I had never thought about it before. I had never asked myself the same question. Don’t you think that the question really makes sense? How is the grapefruit related to grapes, apart

Sports and Autism

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

You may have watched the video about the autistic basketball hero, Jason McElwain. Jason is a special ed. student who used to be the team manager, helping the coach and the team with all they need. On the final game of the season, the coach decided to let Jason play the last 5 minutes of