A UMass pediatrician in Boston, U.S. has developed a new test to diagnose autism in children as young as 18 months. It is a game-like test that takes only 10 minutes. Eye contact, social skills, and communication skills are some of the factors to be tested. It is never enough to emphasize the importance of

A recent research showed that premature babies have a different developmental behavior in their infancy than babies who reached their full term. Premature babies are at higher risk for autism, because their diagnosis comes at an older age. Explanation “The researchers were surprised to find that many of the babies who had averted their gazes

It seems like people’s awareness about autism is increasing, given the growing rate of the condition! This is great news! Awareness will make life easier and safer for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, as well as for others who would encounter them. Your child with autism will eventually have to interact with

You have just been told the final word: “your child has autism”.  Now all the doubts have vanished, suspicions are confirmed, and confusion took over to rule your mind. You are probably shocked, mad, you have tens of questions chasing you, you are simply feeling lost. Now sadness, depression, and anxiety will follow in line.

Yesterday I ran into a former student accompanied by his family, mother, father, and sister in a shopping mall. His mom was the one who gave me a pat on the shoulder coming from behind me. She looked at me with a big smile and sparkling eyes, full of joy and excitement, wondering if I

A study published in the journal Nature, Nov 6, reveals the earliest sign of developing auism ever observed: a steady decline in attention to others’ eyes within the first two to six months of life. Autism is usually diagnosed around the age of 2, when a significant delay in speech and poor social skills are

A recent research by the Vanderbilt University, October 2013, has released a new intervention program to help improve the social deficits in adolesents with autism. Researchers used the theater to teach reciprocal communication skills. The program is called Social Emotional Neuroscience & Endocrinology (SENSE). Techniques used in this program are: role-play, improvisation, and it culminates in

Individuals on the Autism Spectrum are known to be loners, anti-social, and have poor communication skills. Researchers found a corelation between a hormone that is tied to “bonding” called oxytocin, and the brain system that produce pleasure and motivation. This hormone is known as the “love” or “cuddle” chemical. Genetic changes in autistic children may

As an educator, I try to keep the following two main goals as a top priority when working with spectrum kids. 1-TEACHING  INDEPENDENCE 2- DEVELOPING/ IMPROVING SOCIAL SKILLS Academics are very important to be taught. But life skills are most important. Children grow up very quickly. Time flies, and soon the elementary grader becomes a

Watch and Ask Temple Grandin today in the interactive show on autism-live.com Read more about the show here: autism-tips.com/?p=1668 nadia shanab