This is a summary of one of the sessions that I have attended at the Morgan Autism Center last September. The speaker, Jill Escher, narrates her own story of struggle and discoveries. She has 2 kids with “idiopathisc autism”. It is a very informative and eye-opening story that all parents should read. What causes autism

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

A new research used fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to identify and locate the weak parts of the brain that may be used to diagnose autism. We know that one of the most important traits of the autistic behavior is the poor social skills which leads to poor communication skills too. The research below explains

Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions. Dalai Lama Research shows that people are becoming less happy, less fulfilled and less satisfied over the last two generations. Fifty years ago depression was known to affect people over thirty; now even children in elementary schools and adolescents are suffering from depression.

Watch an interview with Temple Grandin that inspires “hope”. She briefly touches on most aspects of autism. templegrandin.com/ nadia shanab

You may have noticed that most of my articles are about trying to help parents and educators raise and educate kids with autism. So, most of  the tips I suggest are usually targeting the kids. But, how about parents and educators themselves? Can they always be in their greatest shape, best mood, and ready to provide

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

In a child development class I learned that a newborn’s brain has a huge number of connections between the cells (neurons). Imagine these connections forming a network. If some connections are more used than others (due to a heavy traffic on these communication lines), these pathways become well-established. The connections that are less used, get

It is a worldwide phenomena that the diagnosis with autism is on the rise, even in underdeveloped countries. What might the reason be? Diagnostic criteria are changing Screening tools have developed Increasing research on the topic Increased health services New environmental factors (pollution of air, oceans,…) Increased awareness of the condition Social factors I believe

Some children with autism have difficulty falling asleep. Their night sleep is inadequate or fagmented. As a result, their performance during the daytime is poor. If the child doesn’t get enough sleep, she wouldn’t be able to focus and learn. A research in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders was able to help parents