The way ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders) has always been diagnosed, is based on the professionals’ (pediatrians, psychologists, psychiatirics, specialized therapists…) social interaction with the child. Then, the professional’s opinion supported by parents observations are usually the traditional way to give a child a diagnosis. This novel technology can provide a more accurate, objective, and early

Researchers believe that “gentetics” and “environmental” factors are two of the main causes of autism. The exposure to heavy metals -like lead, cadmium, and mercury- is believed to represent one of the environmental threats to the child’s development. A new research published today in ScienceDaily is announcing great news for parents. The research run in Seychellels,

In the last two posts autism-tips.com/?p=1866 and autism-tips.com/?p=1870 I talked about the importance of encouraging individuals with autism  and special needs in general to practice and develop their special interests and talents. Why is the summer break, in particular, is a great time to do so? First, it is the longest break of the year,

Communication and social interaction are  one of the major goals in raising and educating a child with autism. To enable and encourage communication and social interaction to be practiced successfully, kids within the same setting or environment should have some interests in common. For some children, SDC (Special Day Classes) are not the best match for their

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 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

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

What an amazing news for the autism community! SAP the German software company is running this project and intends to expand hiring in the US, Canada, Ireland, and Germany. The plan is to have 1% of the employees with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). IT people have now recognized the talents and uniqueness of people with

Anecdote A student with ASD told me “Let me tell you a joke!” I gave her my 200% attention and said: “Go ahead!” But deep inside I thought that it will definitely sound like anything but a joke. Here is what she said: “A student went to school without doing his homework. When the teacher

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