My Autistic Boy

autism in the family may be hard to accept, yet there are a number of well-known people who have chosen to write or speak about members of their family who are autistic.

Movie Actors / TV Personalities:
• Richard Burton, deceased actor - oftentimes talked about his daughter by his first wife
• William Christopher, Father Mulcahy of the TV show M*A*S*H - speaks about his son, Ned
• Myron Cope, Pittsburgh sportscaster - talks about his son
• Joe Mantegna, actor - is a father of daughter with autism
• Mark McEwen, TV weatherman on CBS Morning News - speaks about his brother, Sean
• Tracy Rowlett, Dallas anchorperson - has an autistic son Read the rest of this entry »

autism is a mental and behavioral developmental disorder affecting social and communication skills. In Canada, autism affects about 48,000 children and 144,000 adults. This has increasingly become a burden for many affected families. Treatment for autism can cost as high as $60,000 a year.

The Canadian government is moving to address this important issue. A senate committee has even called for federal funding committed to research and treatment, as it declares that autism is a nationwide crises. It is also recommending that tax benefits be given to families of autistic persons. The government also seeks to give equal assistance and opportunities for all autistic persons so they could lead productive lives.

Do you know why your child avoids certain foods or always want to eat the same thing? There are some food that should be avoided due to autistic children’s over sensitivity to certain tastes. Crunchy food such as potato chips or crackers may be too loud and the sound they make may seem like a raging forest fire to children with over sensitive hearing. Certain odors of some food may also be somewhat overpowering to them. However, some autistic children who have very limited food preferences may simply have been caused by acquired bad habits and not because of any sensory problems.

Children with autism are not the most flexible persons so it is important for them to maintain consistency on their routine and activities. If the child is needed to be hospitalized, bring security blanket or favorite toys. If the child needs to sleep somewhere else, arrange the furniture in the same way as in the bedroom at home. Avoid placing demands on child that is not part of the daily routine. Avoid activities that will upset the child. If these activities cannot be avoided, try to remove the child from the situation before they happen.

Autistic children will be most comfortable with soft cotton against their skin. New underwear and shirts will be more comfortable if they are washed several times before wearing. It is often best to avoid spray starch or fabric softeners that are placed in the dryer. Some children are allergic to them. The problem is switching back and forth. Switching back-and-forth can be made more tolerable by wearing tights with skirts. The tights make the skirt feel the same as long pants.

Take note that you should also avoid the use of perfume because some children hate the smell or they are allergic to it.

Do you want to find out if your child is autistic? Today, autism is more prevalent in males than in females by almost three to one. Here are few guidelines to help you make your assessment:

• When Your child throws tantrums and is uncontrollably anxious, he refuses to be hugged or held by you. Also, whenever he doesn’t feel like eating, he would simply push the food away from him.

Children with autism normally suffers from a sensory impairment. They sometimes like to hurt themselves during tantrums. They are not comforted by being held or cuddled. On the contrary, they usually stiffen when held. So what can you do? Give your child his favorite toy or transfer the child to a different environment.

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