Check frequently asked questions about Autism

Open Question: Can the fetal doopler that doctors use...?

Cause autism? Someone told me that but i never heard it before.

24 Jul 2008, 9:15 am | click here for answers

Open Question: How can I overcome my shyness about being around people?

I have autism and so it is hard for me to socialize normally in everyday life. So, I have a problem. How can I overcome my fears about dating?

23 Jul 2008, 7:13 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: my boyfriend's grandmother doesn't like my baby!!! help!!!?

my daughter is 3 and has autism. a couple of days ago i took my daughter to my boyfriend's grandmother's house for the first time. she has met me 3 times. my girl was being pretty good considering that she was tired and sick. she did get loud a couple of times while she was playing but she wasn't being any louder then the adults. after we left her house she told my bf's parents and sister that she didn't think that i disciplined my daughter or seeked the treatment that she needed. she went on to say that if my daughter behaved that way again in her house she wouldn't be welcome. is it just me or do i have a right to be mad??? i told my bf that if my daughter wasn't welcome then i wasn't going to go over there either. i don't know what to do b/c i have never been faced with this b4. everyone else in my daughter's life loves her for who she is. what do i do???????????? this is the man that i want to marry someday and now i feel uncomfortable around his grandmother.

24 Jul 2008, 11:23 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: does anyone have a number to contact the jonas brothers manager/parents directly?

we are trying to plan our next autism awareness function, and would like to speak to the Jo. bro's about donating their time at this event.

23 Jul 2008, 10:51 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: is hse considered disabled?

my daughter was born 8 weeks preemie. she is almost 2 now and has been in speech and occupational therapy for 6-7 months now. is she considered disabled cause she has these therapies? her dr is concerned she may have autism. we will find out next month at her 2 yr well check.

23 Jul 2008, 7:46 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: Is it ok to send our daughter to grandma's school district?

We live in a different school district from my parent's but we work near where they live. Our daughter has autism and they are taking care of her. My daughter spends most of time with them but she lives with us(after work we pick her up). We recently found out a good autism program in the public school in my parent's district. We want to sign her up based on my parent's address. Is it ok to do so? Is it considered dishonest or does it break any law? Thanks

24 Jul 2008, 9:18 am | click here for answers

Open Question: Autism/AS and staring attractive girls?

Im 99% sure I have Aspergers. pysch appointmet few weeks. Anyway is this a likely/common thing from autistic people? This goes back for years as a kid and despite the fact I am 25 years old I have not changed. Ant time I see attractive females I just keep glancing at them and if they can't see me I will stare for as long as possible up to hours. Sure, I know every man could be like this but it kinda worries me that I amnt growing out of it but now worse. I.e the hot girls coming out of the private schools I just cant stop looking at them all (16+). I remember at school there was one girl I obsessed over when 14/15 and I found this glass mirror in physics class which I could put in front of me and it would bend light and show her face but only I could see it. I would stare at the mirror all class lol. Even though I am 25 and think I have AS I have never talked to girls. Never had a proper conversation with one girl, had some sex as look cute and right time/place in past luckily Lol to first guy. I have many syptoms probems in my life from aspergers but this is one thing that I am asking about here. Is this also due to autism? I know what aspergers is and the many difficulties it causes. Nothing to do with timidity except for when in youth is what worries me. I have had sex and even been apporached by a few attractive girls in my time (I'm rather good looking apparnelty) yet I still act like this lost schoolboy when around and seeing hot new females. Like nothing has changed. Also I mean I just can't stop looking adn searching out hot girls to look at and in situations were I cant talk to them but have opportuinty to stare i.e. out uilding window or soemthing Iook for hours if can. When meeting a real hot girl face to face I can talk ok but I usually get a hardon (no shit lol) Also, I had many gf's at primary school but never really talked to them after we would be 'bf/gf'. Then at secondary school I had many grils interested in me but I never had clue what to do with them so all passed me by. Since leaving school I have girls attratced to me (rarely I ever make a move on a girl- no clue, cant even talk to guys well, socially retarded) I have been lucky on few times I have ventured out into 'adult world'. Nonetheless I just can't stop looking at hot gilrs like a lost little school boy .

24 Jul 2008, 3:49 pm | click here for answers

Resolved Question: do you feel the same?

Do you feel the same as I do about the comments from Savage, the radio host that said " 99% of children diagnosed with Autism are brats that have not been told to cut the act." I can't even belive that those words came out of any mouth, let alone one on radio. Why did Imus get fired for calling black women basketball players "nappy headed", yet this a*s is still employed. I have 2 children with Autism. They are in a living hell, I also have 2 that are "normal", so guess what? IT'S NOT THE PARENTING! Why can a talk show host be fired right away for "racial" ,or in my opinion accurate statements about hair that some people have, comments and not fired or suffer consequences for this horendous remark. 1 in 150(or less) children have Autism. It is not because they are brats(I wish) or from bad parenting, it if from genetics and/or our shi**y environment. Parents can only change so much, our government needs to eliminate or enforce stricter guidlines for our food. Am I alone?

22 Jul 2008, 10:19 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: Please any advice or opinions on dealing with a toddler head banging would be very much appreciated.?

My child will be 3 in october he has been headbanging since he was 10 moths old. 3 months ago I was told he has a speech delay of 6-18 months. I have tried everything from ignoring him, sending him to his room, time out, punishing him. I get told by alot of people that he will grow out of it( when its been 2years nearly) and that he is doin it for attention, but anything can trigger it regulary he will do it in the middle of the night against the wall. No medical proffesion has witnessed him doing it. My health visitor thought he could be a form of autism but the paedatrician disagrees and thinks it may be behavioural problem as he has quite a high understanding of thing although the may struggle to express what he wants at times. We have been reffered to CAHMS for behavour support but we wont get an appoinment for 3 months. Would love to hear from people who are going through anything similar for any tips and advice cos Im at my wits end!!

23 Jul 2008, 8:23 am | click here for answers

Open Question: could a child with somewhat destructive behavior need medication?

mammo, I asked a question about my son. And you answered, thanks. He was evaluated by an aid program for children with disabilities. Considering the behaviors I mentioned, is it possible that he will need medication, refer to question about autism/sensory problems in this section.

23 Jul 2008, 5:22 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: Hey michael savage fans, do you agree with yer boy that autism is a scam and that they are all fakers?

rebourne - misinterpreting what he said? Please tell, how am I doing that? I'm pretty much using his exact wording Ok I'll be fair, he didn't say ALL he said 99% of the time.... woah... what a significant difference thanks for correcting me

24 Jul 2008, 4:03 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: Do Amish people have similar rates of autism as the rest of society?

If not, do you think it is because genetically they don't diversify themselves?

22 Jul 2008, 10:50 pm | click here for answers

Resolved Question: hand flapping?

ok maybe i'm overly worried. this is my first baby she is 10 months. She makes this motion with her had it looks like she is trying to snap, also she sometimes takes her hand and brings it up and down to her mouth to make noises. not all the time, not all day. I've just heard a lot about autism lately and i'm not sure what is "normal" for her. she is 10 months. Everything else seems to be on schedule (as far as i know) Responds to name, looks at things if i point to them, if i asks her where a certain toy is she will get it. if i ask her where her socks go she places them on top her/my feet. tries to kick or roll a ball, babbles "mama" "dada" etc... if i blow raspberries at her she does it back etc....stands, cruses.... anyway is some sort of hand/arm flapping normal or is it an autism flag? thanks in advance

24 Jul 2008, 6:17 pm | click here for answers

Resolved Question: Is Autism Hereditary?

I am just wondering if it is. There is no history of it in either mine or my husbands family yet my father got re-married to a woman 10 years younger than him and they have 3 children together who are all Autistic. I am thinking that if it is hereditary than maybe there is a history in my father's wife's family but I just want to know in order to look for any signs in my son. Thank you.

23 Jul 2008, 7:30 am | click here for answers

Open Question: What do you think of this story line?

A depressed boy named John is growing up in foster home with his brother Carl after years and years of being abused by his father as a young child before Carl was born. Carl is constantly bullied for his autism day in and day out. One night while everyone is sleeping, he attempts to commit suicide by hanging, but is saved just in time by John, after he is awoken by a nightmare about being beaten by his father, and sees what's going on.

23 Jul 2008, 8:31 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: Autism runs in the family?

Autism seems like it runs in my family (two of my brothers and my sister have it). I'm having my first child and I don't know if I should be worried that my childs gonna have it?

23 Jul 2008, 4:12 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: My nephew us austistic. When will he start to talk?

My nephew was a very quick learner. At about the age of two that changed. It was as if he had forgotten everything. In short, he was diagnosed with autism. I have read many stories where children have grown to show very few signs of autism and have exceptional abilities in memory and math. I have also read stories where kids have began to speak by the age of 3, 4, or higher. My nephew will be 8 in August and has not been able to speak, other that a word here and there. He has been going to a school for austistic children where he has made much progress, yet he seemed to have stopped. I know communication is a huge factor here. He gets extremely frustrated when hes not understood. Does anyone know of any cases when speaking developed in later years?? Or any information really?? I put it under diseases because IM new to Yahoo. I know it is not a disease, I just didnt know where else to post it. Sorry He has a speech therapists, understands much of what is said to him

23 Jul 2008, 11:44 am | click here for answers

Voting Question: Why don't more physicians, psychiatrists, etc. consider nutritional deficiencies as causes for various illness

Vitamin D has been linked recently to Autism and many other health issues. There are certain genetic disorders that can cause wasting of minerals and vitamins as well. Is it possible that the onslaught of mental illness, Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, pain, and even autoimmune disorders could somehow be tied into a lack of proper nutrition? Is it possible that certain emotional problems could now be because of overprocessing of our foods and a lack of balance? What do you think?

24 Jul 2008, 1:45 am | click here for answers

Open Question: Should child protective services be involved with this, or is there another organization...?

A ex-friend of mine has 4 kids, 3 disabled, one too new to tell (8, autism spectrum; 6, downs; 3, autism). She's distrustful of schools, doctors, any institution...makes enemies out of everyone...alienating playgroups, and so on. Her children rarely interact with others ("homeschooling")...the 6 and 3 y/o are behind a baby gate watching tv every time I saw them. It's her attitude towards people...she's stuck in high school (got pregnant with first at 16). Her house is filthy, she's always overwhelmed, but still wants her own 24/7 business because it's "her dream" and "why should she abandon it and look back 15 yrs. later and regret." Those are her words. Except...she created 4 responsibilities that SHOULD prevent her from a job that can take her away anytime, day/night. With a man that shows every indication that he didn't want kids (shotgun wed.). There's more detail, but I'm out of char. I fear that her children, while happy, will not get the education and high involvement they need More details. Her 8 year old is just learning letters, not reading, and she hasn't started with the 6 year old. From what I've been told, Texas homeschool laws are lax, and it lets her be lazy... Also more about the husband, they were in an off-and-on unstable relationship since 14. She's very headstrong, LOVES being pregnant and having children, loves babies, and continued to have them even after she knew that the chance of them having special needs was so high. She knew exactly what she was doing... Since there's a chance they'll move out of state, she's been keeping 'careful records' of her oldest's homeschooling...who knows. She's really good at putting up a facade of being a knowledgeable and an advocate for her children, but it falls apart if you look too deep...I don't know how far CPS goes. And I don't want them to take them out of the home, I think it would be far more detrimental in the long run...but the mother needs close supervision. @Cincy: The filthy house is not a result of the kids. Her oldest doesn't make a mess (her room is the cleanest in the house), the two boys stay in their room behind the baby gate. There's stuff piled everywhere, always trash, always nasty, smelling, moldy kitchen, while she sits on the couch...I've cleaned her living room before...it is an ongoing problem. It takes her days to clean up when she has to have people over, and it immediately goes back to where it was in days. I've been to her house in the afternoon, I've been there at two in the morning...there is no end-of-day cleanup. She NEEDS HELP in managing everything, but she is too far wrapped up in her facade of know it all advocate mommy that she won't admit she's wrong. The problem is...it's too easy to lie. She's EXCELLENT at the facade she puts up. Knows how to cover her butt REALLY well. I was hoping that there is someone to contact, like the school system...having a professional to work with them would be a GREAT start.

24 Jul 2008, 1:22 am | click here for answers

Open Question: Autism. Hereditary?

Are there any on line or other sources discussing any potential for autism being a hereditary condition.

24 Jul 2008, 2:23 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: Is there anything known as pressure therapy?

I'm interested to hear answers to this question. I have found that I am often in need of extremely deep pressure against my body in order to release tension. This sensation also makes me feel very secure. I've even asked friends to lay on top of my back with their full weight, and the comfort this provides is so intense that I feel that I could sleep this way. I know that people with Autism get great comfort from this kind of stimuli - I do not have Autism, but does my 'symptom' seem to indicate another disorder of some kind? Also, how can people like myself find something like 'pressure therapy'?

23 Jul 2008, 8:57 am | click here for answers

Open Question: my daughter has a high funtioning autism / aspergers.?

could anyone help me to locate online resources where i could get help with her education. she is 5 years old and i do not live in the united states. I would like to know if i should be coaching her special stuff to help her with academics at school. could anyone help please

22 Jul 2008, 10:56 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: How to Handle Michael Savage's Ignorance about Autism: Expose It or Ignore the Idiot?

A pretty good editorial on the subject appeared here: http://www.thedenverdailynews.com/article.php?aID=1293 I agree that he needs to be exposed.

24 Jul 2008, 8:06 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: funding for disabled kids?

my daughter's dr is concerned she may have autism spectrum disorder. her 2 yr well check is coming up and he will screen her then. i currently do not work. i want to find a job but am worried about putting my child in daycare. is there any funding i could get if she does in fact have autism and i choose to stay home with her instead of working? her father works a great job but these days it ist enough and we struggle.

23 Jul 2008, 7:16 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: I'm confused what degree to chose??

I've been training to be a Chartered Accountant.. I'm only 20 + all my work experience has been in accounts since I left college at 17.. Accounts have never felt right, but the money + career oppurtunities are amazing, so I stayed.. It's not right for me + I want to leave with work with disabeled children/young adults.. I know I'll probably have to start at the bottom, having no work experience + qualifications in that area.. However I grew up with a severly mentally + physically disabeled sister, so feel I have ALOT of personal experience when it comes to serebal pausey + autism. I'm looking to do a degree with the open uni.. There's SO many.. I don't even know what one to chose.. I'd love to become a special needs teacher, so what one do I need to go for? What area? Most carer roles after for an NVQ 4.. Would a degree be better than getting what they're asking for as it's higher? I'm so confused + the Uni will be closing soon till next term :( I don't think you read the question properly Sir Newton :S

23 Jul 2008, 5:53 am | click here for answers

Resolved Question: Gambling how does this effect your personality ..?

is it linked to any other predisposition i.e. autism .. or some other problems with personality ?

24 Jul 2008, 4:17 am | click here for answers

Open Question: My child has asperger syndrome?

My son was recently diagnosed with asperger syndrome by a licensed psychologist and psychiatrist. In addition to this he is being treated for anxiety disorder. He is 13 years old and a rising 8th grader. For the last few years I have noticed that he was somewhat different than the typical child his age. He is of average intelligence (IQ 105) however, he is shy around groups and has a hard time initiating friendships, he doesn't like for his routine to be changed, and he is sensitive to loud noises (such as lunch time at school) he is easily agitated with noises and a very picky eater. I guess my question is would this be considered a disability like autism? I worry about his future and his being able to cope in the real world. With the quirks that he has he may not be able to hold a real job. How can I plan for the future and how do I help him understand his diagnosis?

24 Jul 2008, 7:37 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: I'm trying to find autistic or aspergers syndrome women?

I know a few young men with autism and aspergers but I'm looking for some autistic or aspergers women, there are less women with autism or aspergers but there are some where can I find them? one apsergers guy I know wants a girlfriend but non aspergers women find him to be weird, so I figure he's better suited with another aspergers but where can aspergers women be found? he asked me and I don't know

25 Jul 2008, 12:01 am | click here for answers

Open Question: Could my nephew be autistic?

My husband (a former social worker with master's in psych) and I (a nursing student) have been concerned about our nephew for the past year. He just turned 2, here are the things that have worried us regarding autism: Repetitively playing with wood chips at the playground instead of playing on equipment, banging/throwing toys instead of playing with them, only says 3 words or so and has stopped saying some words he knew before, head butts constantly to the point where he has a permanent bruise, does not respond to discipline or correction at all- repeats the behavior. We don't want to label him but I am worried and want him to have intervention as early as possible if he needs it. His parents refused to get him vaccinated and he has not been to the doctor since 12mos. (They said they'll get around to a checkup soon- they just don't think it's a big deal since he doesn't receive shots) He is responsive/interactive with people so I think it may be mild autism...but still concerned.

25 Jul 2008, 8:33 am | click here for answers

Resolved Question: Do you agree that Talk Radio Network should fire Michael Savage?

Renowned hate monger, Michael Savage, has taken on autism as his latest target. Conservatives as well as liberals should be outraged and should let Talk Radio Network know. Do you agree with NCDR that this is hate speech and Savage should be fired? See: http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnw/20080721/pl_usnw/_talk_radio_network_should_fire_michael_savage___says_disability_rights_coalition If you do, have you let them know? Are you satisfied with Talk Radio Network's response? See: http://www.savageonautism.com/ Note to Shnagem: Free speech, even under the 1st Amendment, is not absolute. Their are exceptions for defamation, incitement to crime, "fighting words," obscenity, hate speech, etc. Do you believe your employer could not fire you if you went around uttering obscenities, insults to co-workers, bigoted remarks, threats, hate speech directed at people with disabilities, etc.? That's what's at issue here. Note to Shnagem: Free speech, even under the 1st Amendment, is not absolute. There are exceptions for defamation, incitement to crime, "fighting words," obscenity, hate speech, etc. Do you believe your employer could not fire you if you went around uttering obscenities, insults to co-workers, bigoted remarks, threats, hate speech directed at people with disabilities, etc.? That's what's at issue here.

24 Jul 2008, 11:36 am | click here for answers

Open Question: Is there truth, to Michael Savage's advice for parents of Autistic Children?

Michael Savage the Radio Host, Claims that most Autistic Children just need to be told to stop acting like they do. Could there be truth that Autism is way way over diagnosed and many of these kids just need parents to strongly teach them to not act that way?

23 Jul 2008, 11:19 am | click here for answers

Open Question: What do you Think of Micheal Savage's Comment on Druging Autism?!?

I've listened to Micheal Savage's Radio Show every now and then. He sounds like an Intelligent man, who tells the Truth about people in this Country. Sometimes he goes Overboard, but he Really is right about what is Happening, and what should be Done. What is the Deal with CNN, and their Sick Re-Statement about what Micheal Savage siad about Autism & Drugs?!? Maybe the Media should actually Take some Advice for once!! Nancy Peloci is a PERFECT Example of Drugs & Possible Autism. I think that the Media is Really going Too Far to Destroy Good, Smart People in this Nation. The Media CLEARLY Hates America, because they try to ruin people that are Trying to Save what is left of this Nation. Savage is the Only Conservative Radio Talkshow Host with Real Balls!!!! And that is a Fact!! ;) Asumo, YOUR DEAD WRONG!! You didn't even HEAR or Understand what he siad!! Savage was talking about how DOCTORS are Over Druging Autistic Kids!! And it's True!! Wake Up!!

23 Jul 2008, 12:04 am | click here for answers

Open Question: Recently U.of Boston came up with a new treatment for Autism.May I have some info on it?Thank you.?

Would like to know more about the recent developments in thisarea.

23 Jul 2008, 10:07 am | click here for answers

Open Question: How to get through the rough patches of being a Special Ed Teacher?

I am a special education teacher (1 on 1) at a private school strictly for children with severe autism. This is my first job in the special education field since graduating college, and I've been at the school I work at for approximately one year. I absolutely love my job - my students are extremely precious to me and watching the small strides they make towards success and general understanding is one of life's greatest gifts. Recently, I've been especially overwhelmed. I've been working a great deal with a wonderful, yet extremeley challenging child. He is so very intelligent but also extremeley aggressive. I've been going home with severe bites and bruises all over my body nearly every day. It's hard to vent to friends and family that don't work with me because they really don't seem to fully understand. Lately, I've been on the verge of tears every time I go home from work. I really just want some advice from those who understand this field and have any words of advice. Thank you for all the advice - it truliy means a lot. Also, to clarify, all of our students have behavior plans - we practice ABA and use a token economy for positive reinforcement.

22 Jul 2008, 10:54 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: Why isn't the autism waiver program adequately funded?

For those of you that don't know, the autism waiver is a social program that provides autistic children with the therapeutic services that they need. The number of children that can be helped is limited due to "lack of funding". In many parts of the U.S., there are many autistic children who do not receive waiver services. When will this finally change? Politicians are quick to spend money on the war on terror, israel, darfur, etc. But what about America? Have they forgotten that there are also Americans who are in desperate need of help?

24 Jul 2008, 12:05 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: How to help autistic child understand stealing is wrong?

My 4 year old daughter has been diagnosed with high functioning autism. We are managing ok. The latest problem is taking things from stores. She will just put things in her pockets and walk off with them. Basicaly now everytime before we leave the store I check her pockets to make sure nothing leaves the store without being paid for. She just generaly doesn't understand that it is wrong. With my other children all it took was having to apologize to the manager but not this time. PLEASE HELP ME! I am not saying it is an autistic behavior She just can't seem to understand it is wrong and yes my daughter took something from the store when she was 6 and hasn't done it again.

24 Jul 2008, 3:57 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: What is autism?

My mother worked with adults with mental retardation when I was a child, so I know about people with handicaps, however I have never understood autism. I know (because I've been told) that it is not the same as MR. I've seen people with autism who both seem capable of being relatable, and others who seem severly disabled. Can someone explain to me what exactly autism is? I'm very confused by it...

23 Jul 2008, 1:08 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: Does anyone have any suggestion on any?

methods to control autism?

22 Jul 2008, 10:38 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: Does anyone know where autism comes from?

I am a 17-year-old mildly autistic guy. I wasn't born with it, but when I was 3, I was diagnosed with it. According to something my sister found, it was from a failed shot that my doctor gave me which possibly I think messed up one of my chromosomes and I think that's how it happened...at least I think that's what my sister says. My autism isn't all that bad, but from it I gained the ability of hyperlexia. Does anyone know what that is? I do, but I want to know if anyone else does. I've asked soldiers serving our country and I've asked lots of teachers and a lot of other smart people and they have absolutely no idea what it is. But the real question is does anyone know where autism comes from.

25 Jul 2008, 6:58 am | click here for answers

Resolved Question: MMR vaccines.?

my 16month old son scheduled his MMR vaccine this day... do i need to give him paracetamol before going to the doctor... ive heard that MMR could cause autism.. is it true? im worried! do he have fever after a shot?

23 Jul 2008, 11:01 pm | click here for answers

Resolved Question: does a child net to be offically diagnosed with autism to receive Manatee co. school placement at 3?

Instead of going to a autistic school I wanted to place my son in Manatee co schools at 3 and soon is his evaluation. What pointers can anyone give me. and what official diagnosis does he really need. I am fearful of the official Autism label he has PDD for now. He of coarse ages out of early steps and needs continual schooling and I have heard great things about the school system. Any advice and help would be appreciated

24 Jul 2008, 10:10 am | click here for answers

Open Question: Movie or Activity Recommendations for Teen Vocations Group?

I work with a number of teenagers who have a variety of abilities-- most of them have Autism, some are non-verbal, some have difficulty writing, and all of them love to dance. However, my program is supposed to focus on vocations, which is often difficult to do because we've already gone over how to fill out applications, write resumes, talk to employers, sell things.... a million times. We've come up with a few engaging projects, like creating a "Jobs" board game, watching RoadTrip Nation and Dirty Jobs, even having a few guest speakers, but lately we've been resorting to "vocational frisbee" and "vocational hangman" to fill up our time. Do you have any recommendations for movies you like (that have to do with fun jobs), board games, community activities, or activities in general that are effective for a group of young men learning about working after high school? Activities we have already done in the last month: * Cooking projects (mostly nachos, cookies, etc... this is our "backup" in case staff can't come up with anything to do) * Field Trip to local fire station to meet with firefighters * Field Trip to Restaurant, where the waitress explained different jobs at a restaurant * Selling concessions at local community center * Gone to area businesses to ask for applications * Filled out applications *Made a "vocations" board game * Had a guest speaker come talk about his work as an artist and teacher * Watched Dirty Jobs, RoadTrip Nation, and videos on resume-building, interviews, etc (unfortunately my teens generally can't grasp the concepts of these last movies....) My main problem is that each of my students is at such a different level of ability, it is hard to provide an activity that engages them all (especially the non-verbal students who don't sign). I'm running out of creative ideas!

24 Jul 2008, 7:45 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: A question aboutAutism or Sensory Problems?

I got custody of my son not to long ago. He has been evaluated and said to need speech therapy. His behavior seems destructive to me but I don't know if it is a result of autism or sensory problems. He does things like laugh a lot to himself, jump around, throws very important objects in water that has cost me a lot of money. If any one has any info on this or if sounds familiar please leave a reply. Thanks in advance. His age is 3.

23 Jul 2008, 4:21 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: newborn baby immunizations and autism?

wish i could find a reliable schedual w my autism concerns

23 Jul 2008, 12:40 am | click here for answers

Resolved Question: Is Michael Savage an expert on autism?

http://autism.freedomblogging.com/2008/07/21/michael-savage/ Michael Savage believes that 99% of all children who are diagnosed with autism are "brats". Hmm...I wonder where he gets his statistics! Madea: You're right. The First Amendment gives him the right to make an a*s of himself!:)

24 Jul 2008, 8:42 am | click here for answers

Open Question: 21 month old and autism?

I have a 21 month old son. He has a vocabulary of about 40 words, all mostly nouns. For example, when he sees shoes, he says "shoes" or when he wants to watch Dora, he says "Boots". When we ask him to say something he will usually repeat it. For example, when he wants juice and he points to the cabinet, i say "do you want some juice" he repeats "juice". His eye contact is pretty good. He is semi-interested in children, but prefers to play rough than to play with toys with another child. He does not always respond to his name or requests that are made to him. A friend of mine asked me if he had his hearing checked because of the way he reacts when you talk to him sometimes. He likes to play pat-a-cake and is affectionate. He does have an affection for wheels and likes to play with his cars and watch the wheels turn. He is in speech therapy through our states early intervention. Everyone (including 2 pediatricians & speech) says he is not autistic but I am still concerned. well, i am not sure if i am overreacting or not. my speech therapist sees about 20 autistic kids a week and keeps telling me i have nothing to worry about. it is just very scary! this week he started hiding a toy and asking "where did it go?". i am just so confused!

23 Jul 2008, 3:05 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: where do you find out infomation on the numbers of kids with aspergers and autism caused by imunisation inject

24 Jul 2008, 11:38 am | click here for answers

Open Question: Parents with autistic children and playdates?

My son is 9 years old (getting ready to go into 4th grade), he has high functioning autism. I was wondering for anyone who has a child with autism, how do you "plan" your playdates? Do you have set activities for the kids to do or do your just let them do whatever they want, go from one activity to the next? With my typical daughter, I just let her and her friend do whatever they feel like playing. I am just not sure what to do about my son. Any thoughts or opinions would be most welcome and helpful. Thanks in advance....

24 Jul 2008, 7:34 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: my cousin still wont talk to me.?

I resently got married,and my cousin house had lice two weeks before the wedding.the only reason i know this is my maid of honour saw her buying treatment for her 2 kids.we invited 30 kids all under the age of ten from all over Canada.My husband a few days before the wedding went to check the family for lice,as my cousin doesnt clean up properly.they had lice 6 times last year.we were scared of people at the wedding getting it from them.the kids ended up being fine.the mom and pregnant 18 yr old had eggs in their hair.We phoned puplic health about it anf they said its not a good idea for them to come.My cousin was upset.which i dont blame her but what could i do about it.Shes now mad that I the bride didnt pick up her 8 yr old and 6 yr which has autism and bring them and watch them all nite.its that unrealistic.her sisters boyfriend was supose to take all of them to the wedding, a hotel room was booked for all of them,but they cancelled and the boyfriend didnt want to go. she now has all of my families ph # blocked and email as well.how can I get this fighting to stop.She wants we to apolagize for not takeing the kids.but we had no one to watch them.I dont think I should say sorry I didnt cause the problem.

23 Jul 2008, 9:49 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: Son diagnosed with asperger syndrome?

My son was recently diagnosed with asperger syndrome by a licensed psychologist and psychiatrist. In addition to this he is being treated for anxiety disorder. He is 13 years old and a rising 8th grader. For the last few years I have noticed that he was somewhat different than the typical child his age. He is of average intelligence (IQ 105) however, he is shy around groups and has a hard time initiating friendships, he doesn't like for his routine to be changed, and he is sensitive to loud noises (such as lunch time at school) he is easily agitated with noises and a very picky eater. I guess my question is would this be considered a disability like autism? I worry about his future and his being able to cope in the real world. With the quirks that he has he may not be able to hold a real job. How can I plan for the future and how do I help him understand his diagnosis?

24 Jul 2008, 7:34 pm | click here for answers

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