Pervasive Developmental Disorder | Our Special Families Village

From the Archives – Inspired by Carly’s Voice

Due to some scheduling snafu’s and a technical glitch, I don’t have an interview for you this week. I do however, want to share three interviews from the archives.

I’m listening to the audio version of Carly’s Voice, an absolutely stunning book about a young woman with Autism. Technology allowed her to share herself with us and I think we are only beginning to see the changes her words will bring.

Listening to this book reminds me of three interviews I have done that I want share again, in case you missed them.

One is with Tyler Burke of Provider Search Directory. Tyler’s service helps families connect with people and services and as Carly’ story demonstrates, finding the right fit is so incredibly important. Listen here.

The second interview is with Dr. Mueller of Stimulus Publications. Dr. Mueller and I talk about what ABA, Applied Behavior Analysis, is and how to work with your child’s IEP Team to help your child. I think ABA had a significant impact on Carly and allowed her the glimpse the possible. Listen here.

The third interview is with Garrett Butch of Maximum Potential Kids. Garrett and I talked about ABA from a parent’s point of view. Clearly ABA gave Carly’s parent’s hope and let them see the possibilities. Listen here.

Please let us know your thoughts and any questions you may have. You can just leave a comment or if you want to keep it private, go to out Contact Page and fill out the form.

Next week I will post an interview with an author who has a very unique way of helping other’s meet your child. Stay tuned!

Enjoy!

Sandra

P.S Click here to find more Interviews.

P.P.S Are you interested in being interviewed or being a guest writer? Contact me here, please.

Filed Under: Interviews Tagged With: Advocacy, Asperger's Syndrome, Autism, Autism Spectrum, Behavioral Consultants, Behavioral Therapy, IEP, Inclusion Programs, Medical Research, Parenting Special Needs Kids, PDD, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Special Education, Special Needs Kids, Special Needs Support, Speech and Language Therapy

Autism/PDD – The News You Need This Week (2/27/12)

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For Previous Articles, Please Click Here.

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Autism Treatment Network – Tools you can Use

Some really excellent tools here – including help for parents whose ASD kids don’t sleep well!

Since its inception the ATN has been about helping parents and professionals to manage the wide range of health related concerns that are commonly associated with autism spectrum disorders.

There’s just so much we don’t know…

Study Compares Traits of Autism, Schizophrenia

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia are distinct disorders with unique characteristics, but they share similarities in social dysfunction. For many years, this similarity resulted in confusion in diagnosis. Many young people with ASD were thought to have a childhood version of schizophrenia, said Dr. Noah Sasson, assistant professor in the UT Dallas School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences.

Meds for Autism Not Well Understood: Study

“Also striking are the high rates of antipsychotic, antidepressant/anti-anxiety and stimulant medication use in these youths,” Shattuck said. “Additional studies examining the treatment of core and associated [autism spectrum disorder] symptoms are needed to guide the treatment of these kids.”

Training parents is good medicine for children with autism behavior problems

Based on these findings, Scahill and his team are now conducting a study that uses parent trainingas a stand-alone strategy in treating younger children with autism spectrum disorders. This study is being conducted at Yale and four other medical centers across the country. The investigators also plan to publish the parent training manuals as a way to share this intervention with the public.

Brain of infants with autism differs

“The difference in the trajectory of brain development between the two groups was dramatic between six and 24 months,” Piven said in a statement. “This suggests that the period from 6 to 24 months — when behavioral studies suggest the symptoms of autism are first appearing — is a period of dramatic brain changes in autism spectrum disorders.”

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Filed Under: Autism/PDD, Information and Resources Tagged With: Asperger's Syndrome, Autism, Autism Spectrum, PDD, Pervasive Developmental Disorder

Interview with Connie Hammer of Parent Coaching for Autism

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Connie Hammer

Welcome to my interview with Connie Hammer of Parent Coaching for Autism. Connie is a Certified Parent Coach and focuses her services on helping parents of young children recently diagnosed with autism.

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Listen here or right click to download.

“Think less about what to do and more about how to be” – Connie Hammer

For more about Connie and her services, please visit Parenting Coach for Autism. She has some excellent resources on her site, including a free eCourse, 3 Secrets to Thrive, and her weekly newsletter.

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Enjoy,