by IABA Team | Jul 27, 2021
Those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a more difficult time communicating compared to those who present as neurotypical. Communication isn’t just words and speaking. It’s reading body language, facial expressions, and gestures. All of this makes a conversation happen and conversations would be dull and hard to understand without them.
Autistic people have a hard time reading these cues leading to social misunderstandings. A new study just published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that autistic people seem to have an inability to recognize anger in faces. This was interesting because it seemed that anger was a specific emotion that was frequently misunderstood. There wasn’t any problem recognizing more positive emotions.
Autism is Not an Impairment
Ph.D. researcher Connor Keating wrote in a news press suggesting that the description of autism as an impairment would be incorrect. The corresponding news release for this study reads, “It’s more that autistic and non-autistic faces may be speaking a different language when it comes to conveying emotion.”
Keating explains another theory called the “double empathy problem” as a reason why these communication boundaries exist. As explained by the National Autistic Society, this is when two people with very different backgrounds communicate with each other and will lack empathy for each other. We base our social interactions on our past experiences and these experiences are so different for autistic people and neurotypical people.
This will break down the interaction and frustrate both the autistic person and the neurotypical person. It makes perfect sense that socializing between the two will have some challenges.
The Challenges of ASD Communication
Autistic people can often come across as rude and have a misunderstanding of basic social cues compared to neurotypicals. Having empathy for one another would ease conservation for both parties. This study suggests that autistic people and neurotypical people are simply missing each other’s signals. With facial expressions, autistic people see them differently but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong.
School social worker Jen Elcheson has autism and has firsthand experience with not recognizing anger. She explained this by writing in an MSN article that any subtle signs of anger on a face she couldn’t recognize. Unless the anger was outwardly expressed, Elcheson wouldn’t pick up on it and continue to anger whoever she was with.
It took many years for her to understand the problem and work around it. Elcheson also shared that she doesn’t have these problems with other autistic individuals. She says it’s like they seem to understand each other. Elcheson agrees with Dr. Keating’s findings and finds validation in them.
ABA Therapy from IABA Consultants
If you have questions regarding autism treatment with ABA therapy, we are here for you! Our goal is to make sure no family is turned away due to financial constraints. Our therapy team would love to talk to you. Find the location closest to you and give us a call. We’re here for you.
Sources: National Autistic Society, Moms.com
by IABA Team | Jul 21, 2021
We know that finding good resources to help understand and learn about autism can be hard to find. There aren’t a lot of comprehensive resources on the internet, which can make it difficult to get information without consulting a professional. But what if you want to do a bit of research before contacting a therapist, doctor, or other Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) professional?
Thankfully there are some great resources available on the web if you know where to look. We put together a list of some of the best ASD resources on the web so you can start your research by going to the site with the best information for your specific needs.
Each of the following resources will be classified by a category to make it easier for you to find what you need. The ASD categories we will be using are general information, screening & testing, pediatric ASD resources, teen ASD resources, and important links.
We will provide information and brief summaries on each resource so you’ll have an idea of what information the site provides before going in. Feel free to skip to the category you are looking for information on; this article doesn’t necessarily need to be read from start to finish. That being said, the general information links are great resources for most ASD-related topics and questions.
General ASD Resources
These resources provide general ASD information and can be thought of as overviews. The sites in this section will focus on ASD as a whole; symptoms, when to test, where to go, options, FAQs, and other broad ASD-related information.
CDC ASD Information
CDC ASD Information & Resources
The CDC ASD is probably the best place to start for general information and answers to your questions. The information provided by the CDC is one of the most comprehensive ASD resources on the internet.
Topics the CDC provides information on include:
- What is ASD?
- ASD screening & diagnosis
- Treatments
- Research & tracking
- Data & statistics
- ASD-related articles
- Materials & multimedia
- Community reports
There is information on just about every general ASD-related topic available on the CDC website. Starting your journey here will give you a great general overview about what ASD is and what you can do to help.
Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks Website
Autism Speaks has some great information on what ASD is and provides resources & articles on many broad topics. The CDC provides a link to the Autism Speaks website, as it goes more in-depth on more specific ASD topics like finding therapy or treatment in your area, associated symptoms, screening, and fundraising.
Autism Speaks has been the target of some criticism due to their former goal of ‘curing’ autism. Their focus has shifted over the years, however, and their website remains a great resource for getting information and promoting awareness about ASD.
ASD Screening & Testing Resources
Screening & testing is the most important step in diagnosing ASD. The resources in this section provide lists, links, and more that can help you find ASD screening and testing in your area. The first section, CDC screening & diagnosis, goes over what to expect and how to prepare for an ASD screening.
CDC Autism Screening & Testing
CDC ASD Screening & Testing
The CDC page on ASD screening & testing is the best place to learn about general practices and procedures. The information provided by the CDC on this page is a generalized overview, but it has enough information to get you started on where to look and what to look for.
The Autism Community in Action Finding a Doctor
TACA Finding an ASD Doctor
This link starts with a more in-depth look at what to expect during ASD screening & testing followed by several links to help find a doctor in your area. The focus of this page is providing information that will help you get the treatment you are looking for.
The TACA Finding a Doctor page does a great job of explaining what you should look for and what to avoid when selecting an ASD doctor. Further information includes how to avoid getting stuck with unpaid costs from your insurance company and resources to help with this.
This is a fantastic resource if you are unfamiliar with billing practices related to ASD therapy or treatment. The links provided to find a doctor or, specifically, a functional medicine doctor can also help you to start your journey on the right path.
Pediatric ASD Resources
Autism therapy is commonly associated with children, as early childhood is the best time to diagnose and start treatment for ASD. Many of the ASD resources available on the internet focus primarily on childhood ASD and available treatments. We wanted to share a few of the more comprehensive options available if you are starting your search for pediatric ASD information.
Healthline Autism Doctors
Healthline Doctors Who Specialize in Autism
This short article contains a list of all the questions you should ask your child’s doctor about ASD and related treatments. The article gives a list of screenings & tests your doctor may use to determine if ASD is a concern.
While this article is short it is still a fantastic resource for parents who want to know more about how doctors diagnose ASD. The questions and lists provided in this article will help you prepare for what to ask your doctor and what you should expect during an ASD screening.
Verywell Health Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians
Verywell Health Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians Article
Like the Healthline link above, the Verywell Health Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians article provides a short but informative look into ASD pediatricians.
Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians (DBPs) are board-accredited pediatricians that have specialty training and certification that can help diagnose ASD. DBPs are some of the most experienced pediatricians when it comes to diagnosing and developing a treatment plan for ASD.
This article does a great job outlining the differences between a DBP and a traditional pediatrician, as well as where to find a trusted DBP in your area.
Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics: ASD
AAP Identification, Evaluation, & Management of Children with ASD
This is a dense article written by several doctors for a medical journal. This bold warning is not meant to turn you away from this resource–just that it is a lot of information on one page.
Written in 2020, this AAP journal provides a comprehensive look into what ASD is, how it is identified & evaluated, and how to manage it. The information provided goes over many topics and is a great modern look into how doctors look at ASD and how they recommend managing it.
This journal can be downloaded as a PDF for easier reading, as the journal itself may be hard to navigate on a mobile phone.
Recommended reading if you really want to get insight into current medical information on ASD.
Teen ASD Resources
Information on ASD in teens and young adults can be more difficult to find than its pediatric counterpart. The two links in this section represent great places to start if you are looking for ASD information focused specifically on teens and/or young adults.
CDC ASD in Teens and Young Adults
CDC Teens & Young Adults with ASD
The shortest of our CDC links, this page is a brief overview of ASD in teens and young adults. Information on this page includes the difficulties teens and young adults with ASD may encounter and how to help. There are several links to help you get started on finding help and other resources for teen & young adult ASD.
SAP Counseling for Teens and Young Adults with ASD
SAP Teens & Young Adults with ASD
We wanted to include this counseling resource for teens and young adults with ASD. Teens and young adults have different things to worry about than children and this article takes an in-depth look at counseling and therapy. Teens and young adults with ASD may have difficulties adapting socially and this article gives information, options, and resources to help with this.
ASD Resource Links
The last section of this article will provide several large lists of ASD resources. These links will provide you with a great list of resources to get you started on finding the ASD information you are looking for.
CDC ASD Links
CDC ASD Links & Resources
This list from the CDC provides links to some important ASD resources on the web. The links lead to sites that talk about everything from diagnosis to finding treatment in your area. Each link has a description explaining what the linked site specializes in.
Reading Rockets Top Autism Organizations & Resources
Reading Rockets Top ASD Resources
This is a great list of ASD resources from a site focused primarily on encouraging children to read. The links on the Reading Rockets list include general information, articles for professionals, and financial aid information. A great resource from an unexpected source; all the links have descriptions about what they are about.
ABA Therapy from IABA Consultants
The information provided above is subject to change and the links are not owned by or associated with Instructional ABA consultants. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the above links, please let us know! Likewise, if you have any great ASD resources that we are missing, send them our way–we want to provide information and starting points for everyone who needs help with ASD.
If you have questions regarding autism treatment with ABA therapy, we are here for you! Our goal is to make sure no family is turned away due to financial constraints. Our therapy team would love to talk to you. Find the location closest to you and give us a call. We’re here for you.
by IABA Team | Jul 20, 2021
Because “high-functioning autism” isn’t an official diagnosis, the term can be hard to fully define. According to the team at VeryWell Health, however, the term can mean any of the following:
- A person with mild autism symptoms who still meets the criteria for diagnosis
- A person on the autism spectrum whose IQ score is above 70
- A person with autism who can successfully navigate typical school or work environments
- A person who passes as neurotypical by masking their symptoms
- A person who previously qualified for an Asperger syndrome diagnosis
As professionals continue to recognize these milder or “high-functioning” people on the autism spectrum, more children receive an autism diagnosis. However, it can be hard to know if your child meets the criteria if you don’t know what to look for.
A poll conducted with several ABA therapists says these 10 signs are most commonly associated with autism, especially a case that is considered high functioning:
- Emotional Sensitivity
- Fixation on Particular Subjects or Ideas
- Linguistic Oddities
- Social Difficulties
- Problems Processing Physical Sensations
- Devotion to Routines
- Development of Repetitive or Restrictive Habits
- Dislike of Change
- Focus on Self
- Unusual Movement Patterns
Because autism spectrum disorder is such a broad diagnosis, it’s important to remember that not all of the signs need to be present for diagnosis, and many of these signs can look very different from person to person. This is why the diagnosis process is so important.
What to Do if You Think Your Child has High-Functioning Autism
If you suspect your child falls on the autism spectrum, you may feel scared, overwhelmed, or unsure of what to do next. This is all very normal for any parent whose child is receiving a disability diagnosis, so don’t worry.
It’s important to recognize any feelings you may be experiencing and also learn to compartmentalize them as you work towards receiving a diagnosis for your child.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, you’ll first need to share your concerns about your child’s behaviors with their pediatrician. From there, your pediatrician will put in the orders for a full assessment to be completed. These assessments are usually done by an entire team of professionals in multiple parts. The testing will include both observations of your child and questions for you to complete.
What to do if Your Child Qualifies for an ASD Diagnosis
If your child qualifies for an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, the next steps may include scheduled appointments with therapists and other specialists and the development of a treatment plan.
In many cases, this team includes a speech therapist, occupational therapist, and a psychologist or psychiatrist. You can also opt to try applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, but many people in the autism community have mixed feelings about this therapy.
If your child is under the age of three, they may qualify for early intervention programs from your state or local government. If your child is over the age of three, they will likely qualify for special education services from your local school district and may even have the option to enroll in an early start or pre-kindergarten program specifically designed for children with IEPs.
Even children with high-functioning autism require some interventions and special needs. There’s nothing wrong with a child on the autism spectrum, and you can absolutely give your child the tools they need to succeed.
It’s important to recognize early signs of autism, even if your child appears to communicate and meet developmental milestones since early intervention can really help.
ABA Therapy from IABA Consultants
If you have questions regarding autism treatment with ABA therapy, we are here for you! Our goal is to make sure no family is turned away due to financial constraints. Our therapy team would love to talk to you. Find the location closest to you and give us a call. We’re here for you.
Sources: Moms.com
by IABA Team | Jul 13, 2021
Any parent of more than one child can tell you that no two kids ever act exactly the same. However, there are lots of behaviors and developmental milestones that are considered normal for young children. But what happens when your child’s behaviors or actions seem to fall outside of that norm?
It’s entirely possible that your child may have a condition like autism spectrum disorder. In fact, they may even have a mild form of autism that causes them to appear high-functioning enough to make diagnosis difficult.
What Is High-Functioning Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental condition that is often diagnosed during early childhood. According to the American Psychiatric Association, people on the autism spectrum deal with persistent challenges related to social interactions, especially related to verbal and nonverbal communication. Children on the autism spectrum also use restricted or repetitive behaviors.
Although high-functioning autism isn’t an official diagnosis, many professionals use the term when discussing people with autism who can speak, write, and perform all of the basic life skills needed to live independently. Prior to 2013, this diagnosis was called Asperger syndrome, but that term is no longer used. Now, even mild or “high-functioning” autism falls under the umbrella of autism spectrum disorder.
Even though autism can vary from person to person, those with even the mildest diagnosis can still struggle with reading social cues and making friends. They may even shut down or avoid certain social situations because of the discomfort they experience. They may also follow a very strict routine and have problems when that routine is disrupted, which can make some work situations difficult.
High-Functioning Autism Can be Hard to Define
Until 2013, many people who might be said to have high-functioning autism were diagnosed with either Asperger’s syndrome or PDD-NOS (pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified).
But, there are differences that set those two diagnoses apart: As of 2013, with the publication of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), neither PDD-NOS nor Asperger’s syndrome is an official diagnostic category in the United States. Both are now included under the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Those on the higher-functioning end of the spectrum are said to have “Level 1 ASD.”
Asperger’s syndrome was a distinct diagnosis that described a person of average or higher-than-average intelligence and age-appropriate language skills who also had significant social and communication challenges. PDD-NOS was a catch-all diagnosis. Often understood to mean the same thing as “high-functioning autistic,” it really incorporated individuals at all functional levels whose symptoms didn’t fully correlate with classic autism.
Perhaps more significantly, people with Asperger’s syndrome often had different symptoms than people with higher IQs and autism. For example, anxiety was often a symptom of Asperger’s syndrome but not one shared by everyone who might be described as having HFA.
The Challenges of High-Functioning Autism
Autism is a puzzle—not because individuals with autism are so puzzling, but because the ever-changing definitions of autism can lead to a lack of clarity.
Not only are the definitions changing but so are the social expectations that make high functioning autism so challenging. In the past, face-to-face communication was the key to personal success; today, many people with social challenges are more than capable of interacting with others online, making friends through social media, and even holding down a job at a distance.
ABA Therapy from IABA Consultants
If you have questions regarding autism treatment with ABA therapy, we are here for you! Our goal is to make sure no family is turned away due to financial constraints. Our therapy team would love to talk to you. Find the location closest to you and give us a call. We’re here for you.
Sources: Very Well Health, Moms.com
by IABA Team | Jul 6, 2021
Children with autism who work with Board Certified Behavior Analysts in a therapeutic ABA setting learn skills that help them function independently. These kids never work in a vacuum, since the long-term goal is the effective transfer of these skills from the ABA therapy center to their wider world.
In fact, ABA therapy can be more satisfying and effective when the whole family gets involved.
What Does Family Support for Autism Look Like?
Family support can include a wide range of elements, and each family needs something unique.
Potty training is a great example. Often, children find success in clinical settings but not as much in their home environment. Clinicians can work with parents to develop a plan that extends into a child’s home and school life.
With a goal to promote independence across all environments, therapists work with families to increase effective communication between parents, siblings, and the child with autism.
Oftentimes children won’t have developed language skills and ABA therapists come up with a communication system that parents can use. Whether it’s verbal, limited sign language, or picture exchanges, these methods can be used at home.
Parent-Therapist Communication
Maintaining therapeutic practices at home and not just in clinical settings is crucial for ABA therapy to have a life-changing impact.
Family involvement can start with the simple process of sharing with parents what the child is working on in the ABA therapy setting. As new families get familiar with the basics of ABA therapy, it really helps them understand what they can do at home, like how to respond to tantrums.
In some cases, just having help in creating a morning or nighttime routine can make all the difference to everyone in the family. Ideally, parents and families make time to meet or talk with therapists on a weekly basis, though many parents have busy schedules.
ABA Therapy from IABA Consultants
If you have questions regarding autism treatment with ABA therapy, we are here for you! Our goal is to make sure no family is turned away due to financial constraints. Our therapy team would love to talk to you. Find the location closest to you and give us a call. We’re here for you.
Sources: Chicago Parent Magazine
