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Know Autism – Know Your Child: with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker; 2023

Continuation of UNIT #3 Cognition has been posted. ​Also, see Social Skills under #3 Social & Daily Living.  Go to MENU
​
There will be 7 UNITS Posted, eventually. This is a labor of 'love' in the hope that this 'sharing' will help those in need. 

FREE BOOK Download
Go to MENU
There will be 7 UNITS Posted, eventually. This is a labor of 'love' in the hope that this 'sharing' will help those in need.  Here are the UNITS ~

Know Autism – Know Your Child: with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker; 2023
 
UNIT 1 – How Will I Know?
 
INTRODUCTION
     CHAPTER 1 – Checklists
     CHAPTER 2 – Red Flags
     CHAPTER 3 –Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
         PART 1. Developmental Screening
Unit 1 – REFERENCES
Unit 1 – APPENDIX A Informal Checklist
 
UNIT 2  Why Is It Autism?
   INTRODUCTION
      CHAPTER 1 – Diagnosis & DSM-5 Diagnostic and    
         Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fifth Edition;   
         published in 2013 by the American Psychiatric
         Association (APA)
      CHAPTER 2 – Denial & Misdiagnosis
      CHAPTER 3 – Doctors & Direction
UNIT 2 – REFERENCES
UNIT 2 – APPENDICES
 
UNIT 3  Which Is Most Concerning?
   INTRODUCTION
      CHAPTER 1 – Gross & Fine Motor Skills
         PART 1. Poor Eating
         PART 2. Toilet Training
      CHAPTER 2 – Speech & Communication (Including  
                                     nonverbal)
      CHAPTER 3 – Cognition & Temperament/Personality
UNIT 3 – REFERENCES
UNIT 3 – APPENDICES
 
UNIT 4  When Is It Sensory?
                   
   INTRODUCTION
      CHAPTER 1 – Sensory Issues
         PART 1.
            a. Sensory Defensiveness
           b. Sensory Avoidance
      CHAPTER 2 – Sensory Categories
         PART 1. HYPO-ACTIVITY
         PART 2. HYPER-ACTIVITY
         PART 3. SIRS (Sensory Interests, Repetitions,  
                                  & Seeking behaviors)
            a. Sensory Interests       
               a. 1.  SIBs Self-Injurious Behaviors.
           b. Repetitious Behavior
           c. Seeking Behavior
         PART 4. Enhanced Perception APPENDIX
      CHAPTER 3 – Sensory Integration
         PART 1. Sensory System
         PART 2. Sensory Profile
         PART 3. Sensory Diet
            a. Brushing Techniques
         PART 4. Sensory Room
UNIT 4 – REFERENCES
UNIT 4 – APPENDICES
 
UNIT 5  Who Is Your Child?
  
   INTRODUCTION
      CHAPTER 1 – Getting to Know Your Child and 
                               Yourself
      CHAPTER 2 – Working on Daily Living Skills aka
                             Getting Started with Concerns
      CHAPTER 3 – Determining Social & Personal  
                               Awareness
      CHAPTER 4 – Understanding A Child’s Thinking
         PART 1. Learning Strengths
         PART 2. Learning Weaknesses
UNIT 5 – REFERENCES
UNIT 5 – APPENDICES
 
UNIT 6  Where Are the Resources?
     
      CHAPTER 1 – Networking & Support
         INTRODUCTION
         Networking
            PART 1. Autism CARES Act of 2019
            PART 2. Government Websites
         Support
      CHAPTER 2 – Insurance & Intervention
         INTRODUCTION
         Insurance
         Intervention
      CHAPTER 3 – Law – Federal, State, & Local  
         INTRODUCTION
            PART 1. IEP Individualized Education Program
            PART 2. Autism Education & Bullying Policies   
         Law – Federal, State, & Local  
            PART 1. Judges
            PART 2. Court System
UNIT 6 – REFERENCES
UNIT 6 – APPENDICES
 
UNIT 7  Which Will Help Us?
 
INTRODUCTION
UNIT 7 – 1 Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM)
       Section 1– Introduction, Medication, Dietary Approaches
UNIT 7 – 2 Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM)
        Section 2: ABA, CBT, DIR, OT, PECS
UNIT 7 – 3 Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM)
        Section 3: RDI, SPD, ST, TEAACH
UNIT 7 – 4 Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM)
        Section 4: CAMs Complementary & Alternative     
                         Medicine
             PART 1 –
     1.  acupuncture
     2.  animal assisted therapy
           a. Dog Assisted Therapy
                b. Dolphin Assisted Therapy
                c. Horse Assisted Therapy
  UNIT 7–5Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM)
          Section 5: CAMs Complementary & Alternative   
                           Medicine
             PART 2 –
                3. anti-inflammatory therapy
                4. auditory integration therapy
  UNIT 7–6 Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM)
          Section 6: CAMs Complementary & Alternative  
                           Medicine
             PART 3 –
                5. chelation therapy
                6. chiropractic
  UNIT 7–7 Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM)
          Section 7: CAMs Complementary & Alternative
                           Medicine
             PART 4 –
                7.  creative therapy
                     a. introduction
                     b. art
                     c. music
                     d. dance, theatre
                     e. adventure therapy
                8.  facilitated communication
  UNIT 7–8 Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM)
          Section 8: CAMs Complementary & Alternative
                           Medicine
              PART 5 –
                 9.  hyperbaric oxygen therapy
                10.  immunoglobulin infusions
  UNIT 7–9 Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM)
          Section 9: CAMs Complementary & Alternative
                           Medicine
               PART 6 –
                 11. massage therapy
                12. mindfulness & meditation
  UNIT 7–10 Complementary & Alternative Medicine
                    (CAM)
          Section 10: CAMs Complementary & Alternative
                             Medicine
               PART 7 –
                13. neuro-therapy
                14.  physical activity program
   UNIT 7–11 Complementary & Alternative Medicine    
                     (CAM)
          Section 11: CAMs Complementary & Alternative
                             Medicine
               PART 8 –
                 15.  stem cell therapy
                16.  vitamin/supplements
   UNIT 7 – REFERENCES
   UNIT 7 – APPENDICES

DISCLAIMER Know Autism – Know Your Child: with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker; 2023
 
Just to let you know that I, Sara Hayden Luker, have put forth my best efforts in presenting what I have learned and experienced about autism. My intent is to inform and educate, by sharing < My Thoughts >, plus the stories and referenced studies of those who have gone before us. 

Any author’s mention of products, services, treatments, and interventions or actions are not to be considered an endorsement, thereof. Know that to some, autism is an ‘unregulated business’.

The content of this website material, digital or in any other form does not represent medical advice; nor does it constitute medical suggestions in any way. The material, including any downloadable parts, is for informational and/or educational purposes only. Your download and/or use of any of this material indicates your acceptance of this disclaimer. No ‘rights’ are given or transferred.

​Thankful for all the loyal Twitter & Facebook followers who faithfully read, comment, and SHARE the Weebly website. Thankful to offer a continuance of my FREE BOOK Know Autism, Know Your Child, with <My Thoughts> by Sara Luker Latest posting is #DSM-5 #Asd Diagnosis www.sarasautismsite.com Check MENU.

Veteran’s Day 2022
 
As our nation commemorates Veterans Day, honoring and remembering those who have served and sacrificed, it is an appropriate time to consider the financial, medical, and other assistance available to veterans, their families and survivors. Veterans Benefits are administered at the federal level by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which is the second largest cabinet-level department and has a yearly budget of over $300 billion.

The full range of VA benefits extends to housing and home loan guarantees, job training, small business loans, burials, memorials, and education. There is now new recognition for children and adults on the autism spectrum. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention ((CDC), one in every 44 children may be diagnosed with autism. Added to established ‘military benefits’, armed services recruiters are now looking for bright, industrious recruits, and applicants with Asperger’s. This population often proves to fit the bill of specialized services, with their high IQ.

For instance, Rubin (2016) Staff Writer for Atlantic magazine describes a selective intelligence squad formed by the Israeli Army. Many autistic soldiers who would otherwise be exempt from military service have found a place in Unit 9900. 

​She says that a 21-year-old recruit with autism enjoys spending long hours combing through each millimeter of satellite images of the same location from various angles. And, that that most persons with autism can outperform in auditory tasks (such as discriminating sound pitches), detecting visual structures, and mentally manipulating complex three-dimensional shapes.
 
< My Thoughts >   “…millimeter of satellite images…”
 
After becoming highly trained by the military, it seems likely that these skills would easily transfer to a variety of hard-to-fill civilian jobs. Air traffic controller comes to mind!
 
Rob V. (2020) recruitment is determined on a case-by-case basis; if the recruiter realizes that you have something to offer the nation. Like most things in the military, it depends on the military branch and the level of autism. In addition, you must not be under any medications for at least one year before submitting your application.
 
Mander (2022) makes us aware that there are many government programs to help military veterans' children with special needs — the trick is to find them.
///
Thank you for your service, Veterans. And, persons with autism, desiring a military career..."Show them what you've got!"
 
References:

Mander, L. (2022). Assistance Is Available for Veterans’ Children with Disabilities; Retrieved online from – https://specialneedsanswers.com/assistance-is-available-for-veterans-children-with-disabilities-18827t 

Rubin, S. (2016). The Israeli Army Unit that Recruits Teens with Autism: Retrieved online from – https://www.theatlantic.com › health › archive › 2016/01

V. Rob (2020). Can You Join the Military with Autism? By Rob V.; founder of Operation Military Kids.org. Retrieved online from –
www.operationmilitarykids.org/can-you-join-the-military-with-autism/
 
Other Resources:

• https://blog.theautismsite.greatergood.com/cs-watching-horizon-military/
• https://specialneedsanswers.com/assistance-is-available-for-veterans-children-with-disabilities-18827
• https://operationautism.org/
• https://www.specialneedsalliance.org/blog/veterans-benefits-2/

BLOG ~  Sending a ‘thank you’ to the Marketing Assistant of an Orlando Florida Theme Park. He informs us that he and his group are Certified Autism Travel Professionals who have put together, and made available a free ‘Travel Guide’ for visiting their park with autistic family members.
​
Upon researching, my results found several agencies providing education and certification to theme parks, entertainment venues, and others offering ‘Autism & Neurodiverse Travel Guides for their properties and/or vacation packages. You might start your own investigation by searching for Certified Autism Professionals or International Board Training & Certification for Travel Agents. If you have a holiday vacation destination in mind, you may want to request any ‘Guides’ or provisions they have for families of persons with autism.

< My Thoughts >       …Autism & Neurodiverse Travel Guides…

CAUTION*** ‘Certification’ credentials may only address ‘autism’ in the most general terms. Remember, only you ‘Know Your Child’ and your child’s autism. As a vigilant observer, you must act immediately and quickly to prevent a crisis or unwanted episode from escalation.

When taking our ‘non-verbal autistic’ Sonny to his first theme park, we thought we were prepared for almost anything; sensory issues, allergies, sunburn, restraints, escape/elopement issues. Until, when in the middle of a ‘river ride’, water splashed up drenching Sonny’s clothes and face.  

Frantically, he began escaping his safety restraint, shedding his clothes, and trying to jump out of the boat! When we were finally rescued, the ‘first responders’ took us in a motorized cart to the employee area. Still kicking and screaming, Sonny was suddenly faced with a new dilemma… theme park employees changing from their street clothes into ‘character costumes’. Thankfully, his sense of humor took over and he thought Mickey looked pretty funny without his head.

Although separated from the rest of the family, and Sonny’s backpack with a change of clothes, his medication, and soothing books and toys from home, we finally got it all together. This brings to mind another situation to be prepared for. Where do you change a 13-year-old’s diaper? In the family bathroom dedicated to parents changing baby’s diapers; or?
​
When visiting a theme park or other vacation site, find out ahead of time how to get help if you need it. Don’t assume anything! Expect the ‘unexpected’. Additionally, you can purchase signs which alert ‘first responders’ that your family member has autism. Understandably, most families don’t care to make that kind of announcement. But, when you are away from your community, a ‘life saver’ can be a homemade printout of your person’s description, needs, and medication/medical issues… just in case. A current picture showing how they may look when stressed or anxious is important; not just a ‘glamour shot’ of how they look at their best.
////

​Dear People ~
 
Please find FREE BOOK ~ Know Autism, Know Your Child, with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker on the website MENU. Over the next months, my plan is to replace many of the MENU Chapters with newer, updated versions. Eventually, my wish is to make this material available in an eBook format. Also, because the numbers of autism cases are growing across the globe; so, is the research. My wish is to make a collection of this information easily available on my website www.sarasautismsite.com. Hopefully, this will help us try to keep up with what it means to be on the ‘autism spectrum’.

Thank you to a concerned person from the ‘Dental Care’ community for this BLOG suggestion.
 
Dental Care ~

< My Thoughts >     “All this just to clean his teeth.”
 
If something is in Sonny’s mouth it must be to bite on or chew. Right? Of course this includes anyone’s hands or fingers. So, it stands to reason we would never ask a dentist or dental technician to stick their fingers into his mouth. It’s difficult enough to brush his teeth on a daily basis.
 
Unfamiliar with autism, a very gentle and caring dentist tried for several times to get Sonny to open his mouth while sitting between us in the waiting room. “Hah! We told you so!” I wanted to shout. Finally, she gave up. “Okay, he’ll need anesthesia just to examine him,” she agreed.
 
The dentist said she’d submit the paperwork to the insurance company. But wait! We didn’t have any dental insurance. Sonny needed to be anesthetized for a simple cleaning in a surgery room setting. Then requiring an extensive and expensive dental procedure, under anesthetic for anything else they may find. And, for that you need insurance or ca$h. They want to know that everyone will be paid. Panic set in!
 
Fortunately, our town was large enough to have a dental college where students learn their craft under the supervision of professionals, in an outpatient surgery center. We started making contacts and finally began the paperwork process to have Sonny admitted pro bono.
 
Months later, finally ‘covered’ at the college outpatient surgery certer, we turned our son over to the men and women garbed in green for a series of ‘dental procedures’. But, the first time he had a grand mal seizure, due to missing his morning meds. Now we know that he has to have meds on schedule, before surgery; just to be safe.

Children with Autism Face Increased Oral Health Risks by J. Khorsandi ~Children with autism can face a handful of issues related to their oral health. Among them:
​

• They may have difficulty tolerating the sensory inputs involved in brushing and flossing, leading them to skip these necessary tasks.
• They may engage in behaviors that endanger the teeth and gums, such as head banging and gum picking.  
• There is some evidence that children with autism also prefer to eat soft, sweet foods. These types of foods often promote tooth decay. Parents may also give children with autism candies and other sweet foods as rewards for good behavior.

Because of these challenges, these kids are at greater risk of developing many different oral health conditions, including:

• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Teeth grinding, especially at night (known as bruxism)
• Traumatic dental injuries
• Orthodontic problems

 
The combination of negative dental habits, with the increased likelihood of gum & teeth issues; make bi-annual trips to the dentist a priority for children with autism.
 
< My Thoughts >     “Just so you know…”
 
Adults with autism may also have many of these issues. Added to that, having poor chewing or eating habits can lead to digestive and/or gastrointestinal problems. Unnoticed decay can eventually mean major tooth extractions. Any kind of partial plates or appliances make life difficult for everyone involved.

​Sonny loves to ‘bite’ whatever is handy. His biting can be a result of happy excitement, frustration, or an ‘outburst of anger’. All our furniture has different degrees of ‘bite marks’. Yes, as you can imagine, he did finally break a front tooth biting on a table leg.
 
Reference:
 
Khorsandi, J. (May 2022). Children with Autism Face Increased Oral Health Risks; Retrieved online from: https://www.byte.com/community/resources/article/dental-care-children-with-autism-guide/

BLOG: Know Autism – Know Your Child: with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker 2022
 
Dear People ~
 
Please find Know Autism, Know Your Child on the website MENU. Over the next months, my plan is to replace many of the MENU Chapters with newer, updated versions. Eventually, my wish is to make this material available in an eBook format. Also, because the numbers of autism cases are growing across the globe; so, is the research. My wish is to make a collection of this information easily available on my website www.sarasautismsite.com. Hopefully, this will help us try to keep up with what it means to be on the ‘autism spectrum’.
 
Regards,
Sara Luker 

LABOR DAY BLOG ~

Labor Day brings so many things to mind. How often our ‘labor’ somehow defines us. In our society, adults often feel a sense of belonging and worth, through their work. Being ‘productive’ is part of feeling good about ourselves, and ‘life’. Labor demands increase when one has autism. Preparing to join the ‘labor force’ can be a struggle because often one’s inabilities become more in focus than abilities.

A ‘work program’ I’ve recently observed failed miserably, due to the employer and employees seeing only skills that were missing. Instead of readjusting the job requirements to focus on the person’s successes, the fact remained that he couldn’t ‘pull his load’. He was too much of a burden on others sharing his shift.