Sara's Autism Site: How will I know if it is autism?
Or, if it's just - 'if he isn't here, he's some other place!'
Hello Everyone,
Parents often must wait days, weeks, and even months for assessments or doctor appointments. During this stressful time, it's good to feel that you are actively helping your child. This can become an important time of clarifying what bothers you the most or is dangerous about your child's behavior and development. Video tape what you are seeing and how your child acts throughout those concerning times. 'Seeing is believing' for someone new to your child. Knowing autism and knowing your child will give you hope.
Prioritize your child's 'needs' and your 'wants'. Try teaching your child age appropriate 'developmental skills' that are non-invasive. See what works and what doesn't. This will help you when eventually, you will have to choose from available programs, therapies, and services which are offered. Some are quite expensive, so understand your child well enough to know what will probably work and what absolutely won't. You can only know this by trying some things on your own. On the MENU, you will find some ideas on where to start to discover who your child is 'behind' the autism.
Where to start & what to do while you wait! There is a lot of material here, but as you 'do the work' you may find avenues to the answers you need.
Know Autism – Know Your Child: with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
UNIT 1 – How Will I Know It's Autism?
UNIT 2 – Why Is It Autism?
UNIT 3 What Is Most Concerning?
UNIT 4 – When Is It Sensory?
UNIT 5 – What to Do While You Wait?
UNIT 6 – Where to Look for Resources?
UNIT 7 – 0 Who May Help?
Slideshow GALLERY of Books with Extended Book Reviews, by CATEGORY ~
AMAZING ADVENTURES
DIAGNOSIS, DENIAL, & DOCTORS
SAVVY SOLUTIONS
SCHOOL ON THE SHORT BUS
Extended Book Reviews with < My Thoughts > & LINKs ~ to find…GO TO NAVIGATION MENU (3 stripes in upper-left-hand corner of the webpage).
Note: Why are the stories and connecting with those who have gone before us so important? Because our stories help one another.
Some of < My Thoughts >
Loving your children... keeping them safe... and finding out how they learn is part of what parenting is all about!
Each child learns differently & each parent 'parents' differently.
Hopefully this website becomes a beginning and ongoing source of information for you.
Whether 'autistic' or 'neurotypical', each child relates, reacts, responds differently to their world.
When a child has difficulty learning about themselves & their world... or, developing slowly it isn't always AUTISM.
And, if it is AUTISM... know that it's NO ONE'S fault. The exact cause of AUTISM is yet unknown.
What is known is that autism is a NEUROLOGICAL difference in the child's brain.
This 'difference' is possibly caused by an interaction of hereditary genes, along with the child's environment.
A 'red flag' can be when a child's developmental pattern begins to look different from other children their same age.
This difference can be from mild to severe. From the child you expected, to the passive 'quiet' child, to the 'wild' child you didn’t expect.
Learn to anticipate what makes your child anxious, and/or frustrated. Find the 'triggers'.
What a child may be willing or able to do one day, or one minute, they may not be willing or able to do the next.
Create cautious changes and build ‘success’ into those changes. Remember that changes are hard.
Discover where and whom your child 'is' and help them become the best they can be.
You are struggling to bring your child into your world, while s/he is struggling just as hard to stay where s/he is.
Persistence pays off, even if you only move forward slightly. Find a different way or time to try again.
Alert yourself to possibilities. Strengthen your resolve. But stay flexible.
S/he is not intending to give you a ‘bad time’… s/he is having a ‘bad time’.
Getting to know your child, expanding your understanding, and getting help is the key!
Regards,
Sara Luker
Know Autism – Know Your Child: with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker; 2024
DISCLAIMER
The content of this 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 this material indicates your acceptance of this disclaimer.
With 30 years as an autism mom, as an educator with a current State Teaching License (ending 2023), and a 2011 Master’s Degree in Special Education, this author shares her personal study, opinions, and experiences concerning Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and related topics. The author’s mention of products, services, treatments, and interventions are not to be considered an endorsement, thereof. Nor does the author represent that any described products, services, treatments, and/or interventions expect to ‘cure’, or have any ‘long-term’ positive effect on a disorder or disease.
Furthermore, understand and agree that this material is not intended as a substitute for consultations with licensed healthcare professionals. Nothing in this material is expected to diagnose, treat, imply 'cure', or prevent any condition, disorder, or disease. Any errors or omissions in the available subject matter, Units, Chapters, References, Charts, Tables, Appendices, LINKS, and/or other downloadable or non-downloadable materials are unintentional. Revisions in the material may be subject to change without notice.
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BOOK INDEX
Know Autism – Know Your Child: with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
UNIT 1 – How Will I Know It's Autism?
UNIT 1 – INTRODUCTION
UNIT 1 – CHAPTER 1 – Checklists
UNIT 1 – CHAPTER 2 – Red Flags
UNIT 1 – CHAPTER 3 – Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
PART 1. Developmental Screening
UNIT 1 – REFERENCES
APPENDIX A Informal Checklist with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
UNIT 2 – Why Is It Autism?
UNIT 2 – INTRODUCTION
UNIT 2 – CHAPTER 1 – Diagnosis & DSM-5 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fifth Edition; published in 2013 by the American Psychiatric Association (APA)
UNIT 2 – CHAPTER 2 – Denial & Misdiagnosis
UNIT 2 – CHAPTER 3 – Doctors & Direction Unit 1 – REFERENCES
UNIT 2 – REFERENCES
APPENDIX A Screening Assessments
APPENDIX B Latest Findings
APPENDIX C Developmental Screenings
UNIT 3 What Is Most Concerning?
UNIT 3 – INTRODUCTION
UNIT 3 – CHAPTER 1 – Gross & Fine Motor Skills
PART 1 – Poor Eating
PART 2 – Toilet Training
UNIT 3 – CHAPTER 2 – Speech & Language Communication (Including 'Nonverbal' & assisted/alternative communication)
UNIT 3 – CHAPTER 3 – Cognition & Temperament/Personality
UNIT 3 – REFERENCES
APPENDIX A (Toileting)
UNIT 3C ~ SOCIAL/PERSONAL AWARENESS & DAILY LIVING SKILLS
UNIT 4 – When Is It Sensory?
UNIT 4 – INTRODUCTION
UNIT 4 – CHAPTER 1 – Sensory Issues
PART 1.
a. Sensory Defensiveness
b. Sensory Avoidance
UNIT 4 – 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 A – Sensory Processing Disorder Checklist
APPENDIX B – Autism Spectrum Disorder Sensory Profile
UNIT 4 – CHAPTER 3 – Sensory Integration
PART 1. Sensory System
PART 2. Sensory Profile
PART 3. Sensory Diet
a. Brushing Techniques
APPENDIX A - Sensory Issues Assessments
PART 4. Sensory Room
APPENDIX A – Sensory Processing Scale (SPS)
UNIT 5 – What to Do While You Wait?
UNIT 5 – INTRODUCTION
UNIT 5 – CHAPTER 1 – Getting to Know Your Child & Yourself & Your Concerns
UNIT 5 – CHAPTER 2 – Determining Social & Personal Awareness
UNIT 5 – CHAPTER 3 – Working on Daily Living Skills aka Getting Started with Concerns
APPENDIX A - Eight Types of Visual Processing Disorder
UNIT 5 – CHAPTER 4 – Understanding a Child’s Thinking
PART 1 Learning Strengths
PART 2 Learning Weaknesses
APPENDIX A – Transition Guide
UNIT 5 – REFERENCES
UNIT 6 – Where to Look for Resources?
UNIT 6 – CHAPTER 1 – Networking & Support
UNIT 6 – CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION
UNIT 6 – CHAPTER 1 – Networking
a. Autism CARES Act of 2019
b. Government Websites
CHAPTER 1 – Support
UNIT 6 – CHAPTER 2 – Insurance & Intervention
APPENDIX A Sample Letter Request for Autism Assessment
APPENDIX B Link to Insurance Information.
UNIT 6 – CHAPTER 3 – Laws ~ Federal, State, & Local
CHAPTER 3 – INTRODUCTION
a. Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
b. Autism Education & Anti-Bullying Policies
UNIT 6 CHAPTER 4 – Where to Look for Resources?
UNIT 6 CHAPTER 4 – CHAPTER 4 – FUTURE CHALLENGES
CHAPTER 4 – INTRODUCTION
a. 40 Something
b. Geriatrics (Resources & get on ‘waiting lists’, Finances. Individual’s Insurance, Health Care, Colleges, Adult Day Care, Adult Group Homes, Assisted Living, Nursing Facilities, Hospice/Palliative.)
UNIT 6 CHAPTER 4 – REFERENCES
APPENDIX A – Autism Network (AANE)
UNIT 6 CHAPTER 5 –
APPENDIX A – Respite Resources
APPENDIX B – Additional Resources
APPENDIX C – 8 Nurse Tips
APPENDIX D – Adult Guardianship Revoked
UNIT 7 – 0 Who May Help?
CHAPTER 1 – INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS & TREATMENTS
INTRODUCTION
APPENDIX
CHAPTER 2 – THERAPIES
INTRODUCTION
APPENDIX
CHAPTER 3 – OTHER THERAPIES
INTRODUCTION
APPENDIX
UNIT 7 – 1 OTHER THERAPIES
Section 1: ABA, CBT, DIR, OT, PECS
UNIT 7 – 2 OTHER THERAPIES
Section 2: RDI, SPD, ST, TEAACH
UNIT 7 – 3 OTHER THERAPIES
Section 3: Introduction, Medication & Dietary Approaches
UNIT 7 – 4 Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAMs)
Section 4: CAMs
PART 1 –
1. acupuncture
2. animal assisted therapy
a. Dog Assisted Therapy
b. Dolphin Assisted Therapy
c. Horse Assisted Therapy
UNIT 7– 5 CAMs
Section 5: CAMs Complementary & Alternative Medicine
PART 2 –
3. anti-inflammatory therapy
4. auditory integration therapy
UNIT 7– 6 CAMs
Section 6: CAMs Complementary & Alternative Medicine
PART 3 –
5. chelation therapy
6. chiropractic
UNIT 7– 7 CAMs
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 CAMs
Section 8: CAMs Complementary & Alternative Medicine
PART 5 –
9. hyperbaric oxygen therapy
10. immunoglobulin infusions
UNIT 7– 9 CAMs
Section 9: CAMs Complementary & Alternative Medicine
PART 6 –
11. massage therapy
12. mindfulness & meditation
UNIT 7– 10 CAMs
Section 10: CAMs Complementary & Alternative Medicine
PART 7 –
13. neuro-therapy
14. physical activity program
UNIT 7– 11 CAMs
Section 11: CAMs Complementary & Alternative Medicine
PART 8 –
15. stem cell therapy
16. vitamin/supplements
UNIT 7 – REFERENCES
UNIT 7 – APPENDICES – FDA Food Additive Link
DISCLAIMER
The content of this 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 this material indicates your acceptance of this disclaimer.
With 30 years as an autism mom, as an educator with a current State Teaching License (ending 2023), and a 2011 Master’s Degree in Special Education, this author shares her personal study, opinions, and experiences concerning Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and related topics. The author’s mention of products, services, treatments, and interventions are not to be considered an endorsement, thereof. Nor does the author represent that any described products, services, treatments, and/or interventions expect to ‘cure’, or have any ‘long-term’ positive effect on a disorder or disease.
Furthermore, understand and agree that this material is not intended as a substitute for consultations with licensed healthcare professionals. Nothing in this material is expected to diagnose, treat, imply 'cure', or prevent any condition, disorder, or disease. Any errors or omissions in the available subject matter, Units, Chapters, References, Charts, Tables, Appendices, LINKS, and/or other downloadable or non-downloadable materials are unintentional. Revisions in the material may be subject to change without notice.
/////
BOOK INDEX
Know Autism – Know Your Child: with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
UNIT 1 – How Will I Know It's Autism?
UNIT 1 – INTRODUCTION
UNIT 1 – CHAPTER 1 – Checklists
UNIT 1 – CHAPTER 2 – Red Flags
UNIT 1 – CHAPTER 3 – Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
PART 1. Developmental Screening
UNIT 1 – REFERENCES
APPENDIX A Informal Checklist with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
UNIT 2 – Why Is It Autism?
UNIT 2 – INTRODUCTION
UNIT 2 – CHAPTER 1 – Diagnosis & DSM-5 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fifth Edition; published in 2013 by the American Psychiatric Association (APA)
UNIT 2 – CHAPTER 2 – Denial & Misdiagnosis
UNIT 2 – CHAPTER 3 – Doctors & Direction Unit 1 – REFERENCES
UNIT 2 – REFERENCES
APPENDIX A Screening Assessments
APPENDIX B Latest Findings
APPENDIX C Developmental Screenings
UNIT 3 What Is Most Concerning?
UNIT 3 – INTRODUCTION
UNIT 3 – CHAPTER 1 – Gross & Fine Motor Skills
PART 1 – Poor Eating
PART 2 – Toilet Training
UNIT 3 – CHAPTER 2 – Speech & Language Communication (Including 'Nonverbal' & assisted/alternative communication)
UNIT 3 – CHAPTER 3 – Cognition & Temperament/Personality
UNIT 3 – REFERENCES
APPENDIX A (Toileting)
UNIT 3C ~ SOCIAL/PERSONAL AWARENESS & DAILY LIVING SKILLS
UNIT 4 – When Is It Sensory?
UNIT 4 – INTRODUCTION
UNIT 4 – CHAPTER 1 – Sensory Issues
PART 1.
a. Sensory Defensiveness
b. Sensory Avoidance
UNIT 4 – 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 A – Sensory Processing Disorder Checklist
APPENDIX B – Autism Spectrum Disorder Sensory Profile
UNIT 4 – CHAPTER 3 – Sensory Integration
PART 1. Sensory System
PART 2. Sensory Profile
PART 3. Sensory Diet
a. Brushing Techniques
APPENDIX A - Sensory Issues Assessments
PART 4. Sensory Room
APPENDIX A – Sensory Processing Scale (SPS)
UNIT 5 – What to Do While You Wait?
UNIT 5 – INTRODUCTION
UNIT 5 – CHAPTER 1 – Getting to Know Your Child & Yourself & Your Concerns
UNIT 5 – CHAPTER 2 – Determining Social & Personal Awareness
UNIT 5 – CHAPTER 3 – Working on Daily Living Skills aka Getting Started with Concerns
APPENDIX A - Eight Types of Visual Processing Disorder
UNIT 5 – CHAPTER 4 – Understanding a Child’s Thinking
PART 1 Learning Strengths
PART 2 Learning Weaknesses
APPENDIX A – Transition Guide
UNIT 5 – REFERENCES
UNIT 6 – Where to Look for Resources?
UNIT 6 – CHAPTER 1 – Networking & Support
UNIT 6 – CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION
UNIT 6 – CHAPTER 1 – Networking
a. Autism CARES Act of 2019
b. Government Websites
CHAPTER 1 – Support
UNIT 6 – CHAPTER 2 – Insurance & Intervention
APPENDIX A Sample Letter Request for Autism Assessment
APPENDIX B Link to Insurance Information.
UNIT 6 – CHAPTER 3 – Laws ~ Federal, State, & Local
CHAPTER 3 – INTRODUCTION
a. Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
b. Autism Education & Anti-Bullying Policies
UNIT 6 CHAPTER 4 – Where to Look for Resources?
UNIT 6 CHAPTER 4 – CHAPTER 4 – FUTURE CHALLENGES
CHAPTER 4 – INTRODUCTION
a. 40 Something
b. Geriatrics (Resources & get on ‘waiting lists’, Finances. Individual’s Insurance, Health Care, Colleges, Adult Day Care, Adult Group Homes, Assisted Living, Nursing Facilities, Hospice/Palliative.)
UNIT 6 CHAPTER 4 – REFERENCES
APPENDIX A – Autism Network (AANE)
UNIT 6 CHAPTER 5 –
APPENDIX A – Respite Resources
APPENDIX B – Additional Resources
APPENDIX C – 8 Nurse Tips
APPENDIX D – Adult Guardianship Revoked
UNIT 7 – 0 Who May Help?
CHAPTER 1 – INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS & TREATMENTS
INTRODUCTION
APPENDIX
CHAPTER 2 – THERAPIES
INTRODUCTION
APPENDIX
CHAPTER 3 – OTHER THERAPIES
INTRODUCTION
APPENDIX
UNIT 7 – 1 OTHER THERAPIES
Section 1: ABA, CBT, DIR, OT, PECS
UNIT 7 – 2 OTHER THERAPIES
Section 2: RDI, SPD, ST, TEAACH
UNIT 7 – 3 OTHER THERAPIES
Section 3: Introduction, Medication & Dietary Approaches
UNIT 7 – 4 Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAMs)
Section 4: CAMs
PART 1 –
1. acupuncture
2. animal assisted therapy
a. Dog Assisted Therapy
b. Dolphin Assisted Therapy
c. Horse Assisted Therapy
UNIT 7– 5 CAMs
Section 5: CAMs Complementary & Alternative Medicine
PART 2 –
3. anti-inflammatory therapy
4. auditory integration therapy
UNIT 7– 6 CAMs
Section 6: CAMs Complementary & Alternative Medicine
PART 3 –
5. chelation therapy
6. chiropractic
UNIT 7– 7 CAMs
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 CAMs
Section 8: CAMs Complementary & Alternative Medicine
PART 5 –
9. hyperbaric oxygen therapy
10. immunoglobulin infusions
UNIT 7– 9 CAMs
Section 9: CAMs Complementary & Alternative Medicine
PART 6 –
11. massage therapy
12. mindfulness & meditation
UNIT 7– 10 CAMs
Section 10: CAMs Complementary & Alternative Medicine
PART 7 –
13. neuro-therapy
14. physical activity program
UNIT 7– 11 CAMs
Section 11: CAMs Complementary & Alternative Medicine
PART 8 –
15. stem cell therapy
16. vitamin/supplements
UNIT 7 – REFERENCES
UNIT 7 – APPENDICES – FDA Food Additive Link