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Contents contributed and discussions participated by Tero Toivanen

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Tero Toivanen

Many people with autism are taking too many different things - 0 views

www.theautismnewswire.com/NewsITems.aspx

autism medication Prozac Zoloft DMG Paxil effect

shared by Tero Toivanen on 26 Mar 11 - No Cached
  • Tero Toivanen on 26 Mar 11
     
    Many people with autism are taking too many different things. If the person has been on the medication for a long time, it must never be abruptly stopped. The dosage should be reduced slowly. If you try a new drug for a few days or weeks and decide you do not like it, you can usually stop it; but it is best to check with your child's doctor.
Tero Toivanen

Research on the genomics of autism from the Center for Biom - 0 views

www.theautismnewswire.com/NewsITems.aspx

research autism genomics genes DNA gene alterations brain development nerve signaling

shared by Tero Toivanen on 19 Mar 11 - No Cached
  • Research on the genomics of autism from the Center for Biomedical Informatics at The Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia indicated that several genes and genomic variants contribute to autism. The gene alterations are rare but when they are in play, they seem to disrupt genes that are significantly involved in brain development and nerve signaling.
  • According to the September 15, 2010 issue of Science Translational Medicine, males with certain DNA alterations to their X-chromosome are at high risk of having autism.
  • This research was performed at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), in Toronto Canada.
  • ...6 more annotations...
  • One percent of boys with autism involved in the study had mutations in the PTCHD1 gene on the X-chromosome. No boys without autism showed this mutation.
  • Girls who also had this mutation did not seem to exhibit autistic traits. It appears that girls may be protected from developing autism because they have a second X-chromosome.
  • Still these girls could be carriers, passing on the mutation to their children. Their sons could then have autism.
  • Certain rare genetic variants were found 20 percent more in children with autism than in other children. Researchers also discovered new disruptions, where a child of non-autistic parents had autism.
  • t appears that some children have private genetic mutations not passed on genetically, and this leaves them more susceptible to autism. Interestingly, each child showed a different disturbance in a different gene.
  • Researchers hope to gain more information as they identify groups of disrupted genes. Ultimately they hope to be able to develop treatments for autism.
Tero Toivanen

Autism Information - Autism Information You Need To Know - 1 views

autism.about.com/...formation-You-Need-To-Know.htm

autism information you spectrum disorders research facts disorder causes diagnosis diagnoses treatment special education special needs SPED

shared by Tero Toivanen on 16 Mar 11 - No Cached
  • There are plenty of myths about autism spectrum disorders out there.
  • But even those of use who are well-grounded in autism basics may be surprised by some of these facts, which are emerging from recent research.
  • We do know what causes autism -- but only in about 20% of cases.
  • ...8 more annotations...
  • Quite a few children who are diagnosed with autism at a very young age are no longer diagnosable with autism by the time they’re school-aged.
  • Whatever the reasons, many children who are diagnosed with autism as toddlers will not be diagnosable by the time they're in fifth grade.
  • Early intervention (diagnosis and treatment prior to age three) is very helpful indeed, but there is no “window of opportunity” that slams shut at a certain age. Thus, even children who are diagnosed later or receive less early intervention may do quite well in the long run.
  • Early intervention does, however, provide a now-or-never opportunity to allow non-verbal children to develop some kind of useful tool for communication (picture cards, signs, or even spelling boards).
  • There is no official “cure” for autism. In fact, researchers like Dr. Susan Levy at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia argue that even when a young child is no longer diagnosable on the autism spectrum, he is probably still autistic.
  • Late talking is not an indication of a poor prognosis.
  • Children with autism may or may not be visual thinkers. Thus, school programs designed with visual thinking in mind may or may not be appropriate for any individual child with autism.
  • After many years of research, we still don’t know which treatments are most effective for which children -- or whether one treatment is more effective than another. Behavioral interventions are the best-researched treatments for autism, but even top scientists acknowledge that developmental interventions may or may not be equally useful for any given child. Meanwhile, only two drugs -- Risperdal and Abilify -- have been approved for use with children on the autism spectrum, and neither addresses “core” issues of autism (social/communication deficits).
  • Tero Toivanen on 16 Mar 11
     
    Important facts and information about autism.
Tero Toivanen

In a recent study, the experimental test identified nine-mon - 1 views

www.theautismnewswire.com/NewsITems.aspx

autism research special needs brain wave test diagnosis

shared by Tero Toivanen on 06 Mar 11 - No Cached
  • Tero Toivanen on 06 Mar 11
     
    Autism: Will brain wave test bring early diagnosis?
Tero Toivanen

Dr Peter White, senior author, molecular geneticist and dire - 1 views

www.theautismnewswire.com/NewsITems.aspx

autism special needs research gene alterantions

shared by Tero Toivanen on 06 Mar 11 - No Cached
  • Tero Toivanen on 06 Mar 11
     
    Autism research identifies common factors in gene alterations
Tero Toivanen

According to Pritchard, one of the main reasons autistic chi - 2 views

www.theautismnewswire.com/NewsITems.aspx

autism video games social interaction pritchard special education special needs

shared by Tero Toivanen on 06 Mar 11 - No Cached
  • Tero Toivanen on 06 Mar 11
     
    Video game helps autistic children with social interaction
Tero Toivanen

Meet Taylor Morris - 1 views

meettaylormorris.com

morris taylor meet autism Asperger's Syndrome youtube

shared by Tero Toivanen on 02 Jan 11 - No Cached
  • Tero Toivanen on 02 Jan 11
     
    Interesting video about Autism & Asperger's syndrome told by  a girl, who have "cured" from autism.
Tero Toivanen

Affordable Computer and Internet-based Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Prog... - 5 views

autismspectrumdirectory.wordpress.com/...havioral-analysis-aba-programs

autism special education special needs ASD:teaching ASD:educators research ABA Applied Behavioral Analysis

shared by Tero Toivanen on 31 Dec 10 - No Cached
  • Tero Toivanen on 31 Dec 10
     
    COMPUTER AND INTERNET-BASED APPLIED BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS (ABA) PROGRAMS
Tero Toivanen

12 Tips to Setting up an Autism Classroom « Principal Kendrick - 6 views

kendrik2.wordpress.com/...setting-up-an-autism-classroom

autism special education special needs students SPED ASD:teaching classroom ASD:educators tips

shared by Tero Toivanen on 30 Dec 10 - Cached
  • In a world that’s ever changing, routine and structure provide great comfort to a child on the autism spectrum.  Define routines clearly. 
  • Activities are successful when they’re broken into small steps.
  • Make sure children know what to do if they finish ahead of time.  Typically, children with autism do not use free time productively; therefore strive to have as little downtime between activities as possible.
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  • 2. Use visuals
  • Remember to keep explanations simple and short about each picture or concentration will wane.   Give written instructions instead of verbal whenever you can.  Highlight or underline any text for emphasis.
  • People with autism like order and detail.  They feel in control and secure when they know what to expect
  • Picture schedules are even more powerful because they help a student visualize the actions.
  • Make sure you have this schedule in a very visible place in your classroom and direct the students’ attention to it frequently, particularly a few minutes before you begin the next activity.
  • Written schedules are very effective for good readers.  These can also be typed up and placed on a student’s desk.
  • 4. Reduce distractions
  • Many people with autism find it difficult to filter out background noise and visual information.  Children with autism pay attention to detail.  Wall charts and posters can be very distracting. 
  • Try and seat children away from windows and doors. 
  • 5. Use concrete language
  • Always keep your language simple and concrete.   Get your point across in as few words as possible. 
  • Avoid using idioms.
  • Give very clear choices and try not to leave choices open ended.  You’re bound to get a better result by asking “Do you want to read or draw?” than by asking “What do you want to do now?”
  • 6. It’s not personal
  • Children with autism are not rude.  They simply don’t understand social rules or how they’re supposed to behave.
  • NEVER, ever, speak about a child on the autism spectrum as if they weren’t present
  • Despite the lack of reaction they sometimes present, hearing you speak about them in a negative way will crush their self esteem.
  • 7. Transitions
  • Children on the autism spectrum feel secure when things are constant.  Changing an activity provides a fear of the unknown.  This elevates stress which produces anxiety
  • Reduce the stress of transitions by giving ample warning
  • Using schedules helps with transitions too as students have time to “psyche themselves up” for the changes ahead.
  • People can be slow when they are learning a new skill until they become proficient
  • Encourage your students to ask each other for help and information
  • Making decisions is equally important and this begins by teaching students to make a choice.  Offer two choices. 
  • When giving a directive or asking a question, make sure you allow for extra processing time before offering guidance.  Self help skills are essential to learn
  • Never underestimate the power of consistency.
  • Avoid this temptation and make sure you allow ample time before you abandon an idea.  Remember that consistency is a key component of success.  If you’re teaching a student to control aggression, the same plan should be implemented in all settings, at school and at home.
  • 9. Rewards before consequences
  • We all love being rewarded and people with autism are no different.  Rewards and positive reinforcement are a wonderful way to increase desired behavior
  • If possible, let your students pick their own reward so they can anticipate receiving it.
  • There are many reward systems which include negative responses and typically, these do not work as well.
  • Focusing on negative aspects can often lead to poor results and a de-motivated student.  When used correctly, rewards are very powerful and irresistible
  • Every reward should be showered in praise.  Even though people on the spectrum might not respond typically when praised, they enjoy it just as much as you!
  • 10. Teach with lists
  • Teaching with lists sets clear expectations.  It defines a beginning, middle and an end.
  • People on the autism spectrum respond well to order and lists are no exception.  Almost anything can be taught in a list format.
  • While typical people often think in very abstract format, people on the spectrum have a very organized way of thought.  Finding ways to work within these parameters can escalate the learning curve.    
  • 11. Creative teaching
  • It helps to be creative when you’re teaching students with autism.  People on the spectrum think out of the box and if you do too, you will get great results.
    • Tero Toivanen
      Tero Toivanen on 30 Dec 10
       
      Exactly!
  • Often, people with autism have very specific interests.  Use these interests as motivators.
    • Tero Toivanen
      Tero Toivanen on 30 Dec 10
       
      This is how I work! It's works!
  • Another great strategy to use is called “Teaching with questions”.  This method keeps students involved, focused and ensures understanding.
  • Another great way of teaching is by adding humor to your lessons.  We all respond to humor.
    • Tero Toivanen
      Tero Toivanen on 30 Dec 10
       
      When you feel well, your students feel well also and learn better!
  • 12. Don’t sweat the small stuff
  • The final goal is for children to be happy and to function as independently as possible.
  • Don’t demand eye contact if a student has trouble processing visual and auditory information simultaneously.
    • Tero Toivanen
      Tero Toivanen on 30 Dec 10
       
      It may even be painful for the student... There are research about this issue.
  • By correcting every action a person does, you’re sending a message that they’re not good enough the way they are.  When making a decision about what to correct, always ask yourself first, “Will correcting this action help this person lead a productive and happy life?”
Tero Toivanen

Facilitated Communication - Association for Science in Autism Treatment - 2 views

www.asatonline.org/...facilitated.htm

communication science autism facilitated FC Facilitated Communication research special education ASD:teaching ASD:educators

shared by Tero Toivanen on 30 Dec 10 - No Cached
  • Tero Toivanen on 30 Dec 10
     
     "Research evidence, replicated across several hundred children with autism spectrum disorders, shows that the facilitators rather than the individuals with autism spectrum disorders control the communication and that FC does not improve language skills (Mostert, 2001). Therefore, FC is an inappropriate intervention for individuals with autism spectrum disorders."
Tero Toivanen

Communication and Autism - Myths, Truths, Resources - 3 views

autism.about.com/...ism-myths-truths-resources.htm

autism resources communication non-verbal Facilitated Communication Rapid Prompting Special Education special needs SPED

shared by Tero Toivanen on 01 Nov 10 - No Cached
  • Communication techniques such as Facilitated Communication and Rapid Prompting are highly controversial, and may be more illusion than reality.  Anyone interested in these approaches, which require constant or intermittent physical contact with the autistic person, should look deeply and carefully into the methods before plunking down cash.  Consider, instead, augmentative technologies for communication, ranging from keyboards and sophisticated digital technologies to sign language or picture cards.
Tero Toivanen

Little Flowers of St. Francis - Part 2 - 1 views

www.ewtn.com/...flowers2.htm

brother Juniper St Francis Pyhä Fransiskus Franciscus autism autismi historia of little flowers

shared by Tero Toivanen on 21 Sep 10 - No Cached
  • Tero Toivanen on 21 Sep 10
     
    Is this the oldest history about autism? HOW BROTHER JUNIPER CUT OFF THE FOOT OF A PIG TO GIVE IT TO A SICK BROTHER from "The Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi.
Tero Toivanen

YouTube - Aditi Shankardass: A second opinion on learning disorders - 3 views

www.youtube.com/watch

autism developmental disorders diagnosis behavior Aditi Shankardass brain TED

shared by Tero Toivanen on 18 Sep 10 - No Cached
  • Tero Toivanen on 18 Sep 10
     
    Developmental disorders in children are typically diagnosed by observing behavior, but we should be looking directly at their brains. 
Tero Toivanen

Pioneer in treatment of autism dies - My News 4 - KRNV, Reno, NV - 0 views

www.mynews4.com/story.php

autism treatment pioneer Ivar Lovaas dies Ivar Lovaas Special Education SPED

shared by Tero Toivanen on 04 Aug 10 - Cached
  • Tero Toivanen on 04 Aug 10
     
    Ivar Lovaas pioneer in treatmet of autism died.
Tero Toivanen

The Advantages of Tourette's : The Frontal Cortex - 0 views

scienceblogs.com/...tourettes.php

brain neuropsychology Tourette advantage advantages research neuroscience Special Education

shared by Tero Toivanen on 26 Jun 10 - Cached
  • Tero Toivanen on 26 Jun 10
     
    Tim Howard: "I like the way I am. If I woke up tomorrow without Tourette's, I wouldn't know what to do with myself."
Tero Toivanen

SpringerLink - Journal Article - 1 views

www.springerlink.com/...a147717716178873

Melatonin Sleep Autism spectrum disorders Dysomnia

shared by Tero Toivanen on 12 Jun 10 - Cached
  • Tero Toivanen on 12 Jun 10
     
    Melatonin significantly improved sleep latency (by an average of 47 min) and total sleep (by an average of 52 min) compared to placebo, but not number of night wakenings. The side effect profile was low and not significantly different between the two arms.
Tero Toivanen

Facing Autism in New Brunswick: Evidence of Common Genes Linking Autism Spectrum Disord... - 0 views

autisminnb.blogspot.com/...mmon-genes-linking-autism.html

autism intellectual disability genes SHANK2 mental retardation genetics mutation research

shared by Tero Toivanen on 07 Jun 10 - Cached
  • genetic mutations in the SHANK2 gene, partially responsible for linking nerve cells,  and variants in the number of gene copies that were common to patients with autism and patients with mental retardation.
  • the same mutation can be present in an autistic patient with normal intelligence and in a mentally impaired patient
  • Our findings further link common genes between ASD and intellectual disability.
  • Tero Toivanen on 07 Jun 10
     
    Link between Autism and intellectual disability?
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