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Social skills and autism… Many children and adults on the autism spectrum need help in learning how to act in different types of social situations. They often have … to be part of the community. What are social skills?   Social skills are the rules, customs, and abilities that guide our interactions with other people and the world around us. In general, people tend to “pick up” social skills in the same way … instruction and "teachable moments" with practice in realistic settings Focus on timing and attention Support for enhancing communication and sensory integration Learning behaviors that predict important social outcomes like friendship and
Autism and eye contact…   Today’s answer is by developmental pediatrician Amanda Bennett, behavior analyst Megan Carolan Tomkinson and psychologist Judith Miller. Dr. Bennett is the director of the … – particularly those on the autism spectrum and those who care about them. Using eye contact is an important nonverbal communication behavior that most of us use automatically in social interactions. However, as you describe, making eye contact with others can be very challenging for some people with autism – …
A hopeful future for an overlooked group of the autistic community… Dr. Nathan Call, a researcher at the Marcus Autism Center and member of Autism Speaks’  Autism Care Network (ACNet) , is dedicated to tackling some of the most complex and … the purpose the behavior serves for them. Our research has contributed to the mounting evidence that alternative means of communication can provide autistic people with new skills and coping strategies that help them better express their needs … to be alone for a moment. In response, we taught him to request privacy and helped him understand that sometimes brief interactions with others are necessary. As a result of the intervention, the time he chose to spend with others gradually …
Autism and gender identity… of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, chief of psychology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and director of Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Child Development Center. I suspect my child with autism may be … experiences. They expressed some unique challenges being transgender and having autism. For some, executive functioning, communication challenges and social challenges can make it harder for them to advocate for their needs. This can mean at … gender identity. But, the teens in this study pointed out some upsides. Some who said they typically have limited social interactions said this helped them feel more protected from negative attitudes about gender identity. Relating to other
Autism and Bipolar disorder… This week’s “Got Questions?” answer comes from psychiatrist Jessica Hellings, MD, and psychologist Andrea Witwer, PhD, program directors at Ohio State University’s Nisonger Center, which is part of Autism … and bed wetting, shaky hands and even life-threatening toxicity. This is of particular concern with individuals who have communication difficulties, as they may not be able to alert caregivers to the side effects they’re experiencing. Studies … disorders. Early results suggest that this type of intervention decreases mood severity in children, while improving family interactions and access to appropriate healthcare. If you or your child has autism and you’re concerned that it may be …
Autism and driving: Ways to identify as autistic when driving…   Identifying as autistic when driving Any driver who has been pulled over by the police understands the anxiety involved in that entire situation. But for autistic drivers, these interactions can be especially nerve-wracking. Communication differences can become more difficult due to the stressful situation. Stims and other coping mechanisms, body …
ABA and other therapies… community about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). We know that each person’s experience with autism is uniquely individual and personal, including the resources and supports they may need.  Some autistic people and their families say that ABA … on preventing self-stimulatory behavior (stims). Behavior analysts work with autistic people to improve skills like: Communication and language abilities Social skills Self-care and hygiene routines Play and leisure skills Motor abilities … BCBA.  Inability to respond to concerns.  Use of punishment instead of positive reinforcement.  Aggressive or controlling interactions.  Unwillingness to listen and stop when the client is overstimulated.  Lack of data showing progress.  Offering …
Meet Armani W.… competing in NASCAR, Armani knows what it feels like to be different. But even before he turned his love for toy cars and go-karts into a budding career in NASCAR’s truck series, Armani was faced with challenges to fit in with friends, … struggles have you faced because of your autism?  Like many others with autism, I have struggled with social interaction, communication and sometimes repetitive behaviors. But as it is in life, you are always going to face challenges, it’s only a … detail about autism so I can gain more knowledge about myself and others. My parents also helped me understand social interactions and how to have a conversation with people. They taught me the importance of eye contact, greetings, and
Navigating sex education and reproductive care: A guide for parents and caregivers …   Talking about sex, puberty and reproductive health with your child can feel awkward—but it’s a crucial part of helping them grow into a confident, … University. “First, they may find the office where they would go to receive contraception inaccessible because of health communication that is jargony or hard to understand, physical spaces that trigger sensory sensitivities or transportation … If they’re nervous, help them practice how they will ask questions or request accommodations. Role-playing these interactions in advance can make the experience feel less intimidating.  Remind your child that it’s okay to feel nervous …