Archive for August, 2010
In dealing with autism, as in other disorders, a number of treatment options are available including educational, behavioral, biomedical, nutritional and sensory choices. For patients who are not rich enough or for those who have no medical insurance the cost of treatment is forbidding and can drain their purse empty. You have to monitor carefully the effect of treatment overtime to ensure that the child receives the best treatment and attention. Find out which treatment works and which does not and avoid paying for the ineffective methods and pay for treatments that create a positive difference.
Before treatment, first, evaluate the abilities of the autistic person. A number of services, organizations like Autism Research Institute offer a check list of evaluation points focusing on behavior and illness as linked with autism. Autistic persons are likely to have increasing functionality as they mature. So some positive effects in the person’s life are the result of the natural growth process. After about two months fill out the check list once again and compare it to the first. If there is a sharp increase in a positive way in the person’s behavior it may be due to treatment.
Begin only one treatment at a time. Don’t do the mistake of trying every thing at a time when good and bad effects causes out and you will not know which treatment has produced the positive effect and which does not work. Fast studies can guide you but they will not be helpful as autism is an extremely complicated disorder. A few treatments are new and have only short term effects. It is a process of trial and error and two months is sufficient to study the differences with in an autistic individual. Discontinue the treatment method if no positive improvement is noticed and go in for a treatment that works.
Don’t forget that you need not wait for two months to decide on the continuance of the treatment. If the side effects of the treatment are unbearable and affect the life of the patient, the treatment may be discontinued. You have to just monitor the methods continuously. Treatments may not work after a time when autistic children mature and grow just like every one else. Consult the doctor before you try anything new to be as safe and healthy as possible.
While parents of autistic children have plenty of information to deal with them and their different behavior, there is no such information or tools to manage a sibling who is autistic. The situation for the brothers and sisters of the autistic child is very stressful. The following tips can help children to deal with an autistic sibling.
At times, parents, in their involvement with the future and change of the autistic child forget that their other children too must deal with the situation. They may feel the new situation acutely, be jealous of the autistic child and feel neglected. Their friends may also tease them about having an autistic brother or sister which will cause stress. Thus behavioral problems may crop up; the sibling may act out and become a “problem child” to get the attention. The sibling may even try to hurt the autistic brother or sister to take him away from family ambience.
But that is only an occasional happening. The presence of an autistic sibling compels one to “grow up” and be responsible. A strong emotional attachment may develop and a keen longing to keep him or her safe in all circumstances. Living with an autistic sibling may teach one to be more open about another person’s difference. The company with an autistic sibling is a life enriching experience of emotional and mental strength and tolerance for others in life.
Find a support group to manage your autistic brother or sister. Resources should be available at the local chapter of the Autism society of America. This is very important as the siblings should not feel lonely and isolated in the new situation. Always try to increase family instruction. A family day or night a week should be ear marked when all children spend time with parents or other family members and partake of their day or week experiences and any problems.
The best thing is to neglect some aspect of your life and ask them for a moment of their time. That will be the best solution. It is the bounden duty of all parents to cater to and understand the needs of their children whether they autistic or normal. It is proper and healthy communication that helps the family run smoothly without any hitches.
