Wake Up Call

"Wake Up Call"

The burning flame within our hearts had not rested that we hear of another tragedy in the National Capital. I wonder when this onslaught on women would stop. The entire tragedy has left the nation in shock and disgust. It raises questions over whom have we elected and are we really safe in this “Pseudo Democracy”. People are arrested for liking posts on a social networking site but a “process” is required to punish offenders behind this heinous crime. Knowing that many of the criminal cases on rape are against influential people, I really wonder whether any stringent law would ever come into action against rapists. Passing any law would mean poor funding for the Political Parties for the Elections. Currently there is an absolute “absence of fear” for committing any crime. Considering the way the judicial practise takes place in our country, justice seems to be a “distant star”.

            Never ending questions cloud our minds like whether justice would happen? If yes then when? Do we have right to protests? If yes then will it be decided by the Government how and when should we protest? Why was the girl’s dead body cremated in top secrecy? When will the nation be safe for women? Why is it that only after a tragedy a nation wakes up? What will make the Government Wake Up? Isn’t it a shame on the Government to consider “Political Moves” instead of considering “Humanitarian Moves”?

            In many countries people are petrified to commit a crime because the laws are so austere. There are brutal punishments to punish the law breakers. Why is this not applicable in India?  We take 4 years to hang Kasab. His trial goes on forever, despite having clear cut evidence. A victim goes through extreme agony while the crime is being committed on her; I feel she goes through worse when the trauma continues to linger for years in the form of seeking Judicial Justice.

            A woman goes through hell when she is raped. She is not only physically raped but even mentally. It leaves a scar for the rest of her life. Faith in humanity diminishes. What amazes me is that men who rape have No Remorse for it. No guilt! No conscience! Is a woman to be used only as a body? The way in which she was brutally raped, assaulted and thrown out of the moving bus shouts aloud that there exists “No Humanity”. I wonder whether there would be answers to these questions ever.

            There is extensive news coverage on her, names being given by different bodies, lot of fake assurances by the government but the real battle is being fought by her family. To come to terms with this horrid brutality will not be easy. 

            I salute the 23 year old girl’s spirit to fight for life after being so brutally injured and raped. I salute her courage and zest for fighting life. In my deepest prayers I pray for her soul to rest in peace and get real justice.

                                                                                                           

“The shock of any trauma, I think changes your life. It’s more acute in the beginning and after a little time you settle back to what you were. However it leaves an indelible mark on your psyche”. – Alex Lifeson

Aditi Chaudhary

Poems -1

Our bundle of Joy

With months of anxious wait

And eyes longing to see you,

The time has arrived to welcome you,

Our bundle of joy…

With a gasping breath and warm hearts,

We can’t wait to see

Your tiny hands, Sunshine smile,

And twinkling eyes…

Momma and papa,

Welcome you to

Open your eyes to the

Abode of devotion, love and care…

Itsy-bitsy foot steps,

Melodious coos

We promise to

Surround you
our bundle of joy…

With never ending  happiness…

Wish!

There was a heart
with a small wish inside,
to be loved like none
and held to the end…
At the stroke of midnight
there came again,
year of togetherness
or another year of befuddlement…
titles exist in space
but lost in being…
little do we know,
how things change…
realities erupt
leaving you piqued
questions hover you,
mind seems numb,
how much do we wish,
to not loose courage
but succumb in the end,
the heart tells the mind,
to not loose hope,
and there will be a day,
when the heart will wish to live again!
 Aditi Chaudhary, 9^th December 2012

Holiday meal suggestions | Autism Support Network

Holiday meal suggestions | Autism Support Network

Happy Diwali

Gleaming diyas

Colorful rangolis,

Splashes of vibrant colors

The hush and bush,

Majestic ambiance

Filled with charismatic smiles,

Aura of positivity

The jingles and chants,

Let’s welcome Deepavali,

With warm hearts and festive spirit,

Aditi wishes everyone a luck-filled Diwali,

And a prosperous New Year….

Aditi Chaudhary :)

Early treatment sparks striking brain changes in autism

Early treatment sparks striking brain changes in autism

Autism and Behavioral Issues

As children age the behavior becomes more difficult to manage so 'early intervention' is a must for handling behavioral issues seen in children with disability.

Challenging behavior should be tackled for many reasons and the sooner it is done the better are the results. It is easier to handle a child who is 8 year old than to handle an adult with behavioral issues, who is 25 year old.

'Medical conditions' should be ruled out before treating a challenging behavior as many a time the cause for a problematic behavior is a physical condition rather than it originating from a behavioral issue.

As we know, there is a lot of rigidity and insistence on sameness involved in children with autism, so the basic goal should be to increase 'tolerance for flexibility' in the child. This helps to bring down many of the behavioral issues faced by parents like tantrums on introducing a change in routine, stubbornness etc.

Problem behavior is either originating due to a biological reason or is a learned behavior. Most of the problem behavior is a result of how we deal with it in previous encounters. Our response to problem behavior previously has a huge impact on future occurrence of similar behavior.

Behavior occurs to fulfill an 'outcome'. Outcome could be positive or negative, for e.g. obtaining a desired object (food/toy/attention), escaping, power struggles, need to self calm etc.

It is essential to assess the function of behavior by following the ABC model:

Antecedent: What happened before the problem behavior occurred?

Behavior: the problem behavior itself

Consequence: What happened immediately after the problem behavior was exhibited?

This helps you understand why a behavior is occurring and helps you avoid repeating strategies which have failed earlier and also avoids you hitting in the dark.

For any form of strategy to be successful it is essential that is implemented 'consistently' across various setups/environments, with various people and at all times. It is also essential to be 'continuous' in your effort to change problem behavior and not give up mid-way. It is noted that any problem behavior before improving worsens and then tapers down (extinction bursts).

Problem behavior is 'learned'. Learned behavior can be changed by altering the events that occur in the environment before or after the problem behavior has emerged.

It is always better to handle behavioral issues when it starts off but it’s never too late. The earlier it is managed the better would be the prognosis. We need to work on the 'communication gap' that has formed over a period of time and strive to enhance communication. A lot of behavioral issues emerge due to inability to communicate effectively and hence all the more important to work on building positive communication channels.

Our aim should be to help  the child move from dependence to 'functional' and 'vocational independence'.

Early therapy can change brains of kids with autism | Autism Support Network

Early therapy can change brains of kids with autism | Autism Support Network

Life Oh Life!

Life Oh Life!

One fine day

A decade back

Two eyes met

And hearts flew away

Amidst strong winds

The hearts stood still,

They whispered songs

And danced to the universal song

The song of eternal love!

Frolic and fun,

Smiles and giggles

Oh such was the passionate love!

The hearts coupled in omnipresence of the sea deities and heavenly skies!

It led to a solemn oath to never part ways

One ugly day a storm arrived

And blew away the era of love,

Leaving scars behind that were difficult to heal,

One heart sat in the park of love

Looking at the lotus and remembering the struggle

One heart prays

With all its being

For the happiness of the one that it loves!

Life oh life

Why do you take?

Such twists and turns

In the epic of love!

Life oh life

Life oh life…

Aditi Chaudhary

Teaching students who are low-functioning: who are they and what should we teach? | Autism Support Network

Teaching students who are low-functioning: who are they and what should we teach? | Autism Support Network

Nutritional supplement could provide treatment for rare form of autism - News-content | Ingredients Network | Food Ingredients news powered by Fi & Hi Europe

Nutritional supplement could provide treatment for rare form of autism - News-content | Ingredients Network | Food Ingredients news powered by Fi & Hi Europe

Autism and the use of Ipad

 

Autism and the Use of Ipad

The most talked about thing lately in training kids with autism has been the use of ipad. As technology advances newer gadgets are available to help make life simplified and comfortable. Similarly has been the case since the advent of ipad in 2010. Ipad is being used extensively to train kids with autism for an array of communication skills. Not only is it user friendly but its touch screen feature makes it even more compatible for kids with autism. The child can not only use it independently but can master a wide variety of concepts while using it. Many parents, whom I have worked with, have reported that the child’s expression has landscaped since the child has started using the ipad. “He points to pictures on the ipad instead of crying for it”. Since many kids with autism are ‘visual learners’, the ipad serves as great learning resource and provides visual stimulation to these kids.

            Some of the apps amongst a dozen of apps available, which can be used with children, are: Sort it out, ABA flashcards, ABC flashcards, big/small concept, what goes together education, touch and learn education, turn taker etc

            Some of the advantages of ipad as a learning tool are that the child learns as the child plays, the child learns outstanding amount of skills through trial and error, apps are made so as to facilitate the attention and interest of the child, the child also learns to explore newer skills which are apparently difficult to teach physically. A child with autism may not respond to a request made by people around him/her but willfully follows the protocols used in ipad. A very useful feature is its mobility. You can use it in a school, restaurant, and therapy class, at home etc which increases the benefits to teach a skill at any point of time. It can also be used as an effective communication tool and augmentative communication device.

            As everything has its pros and cons so does this. Use of ipad is definitely recommended but under supervision. In my personal experience, many parents reported that their children tend to go on you tube and randomly press videos some which are not suitable for viewing. Monitoring and filtering data can help prevent such behaviors. Also ipad can become an addiction and the child may throw tantrum for it and would want to be on it for hours. As we know child with autism has great attachment to routines and can get upset when the ipad is not available for some reason. It is recommended to have “playtime” fixed for the ipad. One hurdle in getting the ipad is its cost. Not every parent can afford it and thus benefit from it.    

Along with it being a teaching tool it can also be used as a great reinforcement. One can use it in restaurants to encourage “good waiting” while others are eating and to manage “behavioral tantrums” in groups. Ipad should not be only used as a game but should be used in an orderly way with the child. Teaching the child to learn the ipad correctly requires patience and time on part of the parent. A friend who has closely observed kids with autism reported that the camera feature adds to the zing while using the ipad and it is visually stimulating for the child to capture objects.

            All said and done, Steve Job indeed created a great device and a ray of hope for many parents and children with autism. 

Picture courtesy: Google

                                                                                              Aditi Chaudhary

Study: Father’s age linked to risk of autism, schizophrenia | Autism Support Network

Study: Father’s age linked to risk of autism, schizophrenia | Autism Support Network

The Autism Epidemic | India Currents

The Autism Epidemic | India Currents

Bidding Farewell

Bidding farewell

He was 8 when I first me t him,

He looked like an angel to me,

Filled with boundless energy and innocence,

His eyes sparkled like the moonlight

And his smile spread cheers across ten directions,

His naughtiness evoked love not anger,

He was my favorite throughout!

To teach him was an honor,

He has been my magical student with a Midas touch,
he has the power to heal...

He gave me not only a chance to teach but to learn as I grew with him…

He has been the hope to look forward when life seemed a downhill,

He has been not only a student; he has been my child to me….

He is 11 now and

As I bid him adieu,

I feel a part of me going away…

In my every prayer I wish him the best of the best

I wish him a streak of luck for the journey ahead!!!

Aditi miss

A Talk on Behavior Therapy

Behavior Therapy

What is Behavior Therapy?

Behavior therapy is:

To change maladaptive behavior: e.g. – Aggression (to self/to others), Poor sitting tolerance etc.

To maximize social functioning: e.g. – to enhance constructive social interaction, reduce impulsivity etc.

To Increase self independence: e.g. – Managing one’s daily chores like bathing, feeding, commuting to short distances etc.

Basic premise –

• Every behavior has a cause, which could be a physical condition like (sensitivity to sound/touch) or a learned behavior, for e.g. to seek attention, self stimulation etc.
• Work on the cause/problem behavior and get the effect, for e.g. making unnecessary sounds in the middle of a class could be to get attention or to escape work.
• Behavior (positive or negative) is learned, either directly or indirectly.

Steps in Behavior Therapy -

• Identify the problem behavior for e.g. hand biting, echolalia
• Observe the problem behavior in different settings like school, home, with other kids, with elders, in a garden, with the helping staff.
• Find out the cause for e.g. physical condition or environmental condition
• Develop a strategy for e.g. take the behavior that is most urgent to be addressed and is hampering the child’s development.
• Implement the strategy for e.g. across various settings like in school, therapy centres etc.
• Check the success for e.g. how much has the child benefited from the strategy? Has the behavior under question reduced/increased or is the same?

Some of the Possible Targets in Behavior Therapy:

• Sitting tolerance
• Attention seeking behavior
• Impulsivity

Problems in Behavior Therapy

• Lack of awareness – Many people know about Occupational Therapy/Speech Therapy/Remedial Education but behavior therapy is very unpopular in India. There is a suspicion as to how and does it really work?
• Unsuccessful Generalization of therapy rules – large families/lack of orientation to the problem/denial in parents/defensiveness for the problem behavior/ words are not followed by actions
• Lack of institutions/courses in India for BMT or Applied Behavior Analysis.
• Parents are not willing to invest in Behavior therapy and doubt the rationale behind the therapy.

Strategies:

There are many strategies that can be implemented to rectify a problem behavior in children but due to shortage of time, I will be discussing only 2-3 amongst other techniques that can be adopted.

• Operant/instrumental conditioning
• Token economies – One can use tokens of choice as reinforcement and tokens can be exchanged for a reward upon exhibiting the desired behavior.
• Prompts for e.g. Modeling – modeling the desired response for the student. This type of prompt is best suited for individuals who learn through imitation and can attend to a model.

 Aditi Chaudhary

Is autism an "epidemic" or are we just noticing more people who have it? | Autism Support Network

Is autism an "epidemic" or are we just noticing more people who have it? | Autism Support Network

The 10 Commandments of parenting a child with autism | Autism Support Network

The 10 Commandments of parenting a child with autism | Autism Support Network

Autism, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder may share common underlying factors, study suggests | Autism Support Network

Autism, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder may share common underlying factors, study suggests | Autism Support Network

Essential nutrients for autism spectrum disorder | Autism Support Network

Essential nutrients for autism spectrum disorder | Autism Support Network

Making (and keeping) friends: A model for social skills instruction | Autism Support Network

Making (and keeping) friends: A model for social skills instruction | Autism Support Network

Oh I wish there was a Memory loss!

Oh I wish there was a Memory loss!

A random thought struck my mind. It was to imagine if there was something called a Memory loss button in our life…It would be so convenient then to get rid of events that bring about an inverted curve on our smiles…

I wish we could ctrl+alt+del memories we don’t wish to relive…Why does a human mind have the capacity to store extraordinary amount of information…why cant we choose to retain nice memories and eliminate painful flashbacks…Life would be so much more simpler, comfortable and easier if we were not burdened by endless memories of the past…

Certain memories follow you like shadow. No matter how much you try to get rid of it, you can’t. Painful memories make you relive the pain and good memories make you rejoice in happiness. The hide and seek of good versus bad events weave our lives and helps us nest experience to live and encounter life as it unfolds in the future.

Certain memories are so intense that you can feel them in every breath. It would be hiding behind in some corner of your subconscious (but yet conscious!) mind and would crop up when you were about to move ahead in life.

Oh I wish there was a memory loss,

To forget the pain and get lost into the unknown…

Oh I wish there was a memory loss,

To the gaze that met, the souls that touched and the hearts that whispered...

Oh I wish there was a memory loss,

To move ahead, explore and sail far away…

Oh I wish there was a memory loss,

To forget the daunting flashbacks…

Oh I wish there was a mind,

That retained only smiles and frolic…

Oh I wish there was no trace of lost feelings, tears and fright…

Oh I so very much wish There was a Memory Loss!

Like the sea waves come and go, so does bitter experiences in life. Like a crow builds its nest with one string at a time so does life take you ahead with one lesson at a time. Memories come and go, some stay back and some get erased but what remains with you is the belief in your self. With the twist and turns that come in life all that you need to remind yourself is that there will be a day when the sun will shine brighter and that no storm can last forever. A beautiful line outside a church: “Don’t put a question mark where God puts a full stop”, makes you ponder over so many unclosed chapters.

            “Nothing can last forever. There isn't any memory, no matter how intense, that doesn't fade out at last.” -  Juan Rulfo

                                                                                                                    Aditi Chaudhary

Prozac-contaminated drinking water may be link to autism | Autism Support Network

Prozac-contaminated drinking water may be link to autism | Autism Support Network

Autism, nightmares and anxiety | Autism Support Network

Autism, nightmares and anxiety | Autism Support Network

If I was Dr. Manmohan Singh ... .Prakash B Bajaj .. Typical mouse from Mumbai‏

31 May 2012

Dear friends
If I was Dr. Manmohan Singh, I would have written following letter to Shri Anna Hazare

Dear Shri Annaji

It was very painful to hear about your allegation about corruption against me. Hundred and thirty crore Indian are suffering due to corruption but I never uttered a single word, but now it is question of my self respect and I just cannot keep quiet and hence this letter.

You have to understand that I am just acting prime minister. I have no power whatsoever. For clearing scandalous Lavasa project Mr. Pawar meets my boss and not me, so how do you expect me to know what is happening in this country?

I am very clean person and my party is as clean as mud. Whenever a person is appointed as minister whether he is Kalmadi or Raja or MPCC president Kripa shankar Singhwe we never check his credential but once he is caught in scam, than keeping highest tradition of congress in mind like a discipline soldier he has to resign.

Our party office is full of these resignation letters along with crore and crore of rupees that they have looted, small part of which will of course be given to poor people to buy rice so they can remain alive and vote for us in coming election.

Problem with people of India is that they take all my jokes seriously. I had promised people of Mumbai that Mumbai will be made into Shanghai and they believed it. After attack on Mumbai I promised that no would be spared, even Kasab is not punished still they believe me. I had promised that within 100 days of coming back to power I will disclose the name of black money holder and still they believed me. When so many people believe me why you and your team don’t believe me?

Dear Annaji believe me, that myself and my PARTY is as serious in rooting out corruption as Pakistan is serious about rooting out terrorism.

Annaji you are a old person and I am also old person. Listen to my advice. Your Lokpal will never get passed. Every Member of Parliament has to spend crores of rupees to win the election and they will never allow this bill to pass. Who has courage to whip his own body?

Till opposition party like BJP (I fondly call them BEVKUF Janata Party) is there, nothing will happen to us. Even before coming to power they fight among themselves to decide who will be next prime minister, while we never fight for post of Prime minister. It is decided for next 1000 years. First Shri Nehru then Indira Gandhi , then Rajiv Gandhi then Rahul Gandhi (I AM JUST A STOP GAP ARRANGEMENT), if Rahul Gandhi remains unmarried then it will be Priyanka Gandhi’s children and so on and so on…

Dear Annaji even when I go to dentist I don’t open my mouth, but this time I had open my mouth, hope you will understand that being a prime minister of India I am suppose to have at least some self respect!!

I am free to express my views and I have permission of my boss to say so.

Teaching organizational skills | Autism Support Network

Teaching organizational skills | Autism Support Network

Life after high school, ten skills to teach your child | Autism Support Network

Life after high school, ten skills to teach your child | Autism Support Network

Good Website for Play Therapy

Click on the link below:

http://pinterest.com/pamdyson/play-therapy/

What is ABA therapy now, really? | Autism Support Network

What is ABA therapy now, really? | Autism Support Network

Autism & the road to truth | Autism Support Network

Autism & the road to truth | Autism Support Network

FAQ's On Autism - 3

What are the possible treatment options available for children with Autism?

Each child in unique and so is the response to treatment. Currently varied kinds of treatment and parental counseling options are available. The target treatment for children with Autism is to increase social behavior, verbal – nonverbal language, increase functional independence (Self Help Skills), decrease ritualistic behavior patterns and improve academic functioning. Let’s look at some of the options commonly heard about for Autism Rehabilitation.

Early Intervention: I have personally witnessed that earlier the intervention, better is the prognosis. I have seen amazing amount of improvement in children who were detected early with autism and intensive treatment began at the correct time. There is an improvement in every sphere from overall reduction in symptoms to behavioral adjustments. The parents are more settled with the child and denial is absent, which in itself is a very healthy sign.

Structured Therapy: Children with autism benefit best with intensive structured therapy, which is usually one on one in the beginning and later, transitions into a group therapy. Clear firm boundaries and rules help the child to exhibit his/her best potential and reduces tantrums.

Speech Therapy: A consultation to a good speech therapist is a Must. Speech therapy concentrated on oral motor exercises, imitation, Augmentative and Alternative Communication like Picture Exchange Communication System works beautifully for many children with autism.  Social skills therapy is another promising area to foster communication and increase assertive social communication in children with autism.

Remedial Education: Remedial education training forms an important part of treatment for children with autism. Individualized education program aimed to increase academic knowledge are required to mainstream the child and develop a sense of independence.

Occupational and Sensory Integration therapy are necessary to reduce hyperactivity, improve balance and sensory difficulties, fine and gross motor skills etc.

Behavior therapy: Applied behavior analysis form an integral part in treatment for children with autism. It helps to reduce hyperactivity, increase sitting tolerance, reduce tantrums, increase attention span etc. Behavior strategies to modify maladaptive behaviors is a must and is a great help to the parents and care givers of children with autism.

Medication: A visit to a neurologist, developmental pediatrician, and child psychiatrist is important on a regular basis. It helps to keep a check on aggressive behavior, obsessive compulsive behaviors, hyperactivity etc.

Parental Counseling: It is necessary for parents to orient themselves with the problem, learn coping strategies, understand their child better, participate in parent support groups, share their concerns and keep themselves updated about important developments and treatments.

Miscellaneous: There a number of other treatments available like GFCF Diet (I personally seen a child benefiting greatly because of this diet), Music therapy, Animal Assisted therapy etc.

These are some of the treatment options globally available for children with autism. I would end the article on a prayer that each child diagnosed with autism receives the best of intervention and care required. They are special, unique and can blossom beautifully with the correct intervention.

Minds in Bloom: Advice from the OT: Why it's so hard for children ...

Minds in Bloom: Advice from the OT: Why it's so hard for children ...: Minds in Bloom is so very honored to welcome guest blogger  Loren Shlaes , a registered pediatric occupational therapist...

My Article on Happified

Please follow the link below to view the article

http://happified.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=193:some-are-just-different-and-beautiful&catid=25:happified&Itemid=37

Aditi Chaudhary

The proposed DSM-5 changes with regard to ASD | Autism Support Network

The proposed DSM-5 changes with regard to ASD | Autism Support Network

What is Autism? Do you know the signs? (Very well described)

God and I

God and I         

16^th April 2012

Spiritual books, websites, idols, mentors offer a series of thoughts about God and its existence. Each spiritual guru has something thoughtful to offer, but I feel all of them offer a common philosophy that God exists within us. God is not something external but something more profound and deeper dwelling inside us. My encounter with the mystic law teaches me to awaken the Buddha within us to be able to see Buddha outside of us. We feel the presence of God when we get answers to questions that are apparently unanswerable.

            There is something mystical about the relation between us and the Universe. I have strongly started believing in the thought that we can be the change we wish to see. When you pray with all your true heart the mystic forces in the universe conspire to make you achieve impossible ends. Many a times a dream culminates into a thought and a thought into an action. Our dimension of happiness also changes with the happenings in the environment. What may make a goat happy will not necessarily make a tiger happy?  

Our faith also tends to waver with the ups and downs of life. When we are elated we feel God is kind to us, next moment when we are troubled by a misfortune, we feel Does God even exist? What amazes me is that we switch back and forth between acceptance and denial of the Almighty’s presence purely with external drama happening around us (Yes, God exists v/s No, God doesn’t exist, though the very next occasion we are flooded with a difficulty we will be the first one’s to cross our hands and ask for savior)…
The relation between ‘Karma and us’ also offers an understanding about the mechanism or working of the universe, which is very well explained in this quote: “Nature runs a restaurant called "K-A-R-M-A". It is a place where there is no need to place any order, you are served what you deserve automatically. J
I feel God in silence, in smiles, in tears, in solitude, in the eyes of zillions of kids, in the cosmic cover of moons and stars, in a dialogue with the inner conscience, in humanity and even in my 30 second prayer which I offer almost everyday…
I feel the presence of God when at times all I see are roadblocks and He is asking me to carry on and not give up…I see Him kind of reassuring me that He is there to protect me and be by my side always…I feel comfort, solace, contentment, happiness, hope, in the arms of God with every chant that I echo…
Faith in yourself, karma, in the environment, in your life and in God is what keeps you brimming with hope and encouragement always…

A well known saying goes like this: “When you are at the end of the cliff and about to fall apart, be certain that either of the two things will happen: Either He will Catch you or He will teach you to Fly!”

Aditi Chaudhary

Vaccine against Alzheimers on the anvil?

Vaccine against Alzheimers on the anvil?

Resources In Mumbai for Autistic and Mentally Challenged Children

2^nd April: World Autism Awareness Day

Below are some of the centers that I have heard about for autistic and mentally challenged children. The overall reviews of these centers are good and can be helpful. J

SOPAN (Society of Parents of children with autistic Disorders) – Samarpan (Jogeshwari)

http://www.sopan.org/samarpan.html

Support for Autistic Individuals – SAI (Santacruz)

http://www.saischool.in/

Communication DEALL

Charni Road

http://www.communicationdeall.org/

S.P.J Sadhana School (Breach Candy)

http://www.spjsadhana.org/

JBCN PAN Academy (CARE CELL) (Lower Parel)

http://www.jbcnpan.com/

Ummeed Child Development Center (Lower Parel)

http://www.ummeed.org/

Child-N-You (Thane)

http://www.childnyou.org/contact.htm

Kshitij (Bombay Central)

http://www.kshitij-mumbai.org/2.html

Anchorage (Mahalaxmi)

http://www.rootedinhope.org/

SRCC Centre for child development (Haji Ali)

http://srcc.org.in/

Little Angels Schools (Bandra)

http://www.littleangelsindia.com/index.html

Forum for Autism (Colaba)

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Forum-For-Autism/139398869441315?sk=wall#!/pages/Forum-For-Autism/139398869441315

Khushi Pediatric Therapy Centre (Andheri)

 http://www.khushi.net.in/home.html

Drishti (Andheri)

http://www.drishtionline.com/home

Skills and Ability School (Nerul)

Sector 11, Nerul, Mumbai 400 706

Disha Counseling Center (Dadar)

http://www.dishaforu.com/home.html

Planning school transitions | Autism Support Network

Planning school transitions | Autism Support Network

Teaching students with autism about their learning strengths and weaknesses | Autism Support Network

Teaching students with autism about their learning strengths and weaknesses | Autism Support Network

Autism and coming to terms | Autism Support Network

Autism and coming to terms | Autism Support Network

Denial in Autism

Denial in Autism

 In my experience one of the most common roadblocks to therapy success is denial in parents of children with autism and other developmental disabilities. It’s a hard truth to accept and one needs tons of courage and maturity to accept it as a challenge and work upon it to improve the child’s condition. It is devastating and horrifying for the parent initially but one needs to come out of this vicious circle of denial which only causes a downward slope in the child’s progress.

Some of the most common phrases used by parents in denial are “Its just a delay”, “He/She is Different”, He/She is smart, the behavior is intentional” and “There is nothing wrong at all, it’s just been blown out of proportion”.

Denial seems to crop up because of the following reasons:

Convenience: It is convenient for a parent to say “it’s just a delay, so many children talk late and respond late” than to accept it, face it and have the potential to change it.

Social Stigma: Mental disorders do attract a lot of social stigma even today. Though the situation is changing and some people are now open to the idea of taking help, keeping their ego at bay and working on the problem rather than isolating oneself to avoid being questioned or feeling the fear of being ridiculed.

Guilt: Many at times parents whose child has been diagnosed with autism feels guilty about being responsible for the child’s condition. This often leads to feelings of depression, helplessness, isolation, pretence and self blaming (I must have boozed/smoked during pregnancy and so this happened).

Blaming: One of the reasons for denial is also seen when one spouse blames the other for the child’s condition. For e.g. “because XYZ fought with me during pregnancy so much and I was under so much stress that it resulted in a child with a problem”.

The negative and disastrous consequences of denial are neglecting or disregarding professional guidance and suggestions, delay in treatment and early intervention, poor prognosis (scope of improvement), worsening of the condition and thereby putting the life of the child at stake, and absolute waste of precious time.

In my work experience I have had the best results with parents who are not in denial, who are accepting of the problem, patient to bring about a change in the child for his//her betterment, understanding their child’s needs, parents who feel it is not the end of the world for their child but a challenge to bring about a difference and track the untaken path so that their child can live fully, happily and independently.

            I believe that denial results only in destructive delay and it refrains the child of the help he/she needs. Nothing is more important than the child and definitely not the so called ‘social prestige’.

I sincerely pray that each parent upon realizing that there is a problem with their child should immediately consult professional help, orient themselves with the problem and understand that it is not about tagging the child but to help the child to bring out his/her best under the prevailing circumstances.

“The worst lies are the lies we tell ourselves. We live in denial of what we do, even what we think. We do this because we’re afraid”. Richard Bach

FAQ'S on Autism - 2, Part II

FAQ’S on Autism – 2, Part II

In continuation with my previous article, FAQ’s on Autism – 2, Part II, I will elaborate further in the current article on few more characteristics noted in children with autism.

Stereotyped Behavior: As mentioned in the previous article, the play pattern noted in children with autism is repetitive, non exploratory, ritualistic, rigid and monotonous. Stereotypes, mannerisms, grimacing, muttering are often present. A change is not welcomed and it can evoke temper tantrums, apprehensions and panic. Few of the cases that I handled had peculiar behavior of arranging things and restricting the same led to temper tantrums. They also have strong attachments to their belongings and rooms. Temper tantrums like head banging, inconsolable crying, biting, injury to others and self, rigid posture, self isolation are also noted in many cases. Stereotypical behaviors like hand flapping, finger tapping, rocking, rolling and making sounds are common.

Mood Swings: Many children with autism exhibit sudden mood changes with burst of crying and laughing spells without any apparent reason. Few of the children that I worked with broke into an aggressive spell at the drop of a hat and within five to ten minutes were back to normal as if nothing happened. For e.g. one child with whom I had worked threw an aggressive spell and then when I told him to calm down and be quiet, he said “Be quiet, chup, hass mat” and then broke into a sudden non expected laughing spell. Unpredictability is a noted feature in many children with autism.

Sensory issues: These children very often either over respond to some stimuli or under respond to other sensory stimuli. For e.g. many children with autism have either hyper/hypo sensitivity to tactile, auditory, visual stimuli, light and pain. For e.g. a child having hyposensitivity to sound may not be able to tolerate even someone talking in the same room as he is in or can have a behavioral explosion in noisy places. They cannot perceive danger and this often results in self injury.  Some children also seek a lot of vestibular stimulation like rocking, swinging, jumping on the trampoline etc.

Other Behavioral issues: Aggression, temper tantrums as mentioned above, Hyper-kinesis (over active restlessness – hyperactivity), self injurious behavior, poor attention span, sleep disturbances, enuresis ( repeated inability to control urination) and feeding and eating problems are commonly noted among children with autism.

Associated features: children with autism often exhibit poor muscle tone, poor motor planning, food allergies/sensitivity and toe walking. Gastrointestinal problems like constipation, loose bowel, burping is often present. There is a lack of concern for personal health like bathing, brushing, combing hair. Some children have exceptional memory or calculating abilities usually beyond people of their age and mental level. For e.g. memorizing train schedule charts, a series of songs or playing tunes.

These are some of the features found in children with autism. They usually exhibit some of these if not all. The pattern and timing of occurrence of these features is not the same for every child with autism.

I would end the article on a quote by Ellen Notbohm, “Patience. Patience. Patience. Work to view my autism as a different ability rather than a disability. Look past what you may see as limitations and see the gifts autism has given me. It may be true that I’m not good at eye contact or conversation, but have you noticed that I don’t lie, cheat at games, tattle on my classmates or pass judgment on other people? Also true that I probably won’t be the next Michael Jordan. But with my attention to fine detail and capacity for extraordinary focus, I might be the next Einstein. Or Mozart. Or Van Gogh.”