What Type Of Disability Is Autism

How Is Autism Managed

If your child is diagnosed with autism, you will be guided through the various treatment options. There are education programs and support services available for children with autism and their parents or caregivers from a number of organisations such as Autism Spectrum Australia.

Treatments used to manage autism are best started as early in a persons life as possible. Specific symptoms and social skills can be improved with the right support and programs. Because everyone with autism is different, the best results are obtained from a treatment program specifically tailored to their individual needs.

Language and social skills are taught through intensive educational programs and behavioural therapies. Speech pathology focuses on developing communication and social skills. Occupational therapy concentrates on sensory motor development, such as learning play and fine motor skills, as well as how to cope in social situations.

Public and private schooling options are available for children with autism. Find out more about schooling options on the Autism Awareness website.

Sometimes claims are made about treatments that are misleading. Avoid treatments that offer a cure or recovery as there is no evidence to support these claims. Ensure that the treatments and supports you choose are informed by evidence.

Autism Awareness Australia provides self-care tips and helpful links and resources.

Disability Benefits For Autism

Autism is a life-long disorder. It has a significant effect on the individual, their family members, as well as society. Although autism was first officially identified in the 1980, symptoms of the disorder have occurred throughout history. Now, as more becomes known about autism spectrum disorders, including Aspergers syndrome, more children are accurately diagnosed and treated.

According to 2016 data, the CDC reports that 1 out of 54 children in the US are diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder . As adults, many of these individuals are unable to lead everyday lives. They require continuous treatment, but others can function normally within society.

What Is Aspergers Syndrome And How Is It Different Than Autism

The term Aspergers Syndrome refers to individuals within the autism spectrum who do not necessarily experience severe intellectual impairments but do face a range of social impairments. The major distinction is that language developed normally up to the age of 3. Individuals with Aspergers retain normal or near-normal cognitive and communicative development and their verbal skills are usually relatively strong.

Those afflicted with Aspergers Syndrome display deficits in social interaction and unusual responses to their encompassing environment. They often have obsessive routines and may be preoccupied with a particular subject of interest. The diagnosis of Aspergers has been eliminated in the 2013 fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and replaced by a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder on a severity scale.

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Autism Is The Fastest

MIAMI, March 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ According to the CDC, 1 in 68 U.S. children has autism spectrum disorder , and 11 million children have a developmental disability. Unfortunately, the rate of ASD is on the rise each year and occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.

Although research has shown that travel and activities away from home are therapeutic for children with ASD, few hotel and lodging options are tailored to fit their families requirements.

We saw an under-served market with a genuine need, says Alice Horn, the CEO of VillaKey, LLC. Children on the autism spectrum are uncomfortable with unfamiliar environments, and many families avoid hotels, or may not go on vacation at all. The children require a familiar and safe environment, which can be best provided in a vacation home.

The VillaKey platform currently features a select assortment of over 100 autism-friendly homes in the Orlando area, with plans to expand to destinations throughout the U.S. over the coming year. The homes include full kitchens to accommodate cooking for special diets the use of fragrance-free cleaning products decor with soothing colors and alarms on exit doors. Service pets are welcome. Both staff and local property managers are certified in the requirements of autism travelers. Over time, VillaKey plans to add services and activities to suit the autism market.

Contact: Alice Horn or 786-216-3254. Website: www.myvillakey.com

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The Blurred Line Between Autism And Intellectual Disability

Doctors often conflate autism and intellectual disability, and no wonder: The biological distinction between them is murky. Scientific progress depends on knowing where the conditions intersect and part ways.

by Emily Sohn / 15 April 2020

Soon after Patrick Kelly started school at age 5, his teachers told his parents he belonged in special-education classes. His academic performance was poor, and his behaviors were disruptive: hand-flapping, rocking, hitting his head with his wrists and tapping his desk repeatedly. He often seemed as if he was not paying attention to people when they spoke to him. He would stare off into the distance, head turned to the side.

Kellys teachers assumed he had intellectual disability, known at the time as mental retardation. Then when he was around 9, a routine eye exam at school revealed that he could barely see. With glasses, he went from underperforming to outperforming his peers in every subject but English in just two years. And it turned out that he had been listening in the classroom all along. Finally, at age 13, a psychologist diagnosed him with pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified, a form of autism.

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What Teachers Can Do

Many students with autism can thrive in a structured environment, so establish a routine and keep it as consistent as possible. Adhering to daily schedules and allowing ample time for transitions can help with many students’ behavioral issues and frustrations.

Instructional support is often needed within the classroom setting. Students with autism learn better with pictures and demonstrations. Limit long verbal instructions and provide visual cues and written instructions, when possible. Also limit distractions and use positive rewards for positive behaviors.

Many people with autism have strong passions and deep interests. Getting to know your students’ likes and dislikes can help you understand what motivates them. Students with autism can participate in most activities that other kids and teens do, so provide encouragement to participate when appropriate.

What Are The Signs

People with ASD often have problems with social, emotional, and communication skills. They might repeat certain behaviors and might not want change in their daily activities. Many people with ASD also have different ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to things. Signs of ASD begin during early childhood and last throughout a persons life.

Children or adults with ASD might:

• not point at objects to show interest
• not look at objects when another person points at them
• have trouble relating to others or not have an interest in other people at all
• avoid eye contact and want to be alone
• have trouble understanding other peoples feelings or talking about their own feelings
• prefer not to be held or cuddled, or might cuddle only when they want to
• appear to be unaware when people talk to them, but respond to other sounds
• be very interested in people, but not know how to talk, play, or relate to them
• repeat or echo words or phrases said to them, or repeat words or phrases in place of normal language
• have trouble expressing their needs using typical words or motions
• not play pretend games
• repeat actions over and over again
• have trouble adapting when a routine change
• have unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel, or sound
• lose skills they once had

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Diagnosis Of Autism In Children

Autism in children is diagnosed through observation by a multidisciplinary team of the following health professionals:

• paediatrician
• psychologist or psychiatrist
• speech pathologist.

Some children will show signs of autism by the age of two and will be diagnosed then. Other may be diagnosed when they are older. The earlier autism can be diagnosed the sooner therapy can begin. Early intervention has been shown to improve outcomes for autistic children.

Check If You Have An Impairment

You have an impairment if your physical or mental abilities are reduced in some way compared to most people. It could be the result of a medical condition – like arthritis in your hands that means you cant grip or carry things as well as other people.

An impairment doesnt have to be a diagnosed medical condition. If youre suffering from stress, you might have mental impairments – like difficulty concentrating – as well as physical impairments such as extreme tiredness and difficulty sleeping. It still has to have a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out day-to-day activities.

Your impairment doesnt have to stop you doing anything, as long as it makes it harder. It might cause you pain, make things take much longer than they should or mean that youre unable to do an activity more than once.

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Some Characteristics Of Asperger’s Syndrome

Those with Asperger’s syndrome are typically of average or above average intelligence, and can show a wide range of behaviours and social skills. People with Asperger’s syndrome may display some of the following characteristics:

• difficulty in forming friendships
• ability to talk well, either too much or too little, but difficulty with communication
• inability to understand that communication involves listening as well as talking
• a very literal understanding of what has been said. For example, when asked to ‘get lost’, as in go away, a person with Asperger’s syndrome will be confused and may literally try to ‘get lost’
• inability to understand the rules of social behaviour, the feelings of others and to ‘read’ body language. For example, a person with Asperger’s syndrome may not know that someone is showing that they are cross when frowning
• sensitivity to criticism
• a narrow field of interests. For example a person with Asperger’s syndrome may focus on learning all there is to know about cars, trains or computers
• eccentricity.

• Establish routines and predictable environments.
• Inform people with autism what is about to happen before it occurs.

How Do Doctors Make A Diagnosis Of Autism

When a doctor diagnoses autism, there are no blood tests or imaging studies they can use. Instead, they have to observe the adult or child with autism to see if their behavior and development meets the diagnostic guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual.

Doctors look for what’s known as the autism triad when they diagnose someone. If someone has difficulty with social interactions, verbal and non-verbal communication and demonstrates rigid thoughts and repetitive behaviors, an autism spectrum diagnosis is likely.

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Social Security Disability Income

Social security for adults with autism includes both the SSI and SSDI programs. Social security disability benefits for autism may carry over from childhood to adulthood for people who were receiving social security disability for autism on their parents social security record.

The SSDI program is for adults who are disabled from working. It is usually based on the recipients income before they became disabled. If the disability began before age 22, however, it can be based on the recipients parental income.

Once a child reaches age 18, the blue book adult criteria for disability determination takes effect, and these differ from the childhood criteria.

What Are The 5 Types Of Autism

Autism refers to a wide range of neurodevelopmental disorders. If your child is living with autism, it is important for you to understand the various types of autism and the symptoms presented by each.

Understanding the unique challenges presented by each type of autism will guide you in helping your child cope with the disorder. There are five major types of autism which include Aspergers syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, Kanners syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified.

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What Role Do Genes Play

Twin and family studies strongly suggest that some people have a genetic predisposition to autism. Identical twin studies show that if one twin is affected, then the other will be affected between 36 to 95 percent of the time. There are a number of studies in progress to determine the specific genetic factors associated with the development of ASD. In families with one child with ASD, the risk of having a second child with the disorder also increases. Many of the genes found to be associated with autism are involved in the function of the chemical connections between brain neurons . Researchers are looking for clues about which genes contribute to increased susceptibility. In some cases, parents and other relatives of a child with ASD show mild impairments in social communication skills or engage in repetitive behaviors. Evidence also suggests that emotional disorders such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia occur more frequently than average in the families of people with ASD.

Autism Screening And Diagnosis

It can be hard to get a definite diagnosis of autism. Your doctor will focus on behavior and development.

For children, diagnosis usually takes two steps.

• A developmental screening will tell your doctor whether your child is on track with basic skills like learning, speaking, behavior, and moving. Experts suggest that children be screened for these developmental delays during their regular checkups at 9 months, 18 months, and 24 or 30 months of age. Children are routinely checked specifically for autism at their 18-month and 24-month checkups.
• If your child shows signs of a problem on these screenings, theyâll need a more complete evaluation. This might include hearing and vision tests or genetic tests. Your doctor might want to bring in someone who specializes in autism disorders, like a developmental pediatrician or a child psychologist. Some psychologists can also give a test called the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule .

If you werenât diagnosed with autism as a child but notice yourself showing signs or symptoms, talk to your doctor.

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What Can I Do

Now that youve learned these facts about autism, share them with others! Explore additional resources to learn more and spend time with an individual with autism if possible. Check out our tips for interacting with someone with autism. If youre a prent, monitor your childs development and make sure you can recognize the signs of autism.

You can also get involved with organizations like Lakemary that support individuals with autism. Become a volunteer or donate today!

Autism Support In Melbourne

MCM is passionate about offering quality autism resources and support for parents and carers.

We provide several services aimed at children, as well as some services for adults with autism.

Support services include assistance at home, support coordination and early childhood intervention services..

To learn more about the resources and assistance that is available to you, please contact us on 1800 343 287.

You can also read further information on a selection of services below.

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Disability Applicants Who Have Serious Difficulty Communicating To Others Impaired Social Conduct And Repetitive Behavior Patterns May Qualify For Benefits

By Bethany K. Laurence, Attorney

Autism is a developmental disorder that results in impaired social behavior, difficulty communicating to others, and repetitive behavior patterns. The severity of the disorder can vary from one individual to the next. Children who have autism may exhibit the following signs: withdrawing from other people, limited eye contact, a delay in speaking and forming words, repetitive actions such as rocking, and an excessive focus on certain objects. Medical experts diagnose autism by performing neurological, cognitive, and language testing.

People Who Are Deaf Or Hard Of Hearing

Hearing impairments can range from mild to profound. People who are hard of hearing may use a range of strategies and equipment including speech, lip-reading, writing notes, hearing aids or sign language interpreters.

When talking to a person who is deaf or hard of hearing:

• look and speak directly to them, not just to the people accompanying them, including interpreters
• speak clearly and use a normal tone of voice unless otherwise instructed by the person with the hearing impairment
• if you don’t understand what a person is saying, ask them to repeat or rephrase, or alternatively offer them a pen and paper.

Tips

• Ensure front of office staff are briefed and prepared on how to greet and assist people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Allow more time and greater flexibility for training and induction.
• Consider workspace location – allowing the employee to see people entering the room and situate the workstation in an area where there is minimal background noise.

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Tax Strategies For Parents Of Kids With Special Needs

If youre the parent of a child with special needs, there are some tax strategies to be aware of that can save your family money. For example, you can deduct the cost of many out-of-pocket expenses on your federal taxes. In this article, youll learn about deductions as well as other strategic considerations such as tax credits.

Please note: The information in this article is educational in nature and is not to be considered tax advice. Please contact a qualified tax professional to discuss how these concepts may or may not apply to your personal situation.

Tips On How To Interact With People Who Have An Intellectual Or Developmental Disability

• Dont assume what a person can or cannot do.
• Use plain language and speak in short sentences.
• Make sure the person understands what youve said.
• If you cant understand whats being said, dont pretend. Just ask again.
• Provide one piece of information at a time.
• Be supportive and patient.
• Speak directly to the person, not to their companion or attendant.

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