• What Is Autism?

    If your child has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, you may be feeling a mixture of emotions. It’s not uncommon for parents to feel panic, fear, distress, or confusion, or a combination of more than one of these emotions. The important thing for you to do now is to educate yourself. Knowing the facts about autism will help you understand your child’s condition so that you can find the resources you need to help your child thrive.

    What is autism? It’s a broad range of conditions, which in 2013 were grouped together under the umbrella of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). People with ASD experience challenges with social skills, repetitive or stereotypical behavior, speech, and nonverbal communication. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that autism affects about one in fifty-nine children in the United States. Indicators of autism are typically evident by age two or three. In some cases, associated developmental delays can appear even earlier, and it can be diagnosed in children as young as 18 months. Research indicates that early intervention is a key factor in positive outcomes later in life for individuals with ASD.

    There are many subtypes to ASD, and most are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Each person with ASD is unique and has a different set of strengths and challenges, and people with ASD can range in functioning in terms of how they learn, think, and solve problems. Some people with ASD need significant support in their daily lives. Other people, on the other hand, need less support and may even be able to live entirely independently.

    There are many factors that can influence the development of autistic spectrum disorder. The condition is often accompanied by sensory sensitivities and may include comorbid medical issues that include gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, seizures, or sleep disorders. People with ASD also have a higher likelihood of encountering mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and attention issues.

    A diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder can be unnerving, but you are not alone. As you learn more about the condition, you’ll be able to better understand your child and you’ll find support and resources to help your child thrive. Like everyone else, each child with ASD has his or her own strengths and weaknesses, and as you learn more you’ll be able to build on your child’s strengths and find targeted interventions to address his or her weaknesses.

    If your child has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, STAR of CA is here to offer support. Founded in 2006, we provide behavioral and psychological services to people with ASD and related disorders in a nurturing environment that offers support for the entire family. We love what we do, and are devoted to improving lives through focused, caring services. You can contact us through our website or by calling 805.644.7827.

  • Helping Your Child with Autism Thrive

    If your child has recently been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), you may be worried, wondering what will happen next.  While ASD is not something that people grow out of, there are many treatments and therapies that can help your child build skills and overcome developmental challenges. Assistance is available, from free government services to in-home behavioral therapy to school-based programs, and you can find ways to help your child learn, grow, and thrive. Be proactive about your child’s treatment, seeking help as soon as you suspect there’s an issue. Early intervention is important in successful treatment of autism. Learn as much as you can, not just about autism, but about your child, and learn to appreciate your child’s individuality and the things that make him or her unique. Then, employ these tips to help your child thrive:

    • Provide consistent structure. Know what your child’s teachers and therapists are doing, so that you can create a sense of continuity at home, helping your child transfer techniques from one environment to another. Keep your child’s schedule highly-structured, and try to minimize disruptions to the routine. Be consistent in dealing with challenging behavior, and offer positive reinforcement for good behavior.
    • Connect with your child nonverbally. Your voice, touch, and body language are all important, and by learning your child’s nonverbal cues, you’ll be better able to communicate. Be observant, and you’ll be able to pick up on your child’s cues and what they indicate. Look for the motivation behind challenging behaviors, and you’ll be better at managing them. Remember that your child with ASD is still a child, and make sure you’re finding time to have fun together. Be aware of your child’s sensory sensitivities, understanding that some children with ASD are hypersensitive to sensory stimuli, while others are under-sensitive. By understanding your child’s responses, you’ll be better able to anticipate and prevent difficult situations.
    • Find a treatment plan that fits your child. A good plan will build on your child’s interests, teach tasks through simple steps, offer a predictable schedule, provide highly structured activities that actively engage your child, include regular behavior reinforcement, and involve the parents.
    • Seek support. In addition to finding support for your child, look for ASD support groups, respite care, and individual, marital, or family counseling. For your child, be aware that children with ASD are eligible for a range of free or low-cost government services, including early intervention for very young children and special education services for children over three.

    If your child has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, STAR of CA is here to offer support. Founded in 2006, we provide behavioral and psychological services to people with ASD and related disorders in a nurturing environment that offers support for the entire family. We love what we do, and are devoted to improving lives through focused, caring services. You can contact us through our website or by calling 805.588.8896.

  • 11 Tips for New Autism Parents

    Has your child been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? The good news is that the diagnosis offers a certain relief: you now know what’s going on. What’s next? We have a few tips.  

    1. Know that it’s ok to take breaks. Parenting a child with ASD can feel like a marathon, so take care of yourself. Read, watch TV, go to the gym, do whatever helps you check out for a bit, understanding that it’s ok to be less than productive sometimes.  
    1. Stop Googling. Don’t drive yourself crazy looking for an autism cure online, or scaring yourself with “what-ifs.” 
    1. Find support online. While the internet can be terrifying, it can also be a great place to network. ASD can make parents feel isolated, but a parent or caregiver is always awake and online somewhere in the world, and getting to know parents on social media sites can be a great source of support.   
    1. Learn to ignore advice. Expect unsolicited input, and decide how you’ll answer it.  
    1. Respect those who have gone before. Parents who have been dealing with ASD for years know more than you do, so respect their knowledge and learn from them.  
    1. Know that every technique doesn’t work for every child. Kids with ASD are unique, and just because something worked for someone else doesn’t mean it will help your child. Some therapies, medications, and cures will flop, and that’s ok.  
    1. Expect to spend money. ASD is expensive, so be prepared to ask for therapy or lessons as gifts.  
    1. Know that some people won’t give these things as gifts. Your kid will receive inappropriate toys from well-meaning people, but that’s ok. Eventually, your child might like it. If not, you can donate, re-gift, or return it for therapy money.  
    1. Be open-minded. You never know what will help your child, so be willing to try things even if they seem ridiculous.  
    1. Go out in public. Taking your kid everywhere helps teach coping skills. Acknowledging your child’s limits, take little trips and build on them. Maybe you’ll go out to buy milk, maybe you’ll go to the library. Let your child know what’s going on, but provide as much exposure to real life as you can.  
    1. Feel sorry for yourself sometimes. Give into self-pity every now and then, because this is not the life you planned. Then snap out of it, ask for support, and remember that this is your new normal, and it’s going to be ok.  

    If your child has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, STAR of CA is here to offer support. Founded in 2006, we provide behavioral and psychological services to people with ASD and related disorders in a nurturing environment that offers support for the entire family. We love what we do, and are devoted to improving lives through focused, caring services. You can contact us through our website, or call 805.588.8896. 

  • How to have a Sensory-Friendly New Year’s Eve

    New Year’s Eve is a fun and festive holiday that can be enjoyed by young and old alike. If your child has sensory processing issues or autism spectrum disorder, however, all that festivity can be problematic. The fireworks, bright lights, crowds, and loud music can be overwhelming, causing panic and anxiety for children with special needs. What’s more, your children may already be out of sorts, because of all the disruption the holiday season brings, with upended schedules and increased social interaction. Don’t worry! You can have a happy and sensory-friendly New Year’s Eve this year, just by following a few simple guidelines.  

    • Prepare in advance. Talk to your kids and make a plan together, and get everything ready to go. You might watch YouTube videos of New Year’s Eve festivities together to help you make a plan.  
    • Don’t mind the clock. If staying up until midnight is going to be disruptive, ring in the New Year at a time that works better for you! You might celebrate midnight in another time zone or plan your party for noon.  
    • Plan sensory-friendly activities. A sensory bin with confetti, streamers, party blowers, glow sticks, balloons, or whatever else your kids might enjoy can be a great addition to your New Year’s celebration. You might also make a calm-down sensory bottle, filled with water mixed with glitter or confetti.  
    • Watch a movie under a weighted blanket. Make New Year’s Eve a family movie night, snuggled up under a weighted blanket, which will provide calming deep pressure and proprioceptive sensory input. Make it even more fun by popping some popcorn.  
    • Have a family game night. Board games offer a great low-key way to ring in the New Year, and they’ll help your kids practice social skills, too.  
    • Dance the night away. If your kids need to move and wiggle around too much to last through a movie or a board game, no problem! Have a family dance party instead, dressing up if you want to and dancing to your kids’ favorite tunes.  
    • Choose hats over noisemakers. Hats are just as festive as the noisier party favors, and for extra fun, you can make it a craft activity, making or decorating them yourselves. 
    • Do the fireworks and ball drop your own way. Watch fireworks on video instead of experiencing them live, and set up a balloon or confetti drop to release after your countdown, filling a drawstring garbage bag with party streamers, ribbons and bows left over from Christmas, confetti, or balloons.  

    If your child has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, STAR of CA is here to offer support. Founded in 2006, we provide behavioral and psychological services to people with ASD and related disorders in a nurturing environment that offers support for the entire family. We love what we do, and are devoted to improving lives through focused, caring services. You can contact us through our website or by calling 805.588.8896.