Sensory processing disorder (SPD) has long been associated with autism, and its external manifestations are often what lead a parent to getting a diagnosis. For a many years SPD was seen as a “symptom” of autism, but a breakthrough study in 2013 found that this disorder had a biological basis that separated it from many other neurological disorders. More recently it was found…
Confused about interventions for autism, what options are out there, and how effective they are? Autism Research reviews a different treatment, therapy or intervention each month. September’s review was on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. The review is offered in a basic, intermediate and advanced version. They are also open to suggestions for what to review in the upcoming months. The latest autism research is also posted on this site.
Issues around schooling have been at the forefront for parents with the start of new school year. Time featured a great article on why kids with autism are a target for school bullies. A new study revealed that 46% of autistic children in middle and high school told their parents they were victimized at school within the previous year, compared with just over 10% of children in the general population. What makes them easy targets is they have trouble recognizing social cues, which makes them awkward around others. They also often engage in repetitive behaviors and tend to be hypersensitive to environmental stimuli, all of which makes children with the disorder ripe targets for bullies who zero in on differences and enjoy aggravating their victims.
Transition planning is a process that should start in the early years of middle school and continue through the first few years following graduation from high school. The Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) has created the Transition to Adulthood guides and will assist the individual with ASD and his or her team in reviewing the issues of adulthood related to employment, postsecondary education and adult living during these years. Implications for the individual with ASD to consider are highlighted throughout the guides. Identification of resources and many active links to important information are provided. These are guides are available for free download.
Summer is just around the corner and with that comes outdoor activities. If you’re looking for an alternative to a traditional bicycle, have a look at the Buddy Bike. This a great option for people that can’t sit unsupervised on the back of a tandem bike. The smaller rider sits in the front seat while the rear rider controls the steering. It is shorter in length than a typical tandem and has a lower front seat so both riders can safely enjoy the view. It can support up to 380 pounds.
Every month I do a blog post for the Autism Calgary Association about what in the world is going on in the field of autism. Here is the February post.
The University of Ulster in Northern Ireland has launched a new Master’s Degree program that will expand and enhance the management of Sensory Processing Disorder by occupational therapists and other allied health practitioners. The new Master of Science in Sensory Integration degree is based on a series of modules conducted in partnership with the not-for-profit educational organization, Sensory Integration Network (UK and Ireland).
Through the work of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller of the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation, supported by organizations such as SPD Canada and their President Lori Fankhanel, we may see the addition of Sensory Processing Disorder in the next DSM V due out in April 2013.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV), published by the American Psychiatric Association, is used by medical professionals world wide to diagnose mental disorders. The revised manual, the DSM V, is due out in 2012.