Sensory Issues And Autism Tips: Sensory Integration Disorder And Autism

June 11th, 2010 Shaka

Health Disease Tips >> Autism Tips >> Sensory Issues And Autism Tips
Sensory Issues And Autism Tips: Sensory Integration Disorder And Autism

Sensory Integration Disorder (SID) is a a neurological condition in and of itself, but it is most often associated with other neurological conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder, and Tourette’s Syndrome
. Unlike blindness or deafness, where a person is unable to sense or receive input from sight or sound, a person with SID is able to perceive sensory stimuli. The deficit lies in the brain’s inability to process the stimuli. If the person with SID is hyposensitive to sensory input such as touch, he or she may be more likely to be injured walking into objects or not realizing an object was too hot. A SID patient who is hypersensitive to input such as noise, will often respond loudly and negatively to surprise noises. They may also be able to hear soft noises, such as the buzz from fluorescent lights which is imperceptible to a typical person. Sensory Integration Therapy is a proven treatment for SID and is typically implemented by occupational therapists who also treat patients with autism.

Posted in Add ADHD, Autism, Health Disease, Sensory Issues And Autism | No Comments »

Challenging Behaviors And Autism Tips: Autism and Adolescence

June 8th, 2010 Shaka

Health Disease Tips >> Autism Tips >> Challenging Behaviors And Autism Tips
Challenging Behaviors And Autism Tips: Autism and Adolescence

Adolescence is a difficult time for any child transitioning through this stage of life. Individuals with autism are faced with unique challenges relevant to their particular level of functioning. Individuals with high-functioning autism may be particularly sensitive during their adolescent years. While they may be aware other teens have friends, they may lack the social skills to make friends of their own. Navigating social situations does not come naturally for them. They cannot pick up the subtle cues other teens use to express how they feel about another person. Sarcasm is frequently used in conversation at this age and is often missed or interpreted literally by the person with Asperger’s. In addition, some adolescents with autism have difficulty understanding modesty and the delicate social rules when it comes to sexuality. Parents and caregivers will need to be direct with their child, making sure that boundaries are very clear. Regardless of the child’s level of functionality, Social Stories are often an effective means of helping them to understand what behaviors are appropriate, especially if picutres are uses. Likewise, many schools offer social skill groups which can help children learn how to interact with peers. Speech therapists can also incorporate social skills in their sessions, teaching students basic conversation skills which might not otherwise come naturally for them.

Posted in Add ADHD, Autism, Challenging Behaviors And Autism, Health Disease | No Comments »

Autism In The Home Tips: Getting Ready For Summer–Life In An Autism Household

June 3rd, 2010 Shaka

Health Disease Tips >> Autism Tips >> Autism In The Home Tips
Autism In The Home Tips: Getting Ready For Summer–Life In An Autism Household
Most neurotypical children look forward to summertime. It’s a break from the monotonous routines and rigid schedules of school. Alas, it is these very aspects which can sometimes make summer vacation long and unpleasant for families with children on the autism spectrum. Children with autism thrive on routine and structure. Changes in schedules, even a surpise, fun activity, can bring undue stress, often resulting in meltdowns. The most obvious and effective solution is to provide them with a daily schedule. Depending on your child’s level of functionality, choose pictures or words to describe each activity and when they will occur. You know your child best, so adjust the schedule according to their personality. Some may need even the most basic daily routines included, such as when to get dressed or exact meal times. Other children may just need to know any activities which may be different, such as the day they have occupational therapy or swim lessons. One of the keys to a stress-free summer is consistency. Utilizing and adhering to a schedule will help to alleviate anxiety your child may have over the unexpected. Even scheduling fun activities such as a trip to their favorite fast food restaurant has its benefits. Once a child with autism has decided they want lunch at McDonald’s, they may fixate on it until it actually happens. When it is on a schedule, this can lessen some of their anxiety and resulting perseveration, as they can see exactly when this event will occur. While it may seem daunting to have to “spell everything out” for your child, over time it will become second nature for both of you.

Posted in Add ADHD, Autism, Autism In The Home, Health Disease | No Comments »

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Tips: Family Game Night

May 6th, 2010 Shaka

Health Disease Tips >> Arthritis Tips >> Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Tips
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Tips: Family Game Night

It is very important that you do things together as a family. Sometimes, it can be hard to find things the whole family can do together when there is a child with disabilties. Try to spend one night, at least every other week, playing board games or cards.

Posted in Add ADHD, Arthritis, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Uncategories | No Comments »

Air Pollution Tips: What Are The Symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome?

March 9th, 2010 Shaka

Health Disease Tips >>  Air Quality Tips >> Air Pollution Tips
Air Pollution Tips: What Are The Symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome?

Sick building syndrome has been on the rise ever since the energy crisis of the 1970s, according to some sources. Buildings made to be more energy efficient are also very good at trapping air pollution inside. There are a few symptoms of sick building syndrome to be aware of:

1. Eye and nose irritation

2. Respiratory irritation

3. Increased cancer rates

If you think you’re suffering from sick building syndrome, talk to your doctor about ways to feel better while at the office. Also check with your building management and employer about possible anti-air pollution efforts that can be made to the office area.

Posted in Add ADHD, Air Pollution, Air Quality, Health Disease | No Comments »

Air Pollution Tips: Anti-Air Pollution Efforts

March 9th, 2010 Shaka

Health Disease Tips >>  Air Quality Tips >> Air Pollution Tips
Air Pollution Tips: Anti-Air Pollution Efforts

Some locales across the country have initiated “tall chimney” acts in an effort to help clean the environment in your area. These acts are passed by state or federal governments with the basic notion is that a taller chimney will prevent buildup of noxious fumes or smoke over the urban area. It’s been determined, however, that it takes more than a tall chimney to reduce air pollution.

If you want to get involved in fighting anti-air pollution and protecting the environment, educate yourself first on the common causes and resolutions of air pollution. A simple Internet search will yield thousands of results that offer statistics and research on air pollution campaigns and awareness programs. If you want to get involved with your state and/or local government, search for grassroots organizations in your area and find ways to get involved.

Posted in Add ADHD, Air Pollution, Air Quality, Health Disease | No Comments »

Air Pollution Tips: An Air Pollution Fact That May Surprise You

March 9th, 2010 Shaka

Health Disease Tips >>  Air Quality Tips >> Air Pollution Tips
Air Pollution Tips: An Air Pollution Fact That May Surprise You

It’s easy to assume that particulate matter–air pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuels and other materials–can cause damage to the lungs. But the real danger when it comes to this kind of air pollution is particle size. The smaller the particles, the greater the damage to the respiratory system.

A culprit in these damaging particles? Diesel engines such as the ones found on large trucks and on public transportation. The air pollution problems caused by diesel are due to incomplete combustion, and while advances in some engines is reducing emissions, there are far too many ordinary diesel engines on the road, spewing health damaging particles.

If you live near a highway, filling station, or other concentration of diesel exhaust, you should consider an air filtration system in your home.

Posted in Add ADHD, Air Pollution, Air Quality, Health Disease | No Comments »

Air Filtrationy Tips: Do Your Drapes Emit Fumes?

March 4th, 2010 Shaka

Health Disease Tips >>  Air Quality Tips >> Air Filtration Tips
Air Filtrationy Tips: Do Your Drapes Emit Fumes?
Did you know that new drapes are often treated with a formaldehyde-based finish? It’s true; your drapes can emit irritating fumes for a time. You will need to be aware of your air cleaner’s capacity for handling fumes, and operate it at a higher level than usual until you feel confident the fumes are gone. It’s also a very good idea to air your new drapes outdoors or in a garage area to dissipate some of the odors. Once the new drapes are hung, make sure the area is well ventilated. A properly-rated air cleaner is perfect for situations like these, but if you are using portable air filters which can’t handle fumes or vapors, you may need to air out the new drapes for a while longer before hanging. Check your air filter’s owner manual to be sure.

Posted in Add ADHD, Air Quality, Health Disease | No Comments »

Air Filtrationy Tips: I Use An Air Cleaner, But Still Smell Smoke

March 3rd, 2010 Shaka

Health Disease Tips >>  Air Quality Tips >> Air Filtration Tips
Air Filtrationy Tips: I Use An Air Cleaner, But Still Smell Smoke
For those who use Air Cleaners to help with at-home cigarette smoke, there are some issues you should be aware of:
1. Air cleaners are generally effective at removing the particles found in tobacco smoke. This is a good thing, as one of the chief concerns is deep inhalation of such particles.
2. Some Air Filtration systems release scent into the air to mask odors, but some do not. You may discover that an offending ashtray smell lingers because of the odors from the cigarette ash is not being masked by the scented air.
3. Cigarette smoke odor is not caused by the particles removed by an Air Cleaner, it is caused by gases which may not be purified with your particular make and model of air filtration system.
If you still smell smoke when using your Air Cleaner, remember that the odor is not an indication of a bad air filter! When in doubt, clean the filter or replace it, but keep in mind these additional factors when it comes to cleaning up the air after a smoker.

Posted in Add ADHD, Air Quality, Health Disease | No Comments »

Air Quality Tips: Humidity and Indoor Air Quality

March 3rd, 2010 Shaka

Health Disease Tips >>  Air Quality Tips
Air Quality Tips: Humidity and Indoor Air Quality
High humidity and moisture creates conditions ripe for mold growth. Mold is listed as an environmental hazard by the CDC, and those who are sensitive to mold should be very informed as to how it can enter the home, how it grows, and becomes a problem.
Did you know that mold-sensitive people are advised to avoid wooded areas and piles of cut grass? It’s true. In the right conditions, mold can be found everywhere, especially in the home where sources of heat and moisture can go undiscovered until the mold is already growing there. A good dehumidifier can help in these cases, as well as good temperature control in the home. You may need a basement dehumidifier, or a unit for the bathroom, or possibly a larger solution for the whole home, depending on where you live. Wherever you place the unit, be sure to also double check the area for leaks, condensation, and other moisture factors that can be corrected for maximum mold control. You may need to do some repairs!

Posted in Add ADHD, Air Quality, Health Disease | No Comments »