Goal Driven

Every human has a clear need for goals. It drives us to do great things. What is one great thing an individual with autism can do? Well, an individual with autism can learn to communicate. Communication is not solely verbal, it can also be through signing. One does not need to learn proper signing methods in order to properly communicate, although learning American Sign Language will prove beneficial. Simply pointing to a chair signifies "sit" to anyone, not only an autistic individual. Communication can be one of many goals you can work on with your special someone. Other goals such as toileting, bathing, grooming are all possible with effort. Relentless effort.

Unique Sense

I have posted about sense's, as they relate to autism, before. The sensory experience seems to be unique for autistic individuals. I work with an individual who likes to dance! It almost seems like he has the music in him. He is deaf and mute but somehow he likes to dance. I do not completely comprehend it but I think it he learned this through viewing other people dance. How is this sensory? This is sensory because he dances when he feels grass underneath him. When he feels grass in parks, he starts dancing. He sense's the grass touching him and he seems to enjoy it. Please feed your autistic individuals sensory diet. 

Stressed or Relaxed

Another weekend is here. Time to live life a little! Go out with family and friends to have a picnic, swim, or whatever else. Wait, what about all those who have to work on weekends? What about families with autistic children? Are there similarities in moods of people who have to work weekends and families with autistic children? Do you think there are? I certainly think that both situations cause stress. This stress seems to increase a notch when a weekend worker see's others enjoying days off on weekends or when a family with autistic children observes families without autistic children. All these can be stressful but I also happen to think that as time progresses, so do human thinking. Eventually these types of stress should melt away as parents get accustomed to the autistic life. I know getting accustomed is hard but guess what, it is possible. To all those weekend workers out there, life will become easier after you get accustomed to your weekend work. Listen all families with autistic children and weekend workers, you are not alone. 

Differences

I have to complete an assignment which requires writing on ADHD and autism. ADHD is an acronym for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. To simplify it, lack of attention span. Autism has components of ADHD within it but is far more higher up, in terms of developmental disability, than ADHD is. Please do not be discouraged. I have worked with both types of disorders and have found it easier to work with the autistic individuals. ADHD is really apparent in some children when they just can not pay attention to anything. It does not have to be "only at school" but can also be in their daily lives. There are medications available for ADHD and your doctor can provide more information regarding this. 

Despite Complexities

Life can be complex when dealing with autism on a constant basis. I have said it before and will say it again, I have respect for parents with autistic child/children. The simple family life many families are used to does not stand a chance when compared with an autistic family life. Basic necessities take on a whole other meaning when dealing with autism. Items such as toiletries and medications might take a huge chunk out of a families budget when autism is a concern. Despite all these complexity, a family dealing with autism can still love each other and enjoy life. Humans can adapt to situations and these families can learn to live with autism. It is not simple but it is possible. We can learn about autism and how to live with it through professionals, books, and movies.  As research on autism continues, I will encourage these families to keep pressing on. There is light at the end of the tunnel, whether you see it or not.

Spread the word

Knowing what autism is and not spreading the word about it is like watching someone in trouble and not willing to help! Yes, that is exactly what it is like. You might disagree with me but, please, take into consideration that someone out there might have the ability to research autism like it has never been researched before. Let us be respectful of researchers who are currently busy trying to find out more about autism but, let us not forget the future is yet to come. Please talk about autism and spread the knowledge you have about this disorder.

Catch a cold

I have witnessed that it is very complicated to help an individual with autism get over a cold or flu. Working with an autistic individual in order to help her/him get well from cold or flu takes alot out of the parent or anyone else involved. Follow some basic rules when you find yourself in this situation. First and foremost, take your autistic individual to the doctor. If the doctor prescribes a medicine, please be sure to administer it to the autistic individual. Second, please use all precautions to make sure you don't catch the cold or flu. Protect yourself. Last, please be certain that the autistic individual gets plenty of needed rest in order to get well.