Editor’s note: In the last year, I’ve seen several newspaper articles with headlines that suggest a “cure” for Down syndrome is within reach. If you read beyond the headlines, you understand that it’s really not happening tomorrow or even next year. But, not everyone reads beyond the headlines and sometimes well-intentioned friends, family members and…
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What does research tell us about families with children with Down syndrome? There have been a number of useful studies of the experiences of families with children with Down syndrome in recent years, particularly in Australia, the USA, and the UK. These studies have moved on from simply looking for negative effects and have taken more sophisticated approaches…
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A neurodiversity perspective can help educators create learning environments in which all students flourish. It was my first day as a special education teacher in Montreal, Canada, and my supervisor was taking me around to see some model programs in other schools. At the door of the first classroom, the teacher welcomed us warmly. As…
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Recently I read on the Internet that I was showing my age because I was so concerned about constant video game playing. What I am worried about is when video games become such an obsession that they interfere with schoolwork or getting a job. In a new study led by University of Missouri professor Micah…
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Back in the 1980s and 1990s, a highly controversial topic of conversation among parents and professionals was the question, “Should we tell our child that he has autism?” Today we have learned that such self-knowledge is essential, that children need to understand how and why they may feel different from others around them, and what…
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Prognosis There is some evidence that kids with ASPERGERS may see a lessening of symptoms as they mature. Up to 20% of kids may no longer meet the diagnostic criteria as grown-ups, although social and communication difficulties may persist. As of 2006, no studies addressing the long-term outcome of people with ASPERGERS are available and…
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Playing outside is one of those rites of childhood that gets championed by people who feel kids today spend too much time in front of a screen. Fresh air, exercise, creative activity — that’s all great, sure, but for those of us who have children with special needs, outdoor play can be problematic. Medical issues…
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A child with Asperger’s may have a meltdown in the toy store because you won’t buy that outer space building set. He might be a skilled negotiator about bedtime or recite facts about turtles instead of answering your question about school. It’s easy to term these behaviors “manipulation,” but this isn’t always accurate. It can…
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When it comes to autism research, there’s always something new to discover. From the best treatments to the latest developments in screening and genetics, this is a fast-moving area of medical science. Theories and therapies change all the time, and it’s important for parents, teachers, and caregivers to stay up to date on the latest…
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You can use activities as a bridge between a child with autism and his environment and the people in it. There are many activities that can increase social skills while strengthening the bond between the child and those around him. Since each child is unique, it is a good idea to have a variety of…
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