Is autism curable at all?

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   pen promulgatesposted 6 years ago

   Hi Hubbers. I need some advice. I know a boy: autistic, and of age 8 who is non-verbal too. Whenever he is on Medicines, he becomes subdued and weak. Side affects of medicines-like twisting of hands, and drooling are prevalent too. But when he is off medicines, he is active. What's the best course of action you guys recommend?

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      Kathryn L Hillposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      For his caretakers or him?  To help his caretakers deal with him, the doctors prescribe medication.
      They justify this solution saying it will calm down the child and help him focus. Same with Ritalin and Adderal for hyperactive children. Now, I am only surmising and I am sure my comments will open this thread up, but, its my humble suggestion to just work with the child in his natural mental condition so he can tune into his will and therefore his ability to concentrate. What will help him tune into his will?
      
      His teachers and parents should notice EVERYTHING which stimulates him and should facilitate these interests. (Of course, they should never facilitate bad habits or unwholesome pursuits.) Autism indicates a narrow focus of interest. I know an autistic boy who can sing every pop song with perfect pitch and rhythm. He could be taught everything there is to know about music to enable him to build his intellect in this direction. James Horner who died recently was autistic! He had an autistic daughter who my daughter cared for for awhile. These people live in a different world than you and I. We just need to see the joy they have and not put pressure on them to NOT be who they naturally are.
      
      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Horner
      http://www.toneworksmusictherapy.com/20 … questions/

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         pen promulgatesposted 6 years agoin reply to this

         Dear Kathryn.
         How beautiful you have explained everything. I can't disagree with you as I see a live example daily. He is 8 years old. He is a total non verbal. So we haven't been able to figure out his exact interests yet. He plays with small vessels, tubs, latches on the doors though. Can we help him talk?

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      psycheskinnerposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      The best course of action is to support the parents as they make the best decisions they can with the help of their doctors. Inviting strangers to judge them based on your scant appreciation of what is going on is not helping anyone.

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         Kathryn L Hillposted 6 years agoin reply to this

         He can invite strangers if he wants to. Even the specialists and doctors agree that the autism spectrum disorder is a mystery. Why not get the opinions, experiences, discoveries and advice from those on the front lines? I wish we could find the cause and eliminate this disorder of the nervous system, but until we do, we need to talk about it amongst ourselves.
         
         A mon avis.

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         Kathryn L Hillposted 6 years agoin reply to this

         … what a pity to chase away "strangers."

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         pen promulgatesposted 6 years agoin reply to this

         Every autistic case might be distinctly different. Still something binds them together. That's the reason why I asked. I am sure I will get more helpful answers.

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   Kathryn L Hillposted 6 years ago

   Q: Who can benefit music therapy?
   
   A: Babies, toddlers, children, adolescents, adults, and older adults can all benefit from music therapy. Common patient populations for music therapists include those with mental health needs, developmental and learning disabilities, Alzheimer’s Disease and aging-related conditions, substance abuse, brain injuries, physical disabilities, and acute and chronic pain, including mothers in labor.
   
   
   
   Q: What kinds of goals can music therapists address?
   
   A: Music therapists use a variety of musical activities to achieve a wide range of goals based on their assessment of the individual’s needs. Goal areas might include increasing communication skills (expressive and receptive), improving motor function and coordination (fine and gross motor skills), developing and improving social skills, improving self-expression, and addressing emotional needs.
   
     http://www.toneworksmusictherapy.com/20 … questions/

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   Kathryn L Hillposted 6 years ago

   The autistic love to be in water. If you introduce them to swimming at an early age they learn to swim on their own after they get the hang of it. Their strokes may not develop perfectly but they can and will enjoy the water. Many go on to compete on special needs swim teams.
   http://www.rosebowlaquatics.org/therapy … s_rays.php

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   Kathryn L Hillposted 6 years ago

   Many try to cure autism through diet and chelation therapy. These two things DO help, but I have never seen them cure the condition. You pretty much have to accept your child's special needs and work with your child where he is at. These children do require more work in the way of training, diligent practice, and creating the appropriate living and learning environment. Thinking outside the box is the challenge for parents and caretakers of autistic children. The results are amazing and worth the effort.
   
   A mother's love is so powerful. These children are so challenging but their parents and families love them 110%. How do I know this? I have seen it! I used to teach swimming for autistic children. I discovered from them "how to be happy" for no reason at all!
   
   I learned from their mothers and fathers how not to give up hope ...
   E V E R.

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   Kathryn L Hillposted 6 years ago

   "It goes without saying that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is somewhat of a mystery. A child’s response to autism is as unique as the child — making treatment a challenge. Although the research is still out on why ASD exists, physicians and health care specialists offer many treatments to improve symptoms. Some children aren’t responsive to those methods. Some just need varied forms of treatment …"
   "Though there are no medications for autism, some drugs do help children handle some of the effects of ASD." "Such drugs can help children get along easier in school and other places. These medicines can help children focus, counter depression and regulate high energy levels, among other things. Drugs alone don’t combat all the needs of ASD kids, and some medications have challenging effects. "
   "Aquatic therapy can help with the side effects of certain drugs. The exercise helps your child process medications and will often work against effects like drowsiness or weight gain. Because the exercise involves water play, children are happy to join."
   
   "...THE BENEFITS OF AQUATIC THERAPY FOR AUTISTIC CHILDREN
   If your child struggles with ASB, aquatic therapy could be a helpful treatment method — easing autism symptoms and other stressors in your child’s life. As a treatment approach, it offers benefits and no real downsides ... helps with autism symptoms, including motor functions and sensory issues. As an added benefit, your child could become a better swimmer who is less at risk near water."
   
   "A few ways aquatic therapy can help ease symptoms of ASD are:
   Better Balance. Aquatic therapy helps strengthen muscles, which increases balance and develops better range of motion. It helps that water play is fun and individualized, even for kids on the spectrum.
   
   Better Communication Skills. Being in the water doesn’t mean a lot of social interaction, but it can be a safe place to practice small interactions without the pressure to chat.
   
   Help With Sensory Issues. Often, children with ASD struggle with sensory integration disorders. Water tends to have a calming effect, and some therapies include activities designed to help sensory issues.
   
   Better Oral Motor Skills. Some kids with ASD struggle with certain motor skills, like sipping through a straw or blowing out candles on a cake. Because aquatic therapy includes activities like blowing bubbles in water or blowing a ball across the water, kids develop stronger oral motor skills.
   
   Better Swimmers. Being in the water makes kids more comfortable when it’s time to learn to swim. Water is especially hazardous for children with ASD because many have difficulty communicating when they are in danger. Aquatic therapy gives autistic kids time to build a crucial skill."
   
   "CHOOSE FUN: AQUATIC THERAPY AIDS TRADITIONAL AND TREATMENTS
   ... studies show that children with ASD who engage in aquatic therapy improve their limitations. A child with arthrogryposis multiplex congenital — struggling with joint issues — can improve mobility and muscle strength in water exercise.
   
   There are secondary benefits to aquatic therapy, too. For kids, being in the water doesn’t feel like a chore or like a clinical doctor’s office — it’s fun.
   
   It doesn’t matter how big or small a child is — the water accommodates all sizes. Some sensory issues make it difficult for kids on the spectrum to comfortably take part, but water helps. It eases anxiety and calms feelings of discomfort.
   
   All kids have trouble with short attention spans, but this is particularly true of autistic children. Being in the water tends to help them stay focused."
   
   "SEE IMPROVED OUTCOMES WITH AQUATIC THERAPY
   Behavioral therapy is much easier after time in the water, which helps calm a busy body and mind. Exercise itself is a form of therapy, and when done it water, it’s not work.
   
   Because dietary changes are sometimes met with opposition, it’s easier to tackle these when children are hungry — and water exercise is great for increasing appetites."

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      pen promulgatesposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      This is valuable information. I will check for Aqua therapy around here. Could you suggest how can he use Washrooms himself? As of now he is on diapers. It would be great if he used washrooms. Secondly, he gets seizure/fits/convulsions that last for around an hour. He gets them once in two months. Medicines aren't helping them stop. We are too worried for him Kathryn.

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         Kathryn L Hillposted 6 years agoin reply to this

         I don't have experience with this type of case. I have worked with special needs children both in the pool and in the classroom, and, at the school where I worked, the teachers and aides just did the best they could by diapering those who did not have the ability to use the washrooms/restroom. If you really have questions you could call schools which specialize in children with special needs and ask for advice and reliable resources.
         PS The audience/ "stranger" pool here is not really that big.
         http://tbparchitecture.com/gallery-port … iewschool/

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            pen promulgatesposted 6 years agoin reply to this

            Thanks. And you are right about the audience

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               Kathryn L Hillposted 6 years agoin reply to this

               checkmark on that fact.

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