Autism, Asperger's Syndrome and Children

Undue stress placed on Welsh ASD sufferers in further education. (update)

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 18:16:00 +0000

Young Welsh people who suffer from autism or Asperger's Syndrome are not receiving the necessary assistance in further education, according to a committee report. Actually, I first mentioned this problem in a previous "post" in May, consequently you might want to read, "AMs suggest that more must be done for young people with an ASD", before reading, "Patchy provision for autistic children."

Wales forges ahead in tackling ASDs.

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 19:18:00 +0000

Gwenda Thomas, Deputy Minister for Social Services in Wales, has recently given an update on the Welsh Assembly Government's "Autistic Spectrum Disorder Strategic Action Plan for Wales." This is a very comprehensive read and therefore includes plenty of important information. Although this item has been "posted" here, it relates equally to adults.

Please click on the link for the full story: "Wales makes strides in autism." Enjoy.

AMs suggest that more must be done for young people with an ASD.

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Mon, 31 May 2010 15:06:00 +0000

The Welsh Assembly Government is investigating better ways of helping young people whom suffer from autism and Asperger's Syndrome. A committee made 19 recommendations to the Assembly Government to improve specialist provision for young people with an ASD.

For the full story please read: "AMs' review calls for better provision for people with autism."

As usual, if you have any constructive comments please feel free to do so.

Many badly behaved school children might suffer from an ASD.

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 20:22:00 +0000

"A recent study has revealed that a huge number of children who get expelled from schools for their disruptive behaviour are found to have been fighting against certain autistic characteristics."

This is a short but very interesting read; for the full story go to: "Disruptive behavior in students may be autistic traits."

Autism and Asperger's Syndrome is more difficult to diagnose in girls than boys.

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:43:00 +0000

I've reported on this serious problem previously on this blog, so I won't delve into great detail. Suffice to say that if you read: "Why autism is different for girls," all will be revealed.

As per usual, if you have any constructive comments please feel free to express them.

Thanks for reading; until next time.

Review of my 2009 posts.

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Here's the review of my blog posts for 2009, as promised. (Or, as some people may describe it, something slightly more informative than a Table of Contents!)

Anyway, whatever it could be called, here it is:

Monday, 30 November 2009

Boy with Asperger's Syndrome stars in new film.

Don't let AS stop you from realising your goals in life! (a positive story to start with.)

Wednesday, 30 September 2009

Any questions?

If anyone has any questions,

please ask. (If I do receive any responses at least I wouldn't think I'm talking to myself.)

Monday, 31 August 2009

Are Welsh councils doing enough for children with an ASD?

This post is related to another on my blog for adults: Explanation from RCTCBC regarding ASD Action Plan. As far as I'm aware, the draft “Plan” is still with The Welsh Assembly, as I haven't been contacted by RCTCBC, as promised. I'll follow this up.

Friday, 31 July 2009

Important facts about autism and Asperger's Syndrome.

Everything (nearly) you wanted to know about autism and AS, but were afraid to ask!

Monday, 22 June 2009

Most Welsh schools are failing to support children with autism & Asperger's Syndrome.

This is according to The Welsh Assembly, not me. (Has any one actually read this elusive report?)

Sunday, 31 May 2009

Asperger's Syndrome is still being overlooked in girls.

Unfortunately, diagnosing AS in girls is quite difficult.

Wednesday, 29 April 2009

"One child in 60 'suffers from a form of autism.'"

Depressing, but certainly worth reading.

Thursday, 26 February 2009

How do doctors diagnose autism & Asperger's syndrome?

Read this and you will be instantly enlightened! What more could one ask for?

Wednesday, 4 February 2009

Autism Sunday - sufferers remembered globally.

60 million people worldwide suffer from ASDs; now that is frightening!

Saturday, 31 January 2009

Children with mild autistic traits also need help.

The traits may be mild, but these children still need some form of assistance nonetheless.

Blwyddyn Newydd Dda!

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 20:42:00 +0000

I wish all my blog readers a Happy New Year! Let's all strive to make 2010 a memorable year for creating awareness and offering support and constructive advice for the benefit of those who suffer from Asperger's Syndrome and autism (not forgetting, of course, the long suffering family members!). We ALL have a role to play, whether large or small.

I'll shortly be writing a review of my blog "posts" for 2009, which I trust will be of interest to some of you.

As ever, any constructive comments are always appriciated.

Boy with Asperger's Syndrome stars in new film.

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:40:00 +0000

Here's a nice positive story, for a change, about a 12 year old boy who has been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome and his involvement in a new children's film.

Please read the full story here: "Autistic boy stars in children's blockbuster."

Any questions?

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 22:50:00 +0000

If anyone would like to ask a question about anything on this blog then please do; I will try my utmost to answer the question to the best of my ability. As always, any constructive comments are most welcome.

Are Welsh councils doing enough for children with an ASD?

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:55:00 +0000

The simple answer is we, the concerned public, don’t know. If people are not kept informed about vitally important issues, which affect our children, how can we make informed decisions?

I’m talking about the Welsh Assembly Government Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Strategic Action Plan for Wales and the obligations it places on Welsh councils. Rather than repeat myself here, if you go to my other blog, which concerns adults and ASDs, you can read the correspondence with RCT council. (This issue, of course, applies to all Welsh councils.) Please read: "Why are the councils' ASD action plans not available to the public?"

I’m not going to let this question go unanswered! Consequently, if no reply is received within the very near future, I’ll be contacting the council again!

Important facts about autism and Asperger's Syndrome.

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 22:17:00 +0000

Here's a short article for people whom are unclear on what autism and Asperger's Syndrome actually are, in a nutshell: "The facts about autism." Please feel free to leave any comments.

Most Welsh schools are failing to support children with autism & Asperger's Syndrome.

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:18:00 +0000

Education in Wales is not meeting the needs of young people with autism and Asperger's Syndrome, according to a Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) report. Unfortunately, I was unable to locate this report on their website, which I find totally ridiculous! However, if you read this excellent article by the Western Mail the main points of the report will be revealed; very well worth an investment of your time. Please click here for the news article.

Asperger's Syndrome is still being overlooked in girls.

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Sun, 31 May 2009 09:59:00 +0000

Asperger's Syndrome is not being effectively diagnosed in girls, which is causing them serious difficulties. Actually, I first reported on this issue on 9th November 2008, “Autism 'may be missed in girls.'” If you would like to read the most recent article concerning this problem, please click here: "Doctors are 'failing to spot Asperger's in girls.'"

"One child in 60 'suffers from a form of autism.'"

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Here's some depressing news. Sorry! (I really do try my best to find optimistic stories.) To be honest, people certainly do need to be aware of this latest research, especially people who have the power to do something positive about this terrible state of affairs i.e. politicians.

I implore you to read this article, "One child in 60 'suffers from a form of autism'" to find out more.

Until next time.

How do doctors diagnose autism & Asperger's syndrome?

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 16:54:00 +0000

"It may be hard to work out the diagnosis of autism. Your doctor will look for signs of autism in the way your child behaves and how they have developed."

Although this Guardian article only discusses autism, I presume it applies to Asperger's Syndrome too; I just find it somewhat odd that AS isn't specifically mentioned. Anyway, if you click on the following link you will be instantly transported to the relevant webpage. (Isn't the Internet a wonderful invention? I just love it!)

Click me and I shall appear!

Autism Sunday - sufferers remembered globally.

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:11:00 +0000

"Key Leaders Back Autism Sunday 2009."

"Autism Sunday, the International Day of Prayer for Autism and Asperger's Syndrome falls on Sunday 8th February 2009. Cathedrals, churches and religious organisations around the world are to mark the international day and pray for over 60 million people with autism and Asperger's Syndrome across many nations."

Please click here for the full story.

Children with mild autistic traits also need help.

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 19:54:00 +0000

"Many children have mild autistic "symptoms" without ever having enough problems to attract specialist attention, say UK researchers."

For the full story, please click here.

Support groups in Rhondda & Taff.

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:42:00 +0000

Hi everyone,

I trust you all had a very enjoyable Christmas; brace yourselves, New Year is nearly upon us!

My wife and I received a letter from the Disabled Children's Team this month, giving details concerning ASD support groups in Rhondda and Taff, so presumably the information is right up-to-date.

Here's the letter:

The Autistic Support Group meets the first Monday of the month at the Ivor Hael pub, Llwynypia at 7:30pm. Contact Sarah Morgan (01443 684581) or Mandy Dickinson (01443 440811) for further information.

The Asperger's Support Group meets the third Monday of the month at 7:30pm, Dewi Sant Hospital - contact Christine Griffiths on 01685 886389 for further information.

Further to this, the National Autistic Society can offer advice on their helpline, the number is: 0845 070 4004.

Advice and support with Disability Living Allowance can be sought from benefits advice on 01443 432942.

Yours sincerely,

Nichola Holland
Social Worker
Disabled Children's Team.

(letter ends)

As per usual, if you have any comments or constructive criticism, please feel free to express them. You can contact me via this blog or email.

All the best for now.

"Autism "may be missed in girls.""

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 20:06:00 +0000

"Girls with mild autism are less likely to be identified and diagnosed than boys, a study suggests."

Please click here for the BBC news article.

"Special intelligence" (The Guardian).

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:10:00 +0000

I found this story and wrote the introduction for it nearly two years' ago! Never mind, better late than never, I suppose. The article explains what young people with Asperger's Syndrome can expect to experience when looking for employment when they eventually finish full-time education. The article provides a fascinating insight into the positive and negative aspects of employment. Consequently, steps can now be taken to develop and improve existing strengths and also to work towards tackling the weaknesses for children with an ASD. Of course, this is the situation now; the future should provide greater opportunities. Here's the Guardian's excellent article:

Special intelligence

"If you have Asperger's syndrome, getting and keeping a job might seem impossible, but it's not. Sabina Dosani talks to employers about why they value their 'incredible' workers."

Please click here for the full story.

Autism/Asperger's Syndrome parents 'infection risk.'

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:15:00 +0000

Caring for children with developmental problems such as autism or Down's syndrome can weaken parents' immune systems, research suggests.

Please read the full story here.

"Battle of sex in genes and the brain."

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 18:00:00 +0000

"Sex is good for a lot of things. One of the most important is the way in which sex leads to a shuffling of the genetic cards in every individual. Scientists in Cardiff are beginning to build up a picture of what certain genes are doing in the brain and how they affect behaviour. The results, delegates were told in Geneva today, could help researchers find the causes for conditions such as autism."

This is an enlightening read, if you are interested in genes and their possible link to autism and Asperger's Syndrome. Please click on the above title for the full story.

Please leave a comment!

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 21:56:00 +0000

If there is anyone reading this blog who would like to leave feedback, please feel free to do so. I presume that my blog is indeed being read but, without any comments, I cannot be sure. The point is that if feedback was received it would instil greater motivation, which would result in me producing more frequent "posts" of better quality. So, come on, don't be shy!

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Chemicals may be linked to autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs).

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Sat, 17 May 2008 21:08:00 +0000

Here's something that you may find interesting. It's about certain chemicals and their possible link to child autism when they are used by pregnant women, including before conception and after birth. I couldn't possibly comment on these findings; I shall leave that to those whom are more knowledgeable in this area. However, when at university I was particularly interested in indoor air pollution. There are countless chemicals drifting about in the home e.g. from paints, varnishes and glues, not forgetting the ones used in various materials for furniture manufacture. Fact: did you know that cigarette smoke contains over 4000 different chemicals? Many, as we are now aware, carcinogenic in nature.

Anyway, if you would like to learn more about ASDs and chemicals, then please read this Telegraph article: "Child autism link to pet shampoo."

Autism, Asperger's Syndrome and Children

Undue stress placed on Welsh ASD sufferers in further education. (update)

Wales forges ahead in tackling ASDs.

AMs suggest that more must be done for young people with an ASD.

Many badly behaved school children might suffer from an ASD.

Autism and Asperger's Syndrome is more difficult to diagnose in girls than boys.

Review of my 2009 posts.

Boy with Asperger's Syndrome stars in new film.

Any questions?

Are Welsh councils doing enough for children with an ASD?

Important facts about autism and Asperger's Syndrome.

Most Welsh schools are failing to support children with autism & Asperger's Syndrome.

Asperger's Syndrome is still being overlooked in girls.

More evidence to link genes with autism & Asperger's Syndrome.

"One child in 60 'suffers from a form of autism.'"

How do doctors diagnose autism & Asperger's syndrome?

Autism Sunday - sufferers remembered globally.

Children with mild autistic traits also need help.

Blwyddyn Newydd Dda!

Boy with Asperger's Syndrome stars in new film.

Any questions?

Are Welsh councils doing enough for children with an ASD?

Important facts about autism and Asperger's Syndrome.

Most Welsh schools are failing to support children with autism & Asperger's Syndrome.

Asperger's Syndrome is still being overlooked in girls.

More evidence to link genes with autism & Asperger's Syndrome.

"One child in 60 'suffers from a form of autism.'"

How do doctors diagnose autism & Asperger's syndrome?

Autism Sunday - sufferers remembered globally.

Children with mild autistic traits also need help.

Support groups in Rhondda & Taff.

"Autism "may be missed in girls.""

"Special intelligence" (The Guardian).

Autism/Asperger's Syndrome parents 'infection risk.'

"Battle of sex in genes and the brain."

Please leave a comment!

Chemicals may be linked to autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs).