Autism Parents Network

Why Mirror Neuron Dysfunction Doesn't Explain Social Deficits Seen in Autism

2011-11-12T10:35:00.001-07:00

The history of social brain theory begins with Charles Darwin’s theory that social characteristics are passed down from one generation to another. This theory then explains that in order to maintain fitness and ensure survival of their genetic lineage, animal species pass on certain social traits that help them survive. Darwin also suggested that emotions were essential to the

Parent's Night Out: Hosted by El Papalote

2011-10-10T20:54:00.000-06:00

If you are a parent of a child with a disability and need a much needed night out, then check out this FREE event! PARENTS NIGHT OUT On Friday October 14, 2011 From 6:00 pm-9:00 pm At: El Papalote ICDC (1101 E. Schuster Ave.) Children with Special Needs are FREE. Siblings $10 per child Must call to reserve your slot at (915) 544-8484 and ask for Norma Perez or Gilda Lopez

Recovery from Autism and Why I Choose Acceptance

2011-09-29T23:34:00.000-06:00

Let's discuss acceptance, shall we? My son will always have autism and actually, I think that's pretty awesome. I do not want to recover anything or anyone, because my son was always there. Listening. I just wanted to hear what he had to say. I embrace his autistic tendencies. I don't really care that he has ants in his pants and needs to be constantly moving around and doing things. I

Conversational Skills in 4 Year Old with Autism

2011-09-29T11:28:00.000-06:00

This is a much needed video update. I know that I have written a few blog entries regarding how much my son has advanced and I wanted you guys to see it for yourselves. This video was taken last night, and my son is currently 4 1/2 years old. For reference, this is a video of my son at 2 1/2 years old. At this point, we had sustained an in-home ABA program for 6 months. He had daily

Teaching Preschoolers with Autism to Read

2011-09-03T11:10:00.004-06:00

My son is very high functioning, and needs constant engagement or he gets into trouble very quickly. The downside to above average cognitive abilities is that he is easily bored, and likes to challenge any and all authority. Keeping him busy, active, and constantly learning - is the best way to manage his behavioral issues. Lately, I have been teaching him the ABCs and how to sound out words

4 Years, Awards, and EPISD for Children with Autism

2011-06-04T10:06:00.001-06:00

I hadn't updated with a new entry in a few months, because I have been busy with school requirements. Additionally, my posts and topics usually have something to do with something that I had been working on with my son. Most posts are related to our struggle with autism, and autism stopped being a struggle for us this year. My son entered PPCD (Preschool Program for Children with

The Intermediate Learner & Intermediate Curriculum Guide

2011-02-17T11:21:00.010-07:00

This post is being written as a guide for parents that, for one reason or another, see themselves forced to be the main intervention therapists for their children with autism. I hope that this will be helpful to many parents, and that the information within will help make a difference in your interactions with your child(ren). If you are new to this blog, please refer to my earlier ABA posts

The Early Learner & Beginning an Intervention Curriculum

2011-02-16T17:09:00.019-07:00

PECS and Visual Schedules for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

2011-01-03T13:29:00.015-07:00

First off, I'd like to wish everyone a Happy New Year! The holidays were busy for us, so I am a little behind on posts. I did update some areas of the website, so please take a look around. That being said, I'd like to talk about using the Picture Exchange Communication System and visual scheduling techniques to help your child with autism succeed. The History of PECS: The Picture

General Update or How I Learned to Love EPISD

2010-11-03T22:47:00.002-06:00

It's been a while since the last general update, and I thought I would share how things are going for us. In a nutshell: things are great! This school year began with some disappointments and health setbacks, but that gave way to what I can only describe as a blossoming of my son's personality, coping skills, ability to blend in with everyday life demands, socializing, and language. He is

Organizing Your Life with Autism

2010-11-02T22:42:00.006-06:00

The life of the ordinary parent to a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder can become more disorganized and out of control than one would like to admit. In my case, I went from being the girl in the cool designer jeans and amazing social life to being the mother in the perennial yoga pants with a messy updo that I like to call 'No Time In The Morning'. I have, on more than one occasion,

Creative Living of North Carolina: Serving Adults with Autism

2010-10-01T20:00:00.003-06:00

Autism is often depicted in the media as a disorder affecting children, when the reality is that it is a lifelong disorder. This means that the often cited numbers of 1 in 150 ( or the latest figures of 1 in 90) also applies to adults. With programs and supports lacking for children, you can only imagine how little there is available to adults on the spectrum. Creative Living, creating a

Autism Spectrum Disorders: Clinicial Studies

2010-09-25T15:03:00.002-06:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that I have updated the links on the Resources section, of this blog. I have included a link to the current clinical trials available to children, adolescents, adults, and caregivers of people with autism spectrum disorders. Currently, there are 120 clinical trials actively seeking participants. Please check it out, as there might be a study that your family

Mastoiditis/Blog Update

2010-09-20T14:15:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to post a quick update and let everyone know that my son is doing very well, and his infection has been treated, but he will continue to be monitored to be safe. I've been a bit busy with school, so I have not been posting. However, I have two blog posts that are coming up soon: 1) The newest contest giveaway and 2) An interview with Creative Living, a day center for adults

Mastoiditis and Autism = Not A Good Combination

2010-09-04T10:44:00.001-06:00

My son was just discharged from the pediatric ward, at our regular hospital. He has chronic mastoiditis, which is basically a bacterial infection that has seriously advanced and begun attacking the bone in the middle ear. My son has always suffered from severe ear infections and has an above normal pain tolerance. While he can communicate and uses words to ask for things or sometimes make

Toilet Training Contest Giveaway: WINNER!!!

2010-09-01T14:33:00.001-06:00

Hello readers! We have a winner for our first giveaway of a Complete Toilet Training Kit by Adapted by Autism! The winner of this contest giveaway will win: ONE complete POTTY TRAINING KIT (made for a boy) designed and handmade by Adapted for Autism. This kit has a value of over $30 (including shipping), but will be mailed out AT NO COST to the winner of this giveaway. THE WINNER IS:

Toilet Training Contest Giveaway!!!! (FREE to enter)

2010-08-13T18:54:00.003-06:00

I have joined up with Adapted For Autism to bring you, parents of children with autism, our first blog contest giveaway! Entering this contest is FREE! The winner of this contest giveaway will win: ONE complete POTTY TRAINING KIT (made for a boy) designed and handmade by Adapted for Autism. This kit has a value of over $30 (including shipping), but will be mailed out AT NO COST to the

Potty Training the Child with Autism

2010-08-11T20:54:00.098-06:00

They say the third time is a charm, and in our case: it definitely was true. This morning, we began our third attempt at potty training. After four hours, and five accidents: we had potty success! My three year old son was so proud of himself! Since then, he has gone in the potty three [make that five!] more times and once standing while taking a bath (which I heard is an indicator that a

DIY Felt Food: Handmade by You!

2010-08-04T15:28:00.011-06:00

I have a few weeks off from school, before the Fall semester begins. So, I decided I'd spend my small break reconnecting with my recently neglected crafty side. My current craft project is working on our new therapy/play room. Working on the design and organizational elements of the room, fueled my interest in adding to our toy collection. I don’t want to spend a fortune, so I have been

Question for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

2010-07-26T21:29:00.007-06:00

My little guy is sick. We had to go to the ER this weekend, and encountered a very unsympathetic doctor. My son was very compliant and helpful during his temperature reading, blood pressure reading (the first time he allowed it to be taken, ever), and even had his little finger taped up to take his pulse. He climbed on the scale all by himself, no fighting. He allowed himself to be measured

DIY Play Dough: Therapy Room Essentials

2010-07-19T23:40:00.008-06:00

I practice a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach to most everything. I like growing my own fruit and veggies, keep a compost, wax my own eyebrows, and was my son's primary behaviorial intervention therapist for a year. Part of the reason that I like doing everything myself is that I am a true geek at heart. I love reading manuals, following step-by-step instructions, and recipes. So, you can

Advances in Brain Functioning from ages 7-8

2010-07-07T11:08:00.007-06:00

The first advance in brain function during the school years is increased myelination occurring in massive interconnections within the brain, reducing the length of time of response to a stimulus. This growth is exemplified by the increase of coordinated physical activity and increased dexterity seen in children during the school years. Another example of this increase in reaction time would

Intelligence: Aptitude vs. Achievement

2010-07-04T13:22:00.004-06:00

In this entry, I will try to explain the difference between aptitude and achievement. My reason for doing so lies in that most standardized tests will measure either aptitude or achievement. Therefore, it is important to understand what the difference between the two are and to explore common arguments for and against these types of tests. Aptitude is the potential that a person possesses to

IQ and Autism: Part I

2010-07-04T00:06:00.007-06:00

In my last post, I wrote about the correlation between intelligence and the best long term outcomes for people with autism. In this post, I will try to further explain intelligence. I will also briefly explain the current consensus within the field of psychology regarding how best to define intelligence. Evidence points to multiple forms of intelligence, in addition to general intelligence

Long-term Prognosis for People with Autism: Intelligence, The Deciding Factor

2010-06-29T18:57:00.017-06:00

Graph courtesy of Dr. James Coplan I am a Psychology student and want to work with children and adults with autism, and get my BCBA. Having been the parent, at the other end of the table, worried sick about my atypically developing infant - I know that the first few months are full of questions. One question that I think parents want to hear therapists, doctors, and other field experts