Gastrointestinal (GI) problems include constipation, diarrhea, reflux, vomiting, belly pain, and feeding problems. Some children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have GI problems. These symptoms can add stress to the child and family and may cause behaviors such as aggression or self-injury.
Read More
-
Gastrointestinal Problems—Autism Toolkit
Category: autism_spectrum_disorder
-
Inclusion in School—Autism Toolkit
Category: autism_spectrum_disorder
Inclusion in school means students with disabilities learn and participate alongside their peers without disabilities. Inclusion may look different for each student. It should be guided by student needs and include supports, if needed, to promote success. Inclusion is not just about education in the
Read More -
Intervention Approaches Used for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder—Autism Toolkit
Category: pediatric_care
If you have concerns about your child’s development and behavior, your child should be seen to tell if she needs therapy. You do not need a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to begin many kinds of therapy. There can be a long wait for ASD diagnosis, so it is important to start therapy while
Read More -
Is Your Toddler Communicating With You?
Category: newborns_infants_and_toddlers
Your baby is able to communicate with you long before he or she speaks a single word! A baby's cry, smile, and responses to you help you to understand his or her needs. In this publication the American Academy of Pediatrics shares information about how children communicate and what to do when there are
Read More -
Laboratory Tests—Autism Toolkit
Category: pediatric_care
All children have some laboratory tests at birth and as part of regular checkups. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often need more tests. These tests can help find the cause of the condition or problems related to it that may not be obvious. This helps guide your child’s doctor in treating
Read More -
Managing Chronic Health Needs in Child Care and Schools—Autism Spectrum Disorders
Category: chronic_health_needs
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities caused by a problem with the brain. Children with ASDs have trouble in 3 core areas of their development.
Read More -
Nutrition and Eating Problems—Autism Toolkit
Category: autism_spectrum_disorder
Eating problems are common in children. In children with ASD, the problems may be more serious and last longer because of problems with taste, texture, or smell. They may be the result of learned behaviors.
Read More -
School-Based Services—Autism Toolkit
Category: autism_spectrum_disorder
There are different levels of intervention that a teacher and school can provide to your child: (1) Informal plan. (2) Response to intervention (RTI). (3) Section 504 plan. (4) Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Read More -
Seizures and Epilepsy—Autism Toolkit
Category: autism_spectrum_disorder
About 1 in 4 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has seizures. Seizures usually start in early childhood or the early teen years. Children with ASD who have a lower IQ or cannot speak have the highest risk for seizures. Epilepsy is defined as 2 or more seizures when the child does not have a
Read More -
Sibling Support—Autism Toolkit
Category: autism_spectrum_disorder
Siblings might ask about autism if they’ve heard you use the term, but they’re more likely to ask about what their brother or sister is doing (ie, behaviors). There is no “perfect time” for these conversations, but starting early and revising your description for age appropriateness can be very
Read More -
Sleep Problems—Autism Toolkit
Category: autism_spectrum_disorder
Sleep problems are common in children with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). One-half to one-third of children with ASD have sleep problems.
Read More -
Talking About Sexuality for Parents of Teens With Autism Spectrum Disorder—Autism Toolkit
Category: autism_spectrum_disorder
All children and teens, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), have questions about physical changes in their bodies, emotions, and feelings during and after puberty. It is important to help children and teens understand these changes by talking with them early and often about puberty and
Read More -
Teaching Social Skills—Autism Toolkit
Category: autism_spectrum_disorder
Having a hard time socializing is one of the key features in children witdh autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children with ASD can have difficulty with many social skills.
Read More -
The Medical Home for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder—Autism Toolkit
Category: safety_and_prevention
Parents, pediatricians, and other health care professionals are encouraged to work together so that all of the needs of children and youths are met. This partnership is at the core of what the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) calls a medical home. The medical home is not a physical place but rather
Read More -
Toilet Training—Autism Toolkit
Category: newborns_infants_and_toddlers
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have slowed development, may be stuck on their own routines, or may be nervous about learning a new skill. They may not understand how to copy the steps using the toilet, or they may not understand the words parents are using. Many children with ASD
Read More -
Vaccines—Autism Toolkit
Category: autism_spectrum_disorder
Scientific studies show that many different genes work together with things in the environment to put a child at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Scientific studies do not show that vaccines cause ASD.
Read More