Category: Autism News
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Episode 260: Function Based Alternatives to Extinction with Dr. Billie Retzlaff, BCBA – The Autism Helper
Extinction is the process of removing or discontinuing reinforcement for a behavior. This would then reduce or eliminate the behavior. However, this strategy can have some challenges during implementation. In this episode, Dr. Billie Retzlaff breaks down what extinction is and what are some alternatives to reduce problem behaviors. She dives into non-contingent reinforcement, differential…
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Enlarged Spaces in Infant Brains Linked to Higher Risk of Autism, Sleep Problems
Throughout the day and night, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pulses through small fluid-filled channels surrounding blood vessels in the brain, called perivascular spaces, to flush out neuroinflammation and other neurological waste. A disruption to this vital process can lead to neurological dysfunction, cognitive decline, or developmental delays. For the first time, researchers Dea Garic, PhD, and…
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Autism is Not a Dirty Word – Finding Cooper’s Voice | Welcome to the Secret World of Autism
Autism is Not a Dirty Word Every morning I wake up to messages from people on social media. Most are well-meaning. Many are kind. A few are awful. Some are bizarre. And some, tell me how to raise my son. And how I’m doing it wrong. They tell me what I should be doing, how…
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The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders (And Their Parents)
This positive, straightforward book offers kids with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) their own comprehensive resource for both understanding their condition and finding tools to cope with the challenges they face every day. This post contains affiliate links. The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders (And Their Parents) The Survival Guide for Kids with…
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The Link Between Autism And Imagination
Imagination is important to human development and helps individuals interact with their environment. There is an interesting relationship between autism and imagination that should not be overlooked. For parents and caregivers, understanding autistic imagination and how it may differ from their own can be beneficial. Also, understanding what imagination is and where it stems in…
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Ask Amy: Husband recently diagnosed with ADHD and Autism
Dear Amy: My husband of 30 years was recently diagnosed with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder. It explains a lot about his awkwardness in social situations. I love him very much, but we agree that we really do better socializing separately. We are moving to a new town. What can I say to people that…
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‘We know it from the inside out’: Maryland’s coordinator for autism strategy is a beacon for representation
When Maryland publishes its plan for addressing the needs of autistic people next year, it will largely be due to the efforts of one of the community’s own. Victoria Rodríguez-Roldán is an autistic, Latina trans woman with over a decade of combined experience in the government and nonprofit sectors, according to her biography, who has…
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Adult autism: Seeking an official diagnosis
A little over a year ago, I started to wonder if maybe I was autistic. Not one to let things go (also known as hyperfixation), my exploration led me to reading scientific books about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and memoirs by autistic people, listening to various podcasts about autism, and looking up resources and information…
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Autism Double-Checked Hopes to Make Air Travel Easier – Legal Reader
The organization offers training programs to address the unique needs of young autistic travelers. Air travel can be an overwhelming experience for passengers with autism, particularly for young flyers, as highlighted by Alan Day, co-founder of Autism Double-Checked. Drawing from personal experiences with his son on the autism spectrum, Day recognized the challenges posed by…
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Leading Language Arts Homeschool Lessons with The Leveled Daily Curriculum: Part Two – The Autism Helper
Last month, I introduced language arts homeschooling lessons and focused on reading speaking, and vocabulary. Language arts is a large area to cover. It includes all of the components of written and spoken language that we use to express our thoughts and ideas, such as reading, spelling, grammar, vocabulary, handwriting, listening, and speaking. In this…