autism

Posted on Autism

In Autism, the Importance of the Gut Behavior Problems may be explained by Serotonin and Bacteria in the Bowels.

Autism and guts

Autism and guts

Michael, an autistic boy living in New York City, started scratching and picking at his face when he was about seven years old. Before long, he was gnawing on the side of his thumb. Along the bottom of his stomach, he tore cuts so deep that they scarred.

Over the next five years, a series of psychiatrists prescribed psychotropic medications to correct the self-mutilation. But nothing seemed to help. By age 12, he’d been taken out of school because he was a constant disruption. Though his parents wanted him to live at home, they decided he could be better cared for in a residential facility.

As they prepared to move Michael to the group home, his family was referred to Dr. Kara Margolis. Margolis, 36, is a pediatric gastroenterologist at New York Presbyterian Hospital and a researcher at Columbia University Medical Center. She speaks with contagious enthusiasm and the slightest hint of a Brooklyn accent. By the time she met Michael, bloody scabs dotted his face, from the tender skin below his eyes to the tips of his ears. He’d chewed his thumb down nearly to the bone. There was blood everywhere, Margolis recalls as she describes their first visit. He screamed and paced the room throughout the brief exam.

Read the article here.

4 Comments Posted on Autism

Autism and meltdowns – so what is the difference between a child’s tantrum and a sensory meltdown?

Autism – so what is the difference between a child’s tantrum and a sensory meltdown?

Autism – so what is the difference between a child’s tantrum and a sensory meltdown?

The difference between a  tantrum and a sensory meltdown?

Pretty much everyone involved with, or part of, the autism community has seen a sensory meltdown of some description.  And all parents have seen a tantrum especially during the “terrible 2s”.  For a lot of parents and caregivers of younger children on the autism spectrum there is some confusion as to the difference between the two.  This is compounded by the fact that a “normal” child’s tantrum can trigger a sensory meltdown in a child on the autism spectrum.  (Actually the reason I’m penning this article is that that is exactly what happened to our son John yesterday afternoon).

So I thought I’d take this opportunity to look a few differences between the two.  (Between you and me it is worth sharing with those members of your family who look oddly when meltdowns occur.  No names no pack drill but we know who we mean!.)

So what is a tantrum?

Well a lot of them can be described as goal orientated.  The child (or adult) has an outcome they desire ( but are thwarted in reaching)  thus the rage.

You might notice that the tantrum, often,  ends quickly and often easily once an outcome has been ascertained.

A lot of people comment that a tantrum is a two way thing.  In the sense the child is keeping an eye on the parent or caregiver to find out how they are re-acting.

Most children having any kind of tantrum still try and avoid getting hurt.

Do be aware that kids on the autism spectrum can have tantrums rather than meltdowns so do look for the signs.

And a Meltdown?

We sensory meltdowns are cause by just that sensory overload.  Now, of course, if a person is tired then this increases the chance of a meltdown.

Crucially the difference is that the person having the meltdown leaves their own zone of security.  The key point is that they are not interested in the reactions of those around them.  This can lead to safety issues because they can endanger themselves physically.

One of the key issues is an inability to communicate effectively.  As the meltdown is not goal orientated it is often hard to find a way to calm the situation.

Finally just because the problem has been resolved does not, necessarily, mean the situation follows suit.  One can still have huge residual problems.

How to cope with a meltdown?

When we started the blog this was one of the biggest issues for my wife in caring for a child on the autism spectrum.  So I ran a blog asking my readers for their tips and ideas.  You can read the results here.

If you have any tips about meltdowns and tantrums please do feel free to share in the comments section below.

And remember you are not a bad parent! Always!

 

patienttalk
patienttalk.org		 EvanRaymond Thanks – great insight
EvanRaymond I dont describe it in emotional terms. the nervous system is shutting down. the experience is terrifying. but the root of the experience is a breakdown in the function of the nervous system. autistic nerves get too.much stimuli ans then they just shut off. close their doors.and say. sorry. had enough.
patienttalk
patienttalk.org		 rainbowsaretoo Thanks this is so useful
rainbowsaretoo And not all meltdowns are sensory. It’s a complete loss of ability to cope. http://www.rainbowsaretoobeautiful.com/2016/06/autism-parenting-heart-ache-of-one-shoe.html

 

 

EvanRaymond
I dont describe it in emotional terms. the nervous system is shutting down. the experience is terrifying. but the root of the experience is a breakdown in the function of the nervous system. autistic nerves get too.much stimuli ans then they just shut off. close their doors.and say. sorry. had enough.

rainbowsaretoo
And not all meltdowns are sensory. It’s a complete loss of ability to cope. http://www.rainbowsaretoobeautiful.com/2016/06/autism-parenting-heart-ache-of-one-shoe.html

Posted on Patient Talk

Reconsidering the Autism Spectrum by Ronit Molko – this is a must watch TedTalk


Ronit takes a critical look at autism and the autism services industry and identifies opportunities for the advancement of services and business. Dr Ronit Molko is a dynamic senior executive and entrepreneur recognized for combining strategic vision and technical expertise to drive business initiatives.

In 2001, Dr. Molko cofounded Autism Spectrum Therapies Inc. (AST) in California, which grew into a highly respected, multi-state provider of services for individuals on the autism spectrum. In 2014, she sold her company to Learn It Systems, a private equity backed strategic buyer, and served as President of Autism Services for the combined family of companies until early 2016. Today, as CEO and Principal of Empowering Synergy, Dr. Molko conducts due diligence for investors and consults as an expert in the field of service delivery for healthcare, with a special focus on behavioral healthcare and companies that provide services to families affected by autism and developmental disabilities.

In 2018, she released her latest work, “Autism Matters: Empowering Investors, Providers and the Autism Community to Advance Autism Services” published by ForbesBooks in which she takes a critical look at the autism services industry and identifies opportunities for advancement of services and business.

A graduate of Harvard Business School’s three-year Owner/President Management program, Dr. Molko holds a Ph.D. in Applied Behavioral Science and Family Life from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree in Psychology from Claremont Graduate University. She is a licensed clinical psychologist in both California and Washington, and a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. Dr. Molko is currently a board member of the Galt Foundation, which places individuals with disabilities in the workforce, and the Los Angeles Chapter of the Autism Society of America.

She has been actively involved in many healthcare-based committees and organizations throughout her career and has received multiple awards in recognition of her business prowess and leadership abilities. Most recently, she was recognized with a 2017 Woman of Influence Award by the Los Angeles Business Journal. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.