AFA HABITATION FOR AUTISM

For many students with learning disorders and other disabilities make traditional education difficult, causing them to seek refuge at special needs schools and other institutions

special needs schools are found to help students/children with learning disabilities and physical disabilities to get quality education. hence some parents may wonder what makes a special needs school different from traditional schools

While teachers at special needs schools are experienced with working with special needs children, they understand that each child is different. Curriculum at special needs schools can be tailored to meet each child’s individual needs, and an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is drafted for each student, outlining how the school will help them reach their educational goals. How each school teaches varies by child and by school, but special needs schools commonly use games, songs, and activities to help children understand concepts and ideas. Many schools have sensory tables for children who may need to take a time-out from socializing, and ensure that classrooms are run on a strict schedule for children who thrive on routine. Choosing the right school is difficult for any parent, but for parents of children with special needs, it becomes a task of monumental importance. Parents are encouraged to tour potential schools and discuss their child’s individual needs before making a final decision.

Autism has become something of an epidemic, especially in children. About 50 years ago, autism was not nearly as prevalent as it is now. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in today’s schools, about one in 50 children have a form of autism.Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person’s ability to process sensory information. Essentially, the brain’s synapses are unable to connect and organize this data properly. As a result, the disorder is often characterized by repetitive behavior, cognitive and language delays, emotional outbursts, and sometimes, an inability to communicate verbally.These diagnoses have often made it difficult for children to participate in general education settings, making special needs schools a critical part of providing these children with a high quality education. There are also special education programs within most elementary, middle and high schools, employing teachers who specialize in working with special needs children.But on the flip side, many of the world’s greatest minds were autistic — Albert Einstein, Amadeus Mozart, and Charles Darwin all reportedly displayed signs of this disorder. Similarly, several autistic children have minds that are attuned to one or more specific subject or ability.Because the symptoms are extremely varied, autism is often expanded into what is called autism spectrum disorders. In other words, there are a few different disorders that can be classified as a form of autism based on their symptoms.

Here are the other disorders that are part of the spectrum

1. Aspberger Syndrome
   This syndrome’s main symptom is a severe inability to engage in social interaction. This form of autism was studied by Hans Aspberger, an Austrian pediatrician, in the mid 1940s. His research found that some children displayed very little empathy for peers, were unable to process common social cues, and displayed a lack of coordination. But because many of the symptoms of this syndrome are similar to autism, patients are no longer given this diagnosis. In 2012, the American Psychiatric Association removed Aspberger Syndrome from its official Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Instead, the syndrome is now part of “autism spectrum disorders,” and is no longer a specific diagnosis.
2. Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
   This disorder is also characterized by impaired communication and social interaction, as well as certain patterns of behavior, but does not meet all the criteria to warrant an “autism” diagnosis. PDD also has five different classifications of its own, PDD-NOS being an aberration from the usual autistic tendencies, which has landed it the name “atypical autism.”

While researchers and doctors have attributed autism spectrum disorders to genetic, neurological, and cognitive problems, more studies have concluded that there are a number of different factors that concurrently cause the symptoms. There is no cure for autism, but more research is needed to continue to help children manage their condition. 

Autism is becoming increasingly prevalent, with as many as one in 50 school-age children affected by the neurological development disorder. Thankfully, parents and family members raising children with autism are banding together to lend each other support. Father Topher Wurts, 48, is even developing an innovative mobile application. The app, named Autism Village, would help other parents, family members, and caretakers find “autism-friendly” public spaces, like parks, playgrounds, and museums. The app will launch in summer 2015.While the app and others like it are doing wonders for parents, many still struggle when it comes to finding suitable childcare and education. Questions like, “What are the best schools for students with learning disabilities?”; “What are the best special education programs?” and “What are the most effective ways of teaching children with autism in schools?” remain unanswered. Here are a few things to consider to being answering these questions. Wurts Is Onto Something
Wurts has the right idea with his in-progress mobile application, and the same principles can be applied to children’s education as well. Remember: Other parents going through the same experiences are one of the best resources available to you. After narrowing down your options, reach out to other parents in person or online to ask about their experiences with specific educational institutions. Identify Your Child’s Specific Needs
The best schools for children with special needs often develop Individual Education Programs (IEP), specifically tailored to each student. Knowing where your child excels and where he or she may need a little extra help can go a long way when developing these programs. And don’t stop there. Also consider what teaching methods and activities have been most successful at home. Does your child respond well to sensory activities? Have you had an incredible amount of success with applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy? Let teachers know! Finding quality education for children with special needs can be difficult. Make the best decision by reaching out to the local community (specifically, other parents of children with autism) and by pinpointing your child’s specific needs, strengths, and weaknesses. Identifying successful teaching methods, such as applied behavior analysis or sensory activities, helps, too!

In the United States, children with special needs, such as autism spectrum disorders, are becoming more and more common. Currently, one in 50 school children are diagnosed on the autism spectrum. As parents, we know that comes with a set of great responsibilities. Working with learning disabilities means finding special education programs that are unique to and cater to your child’s every educational need, which can be difficult to find. Additionally, it’s important as a parent of children with autism spectrum disorders and learning disabilities get the help at home they need. Many parents recognize their child’s differences from an early age. However, it isn’t always easy to tell. Learning the signs of autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities will provide better help for children with learning disabilities in the long run.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF AUTISM?

Typically speaking, an official diagnosis of autism requires the appearance of symptoms before the child reaches the age of three. Autism is a neural disorder that affects the way a person communicates with others and reacts to stimuli. There are a few “red flags” that may indicate that your child is at risk of having an autism spectrum disorder:

• No smiling, warm, or joyful expressions by six months
• No sharing on noises, smiles, or other kinds of facial expressions by nine months.
• By 12 months, the child has yet to babble
• No reciprocal gestures exhibited by 12 months, such as pointing, showing, or waving

MY CHILD HAS EXHIBITED ONE OR MORE OF THESE SYMPTOMS. WHAT NOW?

If your child has exhibited any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to contact your child’s primary care pediatrician for further consultation. From there, your child can get a proper diagnosis and the appropriate next steps can be taken. If your child is diagnosed with some form of autism, there will come a time when you will have to determine what kind of education you want for your child. Whether you choose a special education school or a program within a public school, it is necessary to obtain an IEP first in order to outline the child’s educational needs. You child with autism can have a happy, wonderful life and a bright future. As a parent, the best thing you can do is be diligent and to provide them with the best education possible.