National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM) Workshop on Autism

The National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM) will be holding a workshop entitled "It Has to be Said" with Dr John McEachin a Clinical Psychologist who works with children with autism.

Workshop Details

Date : 16 December 2007 (Sunday)

Time : 8.30am to 4.30pm

Venue : Singgahsana Hotel, Persiaran Barat, Selangor

Contact : NASOM - Tel 603 7710 4098 / secretariat@nasom.com.my

Download the Flyer - here

PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN

• The latest research about autism and recovery.


• What is recovery and how it is commonly defined.


• About the predictors of outcome for young children with autism


• The multitude of ways ABA can help children with autism learn very advanced skills, not just beginning programmes. Stress management, creative thinking, conversational
  skills and advanced social skills will be discussed.


• The many different teaching techniques, that can be used that are ABA based.


• Hints and tips for integrating children with autism into mainstream schools.


• How to develop a successful integration plan for shadow support.


• How to make the best use of social settings to teach social skills.
  

ABOUT THE SPEAKER


John McEachin is a licensed psychologist who has been providing behavioural intervention to children with autism as well as adolescents and adults with a wide range of developmental disabilities for more than 30 years.

He received his graduate training under Professor Ivar lovaas at UCLA on the Young Autism Project. His research has included the long term follow up study of young autistic children who received intensive behavioural treatment

Dr. McEachin has lectured throughout the world and consulted to numerous families and agencies, assisting in the development of treatment programmes and providing
training to parents , group home staff, and classroom personnel.

In 1994 he joined with Ron Leaf in forming Autism Partnership which he co directs.
They also are the co-authors of a book A WORK IN PROGRESS, one of the most recommended books on behavioural intervention.


Download the Flyer - here


The National Autism Society of Malaysia

35A Jalan SS 21/37
Damansara Uptown
47400 Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan

Phone : 603 7710 4098
Fax : 603 7710 4149
Email : secretariat@nasom.com.my
www.teleautism.net


[tags : disability NASOM autism children pediatric neurology national autism society of malaysia john mceachin]

The Legal Battle : Claims that Autism caused by Childhood Vaccines

In excruciating detail, an Arizona mother on Monday described severe autism and devastating health problems that plague her 12-year-old daughter and asked a court to find common childhood vaccines were the cause.

The test case is being closely watched by nearly 5,000 families of autistic children who have lodged similar claims for compensation from a federal fund.

The case of Michelle Cedillo, of Yuma, Ariz., is the first alleging a vaccine-autism link to be heard in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. It and eight other test cases are important because they will guide the handling of the other pending claims. Most contend that a mercury-rich preservative called thimerosal is to blame for the impaired social interaction typical of the disorder.

Should they prevail, the families will be eligible for compensation from a federal vaccine injury fund established by Congress to ensure an adequate supply of vaccines by shielding manufacturers from lawsuits. No autism claim has been paid from the fund thus far.

Large scientific studies have found no association between autism and vaccines containing thimerosal.

Government attorney Vincent Matanoski dismissed much of what the plaintiffs are expected to present during the three-week hearing as conjecture or speculation.

"You'll find their hypotheses untested or, when tested, have been found false," Matanoski said.

Theresa Cedillo said her daughter suffered five days of fever, her temperature often spiking to 105 degrees, after receiving a measles, mumps and rubella vaccination at age 15 months. Michelle was a happy, robust, responsive and loving child - in short, normal - but hasn't been the same since, her mother told the court.

Wearing noise-canceling headphones, Michelle was brought into the courtroom in a wheelchair at the start of the proceedings. She stayed only a short time, moaning audibly several times. Besides autism, Michelle suffers from inflammatory bowel disease, glaucoma and epilepsy. In addition, her bones, weakened by years of malnourishment, are prone to breaks, Theresa Cedillo said. Everything she eats is pumped in through a feeding tube, except for crackers and water.

"Clearly the story of Michelle's life is a tragic one," Special Master George Hastings Jr. said in thanking the family for allowing theirs to be the first test case. Hastings pledged he and two other special masters would listen carefully to all evidence.

Theresa Cedillo and husband Michael allege thimerosal-containing vaccines weakened their daughter's immune system and prevented her body from clearing the measles virus after she was immunized. That theory is one of three alleged by the thousands of plaintiffs. The others claim either thimerosal or the measles vaccine alone caused their children's autism.

"We hope to find out what happened and hopefully get the help she needs," said Theresa Cedillo, who takes care of her daughter full time at home.

The burden of proof is easier than in a traditional court. Plaintiffs only have to prove that a link between autism and the shots is more likely than not, based on a preponderance of evidence. But many parents say their children's symptoms did not show up until after their children received the vaccines, required by many states for admission to school.

"These are families who followed the rules. These are families who brought children in for vaccines. These are families who immunized their children," Cedillo attorney Thomas Powers said. Later, outside court, he cast aside any suggestion his clients were anti-vaccine.

Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction. Those affected often have trouble communicating, and they exhibit unusual or severely limited activities and interests.

In 1999, the U.S. government asked vaccine manufacturers to eliminate or reduce the use of thimerosal in childhood vaccines to limit infant exposure to mercury. Today, the preservative is no longer found in routine childhood vaccines but is used in some flu shots.

The nine test cases will be heard consecutively over the next year. A ruling in the Cedillo case could take months or longer, attorneys said.

Source

[tags : disability autism children vaccines ]

WeBehave.com Offers Resources for Children with Special Needs

WeBehave.com offeres some interesting resources for children with special needs.

Check out their section at WeBehave.com

Products Feature:
- Videos
- Books
- Clothing
- Laces
and more



Special Stuff for Special Needs

Learning Videos for Special Kids Informative! Effective! Soothing! Appropriate for children with learning disabilities like Autism, Down Syndrome, Asperger's, Cerebral Palsy, Dyslexia, etc. To find out more about these helpful videos, click here.

Books & Stuff for Kids with Special Needs (their Parents and Siblings, too) Lively, heartwarming and supportive -- these books and products help kids with special needs feel good about themselves, and provide valuable insights for their family members, too! Click here for more.

Great behavior management, emotional growth and character development program. To find out more, click here.

Adaptive Clothing Adaptive clothing that can make your life a little easier -- like bibs to protect clothing from spills and ponchos that cover you and your wheelchair. Find out more about our helpful adaptive clothing here.

'Lastic Laces These elastic no tie shoelaces are a boon to the elderly and physically challenged. You lace them once and never again. The elasticity built into these coiled shoelaces keep shoes snug on feet, yet stretch so it's easy to take shoes on and off. See more about our great elastic shoelaces here.

Care From Special Toddlers to our beloved Seniors, you'll find these products a blessing!! Click here for great products that help you through the daily routine.

Need Special swim wear or incontinence products? Click here.

[tags : disability epilepsy autism children pediatric neurology]

Malaysia Metabolic Society is ONLINE

What is Malaysia Metabolic Society (MMS)?

Malaysian Metabolic Society was founded at 22nd July 2005. It serves as a central network for the advocacy and effective coordination of all viable efforts to sustain a better quality of life for the individuals with inborn errors of metabolic (IEM) diseases in Malaysia.

Why setup MMS?

The objectives and aims of MMS are:

• To give support and help the children, teenagers, adults and families affected with IEM diseases including medical care, rehabilitation, education and career.
  
• To provide accurate & latest information on IEM to all the members. We also promote public education and raise awareness by the help of media and radio.
  
• To form a network among the members whose families are affected by IEM.
  
• Our society are ready to work together with pharmaceuticals agencies & research companies in developing new drugs to diagnose and prevent IEM diseases effectively and able to improve the quality of life for all patients affected with these disorders.
  
• To conduct fund raising in order to support our activities as mentioned above.

Click here to learn more about - IEM (Inborn Error Metabolism)

Malaysia Metabolic Society's Webpage

- http://mms.org.my -

[tags : disability epilepsy autism children pediatric neurology]

Better Hearing & Speech, Resources on Sale by Speechelp

The month of May has been dedicated to promote better hearing and speech internationally by Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists.

In conjunction with this, SpeecHelp is having some offers, discounts and rebates.

RESOURCES FOR SALE
1 st May-31 st May 2007
Shop for your clients, families and friends!
Visit the Speech Shop for more information on discounts


SPEECH ASSESSMENT SUBSIDIES
1 st May-31 st May 2007
This year, SpeecHelp is happy to provide a 50% assessment subsidy for all children or adults with • Down Syndrome • Those afflicted with difficulties of the Cleft Lip & Palate and other Craniofacial challenges

All assessments are by appointment only.
Please contact the SpeecHelp Clinic at 03-7954 2288 to book your appointment today.
Visit us at www.speechelp.com




The SpeecHelp Team SpeecHelp Therapy & Resources Sdn Bhd

Your One Stop Speech Spot www.speechelp.com
No 20, Jalan Bukit,
Section 11/2
46200 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor
Malaysia
Tel/ Fax 03- 7954 2288



[tags : disability epilepsy autism children pediatric neurology]

Maycare Mother Day Special for Mobility Aids

Maycare Mother Day Special

Promotion until 15 June 2007

* Resource Centre for all your Healthcare Needs & Moblility Aids *

Tango Power Wheelchair - RM 7650

Reclining High Back Wheelchair - Special Price

Alcare Lumbar Support - RM 119

and more

Services Provided by Maycare

- Wheelchair Rental

- Bed Rental

- Physiotherapy Consultation Services

HOT LINE

Shah Alam - 603 5510 8990

Bangsar - 603 2283 2990

Penang - 604 210 8990

Johor Bahru - 607 335 5990

www.maycare.com

[tags : disability epilepsy autism children pediatric neurology]

Talk on Postural Control, Arm & Hand Strength - 19 May

19 MAY 2007 - SATURDAY

POSTURAL CONTROL, ARM AND HAND STRENGTH

Brief overview:

Conducted by 2 therapists, you will take home knowledge on:

• What is occupational therapy and who needs it?
• What is postural control? Why is it important?
• Normal development of arm, who will have weak arms and how to spot them
• Normal development of normal grip patterns, how to identify abnormal grips, effects of pinch & grip strength in a person’s life and lots of
• Activities to improve arms and hand strength

Speakers:

This session will be conducted by US trained Ms Minnie Tam and UK trained Ms Yam Pui Fun.

Ms Tam, a registered Occupational Therapist in the US, worked for a year in San Francisco. She started her career in adult-care; however, she has since dedicated her attention to children. Today, based in Cheras, Ms Tam has close to 10 years of pediatric experience.

Ms Yam obtained her BSc in Occupational Therapy from UK. Upon graduation, she ventured into private practice and to date, has more than 6 years experience working with young children.

Specially organized for parents, teachers, medical students and anyone involved with special-needs children.

This half-day talk will be held:

On: 19 May 2007

At: Sau Seng Lum Dialysis & Stroke Rehab Centre

Add: Lot PT 39480, Jln Industri PB3, Tmn Industri

Pusat Bandar Puchong, 47100 Selangor

Time: Registration starts at 9.00am

Session 1 : 9.30am – 10.40am

Tea Break : 10.40am – 11.00am

Session 2 : 11.00 – 12.15pm

Q & A : 12.15pm – 12.30 pm

Fees : RM60.00 per person ( RM45.00 for students )

Please note that in the event of cancellation, we are unable to entertain any request for refund. Thus, substitution of participant is strongly encouraged.

Register/Payment:

Please send Registration Form together with cheque ( with name and contact number written clearly on the reverse) made payable to : Glen Stream (M) Sdn Bhd or

direct debit into Hong Leong Bank account #19400009994. Kindly fax bank-in slip (with Registration Form) to confirm registration.

Please note that seat is confirmed only upon receipt of payment.

Organised by: Glen Stream (M) Sdn Bhd.

Founded by 2 mothers with sp-needs children, GS retails educational toys, teaching material and therapy tools, and also organizes seminars and workshops on a regular basis.

Glen Stream (M) Sdn Bhd

38, Jln Sri Petaling 1, Sri Petaling, 57000 Kuala Lumpur

Tel/Fax: (03) 9058 8014

Mobile : 012 372 3776 & 016 917 9955

[tags : disability epilepsy autism children pediatric neurology]

FGA Support Group - Mothers' Day Thanksgiving

FGA Support Group for Parents of Children with SpecialNeeds is hosting a Mothers' Day Thanksgiving Tea to honour all special mums, details are as follows:

Date : 6 May 2007 (Sunday)

Time : 2.30 - 6.00 p.m.

Venue : FGA, Main Building, Basement 6-9
Lot 689, Taman Goodwood,
Jln Kuchai Lama, Off Jln Kelang Lama
58200 K.L.


We have invited Stella Chan and family as our guest
speakers and they have lined up an interesting
programme for us.


Profile of Stella Chan

Being a parent of a child with special needs and realising the fact that parents are the first and
major support of any child, Mrs Stella Chan-Cheong quit her job in 1995 to dedicate herself to seeing her daughter Charmaine be what and who she is today.

Since Charmaine’s birth 17 years ago, Stella has been actively involved in a parent support group headed by Pn Kamariah Amin which meets once a month. She was also a committee member of the Kiwanis PJ Down Syndrome Parent Support Group and initiated a protem
meeting to form the National Down Syndrome Association of Malaysia. In March 2002, together with Professor Dr Madya Aishah Adam she initiated the formation of KSSD-HUKM (Kumpulan Sokongan Sindrom Down)- a one-stop-centre, so called 'Down Syndrome Clinic', parent support group and resource library at HUKM, Cheras.

Then in August 2005, together with a group of parents, she initiated an informal gathering of all
ex-students and parents of Kiwanis Down Syndrome Centres with the desire to start an alumni to help graduates live productive lives and create an environment and opportunities to develop their potential and abilities to the fullest.

She started' "CHIT-CHAT@TMLC', which is a free community service at Taman Midah Lutheran Church(TMLC) to meet and help other parents of children with special needs put in
that extra effort and walk that extra mile to ensure that their special children lead a normal life.

With the millenium challenge of 'Changing people's perspective of a person with Special Needs’ and turning the upside of 'Downs', together with Charmaine, both mother and daughter volunteer their services every Saturday at TMLC, every working Saturday at HUKM and once a week at the Kajang Children's Special Centre which offers early intervention programs, day training and work skills training programs for people with learning difficulties, workbase at Malaysian Care and supported living weekend program with Dignity & Services.


TESTIMONY
My Story by Mrs Stella Chan-Cheong

Before joining Taman Midah Lutheran Church (TMLC), I was from St Gabriel's Anglican Church in Sungei Besi where I lived and grew up. I attended Sunday School since Primary One. I also heard a lot about Jesus at Bukit Bintang Girls' School but only accepted the Lord when I was in Secondary One.

My youth days found me very active and involved in the Church Youth Fellowship, Music Ministry, Choir, member of The Singing Saints, Captain of the 2nd KL Girls' Brigade Company and a teacher in the Sunday School. As home was very near the Church, you could literally
find me there most of my free time.

I was still very active with Church activities during my working days until I became a tour leader with Reliance Travel. Due to frequently leading tours overseas, I found that I couldn't fit into Church and the people any more. Slowly I drifted away and backslided with a different lifestyle altogether. I had a good career and income. I found that I did not need God then. I was in spiritual silence until 1989 when Charmaine was born. It was a 'turning point' for me and the awakening of my spiritual life.

Charmaine was certainly a blessing in disguise! As the saying goes, 'There is a purpose for everything'. I believe there is also a purpose for Charmaine to be given to us and her birth is no coincidence but according to God's plan.

Not only has she been a joy and blessing to people around her, she has certainly brought our
family much closer and changed our lifestyle and attitude especially towards people with Special Needs and learning difficulties.

You can contact: Mrs Stella Chan-Cheong at
012-2987801 / chitchatsc@yahoo.com

We warmly invite all parents with special needs' children to celebrate Mothers' Day with us. Please do feel free to invite your friends who have special needs children to join us too!

Kindly RSVP by 2 MAY 2007 to facilitate our planning.
For more information, please contact Wai Sze at 016-3400849, Jill at 016-3944206 or email to
kwaisiong@yahoo.com.my


www.fga.com.my
[tags : disability epilepsy autism children pediatric neurology]

United Voice : Train Them, Don’t be Overprotective

Let go. Despite its implied simplicity, this is perhaps the most difficult thing for a parent whose child is intellectually impaired.

“Don’t be too overprotective or your child will have no future,” said Juan Fang, a homemaker.

Fang’s 28-year-old daughter Felicia is intellectually impaired, and “letting go” was what Fang had done over the years to teach Felicia independence and maturity.

The family had uprooted from Kuala Terengganu to the capital a few years after learning of Felicia’s condition so that she could have a better future.

“For Felicia to learn better and catch up in school, I made flash cards to help her. I didn’t give up,” said the soft-spoken Fang.

Today, Felicia is an office assistant at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Petaling Jaya. She has worked there for the last six years.

“She’s more confident and independent since she started working and interacting with people. Over the years, I had to let go bit by bit, or the family’s sacrifices and move to KL would be in vain,” said Fang.

Selangor Social Welfare Department statistics reveal that the registered number of those with intellectual impairment or learning disability in the state from 1998 till today stands at 13,924.

According to officer Eny Edayu Mat Ali, the actual figure is higher.

“The increase in the number of intellectually impaired from 2005 to 2006 alone, is significant – about 58%,” she said.

While the department has no records on the intellectually impaired who are currently employed, it admits they face a greater, if not the same challenges in getting job placements, no thanks to society’s prejudices.

“It’s even more difficult now than before,” said St Paul’s Day Training Centre (centre for people with intellectual disabilities) co-ordinator A. Annamaney.

Eny agrees, adding that the physically disabled have a better chance at employment than the intellectually impaired.

“Malaysian society holds very distorted views on disability. People are more
willing to employ the physically disabled as their limitation is physical,
whereas the intellectually impaired are just dismissed as cacat or
retarded.”

This has caused even high-functioning slow learners – who are capable of basic clerical, administrative and computer work, as well as despatching and packaging in an ‘open’ (real world) environment – to be mislabelled as unproductive.

“Given early intervention, those with learning disabilities can communicate,
think for themselves, and know how to be responsible in life and the workplace,”
said Eny.

Realistically speaking, seamless integration between regular society and the intellectually impaired community still appears a far-off goal.

“Japan was exposed to intellectual impairment at the same time as Malaysia, but Japan is far ahead of us today,” said United Voice co-ordinator Yeo Swee Lan.

United Voice is a self-advocacy society of persons with learning disabilities in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.

United Voice's Website - http://www.unitedvoice.com.my/

Download United Voice's Jan's Newsletter - here


Source

[tags : disability epilepsy autism children pediatric neurology]

Breakthrough in Detection of Metabolic Disorders

Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Do- ping Control Centre (DCC) has made a break-through by being the first in the country to commercially introduce a screening test to detect 25 metabolic disorders in a newborn baby.

USM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dzulkifli Abdul Razak said yesterday the screening, known as Newborn Screening (NBS), was a test that helped doctors diagnose some of the metabolic disorders a newborn baby might have.

“This acts as a precautionary and pre-ventive step. The test can be performed on a baby as early as the first 48 hours to 72 hours after birth.

“This early detection followed by prompt treatment, can help avert mental retar- dation, severe disability and even death,” he said at a press conference to announce the introduction of the screening test.

Prof Dzulkifli added that DCC was ready to introduce the service with immediate effect to the public.

Early detection:Prof Aishah posing next to a poster on the NBS test developed by the centre.

DCC director Prof Aishah A. Latiff said the centre began research on NBS in 2000 and succeeded in creating the test in 2003.

She said the NBS and related services were currently available at the Institute of Medical Research (IMR), which was conducting a two-year pilot programme at 10 government hospitals. The project is expected to end this August.

Prof Aishah said the DCC had invested a total of RM4.5mil on three highly sophistica-ted tandem mass spectrometers to carry out the analysis.

“The DCC has adequate instrumentation and personnel to handle between 300 and 400 samples per day and therefore, is in the position to accept samples nationwide,” she added.

Prof Aishah said the test required a few drops of blood, obtained from a gentle prick on the baby’s heel, which were then dropped onto a filter paper and sent to the laboratory for testing.

“The results will then be despatched back to the doctor attending to the patients three days later,” she said.

DCC Metabolic Services head Dr Adi Tan Abdullah said babies must be referred by a medical doctor for the NBS and each basic test would cost RM85.

DCC has begun analysis on samples from its teaching hospital – Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) – in Kubang Krian, Kelantan, he said.

Source

[tags : disability epilepsy autism children pediatric neurology]

First Signs of a Developmental Delay or Disorder

Red Flags

The following red flags may indicate a child is at risk for atypical development, and is in need of an immediate evaluation. In clinical terms, there are a few “absolute indicators,” often referred to as “red flags,” that indicate that a child should be evaluated. For a parent, these are the “red flags” that your child should be screened to ensure that he/she is on the right developmental path. Social/Communication Red Flags: If your baby shows any of these signs, please ask your pediatrician or family practitioner for an immediate evaluation: No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions by nine months or thereafter No babbling by 12 months No back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching, or waving by 12 months No words by 16 months No two-word meaningful phrases (without imitating or repeating) by 24 months Any loss of speech or babbling or social skills at any age “Most mommies and daddies tell me “I thought there was a problem at 14 or 15 months...and they told me let’s wait and see because sometimes some kids grow out of it.’ Well, that’s not a good answer. We’ve got to make the distinction between less important problems, where we can wait and see from core problems, which involve a lack of reciprocity and a lack of getting to know your world. For these core problems, we have to act on it yesterday. We can’t wait nine months, we can’t wait two months.” (Stanley I. Greenspan, M.D., Child Psychiatrist)

Source

[tags : disability development delay ]

Bill Cosby and Toni Braxton Headline Concert for Autism Speaks

Bill Cosby and Toni Braxton Headline Concert for Autism Speaks April 9 at Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center

Tom Brokaw Emcees a Night of Comedy and Music to Raise Funds for Autism Awareness and Scientific Research


Legendary entertainer Bill Cosby and six-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Toni Braxton will headline a star-filled night of comedy and music at the Concert for Autism Speaks on April 9 at Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, Broadway at 60th Street, in New York City. NBC News' Tom Brokaw will serve as the master of ceremonies for the fundraiser for Autism Speaks, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing awareness of autism and raising money to fund autism research .

“Autism is a disorder that is robbing families of the chance to fulfill their dreams and experience the everyday joys most of us take for granted,” said Cosby. "For example, many children with autism are very limited in their ability to develop warm relationships with others, including their parents. We all need to do our part so that, with our help, these families will finally get the answers they so desperately seek.”

“When autism became a part of my family's reality, I was determined to join Autism Speaks
in its battle against this devastating disorder that is impacting thousands of families," said Braxton, who is currently headlining in a long-term engagement at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas. The mother of two children, one of whom has autism, went on to say, “So much progress is being made on all fronts – from the laboratory to Capitol Hill -- but all of us must continue to fight until we have found the cause and a cure for autism.”

“We are incredibly grateful to Bill and Toni for lending their remarkable talents to us for what promises to be a memorable evening,” said Suzanne Wright, co-founder of Autism Speaks. “With the recent passage of the Combating Autism Act, the future is far brighter for every individual and family affected by autism. However, the need to raise funds for awareness, treatment and research is as urgent as ever.”

Ticket information for the Concert for Autism Speaks will be made available in the coming weeks at www.autismspeaks.org.


[tags : disability epilepsy autism children pediatric neurology]

Autism Speaks Website

Autism Speaks is dedicated to increasing awareness of the growing autism epidemic and to raising money to fund scientists who are searching for a cure.

It was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright. Bob Wright is Vice Chairman and Executive Officer, General Electric, and Chairman and CEO, NBC Universal.

Autism Speaks and Cure Autism Now (CAN) recently announced plans to combine operations, bringing together the two leading organizations dedicated to accelerating and funding biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure for autism spectrum disorders; to increasing awareness of the nation's fastest growing developmental disorder; and to advocating for the needs of affected families.

To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit http://www.autismspeaks.org/.








What is Autism? An Overview

Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. It is part of a group of disorders known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Today, 1 in 150 individuals is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups and is four times more likely to strike boys than girls. Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines. Symptoms can range from very mild to quite severe.

Autism was first identified in 1943 by Dr. Leo Kanner of Johns Hopkins Hospital. At the same time, a German scientist, Dr. Hans Asperger, described a milder form of the disorder that is now known as Asperger Syndrome. These two disorders are listed in the DSM IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) as two of the five developmental disorders that fall under the Autism Spectrum Disorders. The others are Rett Syndrome, PDD NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder), and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. All of these disorders are characterized by varying degrees of impairment in communication skills and social abilities, and also by repetitive behaviors. For more discussion on the range of diagnoses that comprise Autism Spectrum Disorder, click here.

Autism Spectrum Disorders can usually be reliably diagnosed by age 3, although new research is pushing back the age of diagnosis to as early as 6 months. Parents are usually the first to notice unusual behaviors in their child or their child's failure to reach appropriate developmental milestones. Some parents describe a child that seemed different from birth, while others describe a child who was developing normally and then lost skills. Pediatricians may initially dismiss signs of autism, thinking a child will “catch up,” and may advise parents to “wait and see.” New research shows that when parents suspect something is wrong with their child, they are usually correct. If you have concerns about your child's development, don't wait: speak to your pediatrician about getting your child screened for autism.

If your child is diagnosed with autism, early intervention is critical to gain maximum benefit from existing therapies. Although parents may have concerns about labeling a toddler as “autistic,” the earlier the diagnosis is made, the earlier interventions can begin. Currently, there are no effective means to prevent autism, no fully effective treatments, and no cure. Research indicates, however, that early intervention in an appropriate educational setting for at least two years during the preschool years can result in significant improvements for many young children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. As soon as autism is diagnosed, early intervention instruction should begin. Effective programs focus on developing communication, social, and cognitive skills.


[tags : disability autism children pediatric neurology]

Training Manual to Tackle Sexual Issues faced by Children with Disabilities

A training manual to tackle sexual and reproductive health issues for children and teenagers with disabilities is in its final stages of development by the Health Ministry.

Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said that the manual would focus on the personal care and safety of the child with special needs to prevent them from getting abused.

"We have to face reality that sexual harassment will continue to happen," he told reporters on Tuesday after the media launch of the 24th Kiwanis Treasure Hunt.

"The manual is to help doctors and people to identify and treat. There are guidelines and procedures to follow especially when the person is unable to communicate effectively."

The treasure hunt is organised by the Kiwanis Club of Kuala Lumpur which hopes to raise RM125,000 to help the Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation National Centre here, Joy Training Workshop in Malacca, Kiwanis Orphanage in Batu Pahat and other Kiwanis Club of Kuala Lumpur community service projects.

Earlier in his speech, Dr Chua said that Down Syndrome was the most prevalent chromosomal disorder which occurred about one of every 650 births.

This meant, he said that 770 children in Malaysia were born with the disorder yearly and that about 46,200 children and adults have Down Syndrome assuming that the lifespan of a person with the condition is 60 years.

"This figure could even be larger, as no study has been done on the actual situation," he said.

He said that early detection and intervention were important to getting "better outcome" for babies with Down Syndrome adding that more than 90% of deliveries were in hospitals and all babies were examined by doctors before discharge.

Children who have Down Syndrome features will be followed up by the paediatrician and go through check ups for confirmation.

Dr Chua said that child developmental screening is also done at all health clinics, community clinics and mobile clinics throughout Malaysia and any suspected case of delayed development is closely monitored and started on early intervention programme.

There are also 140 health centres, which provide rehabilitation services for children with special needs including Down Syndrome.

Source
[tags : seic epilepsy seizures children pediatric neurology]

22 Apr Talk : Top 8 Ways to Improve Your Special Needs Child's Behaviour

FGA - Full Gospel Assembly has a support group for parents with children with special needs.
They have a special talk for parents coming up in April


TOPIC : Top 8 Ways to Improve Your Special Needs Child's Behaviour

SPEAKER : Ms Yammy Ang

DATE : 22 April 2007 (Sunday)

TIME : 3pm to 5.30pm

VENUE : House 1, Full Gospel Assembly, Kuala Lumpur


About the Speaker

Ms Yammy Ang is a mother of five children and parent of a special needs teenager. She was Special Mother of the Year in 2001.

She has a BSc in Phsyical Sciences (La Trobe University) and has been chairperson of Wings Melaka Early Interevention Centre for the past seven years.

We welcome you to join us and invite your friends who are interested in this area to come along.

[Its FREE]

For more information, please contact Wai Sze at 016 340 0849,
Jill at 016 394 4206 or email kwaisiong@yahoo.com.my



[tags : seic epilepsy seizures children pediatric neurology]