Top 10 Autism News and Stories for the Week That Was: 18th August, 2015

This week, we haven’t brought you only news about autism. We also have brought some heartwarming stories and insights into the lives of individuals on the spectrum as well. From games that are helping children with autism develop confidence to teachers whose acts of kindness are making them independent, there is a lot of good going on in the world today. Check out the latest news and happenings in the world from the week that was. We would also love to hear from you.

A video showing what it feels like to be someone with autism for 60 seconds

We all know that individuals and children with autism have heightened sensory input. But do we know what it really feels like to be affected by this condition? This video by National Autistic Society tries to capture what an autistic individual probably experiences for 60 seconds. Imagine having to live with it 24/7, 365 days a year.

Grant of $3.4 million allotted to train dentists to care for patients with autism

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has allotted a $3.4 million grant to the Nova Southeastern University’s College of Dental medicine in Florida. This grant will be used to train dentists on the needs and sensitivities, and the strategies involved in caring for teens and children affected with autism. Parents and professionals have been calling for similar initiatives in India too. Hopefully we will see them implemented soon.

Minecraft is helping children with autism

A game published by the Swedish company Mojang, Minecraft is a game about breaking and placing blocks. It has already sold more than 54 million copies as of 2014. Some autistic children have said that it has improved their confidence and ability to interact. Dr. Randy Kulman has said that the thing that children with autism love most about this game is that there are no rules and they are free to do what they want. This vibrant game offering creativity, exploration and productivity is helping children become self-confident and flexible, which is helping them interact better with others.

A different approach to understand and treat autism is needed

In this post, the author gives the example of an autistic boy whose behavior could not be fathomed or ‘controlled’ by his teachers and caregivers at school. The boy struggled with severe social anxiety, touch-sensitivity, was non-verbal and had a seizure disorder. In a previous school, he was pinned down by 3-4 teachers at once and isolated in a ‘time-out’ room. We hear about incidents like these regularly. What goes wrong?

The DayCape App is available for download on the iTunes Store

DayCape is an app, still in its Beta-phase, which helps children with autism manage their day-to-day routine and schedule. The feedback that the creators have received from parents is that it makes the day feel easier and less stressful, because all the daily routines are stored in the app. It comes with a free planning website and is free for a limited period.

Note: We have no vested interest in this app.

4th Graders responded to autism, and the responses were surprising

Chelsea Budde, an autism advocacy group founder, helped a fourth grade teacher with an exercise where they asked the children to write questions they have about autism on a blank card anonymously, or a question specifically directed to one of their classmates – a girl who has autism. The questions were not anything that Chelsea or anyone of us expected. However, there were reasons behind them.

The language when talking about autism

In this blog post, Jo Worgan, editor of Autism Daily Newscast, talks about the complexity of the language used while addressing autism spectrum disorder. While some parents, including the author, were comfortable with a few terms, others found them offensive because they felt like their children were being labelled. But what matters at the end of the day?

A Wikipedian talks about his life on autism

Guillaume Paumier is a photographer, author and physicist currently working with the Wikimedia Foundation. Two years ago, when he was 30 years old, he was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. He sheds light on an autistic individual’s take on aspects of daily life – aspects which we neuro-typical individuals take for granted. He also cites one key aspect which will not only lead to more awareness about autism but also help affected individuals build on their strengths and forge stronger relationships with other humans. A must read!

Small act of a teacher changed things for a boy and his mom

We love reading stories about acts of random kindness which make a lasting impact on others, don’t we? Well, here is one such story. A teacher who didm’ t teach an autistic child gave him something to look forward to each day, and made him need his mother less and less. We won’t spoil anything for you. Simply read and feel good. And if possible, play your part in adding kindness in this world. God knows that we need it.

Address the foundations of communication before making a child speak

Developing speech and language in children on the autism spectrum is important. But more important is addressing the core deficits of autism which are hurdles to communication in the first place. Once these deficits are addressed, the foundation for effective communication in a child is laid. After all, communication is not only about speech. We know that 90 percent communication occurs through non-verbal cues.

That’s it from us this week, dear friends. As always, if you have something to share for the benefit of our readers and us, do tell us. Have a lovely week.