Autism Insider Newsletter Nov 2010

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1 - Autism Insider Newsletter, July 2010 Issue South Florida Autism Newsletter November 2010 - Issue #14 FREE Take One

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Some things to add in Santa’s letter this year, Managing reinforcers to shape behavior, Siblings: the unconditional friends, Having a little brother with autism is an adventure, Interview to Bryan Germano, Sibling of Darek, What exactly is plasticity?, How can it benefit my child?, Art+Therapy=Art Therapy, How can it benefit children with ASD

Transcript of Autism Insider Newsletter Nov 2010

Page 1: Autism Insider Newsletter Nov 2010

1 - Autism Insider Newsletter, July 2010 Issue

South Florida Autism Newsletter

November 2010 - Issue #14

FREE

Take One

Page 2: Autism Insider Newsletter Nov 2010

2 - Autism Insider Newsletter, October 2010 Issue

Inside This Issue...

BioMedical Q&A

By Debbie Mellen Nurse Practitioner Page 3

GENERAL ARTICLES

Some things to add in Santa’s letter this year Page 4

Managing reinforcers to shape behavior Page 5

Siblings: the unconditional friends Page 6

Having a little brother with autism is an adventure Page 6 Page 8

Interview to Bryan Germano, Sibling of Darek Page 7

What exactly is plasticity?How can it benefit my child? Page 8

Art+Therapy=Art TherapyHow can it benefit children with ASD Page 10

Recipe of the Month

GFCF Thanksgiving Stuffing Page 8

Contact Us.

To add an event in our monthly calendar, pleasesend the information with all the details to:

a u t i s m i n s i d e r n e w s l e t t e r @ g m a i l . c o mSubject: Calendar

(Make sure we receive the information the firstweek of the month prior to the event)To submit an article, send it to:

a u t i s m i n s i d e r n e w s l e t t e r @ g m a i l . c o mSubject: Article

For general information or advertisementopportunities, please call us at (954)530-5992 oremail at [email protected]

Luciana C Leo (786) 306-4967

Sarah Sweeney (786) 413-8017

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

FOR SUPPORTINGTHE AUTISMCOMMUNITY

www.soloprinting.com

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BioMedical Q&ABy Debbie Mellen, Biomedical Practitioner

Most of us that went to health class inhigh school were taught about the foodPyramid, I have taught people how toeat healthy using the food pyramid. Wewere taught that whole grains are betterthan refined and processed foods, theyhave more nutrients in them. We alsoknow that sugar is bad for us and thatif we need to have something sweet,

then we should use an artificial sweetener and reduce ourcalories from the empty food value of eating white sugar.However, I see more and more people negatively affectedby following that good advice. How could this be possible?If we look at the food and break it down into its smallest form(like our bodies do after we eat it) we will find that there aretwo amino acids in certain foods that are causing havoc inthe body. They are glutamate and aspartame. They are foundin very high amounts in a food additive called MSG ormonosodium glutamate and in the artificial sweeteners.These two amino acids affect the brain in a bad way. Thepeople that have trouble with these two amino acids may finda link between their medical problems that could improve ifthey were to remove these amino acids from their diet. Someof the medical problems are epilepsy, migraines, insomnia,ADHD, autism, and fibromyalgia. Studies have shown thatin sensitive individuals seizures can appear within 30 minutesof eating something with MSG or aspartame in it, or 4-6 hoursafter eating a gluten product. Note here that seizures are notalways the clonic-tonic fall on the floor type of seizures. Theycan appear as mild as staring for a few moments, as ifdaydreaming, and then coming back.Glutamate is also found in gluten and soy; gluten is found inwheat. Glutamate not only affects the brain, it affects thelining of the intestine and makes changes where the resultis mal absorption. For certain individuals the whole wheatproducts that are rich in nutrients, are causing nutrients tonot be absorbed by the body. Strange, huh? Some warningsigns from our body that can tell us if this is happening are:heartburn, IBS, allergies, pain, fatigue and memory loss. Thisconcept has even been applied to bipolar disorder,schizophrenia and neurodegenerative disorders like multiplesclerosis, Parkinson’s, and even Alzheimer’s. The followingis from John B. Symes, D.V.M. (aka “Dogtor J”) “TheG.A.R.D. originally stood for the “glutamate- aspartamerestricted diet” after the limitation of these two non-essential,neurostimulating amino acids that are also the parentcompounds of MSG and aspartame (NutraSweet)respectively. They are now termed “excitotoxins” and knowntriggers of seizures and inciters of some neurodegenerativediseases. However, the G.A.R.D. also stands for the “gutabsorption  recovery  diet”  due  to  its  removal  of  the  “big4″ foods (gluten, dairy, soy and corn), which are all capableof inducing the damage to the intestinal villi that characterizesceliac disease and the related food intolerances.”

Here is The GARD in a nutshell:1) Eliminate all the “big 4”- gluten (wheat, barley, rye), dairyproducts, soy and corn.

2) Eliminate all sources ofMSG and aspartame(NutraSweet)3) Restrict the intake ofnuts, seeds andbeans/legumes untilrecovery is achieved.(Legumes may be a long-term problem.)4) Limit the consumptionof gluten-free grains(quinoa, millet, flax,sorghum, amaranth andeven rice) until symptomshave improved.

5) Limit caffeine intake6) Limit intake of refined sugar7) Eliminate all trans fats (hydrogenated oils)8) Try to eat as organically as possible (to eliminatetoxins/pollutants)9) Drink filtered water

What TO eat initially:1) Vegetables2) Fruits and berries3) Lean meats* and fish (*in reasonable quantities, preferablythe “cattle”- lamb, beef, venison, bison)4) Eggs (nature’s true perfect food)5) Sweet potatoes6) Potatoes (well-cooked and if not nightshade intolerant)7) Limited quantities of rice

Once recovery is well underway, you can add:a) Gluten-free grain substitutes (millet, flax, sorghum,tapioca, amaranth, quinoa)b) Nuts and seeds (with tree nuts being ideal)c) Legumes/beans (if necessary and if desired. Someindividuals are completely legume intolerant. I would alwaysavoid soy, however!)

For the families that are implementing or that triedbefore the GFCF (Gluten Free and Casein Free)Diet and did not see any benefits from it or thebehaviors got worse, be aware that many GFCFreplacements are naturally high in Glutamate. Forexample, almonds, turkey, chicken, tapioca, andsorhum in between others.

If you tried the GFCF Diet and did not see anyresults, you may want to try the G.A.R.D Diet.

If this has sparked an interest you can learn muchmore by going to this website. "www.dogtorj.com"

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6" THUMBALLSSOME SKILLS YOU CAN TEACH WITHTHEM: Play skills, gross motor skills, ballskills, language skills, sounding out thealphabet, letter recognition, animalsounds, colors and shapes, numbers andcounting, and matching the numbers to

words.These balls are slightly larger and are 6 inch diameter each.Designed for sensory input, they are used in OT, PT andSpeech.Toss the ball! Roll the ball! Catch the ball! Now look underyour thumb and respond to the word, picture or letter. Thereare 32 panels for responses. Teaching results arephenomenal and there are so many ways to incorporatelearning.These balls received the Creative Child Seal of ExcellenceAward.PRICE: Each Thumball $12.95. All 4 Thumballs $42WEBSITE: www.nlconcepts.com

BEAD SEQUENCING SETSOME SKILLS YOU CAN TEACH: Patternsdesign, finger dexterity, sequencing, matchingcolor coding.   Includes over 45 brightly coloredbeads and 10 patterns that increase in difficultyto build pattern matching, sequencing and finemotor skills!

PRICE: $26.99WEBSITE: www.nlconcepts.com

VIPERATING SNAKEVery popular battery-operated flexible vibratingsnake which allows the user to move thevibration behind their back.Choice of 2 speeds for you to use. Velcro strapallows it to be held in place.PRICE: $19 httpWEBSITE: www.specialneedstoys.com

FASCINATING TUBE2" Diameter Acrylic Tube with water, glitterand ball.Great tracking aid which requires grossmotor skills.PRICE: $22WEBSITE: www.specialneedstoys.com

CHEWABLE RETRACTABLE BITEBUDDIESThe all new Bite Buddies are fun to collect,and offer a not so obvious chew devicethat your child will be proud to carry.PRICE: $9.99WEBSITE: www.toysforautism.com

BUDDY THE SENSORY DOGThis is the single most diverse tactile product.Every child and every therapist needs a Buddy.PRICE: $25.99WEBSITE: www.ableplay.org

BODYSOXWhether you are young or mature,large or small, once inside

BodySox, you will find yourself in aprivate domain which begs forphysical and spatial exploration.PRICE: $40-50

WEBSITE: www.especialneeds.com

POP TOOBS (set of 8)A great sensory experience for the child withspecial needs or autism. Pop Toobs - set of8 plastic toobs to contract and stretch.Simple, bendable, snap able tubes can bejoined together or use individually to offersignificant sensory feedback. Twirl them

and they make noise. Pulling with a partner often leads topurposeful eye contact as the proprioceptive sensory needsare met.PRICE: $8.99WEBSITE: www.kidscopetoys.com

SQUABSquap is the latest throw and catchcraze! Just put the ball into theSquap mitt and open your hand asquickly as possible. The balllaunches, then soars through theair to a friend who catches it bysnapping the Squap mitt closed

around the ball. Play it with friends or by yourself against awall – indoors or outside. Kids will love this active game.Comes with two snap traps and four balls.PRICE: $ 25WEBISTE: www.fatbraintoys.com

WIKKI STICKS RAINBOWPACKWikki Stix are a one of akind activity that is twistable,stickable, buildable, playablewhile offering therapeuticbenefits as well.

PRICE: $2.95WEBSITE: www.especialneeds.com

Some things to add in Santa’s letter this year!

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TWIGIt's a building set that reallyoffers you the freedom ofexploring the-inside-and-the-out of fun designing.Playing with Twig isgratifying for your hands -

and offers mental play that's exuberant! Your mindfinds satisfaction in sorting colors, finding solutionsfor intermixing pieces of varying depth,accommodating diverse interior dimensions andshapes, and making final adjustments to yourmasterpieces. Precision-cut wood pieces slide inbetween and next to one another with ease. Extrarich colors add terrific flair to structures.PRICE: $50WEBSITE: www.fatbraintoys.com

PLASMA CARHop on the PlasmaCar and prepare tozip, zoom & cruise!The trike that looksand acts like a racecar from the future.Not the typical toypedal car. We aretruly wound up

about this revolutionary design. An inside or outsidetoy designed like a trike without any pedals, gears orbatteries! More fun than a scooter...and it supportsup to 220 pounds!!!PRICE: $70-60WEBSITE: www.fatbraintoys.com. Check the video!!!

Cool, relaxing,plastic toys that canalso be used astimers.PRICE: $5W E B S I T E :www.ozmofun.com

Implementing the Applied Behavior Analysis Theory in order toshape behavior may be a bit confusing at times for parents.I will try to make it as easy as ABC!

In order to change behavior we look at the ABC’s:A-     AntecedentB-     BehaviorC-     Consequence

The A- Antecedent is what triggers the behavior. There arethree main triggers:  attain attention, obtain an object and avoida task.The B- Behavior is the actual behavior.The C- Consequence is what acts as a reinforcer to the behav-ior. It can be positive increasing the behavior or negativedecreasing the behavior.

Let’s get into the reinforcer, if you want to modify your child’sbehavior you need to tackle the consequence. Rememberpositive reinforcers increase the behavior and negative rein-forcers decrease the behavior, ultimate ending it. There arethree main reinforces, primary, secondary and social. Primaryis anything that is edible: food.  The secondary is any obtain-able object: book, part of a video, toy, etc., and social reinforc-ers: claps, kisses, hugs, complimentary phrases, etc., which isour goal!

So if implemented properly the Managing Reinforcers, you willbe able to shape the behavior to the desired behavior.

Here is an example of the ABC theory of behavior. Let's say achild sees a toy at the store and starts a tantrum because thechild wants the toy. A: the Antecedent is to want the toy, B:Behavior is a tantrum because the child wants the toy, and C:any behavior has a consequence; because this is a negativebehavior the consequence is going to be negative. What are theoptions? Ignore (your child is more important that what peoplearound are thinking), Time Out (right there at the store), loweryourself down to the child’s level and talk with a firm voice aboutthe unwanted behavior, and consequences (don’t underestimateyour child’s capacity to understand the situation and what youare saying).Let’s complicate the scenario, if the child deceases the cryingand increase language. The parent should get the desired toy,and prompt for quiet and a point or approximate sound. If thechild does these behaviors they may obtain the toy, theconsequence should be positive. This way you have justreinforced an appropriate behavior of pointing and anapproximation of appropriate language.

To contact Aeleen Garrido-Tortorici, M.S., L.M.H.C look at thead in page 11 of this issue!

Managing Reinforcers To Shape BehaviorBy Aeleen Garrido-Tortorici MS., LMHC.

Call us to advertise in theAutism Insider Newsletter

786-306-4967

786-413-8017

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6 - Autism Insider Newsletter, October 2010 Issue

Reading articles, research papers and watching tons ofvideos in YouTube about siblings of children with specialneeds to prepare this article, I came to a simple conclusion:All relationship between siblings are complicated, nomatter what. Friendships are different, because most ofthe time the people we picked to have as friends havethings in common with us that we can share. Instead, wedon’t pick our brothers or sisters, we are actually forced tolive with them most of our childhood and teenage years.We learn what they like, what they don’t like, their dreams,their fears, their weaknesses and strengths. We come toknow how to push their buttons and make them very mad,but we also learn about what makes them happy!. Therelationships between brothers and sisters do not growovernight. It can be very difficult at times due to differentpersonalities or preferences in the individuals. However,there is a strong bond in between siblings that nothing canbrake, not even autism.Sometimes it can be difficult for parents of children withspecial needs to juggle the demands of all the familymembers, the house chores and work, when they are tryingto do all they can for their child with special needs. Manyparents also worried about how the siblings may cope withtheir brother or sister with autism. What if they feelembarrassed by their brother or sister? What if they feeljealous? What if they compete for attention? Well…Thereality is that these feelings and questions just mentionedare very common in a sibling relationship. I went throughthose stages of jealousy, anger, competency, frustration,embarrassment with my brother and my sister and theydon’t have special needs. I bet every single person whenthrough those phases with their siblings! In order for thesefeelings not to go out of control, children need to learn howto mange them. They need to learn coping skills and themost important teachers of these coping skills are a child’smother, father, and even their sibling with special needs.Here are some suggestions that parents can do within thefamily to improve the interactions among the children inthe family:1) Don’t try to push them to play together if they are doingdifferent things, they may not have the same interests.What you can do is engage them in playful interactions.For example, blowing bubbles, playing with a hose outside,doing a pillow fight , doing races, or playing with the wii.2) Find some separate time for the children: Differentactivities, different group of friends, etc.3) Do not over-protect your child with special needs, lethim/her self defense (unless is a dangerous situation) andfigure out how to resolve the problems with siblings. Theother way around, if your child with special needs hits asibling or takes something away from him/her, let thesibling respond to the action (unless he/she is not oldenough or the aggressive behavior is very intense)For most Brothers and sisters of children with specialneeds, the experience with their siblings is positive. Itteaches them to accept other people as they are. Somebecome deeply involved in helping parents care for their

brother or sister, often assuming responsibilities beyondtheir years in terms of that individual's care and themaintenance of the household. It is not uncommon forsiblings to become ardent protectors and supporters oftheir brother or sister with special needs or to experiencefeelings of great joy in watching him or her achieve eventhe smallest gain in learning or development. Increasedmaturity, responsibility, altruism, tolerance, humanitarianconcerns and careers (85% of siblings of children withspecial needs start a humanitarian career), a sense ofcloseness in the family, self-confidence, and independenceare among the other positive effects noted in siblings(Lobato, 1990).As I said at the beginning of the article: All siblingsrelationships are complicated, no matter what. I believethat the relationship in between siblings is like a SourPatch, bitter and sweet at the same time. Siblings can beso different, but at the same time have so much in common!I believe that the bond between brother and sister is oneof the strongest that you can ever have with anyone else.That is why they can be very far, but feel very close. Theycan be super mad at you, but they will be there when youneed them. They can be saying nothing and at the sametime saying so much. The love of a brother or a sister isforever, no matter what!

Siblings: The Unconditional Friends!by Luciana C Leo AP

Having a little brother with autism is an adventure!!!By Shannon Moyer, Matt’s Sister

From running onstage during an outdoor concert to jumpinginto the neighbor’s pool, not a day goes by where Mattdoesn’t throw us for a loop. There are days when he’sbouncing off the walls, to days when all he’ll do is sleep inbed and watch old Disney movies. Sure, there are timeswhen Matt can be difficult and hard to get along with,especially when he’s in one of those moods where he willdo everything in his power to do the opposite of what youwant. But they never last long, and we always get by withminimal injuries.

It’s a precious thing when he smiles and looks me in theeye. I forget he has autism in that moment. Because in thatone moment, I don’t see an autistic boy. I see a little brotherwho’s happy to see me. He’s not autistic. He just has asecret he doesn’t want to tell. Maybe that’s the best way tolook at things; don’t just focus on the bad. See all the goodand fun and cheer for what you have right in front of you.

So what if Matt has autism? In the thirteen years that I’vebeen in school, I’ve learned more from my little brother thanI ever have in class. He taught me the value of looking onthe bright side and living in the moment. To do what you likeand not care about what others think. I believe there’s alesson every autistic child is willing to teach. You just haveto be willing to listen.

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Interview with Bryan Germano (10 years old), Derek’s BrotherBy Luciana C Leo AP

I have been knowing Bryan and Derek for two years now. Derek isa 8 years old boy diagnosed with autism. Bryan is Derek’s olderbrother. They are two very happy boys full of life. Bryan, Derek andtheir mom are the type of people that will make you laugh constantly.They have a very contagious energy that makes you smile every timethey are around. Bryan and Derek are very different in personalities,like the water and the oil, but at the same time they complement eachother. Bryan is very curios and he likes to know about everything. Heis very active, and very ambitious . On the other hand, Derek is alsovery curious, but shy at the same time. He is more of a free spirit. Theybalance each other. Bryan and Derek share one big interest in common,which is music. Bryan plays the guitar and Derek the drums. Despitethe fact that Derek has some difficulties communicating with others, he isa great singer just like his older brother. I decided to interview Bryan tolearn more about his own point of view.What things do you like to do the most?

“I like to play sports and video games” “I really don’t like to do homework”

What things do you like to do with your brother Derek?

“We like to watch movies and DVD’s, run and sing” “Derek is fun, he isalways with me. WE STICK TOGETHER”

What things you and Derek do not have in common? How are youtwo different from each other?

“Well... I am more of a meat eater. Derek is sometimes more of avegetarian. I don’t like the food he eats, and he doesn’t like the food Ieat”

What does the word autism means for you?

“Autism means that the mind of the person works different. Theyare special, they don’t do things like we do. They do thingsdifferent”

Do you and Derek go to school together?

“Yes, we go to Sawgrass Elementary. We have lots of fun atschool”

Do your friends at school ask you about your brother? Whatdo they ask?

“Yes. Sometimes they asked me why is he doing that? Orquestions like that.”

What do you tell them?

“I answered because he is a special VIP (very importantperson)”

What do you wish for Derek in the future?

“My plans for the future are for Derek to talk and for him tobecome very famous playing the drums. He is good atplaying the drums. I LOVE MY BROTHER VERY MUCH,MORE THAN I LOVE MY VIDEO GAMES”

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Page 8: Autism Insider Newsletter Nov 2010

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What Exactly Is Plasticity?How Can It Benefit My Child?By Dr Conde

Thanksgiving GFCF Stuffing courtesy of Scott AdamsCeliac.com

Plasticity is the lifelong ability of the brain to reorganizeneural pathways based on new experiences. This isprofound when pertaining to children with developmentaldelays in the sense that areas of slowed processing canliterally increase in size physically and functionally. Onlyabout 50% of the central and peripheral nervous systemis “hardwired” or genetically predetermined. That means50% of the nervous system is modifiable orchangeable according to environmental stimuli.Plastic is a Greek word meaning “molded” or “formed”.When applied to the brain this literally means that thebrain can be molded or changed according to experiences.Historically, it was thought that after the critical period ofinfancy the brain did not change. This has beenoverwhelmingly disproven. At the cellular level, we knowthat plasticity can be induced via specific neurologicalstimulation, oxygenation, and the proper fuel supply(glucose). The result is a healthier cell with more receptorsites for the neurotransmitters (brain messengers) to dockon, more axons and dendrites (synapses or connections)to better communicate with other cells, more mitochondria(cell powerhouse) to generate more energy, and moreproteins to produce important cellular machinery. Hereis a schematic of how this process actually occurs:

E

A B C

D

“A” refers to a neuron (nerve cell) that is activated by whatis called an environmental stimulus. This environmentalstimulus can encompass one or more of the following:light, sound, odorants, tactile stimulation, physicalstimulation, vestibular stimulation, and cognitivestimulation just to name a few. This stimulation fires offneuron “A” which in-turn generates a message (actionpotential) that travels to the end of this neuron andsubsequently causes the release of brain messengers(neurotransmitters). These brain messengers dock onneuron “B” and induce genetic changes which increasethe efficiency of this cell allowing it to grow new synapsesand make more brain messengers (neurotransmitters).Neuron “B” now more powerfully stimulates neuron “C”and because of the new synapses formed can alsoactivate neuron “E” and “D” and reciprocally activateneuron “A”. Therefore from a scientific perspective,activating nerve pathways through environmental stimulican create plasticity and promote faster processing in anyregion of the brain. The key is understanding where thedeficiencies lie in the brain and what kind of stimuli helpto promote plasticity in those regions.

5-6 cups cubed and dehydrated Food For Life Rice Almond Bread2 Tbs. olive oil3 cups chopped celery (or 1-2 Tbs. celery seed)2 cups chopped onions1 tsp. salt1-2 tsp. cilantro1-2 tsp. thyme1-2 tsp. sageblack pepper1-2 Cups gluten-free Chicken Broth

Prepare 1 to 2 cups gluten-free chicken broth. PrepareFood For Life Rice AlmondBread as follows: Cut into ½cubes and put on cookiesheet and in oven at 300degrees and dry for aboutone hour or so in the oven).Sauté chopped celery &

onions in 2 TBS oil in large frying pan over medium heat untilsoft. Add spices & pepper as desired to taste. Pour in chickenbroth & simmer over low heat for 15-20 min.Stir in bread until fully saturated in sauce & seasoningsPlace in 400°F oven for 40-50 min, covering as needed untildone. If you want to cook the stuffing inside the turkey add only1 cup of Chicken broth.

Page 9: Autism Insider Newsletter Nov 2010

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Page 10: Autism Insider Newsletter Nov 2010

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Art is a normal childhood experience that provides hours ofindependent, enjoyable experiences. Art promotes a meansof communication and illustrates what children understandingabout themselves, others, and their environment. Usingcommon yet personalized symbols, young children draw whatthey know.Therapy is an activity that supports and helps individualsand families accept and transcend the unexpected “Ifs in Life”(to borrow from a popular insurance tag line)Art Therapy is an established health profession representedby the American Art Therapy Association since 1969. Usingart materials often yields self awareness that leads tochanges in behavioral, cognitive, and affective responses tostress or complex situations. The art therapist can providesupport to individuals, couples, families, and groups. Arttherapy is a Masters entry- level profession with nationalboard certification, requiring supervision before and aftergraduation.Advantages

1. Art is another Language that is used less often tocommunicate and therefore is not as easily controlled.Unexpected thoughts and feelings can burst forth in apicture or a sculpture and often form the beginning forinsight, learning and growth.

2. We think in images therefore art stimulates the creationof new images and ideas that promote the creativeprocess both narrowly in an artistic way and broadly ina creation of solutions in living.

3. Artwork is permanent and is not subjected to distortionsof memory. It remains

the same. It can be viewed intact weeks and months later.Reviewing their artwork can help individuals developnew insights over time.

4. In art experiences and relationships occur in space andare not limited to time.

All at once the present time can be portrayed in artworkas it is influenced by past

experiences and future wishes.5. Art promotes more open and revealing discussions as

individuals are more comfortable talking about their artwork than having a

face- to- face discussion with another person.6. Art can be used in daily living and individuals are taught

how to use art therapeutically to help themselves after therapy

sessions end ( Harriet Wadeson, 1980)

The biggest advantage of art therapy is its ability to highlightchildren’s strengths. Following good teaching principles, arttherapy supports what a child can do and how to tailor eachchild’s treatment for developing additional skills for learningand living. In the case of children diagnosed with autismthose developing skills have three areas of focus: languagedevelopment , a sense of self, and sensory integration tohelp children strengthen their gross and fine motors skills,build relationships with others, and help them relate to theirworld environment ( Donna Betts, 2005).

Dr. Peg Dunn-Snow is the immediate past-President of theAmerican Art Therapy Association, a licensed art therapistand mental health counselor, and the owner of Children’sCorner: Art Therapy for Children, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Sheworks with children and adolescents with a variety ofpresenting challenges, including children diagnosed withautism. www.arttherapyforchildren.com

By Dr PegDun-Snow

IT IS A SMALL SMALL WORLDThis is a computer drawing done by one of Dr Peg’spatients, diagnosed with autism. It is a wonderful exampleof how art is beneficial as another language, especiallyfor children who are  diagnosed with autismAt the age of 6 (six), he clearly could communicate hisexperience in some of the attractions   at  Disney World,not in words but in pictures.

Go

t Pe

ace

?

Puzzle Peace is a forum for local familiestrying to define themselves without allowing a

developmental disorder to do it for them.

Join the movement! Visit to say your peace,

or contribute to our network of autism friendlyfaces and places.

Proceeds from ourgroovy car magnetbenefit the EvanReed DermerScholarship Fund

Page 11: Autism Insider Newsletter Nov 2010

11 - Autism Insider Newsletter, July 2010 Issue

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Page 12: Autism Insider Newsletter Nov 2010

12 - Autism Insider Newsletter, October 2010 Issue

We are at an exciting time in medicine for autismas we are learning more every day about thisdisorder and its co-existing medical conditions.Sadly, treatments for autism related issues arenot easily covered by insurance; unfortunately,this is similar with most other disorders.There are many parents and families whosechildren clearly need biomedical help, but whosimply can not afford it. In order to makebiomedical interventions more available forthe families and children, we created the KidsMedPrograms.The KidsMed Programs gives families accessto specialized healthcare to help their childrenwith disabilities to reach their full potentialacademically, mentally and physically.KidsMed Basic ($84.99 per month) - Includesall consultations at the office and over the phoneand weekly follow up calls.KidsMed Plus ($200 per month) - Includes allconsultations at the office and over the phoneandweekly follow up calls plus acupuncturetreatments (up to three times per week)The KidsMed programs also include theelectrodermal testing (There is an initial co-payment of $99, to be charge only once)

The KidsMed Programs give families15% discount in all supplements

sold at the office and 15%discount in services

offered at ourfacility that are

not includedin theprograms.

9112 Griffin Rd, Suite ACopper City, Fl 33328

(954)530-5992

www.spectrum-centers.com

Spectrum Health Center provides integrativeholistic healthcare for all ages, specializing in carefor children and adults with special needs andtreating people with a variety of physical andcognitive conditions. The treatments and servicesfocus on balancing the whole body using a naturalapproach with a Western and Eastern Medicinefoundation.The programs provided at Spectrum HealthCenter have scientific bases utilizing state of theart testing and services to determine root causesof illnesses. We conduct thorough individual testingto determine our clients’ health status. Based onour findings, we provide each individual with theproper guidance and treatments for optimal health.At Spectrum Health Center, we promoteeducation and partnership with our clients to helpthem achieve and maintain their highest healthcaregoals.

Physicians: Luciana C Leo AP

Deborah Mellen ARNP

19th & 20thNovember30 minutesComplementary Consultations

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