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Spotlight on the Gut Bacteria-Brain Connection in Autism… field was reflected by presentations at Neuroscience 2013 this week. The idea of a gut-brain connection isn’t new. It’s supported by a large body of research showing continuous communication between the bacteria that inhabit the digestive tract … brain development. Gut bacteria, propionic acid and autism For more than a decade, Derrick MacFabe and his autism research group at Western Ontario University have been investigating how certain antibiotic-resistant gut bacteria may interfere with … autism-like changes in brain development, as well as evidence of intestinal inflammation. Though preliminary, the findings support Dr. MacFabe’s theory that the production of propionic acid and related fatty acids by antibiotic-resistant gut …

The day my son taught a bully a lesson… day. I give in because he’s had a really good one, and make a mental note to call the person who runs his autism sibling support group the next day. She will report that things happened exactly as Zach told me and that he corrected the boy rather …

Why accepting my flaws was important as an autistic mom… buried it by just getting through it. This summer, I want to encourage all of you to start healing. Seek help through your support group. Friends, family, and any others you trust. Even if you are nonverbal, your "words" still matter.  I have a lot to say …

Meet Rebekah F.… looking for new ways to bring the best out of her students. She tailors lesson plans to highlight their strengths and support their weaknesses and pulls from personal experiences that have provided her with the type of insight many teachers … advice from books and informational packets from the pediatrician, Rebekah’s parents would eventually help her obtain the support she needed to get on track to reaching her full potential, but it was a long, winding journey filled with many ups … me realize at 20 years old that I could do better too. I watched Star Trek every night and later came to join a Star Trek group where I found people that I was able to talk to and get better at my social skills. Because it took me so long to be …

Neuro-Diverse Community Night for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time @ Chance Theater… not suitable for customers with sensory sensitivities. Community Partners: Autism By The Sea, My Day Counts, OC Asperger's Support Group, Peer 1-on-1, Poppy Life Care, and Reimagine 7:00 p.m. - Mingling in the Chance lobby over light bites and Happy Hour …

Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder (DS-ASD)… lead to a better understanding of your child’s behavior and give you access to critical autism resources, interventions and support that have been shown to improve outcomes. A formal diagnosis could: A formal diagnosis can legitimize a family’s concerns about their loved one’s development and open the door to greater community and support. Help parents and family members better understand, support and guide their loved one Explain why your loved one is … 2nd Edition, 2024  (Froehlke and Sattel) Professionals Recommendations to Providers Handout Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group USA (DSMIG-USA) Association of University Centers on Disabilities   AAP Guidelines National List of Down Syndrome …

Family in Remote Area Seeks Autism Treatment Guidance… and playing with your child. It will help your child if you all try to be consistent in the way you teach skills. Create a support and advocacy group.  Find other parents of children with autism in your area. We’ve watched communities in remote locations around the world develop parent networks to assist and support each other. Your local parent network can also advocate for better services in your region! There is no easy answer …

My experiences in the world of dating on the spectrum … and girlfriend.    In my 20s, I developed a huge crush on a man who also happened to be on the spectrum while at an adult support group. Though I thought he liked me too, I soon learned that he was not interested. Still, I chased him, which I now know is …

Autism and Social Skills Development… Supporting social interaction is an important piece of the student’s educational plan. Student’s with autism often have the … else is standing, you should be too!’). Break social skills into small component parts, and teach these skills through supported interactions. Use visuals as appropriate. Celebrate strengths and use these to your advantage. Many students with … be careful not to turn the peer into a teacher strive to keep peer interactions as natural as possible. Create small lunch groups, perhaps with structured activities or topic boxes. (The group to pulls a topic out of a box and discusses things …

My son with autism is overcoming his challenges, finding his strengths… Sandy Petrovic is a registered nurse, an author, a public speaker, an instructional advisor/tutor in a college academic support center, and the mother of a son on the spectrum. Click here for more about us and the book we co-authored from each … even consciously considered; the social rejection David experienced when he wanted nothing more than to be part of the teen group; the years that he was bullied and lonely; the panic attacks and near-depression that he endured as a result of … relish these challenges and are confident that David will master them in his own time and in his own way, with the help and support of family and mentors—much as he has handled every other hurdle in the past—and just like every other young adult …