This weekend's Autism Links

Should children with ASD be exempt from homework? (Tony Attwood)

A major cause of anguish for children with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder, their families and teachers is the satisfactory completion of homework. Why should this group of children have such an emotional reaction to the mere thought of having to start their homework and such difficulty completing assigned tasks? There may be two explanations. The first is based on their degree of stress and mental exhaustion during their day at school and the second is due to their profile of cognitive skills.

http://www.tonyattwood.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=76%3Ashould-children-with-autistic-spectrum-disorders-be-exempted-from-homework



Cost of autistic children cripples parents up to $50,000 a year

PARENTS of autistic children are having to sell their homes or move overseas to access crucial treatment that costs up to $50,000 a year. Federal government guidelines recommend early intervention with a "minimum of 20 hours a week over two or more years" but its funding covers just an hour a week, advocates say. "You're looking at $30,000 to $50,000 a year," said Nicole Rogerson from Autism Awareness Australia.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/cost-of-autistic-children-cripples-parents-up-to-50000-a-year/story-e6freuy9-1226268442692



How can parents reduce the risk of sexual abuse of their children (as adults or children) with autism?

“I have suffered real abuse. Really if it were not for my mom and my therapist pleading for me, I would have retreated into my world. When the bad thing happened I wanted to die. Greatly my mom and therapist found a way to help me grow from this experience. I learned that there were really bad people that could do things to your body, but I learned that you don’t have to let them into your soul.” – a young man with autism.

Although data on abuse of adults with disabilities is scarce, research on children with disabilities finds that they become victims of abuse at 3.4 times the rate of children who do not have disabilities (Sullivan,T. and Knutson, D., 2001). While many agree that abuse occurs more, those who specialize in the field of abuse & disability believe that for both children and adults, increased victimization is more likely 10 times the rate than for those without disabilities.

 http://autismcollege.com/blog/2012/02/07/how-can-parents-reduce-the-risk-of-sexual-abuse-of-their-children-as-adults-or-children/



Tummy Troubles: Studying the Relationship Between Autism and Gastrointestinal Disorders

Many children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have co-occurring medical conditions that affect their quality of life and response to therapy. One of the most common of these medical conditions is gastrointestinal (GI) disorder. Our research directly examines the relationship between the two and creates a foundation for understanding the biology and behaviors unique to children affected by both disorders. It is described, in detail, in our recent report in the journal Autism Research.

http://blog.autismspeaks.org/2012/02/06/tummy-troubles-studying-the-relationship-between-autism-and-gastrointestinal-disorders/


Parenting Aspergers Children Support Group (Facebook)

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Parenting-Aspergers-Children-Support-Group/101589699900722?sk=info



Parenting Defiant Aspergers Teens (Audio Recording)

http://www.myoutofcontrolteen.com/ParentingDefiantAspergersTeens


Conversations with Richard Fidler: Tony Attwood speaking about girls & women with Asperger Syndrome

Professor Tony Attwood returns to 'Conversations' to talk about his latest research into women and girls who have Asperger's Syndrome.

He says there are more women with Asperger's than previously thought.

Since his last visit, there has also been a revelation in Tony's own family.

Despite his heavy academic and research workload, Tony still loves to keep seeing his clients: "the day I stop, my knowledge freezes".

http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2012/02/02/3421377.htm