MYTH: Kids with autism don't like to be touched
The truth is, it depends. Children (and adults) with autism have a lot of sensory issues. This means that they are either over sensitive to different stimuli, or under sensitive to different stimuli. If you think of all your senses, think of them as being oversensitive or under sensitive. This means: sight, sound, smell, touch, taste, hearing, movement, etc.
For some individuals, they don't like to be touched, because they are oversensitive to touch. Simon is under sensitive to touch...which means when you touch him, he prefers to have deep pressure...the more pressure you give, the more comfortable it is. To touch Simon lightly can bother him. Other individuals are so over sensitive to touch they don't like to be touched at all. The same is true with taste (and textures of foods), smells, sight (especially lighting), hearing, movement. Apply the thought of being undersensitive to these senses...that is what some autistic individuals experience. Then apply the thought of being over sensitive. Simon is under sensitive in some ways, but over sensitive in others. This can make navigating through life difficult. Being in a noisy, bright lit room can be difficult for individuals who are over sensitive in hearing and sight.
MYTH: Autistic Individuals are Like Rainman
The truth is, no. Autistic individuals are not like rainman. Autistic people are so different and diverse you cannot classify them as being a certain likeness. Every autistic person has abilities that others do not...they are just like you and me. I can't say that every woman is like superwoman. Obviously we don't fly, and only some of us have super strength and abilities... :) Specifically moms.
MYTH: Autistic Individuals are Retarded
The truth is, autistic persons often have great knowledge and insight, but it is a matter of how to get that knowledge and insight out. There are so many people who have come into adulthood having autism, and they have shown to the world that they have so much to offer in the knowledge and abilities. Ron Kauffman is an autistic who inspired the Son Rise Program. His parents were told that Ron would not be able to perform normally as an adult, and that they would have to make a decision on what Ron's life would eventually be (which was not promising). Ron's parents were not satisfied with that, so they began working with Ron...by getting into his world and interacting with him. Ron is now a grown adult, and you would never see him and know he has autism. Ron speaks at conferences all over the world and shares about The Son Rise Program.
Another person who comes to mind is Dr. Temple Grandin who is an autistic adult who created special feeder boxes. Her presentations around the world have inspired not only those with autism but those who are considered 'typical'. She has written a book entitled 'Thinking in Pictures'.
Here is a list of others who fall onto the autism spectrum:
Jane Austen, 1775-1817, English Novelist
Bela Bartok, 1881-1945, Hungarian Composer
Ludwig Van Beethoven, 1770-1827, German/Viennese Composer
Alexander Graham Bell, 1847-1922, Scottish/Canadian/American - inventor of the telephone
Anton Bruckner, 1824-1896, Austrian Composer
Henry Cavendish, 1731-1810, English/French scientist, discovered the composition of air and water
Emily Dickinson, 1830-1886, US Poet
Thomas Edison, 1847-1931, US Inventor
Albert Einstein, 1879-1955, German/American theoretical physicist
Henry Ford, 1863-1947, US Industrialist
Oliver Heaviside, 1850-1925, English physicist
Thomas Jefferson, 1743-1826, US Politician
Carl Jung, 1875-1961, Swiss Psychoanalyst
Wasily Kandinsky, 1866-1944, Russian/French painter
H P Lovecraft, 1890-1937, US Writer
Richard Strauss, 1864-1949, German Composer
Nikola Tessla, 1856-1943, Serbian/American scientist, engineer, inventor of electric motor
Bill Gates - US Global Monopolist
Bobby Fischer - US Chess Champion
Andy Warhol, 1928-1987, US Artist
Charles Shultz, 1922-2000. Creator of the comic Peanuts and Charlie Brown
Daryl Hannah, American Actress
Satoshi Tajiri, Creator of Pokemon
MYTH: Vaccines Cause Autism
This 'myth' is still up in the air. I don't think we can conclusively say that all individuals with autism got it from vaccines. There are cases of autism where the individual was never vaccinated. I do, however, think that there is more to the picture of vaccines and autism, that it might contribute to a series of other factors. I know of people who saw a significant difference in their child after the child's vaccine. I also know of families who saw autism in their child before the vaccines (specifically the MMR vaccine). For Simon it is something that I always wonder about. I can say that we saw Simon lose speech and eye contact around 18 months. I also know that Simon had behaviors when he was younger that make me question whether he had autism from the very beginning. For Leah, we decided to wait until she was two for her MMR. I believe that vaccinations are important, but I question whether or not they need to be given as frequently and as close together as they are. It is a right as a parent to request for vaccinations to be spaced further apart. Jenny McCarthy's book 'Louder than Words' was a great insight for me. Although I don't agree with everything in the book, I did resonate with her in her experience as a mother, and I do think that there is something happening with the immunization/infection/antibiotic cycle that happens with some of these kids.
MYTH: Autism can be Cured
I know that this is true...but perhaps should be worded differently. There are individuals who were diagnosed with autism who later in life are no longer tested on the spectrum. Whether that means they are cured - I don't know. I do believe, however, that they have been able to navigate through life and are now able to function as a 'typical' individual. Whether they have gotten to this 'normalcy' by medical treatments, diet, or other treatment methods...they are no longer considered autistic. Ron Kauffman is a perfect example of this.
On the other hand, there are many other autistic individuals who have the signs of autism, don't want to be 'recovered', and want to be seen and respected as 'a person with autism'. They have embraced themselves where they are, and often get offended when using the term 'autistic person' but prefer to be called 'person with autism'.
There are so many methods to be used to help with autism and it's effects on an individual it can be quite overwhelming. Unfortunately, there has never been one treatment or method that has conclusively 'recovered' every individual who is on the autism spectrum. There are many who have benefited from diet changes (removing gluten, cassein, sugar, wheat, dyes). On the other hand, there are individuals who have tried diet changes and have had no great effect. The same is to be said with chelation therapy and other medical intervention therapies. Currently, hyperbaric chamber therapy is on the rise as a treatment, but has not been conclusive in helping every individual. The two treatments that I have found that have helped most, if not all, individuals in some way (not necessarily in 'recovery') is the Son Rise program and there methodology and Early Intervention (beginning at a young age with speech therapies, occupational therapies, picture schedules and the picture exchange program, and Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy - or ABA). I look forward to the day when we have more answers to the cause of autism, because when we have more answers...we will be able to single out ways of helping those on the spectrum. Until then, as a parent, I try one thing at a time...discarding those that don't work and moving forward with each one that does.
So far, with Simon, the following things have helped him:
Magnesium, B12, B Complex - helped with his speech and eye contact
Probiotics and Grapefruit seed extract - helped with his eye contact and speech (we saw great strides)
Qiqong Therapy (specific massage therapy) - It was after Simon began receiving this therapy that he made progress in potty training...and was potty trained before the end of the therapy (which was part of a test trial to see if Qiqong would help with autism).
Son Rise - Has helped with interaction and socialization. Although we have never been to a program, Brian and I have used their methods (not realizing it).
Removal of Red Dye #40 - Has helped eliminate the 'super high-super low' moments Simon has had.
Removal of Chocolate - Same as the red dye #40, Simon will go into really big highs and fall into really aggressive (anger) lows. Removing this from his diet and not allowing it makes a world of difference.
The truth is, it depends. Children (and adults) with autism have a lot of sensory issues. This means that they are either over sensitive to different stimuli, or under sensitive to different stimuli. If you think of all your senses, think of them as being oversensitive or under sensitive. This means: sight, sound, smell, touch, taste, hearing, movement, etc.
For some individuals, they don't like to be touched, because they are oversensitive to touch. Simon is under sensitive to touch...which means when you touch him, he prefers to have deep pressure...the more pressure you give, the more comfortable it is. To touch Simon lightly can bother him. Other individuals are so over sensitive to touch they don't like to be touched at all. The same is true with taste (and textures of foods), smells, sight (especially lighting), hearing, movement. Apply the thought of being undersensitive to these senses...that is what some autistic individuals experience. Then apply the thought of being over sensitive. Simon is under sensitive in some ways, but over sensitive in others. This can make navigating through life difficult. Being in a noisy, bright lit room can be difficult for individuals who are over sensitive in hearing and sight.
MYTH: Autistic Individuals are Like Rainman
The truth is, no. Autistic individuals are not like rainman. Autistic people are so different and diverse you cannot classify them as being a certain likeness. Every autistic person has abilities that others do not...they are just like you and me. I can't say that every woman is like superwoman. Obviously we don't fly, and only some of us have super strength and abilities... :) Specifically moms.
MYTH: Autistic Individuals are Retarded
The truth is, autistic persons often have great knowledge and insight, but it is a matter of how to get that knowledge and insight out. There are so many people who have come into adulthood having autism, and they have shown to the world that they have so much to offer in the knowledge and abilities. Ron Kauffman is an autistic who inspired the Son Rise Program. His parents were told that Ron would not be able to perform normally as an adult, and that they would have to make a decision on what Ron's life would eventually be (which was not promising). Ron's parents were not satisfied with that, so they began working with Ron...by getting into his world and interacting with him. Ron is now a grown adult, and you would never see him and know he has autism. Ron speaks at conferences all over the world and shares about The Son Rise Program.
Another person who comes to mind is Dr. Temple Grandin who is an autistic adult who created special feeder boxes. Her presentations around the world have inspired not only those with autism but those who are considered 'typical'. She has written a book entitled 'Thinking in Pictures'.
Here is a list of others who fall onto the autism spectrum:
Jane Austen, 1775-1817, English Novelist
Bela Bartok, 1881-1945, Hungarian Composer
Ludwig Van Beethoven, 1770-1827, German/Viennese Composer
Alexander Graham Bell, 1847-1922, Scottish/Canadian/American - inventor of the telephone
Anton Bruckner, 1824-1896, Austrian Composer
Henry Cavendish, 1731-1810, English/French scientist, discovered the composition of air and water
Emily Dickinson, 1830-1886, US Poet
Thomas Edison, 1847-1931, US Inventor
Albert Einstein, 1879-1955, German/American theoretical physicist
Henry Ford, 1863-1947, US Industrialist
Oliver Heaviside, 1850-1925, English physicist
Thomas Jefferson, 1743-1826, US Politician
Carl Jung, 1875-1961, Swiss Psychoanalyst
Wasily Kandinsky, 1866-1944, Russian/French painter
H P Lovecraft, 1890-1937, US Writer
Richard Strauss, 1864-1949, German Composer
Nikola Tessla, 1856-1943, Serbian/American scientist, engineer, inventor of electric motor
Bill Gates - US Global Monopolist
Bobby Fischer - US Chess Champion
Andy Warhol, 1928-1987, US Artist
Charles Shultz, 1922-2000. Creator of the comic Peanuts and Charlie Brown
Daryl Hannah, American Actress
Satoshi Tajiri, Creator of Pokemon
MYTH: Vaccines Cause Autism
This 'myth' is still up in the air. I don't think we can conclusively say that all individuals with autism got it from vaccines. There are cases of autism where the individual was never vaccinated. I do, however, think that there is more to the picture of vaccines and autism, that it might contribute to a series of other factors. I know of people who saw a significant difference in their child after the child's vaccine. I also know of families who saw autism in their child before the vaccines (specifically the MMR vaccine). For Simon it is something that I always wonder about. I can say that we saw Simon lose speech and eye contact around 18 months. I also know that Simon had behaviors when he was younger that make me question whether he had autism from the very beginning. For Leah, we decided to wait until she was two for her MMR. I believe that vaccinations are important, but I question whether or not they need to be given as frequently and as close together as they are. It is a right as a parent to request for vaccinations to be spaced further apart. Jenny McCarthy's book 'Louder than Words' was a great insight for me. Although I don't agree with everything in the book, I did resonate with her in her experience as a mother, and I do think that there is something happening with the immunization/infection/antibiotic cycle that happens with some of these kids.
MYTH: Autism can be Cured
I know that this is true...but perhaps should be worded differently. There are individuals who were diagnosed with autism who later in life are no longer tested on the spectrum. Whether that means they are cured - I don't know. I do believe, however, that they have been able to navigate through life and are now able to function as a 'typical' individual. Whether they have gotten to this 'normalcy' by medical treatments, diet, or other treatment methods...they are no longer considered autistic. Ron Kauffman is a perfect example of this.
On the other hand, there are many other autistic individuals who have the signs of autism, don't want to be 'recovered', and want to be seen and respected as 'a person with autism'. They have embraced themselves where they are, and often get offended when using the term 'autistic person' but prefer to be called 'person with autism'.
There are so many methods to be used to help with autism and it's effects on an individual it can be quite overwhelming. Unfortunately, there has never been one treatment or method that has conclusively 'recovered' every individual who is on the autism spectrum. There are many who have benefited from diet changes (removing gluten, cassein, sugar, wheat, dyes). On the other hand, there are individuals who have tried diet changes and have had no great effect. The same is to be said with chelation therapy and other medical intervention therapies. Currently, hyperbaric chamber therapy is on the rise as a treatment, but has not been conclusive in helping every individual. The two treatments that I have found that have helped most, if not all, individuals in some way (not necessarily in 'recovery') is the Son Rise program and there methodology and Early Intervention (beginning at a young age with speech therapies, occupational therapies, picture schedules and the picture exchange program, and Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy - or ABA). I look forward to the day when we have more answers to the cause of autism, because when we have more answers...we will be able to single out ways of helping those on the spectrum. Until then, as a parent, I try one thing at a time...discarding those that don't work and moving forward with each one that does.
So far, with Simon, the following things have helped him:
Magnesium, B12, B Complex - helped with his speech and eye contact
Probiotics and Grapefruit seed extract - helped with his eye contact and speech (we saw great strides)
Qiqong Therapy (specific massage therapy) - It was after Simon began receiving this therapy that he made progress in potty training...and was potty trained before the end of the therapy (which was part of a test trial to see if Qiqong would help with autism).
Son Rise - Has helped with interaction and socialization. Although we have never been to a program, Brian and I have used their methods (not realizing it).
Removal of Red Dye #40 - Has helped eliminate the 'super high-super low' moments Simon has had.
Removal of Chocolate - Same as the red dye #40, Simon will go into really big highs and fall into really aggressive (anger) lows. Removing this from his diet and not allowing it makes a world of difference.
