Blog

What is Autism?

This is an easy-to-understand introduction to autism.  There isn't 1 type of autism but a range or spectrum with symptoms including "challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences." 

The following information is not meant to diagnose or treat and should not take the place of personal consultation, as appropriate, with a qualified healthcare professional.

What is autism spectrum disorder?

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. We now know that there is not one autism but many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences.

The term “spectrum” reflects the wide variation in challenges and strengths possessed by each person with autism.

What does that mean?

We've put together a glossary of terms we have found useful in our journey to understanding and supporting our special kids.  This is a working page that will be updated periodically so be sure to check back with us again.

ABA: Applied Behavior Analysis.

ASD: See autism.

autism: Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. We now know that there is not one autism but many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences.

What is a Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?

This is a great breakdown of what SPD is and what it looks like. There isn't one distinct characteristic to fit all people with SPD, but this gives you a range of what it might look like.

What to look out for with autism--signs & symptoms

This is a list of signs to help you identify if your child has autism. We hope it sheds insight on what you may be experiencing with your loved one.

The following information is not meant to diagnose or treat and should not take the place of personal consultation, as appropriate, with a qualified healthcare professional and/or behavioral therapist.

If you are an adult and think you may have autism, please see
Is It Autism and If So, What Next? A Guide for Adults.

The timing and severity of autism’s first symptoms can vary widely. Some children with autism show hints of future problems within the first few months of life. In others, symptoms may not become obvious until 24 months or later. Some children with autism appear to develop normally until around 18 to 24 months of age and then stop gaining new skills and/or start losing skills.

Is it SPD or ADHD?

This is a great break down of some of the key differences between ADHD and sensory processing issues.

Constantly fidgeting and squirming. Invading personal space. Melting down in public. These can be signs of both ADHD and sensory processing issues. While they’re different issues, they have some overlap and can occur together. This table breaks down some of the key differences between ADHD and sensory processing issues.

What to look out for with SPD--checklist

This is a checklist to help you identify the signs of SPD. I think I used it about 15 times over the course of a week once I learned that SPD even existed and that it might explain my son's symptoms.  I hope it sheds insight on what you may be experiencing with your loved one.

"Parents are the adults in the best position to know when their child has a sensory problem but, too often, their observations are discounted because they are 'just the parents.' If the family's health care provider isn't familiar with SPD, the clues that triggered the parents' alarm may be overlooked, misinterpreted, or dismissed. The parents may be scolded for over-reacting or they may be offered assurances that their child is 'just a little delayed' or 'going through a phase' or 'showing his personality,' or 'just being a boy.' ..