<![CDATA[ConnectAutism.org - Blair's Blog]]>Sun, 10 Nov 2024 22:16:41 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[How to advocate for someone with Autism!]]>Thu, 20 Sep 2018 22:01:27 GMThttps://www.connectautism.org/blairs-blog/how-to-advocate-for-someone-with-autism
]]><![CDATA[Stop hiding money from Social Security, there is a better way.]]>Fri, 13 Jul 2018 18:53:46 GMThttps://www.connectautism.org/blairs-blog/stop-hiding-money-from-social-security-there-is-a-better-way
]]><![CDATA[How to test your child for Autism? What's Best?]]>Mon, 16 Apr 2018 16:56:29 GMThttps://www.connectautism.org/blairs-blog/how-to-test-your-child-for-autism-whats-bestHow to test your child for autism?  This is  a question asked by every parent with an ASD child.
I am part of a study at Arizona State University Autism Research that is studying new ways to help treat negative autism symptoms.   The first stage was a fresh new diagnosis to see if I had autism.  Which I already know that I have but they have to test for it before the study starts.  In this video I just finish the  ADOS test for autism.  I am discussing the effectiveness of the ADOS test to diagnose autism in individuals.   In this video I am talking to Elena Pollard Psychometrist at the ASU Autism Research Program in Tempe, Arizona.
]]><![CDATA["Another tip to help kids with autism to respond and focus"]]>Mon, 09 Apr 2018 17:53:40 GMThttps://www.connectautism.org/blairs-blog/another-tip-to-help-kids-with-autism-to-respond-and-focusBlair and Caleb Hill  with Connect Autism provides help to parents in getting youth with autism to finish tasks.    Repetitious movement helps kids to complete tasks.  This is another tool to use to reduce stress in your house.  Check out this new video.
Connect Autism Facebook Page
]]><![CDATA["Does Autism Exist?" -Keys to Success!]]>Mon, 02 Apr 2018 17:06:29 GMThttps://www.connectautism.org/blairs-blog/does-autism-exist-keys-to-successHow to help parents get a diagnosis of autism so they can get services for their loved one!
]]><![CDATA[How to Calm Repetitious Autistic Behaviors]]>Mon, 26 Mar 2018 16:59:10 GMThttps://www.connectautism.org/blairs-blog/how-to-calm-repetitious-autistic-behaviors
People with autism can have a lot of anxiety through out the day. Sometimes repetitious behaviors can help a persons with autism calm some of their own anxiety.  A care giver or loved one can suggest or guide repetitious behaviors (stimming) that can be less distracting to themselves and others.  Example is wild flapping of the arms in public is not as acceptable as rocking back and forth switching from one foot to another while talking to someone.   I can not sit in a meeting for a long period of time without getting very anxious, my solution, I always sit in the back and leave the meeting for a few minutes and walk when I feel the need   Then I slip back into the meeting quietly.  This make it possible for me to attend long meetings.  If I could not take these break, it feels like my body will explode.   The short walking movement calms my nervous system. This is actually a form of Occupational Therapy similar to deep pressure on the shoulders to calm anxiety.    Stay tune for more autism education tips from a person with autism. 
]]><![CDATA[Love and Marriage Autism Style! Can marriage work for Aspies?]]>Sun, 31 May 2015 22:15:24 GMThttps://www.connectautism.org/blairs-blog/love-and-marriage-autism-style-can-marriage-work-for-aspies
Find out how to have a happy marriage living with autism.
]]><![CDATA[Have we found the major Cause of autism?]]>Mon, 26 Jan 2015 17:00:48 GMThttps://www.connectautism.org/blairs-blog/have-we-found-the-major-cause-of-autism  I have looked at many of the causes of autism over the last 10 years. I have done extensive research and talked to many different doctors,  medical professionals and educators about the possible cause of autism spectrum disorders.  With all of the medical issues that kids and adults on the spectrum are experiencing many point to environmental issues. Some people say it could not be environmental issues, but I believe that environmental issues greatly affects someone with autism spectrum disorders. If you look at the medical conditions that individuals on the autism spectrum disorder have, they are all caused or made worse by many of the chemical contaminants in our environment. I have included a video by a doctor from MIT that has researched the subject with many different doctors coming up with the same conclusion. They believe that Monsanto's Roundup and the active ingredient glyphosate. Many believe it is the cause of the great increase in spectrum disorders. While these large manufacturer state that their products are ok to use and safe, the truth is no one can explain why the massive increase of autism over the last 10 20 and 30 years.  In 1970 1 in  10,000 kids were  diagnosed with autism now in America 1 in 68, and that 1 of 68 is determined by 12 year olds. It's probably even higher  if we can measure the 1 2 & 3 year olds that were born in the last 3 years. So I would guess the incidents are more like 1 and 40 right now at least, (my guess) and I believe we need to take a look at this connection with glyphosate the active ingredient in roundup which is sprayed on 90 percent of the majority of our crops as a possible cause for the increase in autism spectrum disorders. Just like to tobacco companies were finally busted for causing a great health issue Monsanto will have to be held accountable also.  I doubt anything much will happen and change in America because of the culture and the extreme idea that money,  profits and funding are more important than any one's health. This is very sad. I anyone has any comments or ideas that may help please add your comments.






http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyXKppZE6-IK0vhmQvvXYugf1UPtSbej6
]]><![CDATA[How to detect autism in adults?]]>Fri, 22 Aug 2014 21:07:49 GMThttps://www.connectautism.org/blairs-blog/how-to-detect-autism-in-adultsI will give you 5 keys to detecting autism in adults. 1. Eye contact. Do they avoid looking you in the eyes? Looking at people in the eye actually hurts for someone with autism. 2. Sensory issues, sounds, textures, foods, smells, group and movement. Having autism is like having super human hearing, vision, feelings, every sense is multiplied in how it functions. Watch for over sensory issues, do they cover their ears, cover their eyes avoid crowd, freak out at odd times? 3. Obessive Compulsive Disorder. Do they link up their socks in the drawer or the cups in the cupboard. Does everything have to be perfect or they will have a meltdown. People with autism like order and schedules. 4. Social skills. Do they have any friends? Are they overbearing, stiff, dogmatic very opinionated? Do they monologue instead of have back and forth conversation.? I know of very, very, few aspies that have a best friend. 5. Slow brain processing speed. Someone with autism take longer to respond to input than regular person. They are slow to respond to a question,  when stressed they freeze up and can't respond. This is because in the frontal lobe of the brain is where executive function takes place. Execute functioning is the boss of the brain the CEO of the brain company. Autism affects this area of the brain, the organizing center, with no CEO the company is in confusion and disorganization. Someone with autism make take longer to process information. I hope this helps, this was "Autism Diagnosis 101"]]><![CDATA[Autism, depression and Robin Williams.]]>Wed, 13 Aug 2014 18:49:37 GMThttps://www.connectautism.org/blairs-blog/autism-depression-and-robin-williamsPicture
Robin Williams passed away this week.  We lost a great comedian and wonderful person this week.  Robin Williams and his movies and comedy touched me greatly.  I loved his humor and his honesty about life.  My favorite movie of his was Awakenings. This story is about new beginnings that happen with a new drug for some patients with severe mental illness. One positive thing I hope happens through this tragedy is the world starts talking about mental illness and depression in a positive way.

It is hard for us in America to admit that mental illness is a reality that many deal with on a daily bases. It is easy to say I have diabetes or high blood pressure, but somehow it is a taboo to talk about mental illness. I would like to take away the stigma of mental illness so people will talk about it and seek treatment. The key is educating people about mental health issues.   

Many people with autism spectrum disorders suffer from co-morbid conditions.

I believe depression is a big issue autistic individuals. When you have so many sensory, communication, and brain processing issues, you can get depressed.   With my Asperger’s it is difficult to communication to other people; I get misunderstood a lot, rejected and left feeling alone.   Plus, add all the high anxiety issues that come from sensory overload, smells, feelings, sounds, light, foods…you can get really exhausted and depressed.

I believe depression can also come from being bullied. A lot of bullying takes place with people with autism because of their naivety, they become bully magnets, and are bullied constantly. Just a note:  you can reduce bullying by having more close supervision of children.  Bullies usually attack when the person in charge leaves the area.

If you are constantly bullied, you get very depressed and feel hopeless. Severe, untreated depression can lead to suicide.  A common idea is that people with depression are plagued with thoughts and beliefs that no one understands them. How do we address depression?  First is can be treated professionally, with a doctor and therapist. 

With my own struggle with depression I use these self helps to overcome issues.  

  1. Seek medical help.  Personally, I don’t take medication but I do get regular counseling.

  2. Get over your fear and talk to your loved ones about it. Tell them you have a problem, ask for their help.

  3. Don’t stay alone, talk to other people.  

  4. Force yourself to think about positive things, this takes effort but it really helps.  I force myself to meditate on positive things. I memorize a song or phrase.  I repeat is over and over to myself and block out the dark thoughts.

  5. Go for a walk, ride bike, or swim…whatever you can do to exercise.

  6. Get into sunshine, or sun lamps…this puts vitamin D (the good mood vitamin) into your body. Statistics and studies show that when you live further south, fewer people have depression.

  7. Take vitamin D supplements.

  8. Use your own soothing strategies to lower anxiety which lowers depression.

  9. Stop, prevent or deal with bullying.

 

 

 

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