Ausome Therapy | Blogs

Understanding Echolalia: What It Is and How to Support Your Child Echolalia is a common phenomenon in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), where they repeat words, phrases, or sentences they hear. While it may seem unusual, echolalia can be an important part of language development and communication. Understanding echolalia can help parents and caregivers support their "ausome" children more effectively. What is Echolalia? Echolalia is the repetition of speech by a child who is learning language. There are two main types of echolalia: Immediate Echolalia : This occurs when a child repeats words or phrases immediately after hearing them. For example, if you say, "Do you want juice?" the child might repeat, "Do you want juice?" immediately. Delayed Echolalia : This happens when a child repeats phrases or sentences they heard hours, days, or even weeks earlier. For instance, a child might repeat a line from a favorite TV show or a conversati

Easy Ways to Make Your Ausome Kid Take Medicines Getting kids to take their medicine can be a challenge, especially for children on the autism spectrum. Sensory sensitivities, difficulties with change, and a strong preference for routines can make this task even more daunting. But don't worry! There are plenty of easy and effective strategies to help your "ausome" kid take their medicine without a fuss. Strategies to Help Your Child Take Medicine Create a Routine : Establish a consistent routine around medication time. This predictability can help reduce anxiety and resistance. Choose a specific time and setting that is calm and familiar. Use Visual Aids : Many children with autism are visual learners. Create a visual schedule or chart that outlines when and how they will take their medicine. Include pictures or symbols that represent each step. Flavor the Medicine : If the taste is a problem, ask your pharmacist if the medicine can be flavored. Many pharmacies offer

Learning Safe Swim Skills Could Be Crucial for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum Swimming is a fantastic activity for people of all ages. It helps you stay active, improves heart health, and is a lot of fun with friends and family. But for individuals on the autism spectrum, swimming can be tricky and sometimes dangerous. Ensuring that individuals with autism learn safe swimming skills is not only crucial for their safety but also beneficial for their overall well-being. The Importance of Learning Safe Swimming Skills According to the National Autism Association, accidental drowning is the cause of about 90% of deaths in children with autism aged 14 and younger. Kids with autism are also 160 times more likely to drown compared to their neurotypical peers. This increased risk is due to various factors, such as difficulties in communication, understanding safety rules, and sensory sensitivities that make water uncomfortable. Given these challenges, it's essential for individuals wi

What Are Seizures? A seizure is a temporary, abnormal firing of the cells in the brain. There are many types of seizures that appear in a wide variety of ways. Different types of seizures may affect a child’s life differently and may have different treatments. A single seizure does not usually require treatment because it is not uncommon for a person to experience one seizure and never have another one. Having one seizure does NOT mean that a person has epilepsy. What Forms Can Seizures Take? People may typically think of violent shaking on the ground when they hear the word seizure. But seizures can take many forms. Features can include: Staring off with a glassy expression, usually such that no one can get the child’s attention, even through tickling or light pinching. Sustained limb or body tensing, stretching or bending.Rhythmical, repeated muscle movements. Quick twitches. Eyeball twitching. There are, however, causes of these spells other than seizures, so it is important to disc

What is Music Therapy? Music therapy is an evidence-based approach that uses music within a therapeutic relationship to address a patient's physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. Historically, the healing power of music has been recognized for centuries, from the biblical story of David playing the harp to soothe King Saul to 18th-century psychiatrist Philippe Pinel's advocacy for music therapy. Leo Kanner, a pioneering psychiatrist, discovered the therapeutic benefits of music for children with autism, noting that some non-verbal kids could sing or hum and recognize complex melodies. Types of Music Therapy Interventions Current research identifies three effective music intervention techniques: Music Listening : This informal approach allows children to listen to their preferred music in a controlled environment. Interactive/Educational Music Therapy : This structured method includes educational techniques or musical games. Improvisational Music Therapy : This involv

Constipation can be an uncomfortable and common issue for many children, and it’s even more prevalent among those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Understanding the causes and finding effective ways to manage this condition can significantly improve your child's well-being. Causes of Constipation in Children with Autism Children with autism often experience constipation due to several factors: Food Sensitivities : Many children with autism are picky eaters, often avoiding fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber. This lack of fiber can contribute to constipation. Physical Inactivity : Children with autism may prefer screen-based activities, leading to reduced physical activity. Regular exercise is crucial for a healthy digestive system. Medication : Some medications used to treat behavioral or mental health issues in children with autism can cause constipation as a side effect. Even over-the-counter medications like Benadryl can contribute to the problem. Recognizing Signs

Understanding the Impact of Excessive Screen Time on Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)  In today's digital age, screens have become an integral part of daily life, offering endless opportunities for entertainment, education, and communication. However, for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), excessive screen time can have both positive and negative implications, highlighting the importance of mindful usage and moderation. Research indicates that individuals with ASD often engage with screens for extended periods, surpassing their neurotypical peers in both frequency and duration (Mazurek et al., 2012; Dong et al., 2021). While devices can captivate their attention and facilitate learning through interactive games and educational content, unchecked screen dependency may lead to various challenges in their daily lives. On the positive side, devices equipped with augmentative and alternative communication apps offer invaluable support for children with ASD, foster

Exploring Sound Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder Have you ever wondered how sound could be used to help individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) navigate the world around them? Sound therapy offers a promising avenue for addressing some of the behavioral challenges associated with ASD, offering hope and potential solutions for both children and adults on the spectrum. So, what exactly is sound therapy? Essentially, it's a treatment designed to alleviate abnormal sound sensitivity often experienced by those with developmental disorders like ASD. This sensitivity can manifest in various ways, from auditory to tactile and even visual sensitivities. Sound therapy aims to address these sensory processing difficulties, offering individuals a chance at improved quality of life. 3 primary types of sound therapy programs commonly utilized: 1. Auditory Integration Therapy (AIT) : Developed by Guy Berard in 1982, AIT involves a listening program tailored to the individual's nee