The Benefits of Bilingualism in ASD

“By Sanika Natu, M.A Clinical Psychology” A recent study published in the journal of Autism Research highlighted the positive effects of bilingualism in boosting the theory of mind, i.e. understanding the beliefs, emotions, intentions and desires of others as well as enhancing executive functioning in autistic individuals. In a country like India, where bilingualism is the norm; … Continue reading The Benefits of Bilingualism in ASD

Earlier ASD diagnosis linked with greater improvement in social symptoms

You must’ve heard the psychologists and experts talking about the importance of an early autism diagnosis. A recent study has revealed just how an early ASD diagnosis may be a game-changer for your child’s clinical outcomes. A research article published in the SAGE journals highlights the importance of an early autism diagnosis in children and … Continue reading Earlier ASD diagnosis linked with greater improvement in social symptoms

Early Intervention Therapy Can Reduce ASD Behaviors in Children

A groundbreaking study published in JAMA Pediatrics sought to answer the question of whether a preemptive intervention could reduce the severity of autism symptoms and the likelihood of an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis in infants showing early signs of ASD. The results revealed some remarkable findings that highlight the importance of early childhood when it … Continue reading Early Intervention Therapy Can Reduce ASD Behaviors in Children

THOSE WITH AUTISTIC TRAITS MIGHT MAKE GOOD SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGISTS

A Yale study from September 2019 asserts that people with autistic traits make good or even slightly better social psychologists as compared to individuals who do not have traits of autism. Social psychologists deal with the factors that lead us to behave in a given way in the presence of others, and look at the … Continue reading THOSE WITH AUTISTIC TRAITS MIGHT MAKE GOOD SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGISTS

Autism symptoms can change in severity during early childhood

The question of whether or not autism symptoms change with age has been a persistent and common one. While it is believed that the severity of the symptoms remains stable throughout a person’s life, recently there has been increasing evidence available that suggests that some individuals encounter a substantial change in their symptoms. A recent … Continue reading Autism symptoms can change in severity during early childhood

Is Music the Best Medicine? – Insights from Indian Researchers

Music is a powerful medium that has proved to provide amazing multi-sensory experiences to children on the spectrum. Music can aid in encouraging self expression, as well as exploring a completely new side of oneself. There are different music programs mapped out to accommodate the different goals and needs of the child. According to the … Continue reading Is Music the Best Medicine? – Insights from Indian Researchers

Study shows that a gluten-free diet may not improve ASD symptoms

The effectiveness of a gluten-free diet (GFD) on the symptoms of Autism has been widely debated on and speculated upon for years. This eating plan essentially avoids foods that contain gluten (found in many breads, cereals, cookies and seasoned snack foods). This eating plan is extremely difficult to execute as our usual diets often include … Continue reading Study shows that a gluten-free diet may not improve ASD symptoms

Animal-Assisted Activities for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

The use of animals for therapeutic purposes is a fairly recent phenomenon. Animal-assisted activities are emerging as a promising treatment approach, especially for children on the autism spectrum. Animal-assisted therapy can be as simple as bringing home a family pet or even include more structured and well planned activities. Animal interactions are said to bring … Continue reading Animal-Assisted Activities for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders