keeping them motivated, they are going to be more willing
- CONT. From Pg 25 -
to learn from me. If every time I walk into the child’s home and excited and begins looking at my face to see what fun things are going to follow. One crucial key to successfully working with special needs children is that they must like their therapist. They must see me as being fun and
wearing a Uni4m filled with exiting reinforcers, and the child sits quietly, looks directly at me, waiting to see what surprises I have hidden in my pockets, chances are I will be more successful in teaching them important skills."
exciting. If I constantly have new reinforcers hidden in the Sounds as if she's on to something beneficial to everyone
Uni4m’s pockets and am surprising my students and
working with children with developmental delays!
Ask Dr Dolly Question: Dear Dr Dolly,
been proposed, including viral infections, maternal stress, maternal exposure to lead or mercury, and even increased maternal participation in the workforce. Is a physical
Could mild autism in a child result from a physical
accident stressful, especially during pregnancy? Of
accident during pregnancy, or is it something that comes
course! Could it then cause the child to be born autistic?
in the genes?
Possibly, with about 10% probability. But it is just as possible if you are employed, or have had the flu while
Concerned Future Parent
pregnant.
Answer:
The frightening fact is that the incidence of autism has
Dear Concerned Future Parent,
risen tenfold during the last 20 years, and there is no oneword explanation. The good news is that it doesn’t have
Wikipedia defines the autism spectrum, also called autism
to be this way at all! Our brain is not “hardwired.” On the
spectrum disorders (ASD) or autism spectrum conditions
contrary, it is very plastic, and responds very well to
(ASC), as a spectrum of psychological conditions
external stimuli, i.e. different experiences. In fact, our
characterized by widespread abnormalities of social
ability to learn depends on neuroplasticity, as this is
interactions and communication, as well as severely
called. The right treatment program, created specifically to
restricted interests and highly repetitive behavior. In plain
the needs of your child, will create neuroplastic changes,
language, there are quite a few conditions, from mild to
regardless of the cause of your child’s condition.
severe, that fall under this definition. ASD are complex neurodevelopmental disorders. Many causes of autism have been proposed, but there is no clear answer. Definitely, the popular belief in genetics is somewhat true, and genetics do contribute about 90% of the risk of a child developing autism, but the genetics of autism are so complex that typically it is unclear which genes are responsible. In rare cases, autism is strongly associated with the same
Dr Dolly Aizenman is one of the founders of Neytz haChochma Exceptional Student Education comprehensive psychoeducational program for children with special needs. She has been its Academic Director since its inception in 1998. Dr Aizenman has presented various workshops, seminars, and other types of teacher and parent training conducted annually on the state, national, and international level. She has over 30 years experience in education and 20 years of teaching pre-service teachers and supervising intern teachers in public and private schools. Dr Aizenman can be reached at 305.945.7443 or by e-mailing DrDolly@Neytz.org.
factors that cause birth defects. Many other causes have
Autism Health and Wellness Vol. 1 Issue 3 • Autumn 2009 •
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