Autism Is Common
Mental illness, also called mental health disorders, refers to a wide range of mental health conditions — disorders that affect your mood, thinking and behavior. IE: Autism and ADHD are in this umbrella.
Symptoms can begin at any age, from childhood through later adult years, but most cases begin earlier in life. The purpose of Rockin Happy Rocks is to get more people involved to help support Autism Awareness and support the educational piece further.
What are the signs or symptoms of autism
Every child with autism will develop a little differently. But most commonly caregivers notice a child’s disinterest socializing and an inability to communicate or interact with others.
They may notice signs or symptoms of autism before a child is 2, but the most obvious signs and symptoms begin to appear between 18 months and 3 years of age.
LEARN THE SIGNS
Not all children with autism show all the signs or symptoms. Many children who don’t have autism show a few.
The following may indicate your child is at risk for an autism spectrum disorder. If your child exhibits any of the following, ask your pediatrician or family doctor for an evaluation right away:
BY 6 MONTHS
- Few or no big smiles or other warm, joyful and engaging expressions
- Limited or no eye contact
BY 9 MONTHS
- Little or no back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions
BY 12 MONTHS
- Little or no babbling
- Little or no back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving
- Little or no response to name
BY 16 MONTHS
- Very few or no words
BY 24 MONTHS
- Very few or no meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating)
AT ANY AGE
- Loss of previously acquired speech, babbling or social skills
- Avoidance of eye contact
- Persistent preference for solitude
- Difficulty understanding other people’s feelings
- Delayed language development
- Persistent repetition of words or phrases (echolalia)
- Resistance to minor changes in routine or surroundings
- Restricted interests
- Repetitive behaviors (flapping, rocking, spinning, etc.)
- Unusual and intense reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, textures, lights and/or colors
That’s why a professional evaluation is crucial! If you have concerns, get your child screened and contact your healthcare provider.
You can learn more by watching ALL of the helpful videos that Rockin Happy Rocks has created easy access web links to and help educate the peers and those around you of Autism and ADHD in children.
Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.
As the parent of a child with Autism and ADHD or related developmental delays, the best thing you can do is to start treatment right away. Seek help as soon as you suspect somethings wrong. Don't wait to see if your child will catch up later or outgrow the problem. Don't even wait for an official diagnosis. The earlier children with autism spectrum disorder get help, the greater their chance of treatment success.
Early intervention is the most effective way to speed up your child's development and reduce the symptoms of autism over the lifespan.
Autism Means Different Things for Different People
Autism and ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a child’s social skills, communication and behavior. More simply put, it means that a child’s brain develops and works a little differently and can affect how a child understands and relates to others.
Why Is It Called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
True to its name, autism is a spectrum. Children with autism are all unique. Some children may have severe challenges while others do not. By thinking of the condition as a spectrum, we can better understand the range of functioning people with autism have.
Doctors used to have separate terms for different kinds of autism presentations. For example, Asperger Syndrome used to be a diagnosis for some children with autism. However, in 2013 all subcategories of autism were combined into one umbrella diagnosis called autism spectrum disorder (i.e., ADHD).
Is Autism More Common Now?
You may feel that you’ve heard more about autism recently than in the past. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has seen an increase in diagnosis of the disorder. The study, published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, states that the rate of autism diagnoses has tripled over the last 16 years. It also noted that the spikes were primarily among “affluent children,” which could mean families living in underserved communities don’t have the same medical resources. Today, 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with autism by age 8.
There’s good research to back the idea that more kids are getting diagnosed because of greater awareness and access to care. But autism as a disorder has been in medical literature for more than 70 years.
SUPPORTING PEER INCLUSION
CHANGING LIVES ONE STEP AT A TIME
CHANGING LIVES ONE STEP AT A TIME
Despite the growing number of autistic children educated in mainstream classrooms, many students are not familiar with disabilities and mental illnesses. Providing and sharing information about autism is the next step in promoting understanding among peers. Information puts fears into perspective, and for many young people with no experience of autism or disability in general a lack of information can lead to incorrect assumptions. For example, a classmate may interpret avoidance of eye contact as rude instead of as a behavioral characteristic of autism.
Some children may know that they have autism but may not want to share their diagnosis with their classmates. Again, these are individual decisions. Some families want their children to be active participants in the training process, and others might prefer that it’s done when the student is out of the classroom.
Autism is a spectrum. Every kid with autism is different!” “It may seem like your classmates with autism are getting more special attention in class which can seem unfair. Remember that they might need a little bit more help than you to do well. It would be extra nice for you to help them sometimes too, if your teacher says it’s ok!” “Your friends with autism might really want to play some days but not others. Don’t let this stop you from being their friend- they might just be having a hard day.” “Just because kids with autism are not looking in your eyes or at your face does not mean they aren’t listening or paying attention.” “Accepting the differences of kids with autism is the first step to becoming friends and having fun!”
Take advantage of our early learning materials to teach and learn at home.
CHANGING LIVES ONE STEP AT A TIME
CHANGING LIVES ONE STEP AT A TIME
CHANGING LIVES ONE STEP AT A TIME
With so many organizations supporting autism and mental illness we have researched their websites to gather factual information from experts to post on our site. We took information on FAQ's and posted the findings to our site for a quick access to Autism Awareness and Education.
Organization for Autism Research (OAR) has been a very helpful site we have used to research and obtain information -
OAR is an organization founded and led by parents and grandparents of autistic children, who serve as the Board of Directors providing leadership, life experience, and heart. OAR is rated number one among autism charities by Charity Navigator for its transparency and accountability. OAR is a national autism organization that "strive[s] to use science to address the social, educational, and treatment concerns of autistic self-advocates, parents, autism professionals, and caregivers."
We have inserted hyperlinks to expand upon helpful information for children, adults, teachers and students with workbooks, learning videos and downloadable PDF documents OAR created to share with others for a new understanding. We encourage you to reach out to their website for more information, guidebooks, manuals and booklets for families that are written by experts in the field and backed by research.
Disclaimer: Our website information and referrals from our perspective and is by no means intended to prompt you to handle your challenges in any specific way, you should always seek out help from a professional service. Our journey is to bring Awareness to all our audiences and “Rock-A-Smile”.
Having a student with AUTISM in your class will have an impact on the educational and social environment of the classroom
As a teacher, you are responsible for helping shape the lives of young people and preparing them to be successful adults. Your students may come from different family backgrounds and leave your classroom for different futures, but they spend a significant portion of their young lives with you right now. Next to their parents and immediate family, you have the greatest opportunity and power to positively influence their lives. To do this successfully, you need to understand and be able to meet their needs. As you already know, in addition to intelligence, passion, and enthusiasm, teaching requires patience, sensitivity, and creativity.
Having students with Autism and ADHD in your classroom presents unique challenges for you as a teacher, but it also gives you the opportunity to learn new ways to teach them academic and social skills that will last them a lifetime. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the name for a neuro-developmental disorder that is marked by deficits in social communication and social interaction as well as restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. The severity level of these deficits ranges widely and, therefore, impacts the kind of supports a student may need.
Autism and ADHD presents a range of challenges in the classroom setting
It affects the way a child thinks, feels, and behaves. We have discovered this guide below, which was put together by OAR (Organization for Autism Research) and is designed to give teachers and other professionals an introduction to Level 1 ASD, some of its characteristics, and several classroom teaching strategies. It is intended to help you recognize the specific challenges faced by the child(ren) with ASD in your class, and help you prepare your classroom appropriately. We hope you will find this as a useful tool to educate yourself along with others by being a part or our Autism Awareness and Education program to help spread the word for Rockin Happy Rocks.... and for that we thank you for all that you do!
your Awareness can be a part of their Support
45% of people experience a mental health condition in their lifetime
Many people have mental health concerns from time to time. But a mental health concern becomes a mental illness when ongoing signs and symptoms cause frequent stress and affect an ability to function.
A mental illness can make a person miserable and can cause problems in their daily life, such as at school or work or in relationships. In most cases, symptoms can be managed with a combination of medications and talk therapy (psychotherapy). Examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictive behaviors.
Listed below are a few selected classes of mental illness with a descriptor to help make you aware:
· Neurodevelopmental disorders. This class covers a wide range of problems that usually begin in infancy or childhood, often before the child begins grade school. Examples include autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disorders.
OTHER COMMON DISORDERS ARE:
· Anxiety disorders. Anxiety is an emotion characterized by the anticipation of future danger or misfortune, along with excessive worrying. It can include behavior aimed at avoiding situations that cause anxiety. This class includes generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and phobias.
· Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. Psychotic disorders cause detachment from reality — such as delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking and speech. The most notable example is schizophrenia, although other classes of disorders can be associated with detachment from reality at times.
· Bipolar and related disorders. This class includes disorders with alternating episodes of mania — periods of excessive activity, energy and excitement — and depression.
· Depressive disorders. These include disorders that affect how you feel emotionally, such as the level of sadness and happiness, and they can disrupt your ability to function. Examples include major depressive disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
· Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. These disorders involve preoccupations or obsessions and repetitive thoughts and actions. Examples include obsessive-compulsive disorder, hoarding disorder and hair-pulling disorder (trichotillomania).
· Trauma- and stressor-related disorders. These are adjustment disorders in which a person has trouble coping during or after a stressful life event. Examples include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress disorder.
· Dissociative disorders. These are disorders in which your sense of self is disrupted, such as with dissociative identity disorder and dissociative amnesia.
· Somatic symptom and related disorders. A person with one of these disorders may have physical symptoms that cause major emotional distress and problems functioning. There may or may not be another diagnosed medical condition associated with these symptoms, but the reaction to the symptoms is not normal. The disorders include somatic symptom disorder, illness anxiety disorder and factitious disorder.
· Disruptive, impulse-control and conduct disorders. These disorders include problems with emotional and behavioral self-control, such as kleptomania or intermittent explosive disorder.
· Personality disorders. A personality disorder involves a lasting pattern of emotional instability and unhealthy behavior that causes problems in your life and relationships. Examples include borderline, antisocial and narcissistic personality disorders.
Helping a loved one coping and support
Signs and symptoms of mental illness can vary, depending on the disorder, circumstances and other factors. Mental illness symptoms can affect emotions, thoughts and behaviors. Examples of signs and symptoms include:
- Feeling sad or down· Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate·
- Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt·
- Extreme mood changes of highs and lows·
- Withdrawal from friends and activities·
- Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping·
- Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia or hallucinations·
- Inability to cope with daily problems or stress·
- Trouble understanding and relating to situations and to people·
- Problems with alcohol or drug use·
- Major changes in eating habits· Sex drive changes·
- Excessive anger, hostility or violence·
- Suicidal thinking- (Suicidal thoughts and behavior are common with some mental illnesses).
Sometimes symptoms of a mental health disorder appear as physical problems, such as stomach pain, back pain, headaches, or other unexplained aches and pains.
Coping and Support
If your loved one has done self-harm or is considering doing so, take the person to the hospital or call for emergency help.
If your loved one shows signs of mental illness, have an open and honest discussion with him or her about your concerns. You may not be able to force someone to get professional care, but you can offer encouragement and support. You can also help your loved one find a qualified mental health professional and make an appointment. You may even be able to go along to the appointment.
Coping with a mental illness is challenging. Talk to a doctor or therapist about improving the coping skills, and consider these tips:
· Learn about mental illness. A doctor or therapist can provide the child or adult with information or may recommend classes, books or websites. Include your family, too — this can help the people who care about them understand what they are going through and learn how they can help.
· Join a support group. Connecting with others facing similar challenges may help them cope. Support groups for mental illness are available in many communities and online. One good place to start is the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
· Stay connected with friends and family. Try to participate in social activities and get together with family or friends regularly. Encourage them to ask for help when they need it and be upfront with your loved ones about how you're doing.
· Keep a journal. Or jot down brief thoughts or record symptoms on a smartphone app. Keeping track of one's personal life and sharing information with a therapist can help identify what triggers or improves their symptoms. It's also a healthy way to explore and express pain, anger, fear and other emotions.
When to see a doctor
If your loved one has any signs or symptoms of a mental illness, see a primary care provider or a mental health professional. Most mental illnesses don't improve on their own, and if untreated, a mental illness may get worse over time and cause serious problems.
Preparing for your appointment
Whether you schedule an appointment with your primary care provider to talk about mental health concerns or referred to a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, take steps to prepare for your appointment.
If possible, have a family member or friend with. Someone who has known the individual for a long time may be able to share important information, with permission.
What you can do
Before making an appointment, make a list of:
· Any symptoms you or people close to you have noticed, and for how long
· Key personal information, including traumatic events in their past and any current, major stressors
· Any medical information, including other physical or mental health conditions
· Any medications, vitamins, herbal products or other supplements they take, and their dosages
Questions to ask the doctor or mental health professional may include:
· What type of mental illness might they have?
· Why can't they get over mental illness on my own?
· How do you treat this type of mental illness?
· Will talk therapy help?
· Are there medications that might help?
· How long will treatment take?
· What can they do to help themself?
· Do you have any brochures or other printed material?
· What websites do you recommend?
· Don't hesitate to ask any other questions during the appointment.
What to expect from your doctor
During your appointment, your doctor or mental health professional is likely to ask you questions about your mood, thoughts and behavior, such as:
· When did you first notice symptoms?
· How is your daily life affected by your symptoms?
· What treatment, if any, have you had for mental illness?
· What have you tried on your own to feel better or control your symptoms?
· What things make you feel worse?
· Have family members or friends commented on your mood or behavior?
· Do you have blood relatives with a mental illness?
· What do you hope to gain from treatment?
· What medications or over-the-counter herbs and supplements do you take?
· Do you drink alcohol or use recreational drugs?
Your doctor or mental health professional will ask additional questions based on your responses, symptoms and needs. Preparing and anticipating questions will help you make the most
Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Mayo Clinic website.
PEER INCLUSION - WE ALL HAVE HOPES AND DREAMS
We are grateful for people like you. Partnering with us can play a role in helping with Autism Awareness and Education. Help facilitate the lives of every autistic child to thrive for a better tomorrow.