Local Health News

Definition of autism needs some refining

True or False? Any child who constantly lines up objects such as cars or toy animals has autism. The answer is false. Perseveration with items, such as lining up cars over and over again, can imply autism. However, a child who has sensory processing ... Full story

Behaviors and the 12-symptom checklist for autism

By PAM G. DOWNING/Special to the Herald

True or False? All people who have behaviors of stimming (i.e. hand flapping), echoing, spinning and perseveration (i.e. lining up objects, subject fascination) are in the autism spectrum. The answer is false. These characteristics are byproducts of ... Full story

Films like ‘The Rain Man’ promote inaccurate image of autism

By PAM G. DOWNING/Special to the Herald

 True or False? Most people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are extremely gifted cognitively. The answer is false. Individuals with ASD, just like the rest of the population, can range from genius to being intellectually disabled. Unfortuna... Full story

Children with autism most certainly feel emotions

By PAM G. DOWNING/Special to the Herald

True or False: People with ASD (autism spectrum disorders) cannot express their love for other people or themselves. Almost all individuals with ASD are unable to experience love. The answer is, of course, false. Sadly, several years ago these two st... Full story

Facts and myths on autism: Inoculations and parenting skills

By PAM G. DOWNING/Special to the Herald

Many years ago while working with special needs children, the teacher discovered that there were several myths about autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Over time, people often heard lots of misinformation about the disability. For example, the lack of ... Full story

Water therapy for children with autism

Swimming lessons were about to begin for the children in room 623 at the Margaret Clark Aquatic Center. Every year, the students learn how to swim in a large heated pool. Special adapted physical education teachers work with the students for three we... Full story

Preparing for the holidays for special needs children

By PAM G. DOWNING/Special to the Herald

Christmas was fast approaching with less than two weeks to go. You could see all the cars flowing in and out of the shopping markets and the grocery stores as families prepared for the upcoming feast. Schools, too, were getting ready for their annual... Full story

Christmas ideas for children who have autism

By PAM G. DOWNING/Special to the Herald

Part 2   With Christmas fast approaching, some of the parents from room 623 began asking the teacher for ideas on what to buy their children. Two students in particular had limited speech, Helen and Michael. At times, it became a challenge to ... Full story

Christmas ideas for children who have autism: Part 1

By PAM G. DOWNING/Special to the Herald

The teacher decided to venture out Christmas shopping earlier than normal this year. It was a few weeks before black Friday and Kmart had a special on children’s games. The teacher was not interested in any of the typical computer games that ma... Full story

Progress in view at open house

By PAM G. DOWNING/Special to the Herald

Open house was coming closer. You could tell by all of the art work and student writings being placed on the bulletin boards throughout the school. Special projects always could be found in the hallway during any school year. It was just that the "Op... Full story