Autism | Disabilities and Disorders

Four Common Causes of Teenage Impotence

Impotence is an increasingly common problem among teenagers. Since it’s often a difficult subject to discuss with family and doctors, erectile dysfunction can quickly lead to depression. Causes vary greatly, but there are some obvious contributing factors such as smoking, alcohol use, insomnia and stress. Teenagers have the option to buy Viagra, but addressing other problems first can often cure erectile dysfunction.

Teenagers who buy Viagra can temporarily get rid of their impotence problem, even if it is temporary. Viagra is a prescription drug that requires you speak with your doctor about your impotence. Never use more Viagra than is recommended by your doctor and use common sense when taking any drug. Illegal drugs can be a huge contributing factor to teenage impotence, especially steroids. If you have erectile dysfunction and are taking illegal drugs, the drugs could very likely be the cause.

Smoking is already a complicated issue with teenagers, but the nicotine in cigarettes can cause erectile dysfunction. Nicotine decreases circulation, which makes getting or keeping an erection difficult. Stopping smoking can greatly decrease your risk of impotence.

Drinking alcohol is another contributing cause of teenage impotence. Alcohol hinders hormone production and can prevent erections entirely. Even small amounts of alcohol can throw off your hormone levels, so avoiding alcohol altogether is recommended.

Insomnia and stress are often linked to teenage impotence. Insomnia is typically caused by stress from day to day life, family issues, bad grades, weight gain, and allergies and can be aggravated by a bad sleep schedule. Doing deep breathing exercises and avoiding excessive caffeine can reduce stress and the risk of erectile dysfunction.

Understanding Asperger Syndrome

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Asperger Syndrome is one of the biggest disorders facing children today. While studies vary in their results, studies suggest that as many as 4 in 1,000 children have AS. While this might not seem like many, it does mean that there is a very good chance that you will meet someone that has AS at some point, if you do not already know someone that has it. Yet, in spite of how common AS is, many people still know very little about what Asperger Syndrome actually is.

Asperger Syndrome has several symptoms, but many of them can be difficult to detect in less severe cases. One symptom is trouble in physical social interactions, such as not looking at people while talking and other seemingly rude behaviors. One distinguishing feature of AS, as opposed to Autism, is preserved verbal skills, so most children with AS do not have a deteriorated vocabulary. Also, a child with AS may not necessarily be unsociable. Many people with AS enter situations awkwardly, but most are perfectly willing to engage in conversation or discussion. Another symptom of AS is a lack of empathy for others. This symptom is often the reason that many children with AS have problems making friends. Children with AS also tend to have very specific, limited interests.

We may be a long way from curing Asperger Syndrome, but we should all try to do our part to raise awareness about AS in ourselves and others so that AS is a less debilitating disorder.

Filed Under: Disabilities, General Tagged With: Asperger syndrome, Autism, Autism spectrum

What is Sensory Integration Disorder

Does your child do things that just don’t seem to make sense? Do they seem to take risks above and beyond what the other kids are doing, or are constantly crashing their bodies into things? Have you noticed that when they are walking down the hall they need to run their hand along the wall or brush their bodies against it? Do you find that they will only wear certain clothes, or they won’t wear anything unless the tags are cut out?

If you find your child showing any of these behaviors they may be suffering from Sensory Integration Disorder, also known as Sensory Processing Disorder. This is a disorder used to describe the difficulty that some children have with sensory integration. A child with this disorder has a hard time organizing sensory information for their brain to use.

The basic idea of Sensory Processing Disorder is that the brain can not process the information received from the bodies five basic senses. A normal brain will combine the information brought in from the senses and then form a picture based on this so the person can act accordingly. A person with SI does not have this ability.

Some of the symptoms shown by SI kids are similar to those with autism and Aspergers syndrome. They may have an acute awareness of things that are going on in the background around them, or flap their hands repeatedly. They may also have an unusually high activity level, or a very low activity level. Another very common symptom is a hard time with transitions.

The ideas and theories behind Sensory Processing Disorder have been around for almost 40 years, and although it is not widely recognized by all medical professionals, it is a very real disorder for those who are suffering from it.

Filed Under: Disabilities Tagged With: Autism, Sensory integration, Sensory processing disorder

Treatment Options for Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory Processing Disorder is a disorder that many children suffer from but is not widely known or diagnosed. The nervous system in a child with sensory processing disorder has trouble receiving messages from the different senses in the body and then turning them into appropriate behaviors. If you have a child with sensory processing disorder there are several different kinds of treatment you can try. It is usually a play based treatment in an area full of sensory tools. Therapy usually includes many fun activities such as swinging, spinning, and even tasting. Most children enjoy their therapy because the room is like a big playground. There are many clinics and practices that have occupational therapy to help children with their therapy. SPD is commonly treated in the same clinics or offices that treat Autism and ADHD. Some of the most common sensory integration activities include playing with Play Doh, or Gak. This may be easy for most children, but some with SPD have a hard time with tactile sensations. Heavy work activities are also necessary for children who can’t regulate their levels of activity. Sand and water play are used to help children tactile input. The most fun children have in therapy is vestibular movement. These are the swings and scooters and rocking toys that help either calm them down or rev them up if they need it. Other types of therapy include LT or Listening Therapy. This is a process that uses sound frequencies and sound patterns to stimulate a child’s brain. Many children don’t even realize it is a part of therapy because they are just listening to music on an iPod. In order for treatment to be successful it needs to involve the whole family. Many times the parents are part of the treatment sessions and take home information and tools to practice at home.

Filed Under: Disabilities Tagged With: Autism, Occupational therapy, Sensory processing disorder

The difference betweeen Aspergers Disorder and High Functioning Autism

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There has been some debate about whether or not there is a distinction between Asperger’s Disorder and High Functioning Autism. While there are some similarities, and many children with Asperger’s show behaviors that are autistic-like, they are two different disorders.

A few of the differences between the two are the lack of a language delay in children with Asperger’s and how severe the majority of symptoms are. An autistic child will show typical symptoms that are more severe. There are many children with Asperger’s who seem like normal children who just act a little differently than most other children their age, while a child with autism is usually very aloof and has no interest in other people or children.

The lack of any speech delay in Asperger’s children is the biggest difference in the two disorders. Children who have Asperger’s most often have very good language capabilities, they just use language in a different way. They often have trouble regulating the sound of their voice, or speak rythmically. They also have a hard time understanding humor. Children with high functioning Autism, although they can communicate, they had a delay in learning their language skills. Children with high functioning autism usually can not maintain a conversation.

It is common for both Asperger’s kids and kids with high functioning autism to have trouble with social interactions. The different is the fact the kids with autism don’t realize it and don’t care. Asperger’s kids want to be a part of the group, they just don’t know how. This often leads to social anxiety.

Asperger’s Disorder and High Functioning Autism have many similarities as well. Children with both disorders tend to be highly intelligent, and have tendencies to focus their attention on one specific activity or object. For example they may be very interested in trains or rocks.

Filed Under: Disabilities Tagged With: Asperger syndrome, Autism, Autism spectrum

The Spectrum of Autism

Autism is a frequent diagnosis. Kids have probably encountered someone who has been diagnosed with the condition at school, or maybe a friend has a sibling who has it.

What is this disability that you hear so much about? What it is not is something you can catch like the flu or a cold. Some babies are born with autism, a disorder that disturbs the development of the brain. Most people with autism have difficulty communicating with others and find social interaction a difficult task.

Many autistic individuals have language problems. They do not develop the language skills of other children their age. Some autistic people suffer from heightened sensitivity to sounds, lights and smells. Their senses get easily overwhelmed. .

As with any other disorder, people will exhibit varying symptoms, and the condition does not manifest the same in everyone. Some individuals may be severely autistic, while others may have a mild condition.

Asperger syndrome is a mild form of autism. Individuals with the syndrome have social difficulties, but do not have impaired intellectual development.

Up to one in 110 children are diagnosed with the autism. While there are no clinical tests for the condition, doctors usually determine if children have the condition when they are two to four years of age.

Behavior and ability to communicate are key to diagnosing autism, so parents need to be aware of language and social milestones. A physician will compare a child’s development with other children of the same age to come to a diagnosis.

Autism cannot be cured, but children can learn how to have a fulfilling life. They must be taught life skills, such as how to cross the street and how to interact with others.

The earlier treatment begins the better. Treatment plans differ depending on the type and severity of autism.

Filed Under: Health Tips, Other Tagged With: Asperger syndrome, Autism, Autism spectrum

Causes of Autism

Theories abound as to what exactly causes the developmental disorder, autism. The disability usually is seen in children before they reach 3 years of age. Autism can range from mild to severe, although in all diagnosed cases the brain has not developed normally in several areas, including interacting with others socially. Studies indicate that during the past 10 to 15 years, cases of autism have significantly increased.

No one really knows what causes autism, although great strides have been made in the recognition, diagnosis and even treatment of the condition. At least, moms are not being blamed as they were when the disability first surfaced and was recognized as a condition. Back in the middle of the 20th century, physicians declared that children became autistic because of the lack of parenting skills by their mothers! The theory went that neglectful, unloving moms were causing their kids to live in a world of their own making — a make-believe, fantasy world that was much better than their reality! Not a good scenario and not one that promoted healing.

Research is ongoing as to the causes of autism, so be sure to keep up-to-date on current research. Possible causes being investigated include genetics and vaccines. The prevailing theory maintains that autism likely is caused by a combination of genetic variables and the environment. Since the condition is not believed to be inherited, prevention and treatment should be easier.

Is there an autism gene — like there is one for Huntington’s Disease? So far, scientists haven’t uncovered one. Many researchers are theorizing that rather than a gene causing autism, there is a substance or action/reaction that is basically turning a gene on to cause autism. Again, this “trigger” has not been found.

As for vaccines, the jury is still out on whether the MMR vaccine, the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine causes autism.

Filed Under: Health Tips, Medication Tagged With: Autism, AutismCauses, Gene

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

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Childhood disintegrative disorder is also known as Heller’s syndrome, and it is an autistic spectrum disorder. With this particular autistic spectrum disorder, a child will develop on schedule until they are two to four years old, and then suffer a severe regression in social skills, communication skills, and some other faculties. In contrast to autism, childhood disintegrative disorder tends to present itself later than autism and involve a more dramatic regression in development. It’s also less common than autism. Treatment can involve medication and a variety of behavioral therapies.

When children have childhood disintegrative disorder, they loose skills in at least two major arenas. Potential areas of skill loss include language skills, ability to play, motor skills, social skills, and bowel control. This traveling backwards through development can happen in as little as a few days, or can take months. Any loss of established development is cause to worry about a child’s health, and you should consult your doctor about it if you see any of these symptoms in your child. If you go to the doctor to ask about symptoms of childhood disintegrative disorder, try to make sure you have a clear record with you of all the symptoms and regressions you have witnessed. The records of developmental screenings from at well-child visits will be invaluable here.

The cause of childhood disintegrative disorder is unknown. There is likely a genetic factor, and some speculate that the disintegration is caused by an autoimmune response, in which the body attacks itself. The disorder may be caused by a gene that must be triggered by exposure to something in the environment, like a toxin. Childhood disintegrative disorder is often found alongside several other conditions, including lipid storage diseases and tuberous sclerosis, in which benign brain tumors grow. However, the causative relationship between these disorders is unknown.

Filed Under: Disabilities Tagged With: Autism, Autism spectrum, Child, Childhood disintegrative disorder, Disorders, Health, Mental Health, Neurodevelopmental

Introducing Aspergers

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Ever since the non-profit organization Austism Speaks came onto the national scene, many people have become more aware of the prevalence of autism in the US. Unfortunately, as awareness has gone up there has also been a lot of confusion. If you read much about autism, you will soon encounter the term “autistic spectrum.” The autistic spectrum refers to the variety of different symptoms and disorders to be found among autistic individuals. Autistic people range from being highly functional, contributing members of society who are well respected in their field of work, to not being able to communicate or care for themselves in basic ways. The most common disorders on the “lighter” end of the spectrum are Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), and Asperger’s Syndrome–AS.

Aspergers syndrome is an autistic spectrum disorder characterized most strongly by two things. The first is a narrow, intense range of interests. People with Aspergers disorder often talk about their obsessions–which can be anything from mathematics, to fantasy stories, to dance, to model trains. The point is, for someone with Asperger’s syndrome, it can be very hard to focus on things outside of whatever their narrow range of interest happens to be. The second main characteristic of Asperger’s Syndrome is that they have great difficulty with social interaction. In particular, the tend to have profound difficulty picking up on social cues, and following the unwritten social codes that come naturally to most of us.

Support services for people with Asperger’s syndrome can be hard to come by. Unlike with more severe forms of autism, it is not always clear when a person who has Asperger’s is being effected by the disorder. Some people also speculate that girls with Asperger’s behave differently than boys who have it, and therefore remain under-diagnosed as a population. Even when it is clear that a person with Asperger’s is in need of services, it can be difficult for support workers to understand what’s needed.

Filed Under: Disabilities Tagged With: Asperger syndrome, Autism, Autism spectrum, Disorders, Health, Interpersonal relationship, Mental Health, Neurodevelopmental

Autism Affects the Whole Family

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Cases of autism are being diagnosed more frequently than ever before. Chances are, you know someone who has a child that is somewhere "on the spectrum". Autism has a profound effect on families. Understanding the effect of autism on a family can help you be a better support to those you love and care for.

Disappointed Hopes

When the diagnosis is new, parents suffer from a sense of loss and grief. Hopes and dreams for their child seem to vanish, replaced by worry and fear. Siblings can feel uncertain about the future and their place in the family. As families come to understand the condition, expectations are adjusted.

Finding Time for Everyone

Many families are concerned that having an autistic child will rob other family members of love, time, and attention. Parents worry about siblings and couples worry about their relationship with their partner. Most parents move heaven and earth to ensure that brothers and sisters of autistic children receive plenty of time and attention. New studies report siblings of autistic children are well adjusted, mature, and compassionate, often more so that their peers from families that do not face the challenges of autism. Marriages need constant care. Mothers are usually the custodians and advocates of their autistic child’s care and treatment. It is emotionally and physically draining. Couples who successfully navigate these difficult challenges make time for each other and themselves.

Keep on Doing Things as a Family

Autistic children can be disruptive and some families avoid public places. As awareness of autism grows, there is hope for a more understanding and accommodating public. In the meantime, family adventures are still important. Making good memories together is essential.

Make and Keep Friends

Families with autistic children report that their social life takes a big hit. Going out and having fun with friends and family is important, but can be uncomfortable when people stare or make judgmental comments. Don’t be surprised if the parent of an autistic child tells you that they have everything under control. They probably do.

Filed Under: Health Tips, Medication Tagged With: Autism, Child