by Veronica Rousseau, Spectrum Supplements on September 18, 2011
In 1996, Autism was still a rare disease, affecting about 4 child out of 10 000. Today, around 1 child out of 110 is diagnosed with some form of Autism Spectrum Disorder. While we hear a lot about various theories about causes of autism, a growing problem remains unaddressed: what the future is holding for those autistic children?
The fact is that the services offered for autistic children are by far more important than those offered to autistic adults. However, all the autistic children diagnosed today will eventually grow-up and have to face their future. What will happen when parents can’t longer take care of them? How can we make them more autonomous and get them ready for living on their own?
This must-watch video addresses the problem and asks important questions regarding the place of autistic adults in society.
by Veronica Rousseau, Spectrum Supplements on September 11, 2011
Every child can suffer from sleep problems from time to time. However, special needs children like those with autism or Aspergers disease can suffer from sleep problems at a greater rate than typically developing children. Erratic sleep patterns can leave both children and parents stress and sleep deprived.
Here are some tips to help your child and you to get better sleep.
Get active in waking hours: We all know how easier it is to fall asleep after a good day of outdoor activities. It’s the same thing for your child. Making sure that your child spends enough time performing vigorous physical activities during the day is a key element to a good night sleep. Physical activity not only generates healthy exhaustion that help inducing sleep, it also promotes the release of natural chemicals in the brain known as endorphins, that also contribute to having a restful night.
Avoid caffeine and sugary foods: Make sure to avoid giving your child sugary or caffeinated beverages like soft drinks, especially in the evening. If you must have dessert at dinnertime, opt for natural sugars such as fruits. Focusing on high protein rather than on high carbs meals for dinner is also recommended.
Try melatonin: Melatonin is a naturally occurring compound found in animals, plants and microbes. In animals, circulating levels of melatonin vary in a daily cycle, thereby regulating the circadian rhythms of several biological functions. Melatonin supplements could therefore be useful to help restoring natural sleep cycles, a common problem for special needs children. Many biological effects of melatonin are produced through activation of melatonin receptors, while others are due to its role as a pervasive and powerful antioxidant, with a particular role in the protection of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, which could help in the support of Autism and Aspergers in children.
Provide a calm environment: A quiet environment can also help the transition to bed. Avoid television, computers and videogames at least an hour before bedtime. You can also dim the lights and put on some relaxing music, signaling that bedtime is approaching.
Stick to your routine: Establish a sleep routine using the tips above and try to limit longer naps or napping close to bedtime, and stick to it. A regular sleep routine will help setting an expectation and regularity that helps all children, especially those on the autism spectrum.
Polyenylphosphatidylcholine (PPC) or more widely know as lecithin, could offer some interesting benefits for autism and Aspergers in children, especially those dealing with seizures. Lecithin is an essential fatty acid that is required for normal brain development. It’s even possible that extra lecithin might help to rebuild damages myelin protein. And while there isn’t much [...]
Spectrum Supplements is a proud sponsor and will exhibiting at the Autism Canada Kidsability 2011 Conference in Kitchener, Ontario. Whether you are a parent, educator, medical professional, researcher or individual dedicated to improving the life of individuals with autism, you will not want to miss this year’s conference; Changing the Course of Autism. CHANGING THE [...]
According to research results, children with autism commonly share similar related health problems. Those include abnormal peptides and antibodies to milk and wheat proteins, fungal metabolites in urine and low cholesterol levels as well as having an inflamed intestine. Many parents found that changing their child’s diet is helping with autism symptoms. Since 1967, the [...]
Probiotics are live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and bifidobacteria are the most common strains used as probiotics; but certain yeasts and bacilli may also be helpful. Probiotics are commonly consumed as part of fermented foods with specially added active live cultures; [...]
Dimethylglycine (DMG) and Trimethylglycine(TMG) are a derivative of the amino acid glycine found in beans and liver. DMG and TMG have been reported by thousands of families to be quite beneficial in children with autism and pervasive developmental disorder, and this is why dimethylglycine is often used for Aspergers in children. DMG and TMG supplements [...]
It’s now well known that antioxidants reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation, especially inflammation of the brain, is known to play a role in autism and Aspergers in children as well as in other developmental diseases. Luteolin is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound this is naturally found in parsley, thyme, peppermint, basil, celery and artichoke. [...]
Recent studies have found evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction in autism and Aspergers in children. Coenzyme Q10 (also known as ubiquinone, ubidecarenone, coenzyme Q, and abbreviated at times to CoQ10 is an oil-soluble substance is present in most eukaryotic cells, primarily in the mitochondria. This is why Coenzyme Q10 is often part of the supplement regimen [...]
Omega 3 fatty acids supplements are among the most commonly used as a complementary approach to Autism, ADHD and Aspergers in children. While most people knows the benefits of those essential fatty acids to support cardiovascular health, Omega 3 fatty acids gain more popularity among parents of special needs children as more evidence suggests that [...]
