A special blood marker has been found enabling further understanding of potential gut linked environmental factors to autism. The results, published in an article in Medical News Today, could create blood tests for early screening of the condition.
The findings came from a clinical study by researchers from Western University and the University of Arkansas, and were published in the Journal of Translational Psychiatry and lead by Drs. Richard Frye and Stepan Melynk of Arkansas Children’s Hospital Research Institute. The researchers found evidence of unusual energy metabolism among a subgroup of kids with autism.

You can read the entire article here on Medical News Today http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/255637.php

I found as a parent the joy and importance of creating pleasant moments within the everyday things we do.  Did you ever experience simple activities turning into extremely unpleasant experiences?    Standing in line, sitting at dinner, visiting family and friends, or going to a park, etc. could become so stressful. 

I found these helpful hints to be “rule of thumb”:

One, leave at the height of fun and that way everyone is coasting on a good sensory cloud, no one is tired, and most prepared to be organized and listen well.  Don’t spend that extra hour, more is not necessarily better.  You don’t have to do everything in one day.  This rule was such a friend to me with my children as well as children I had the pleasure to work with.  I experienced children with and array of sensitivities, ADD behaviors, developmental delays, and all sorts of “typical developing” personalities and behaviors. They all do better when organized, calm, happy, and alert. 

Secondly, I found having a bag of “tools” whenever I left the house was so helpful with my own children especially when sitting at a restaurant, waiting in line, or even taking a ride in a car.  Children’s singing tapes/CDs (now you can tell how long I have been a parent!) are awesome and so much fun for all, visual and proprioceptive fidget activities that don’t have small parts to lose, coloring, even stretchy gummy action figures.  What does your child enjoy or need most: visual, oral, proprioceptive, or tactile sensory input?   I knew some children that loved puzzles so bring along puzzles.  In some cases something more active works better (however not over stimulating).  Books are fabulous too!

Weighted blankets, a favorite snuggle toy, are great in the car for the ride home. 

A little preparation goes a long way.

I really enjoyed it so much, I miss having small children every single day. 

Think a little like a child, it’s a wonderful state of being!

To find out more about Susan Donohoe and her products Kozie Clothes visit her website here www.kozieclothes.com