ÿþ<html> <title>Nutter's Bulk & Natural Foods - Article on The Autism Spectrum, Asperger's Syndrome</title> <meta name="description" content="We hear the words "autistic" or Asperger's" but did you realize tht they're both part of a larger spectrum?"> <meta name="keywords" content="autism, autism spectrum, asperger's, asperger's syndrome, syndrome"> <STYLE> A:visited {text-decoration:none} A:active {text-decoration:none} </head> <center> <table width=800 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0> <td width=800 valign=top> </td></tr> <tr> <font face="Arial" size=4 color="#E0E0E0"> <a href="index.php"><font color=white>Home</a> | <a href="stores.html"><font color=white>Locate A Store</a> | <a href="wellbeing.html"><font color=white>Wellbeing Information</a> | <a href="recipes.html"><font color=white>Recipes</a> </table> <table width=800 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0> <td width=800 valign=top> <a href="artsindex.html"><font face="Times New Roman" size=4" color=red> <br> <img src="autismumbrella.jpg" align=right hspace=12 vspace=12 border=0><br> We hear the words "autistic" or "Asperger's" but did you realize that they're both part of a larger spectrum? This spectrum includes a wide range of developmental challenges, including autism. And this spectrum, in turn, is only one part of a larger conglomerate known as the Broader Autism Phenotype, or BAP. BAP is used to identify individuals who may not fit the description of conditions within the spectrum, but who, none the less, exhibit autistic-like traits, such as avoidance of eye contact. The word spectrum is used because the symptoms of each can appear in different combinations, and in varying degrees, of severity. Two children with the same diagnosis can exhibit a wide range of skills and abilities. In this article, we'll specifically focus on Asperger's Syndrome. <br><br> Named after Hans Asperger, A Viennese pediatrician who, in 1940 first described a set of behavior patterns apparent in some of his patients, Asperger's Syndrome (AS) is a neurobiological (the science of the nervous system) disorder and is typically diagnosed later in life than autism, with most cases diagnosed between the ages of five and nine. <br><br> Poor social skills, obsessions, odd speech patterns, and other atypical characteristics are symptomatic of Asperger's Syndrome. Sometimes the characteristics are hard to differentiate from those of ADHD, and a mistaken diagnosis can occur. <br> <img src="familydining.jpg" align=left hspace=20 vspace=12 border=1> Conversely, children with AS function well in most aspects of life, leading to the assumption that they're simply unique in their outlook. In-depth psychosocial examinations help determine how to proceed once the correct diagnosis is arrived at. It's common that children with AS display a limited number of facial expressions and don't pick up well on physical signals exhibited by others. They might also encounter a few bumps at some of the common developmental stages that children without AS grow through. While their language skills are strong, their speech may be marked by a lack of rhythm, an odd inflection here and there, or a monotone pitch. They may forget to regulate the volume of their voice to match their surroundings when in places like a movie theatre, church, or a library. Slower motor skills may delay them from being able to catch a ball, pedal a bike, or climb safely on playground equipment. <br><br> Growing from childhood into an adult, symptoms and problems are not typical or stable and can increase or decrease over the years. However, in adulthood, social interaction continues to be problematic, where relationships are involved or when the situation calls for showing compassion or empathy for others. <br><br> These signs and symptoms might be present in a child with AS: <LI>inappropriate or minimal social interactions <LI>"scripted," "robotic," or repetitive speech <LI>problems with reading, math, or writing skills <LI>average to below-average nonverbal cognitive abilities, though verbal cognitive abilities are <LI>usually average to above-average <LI>odd behaviors or mannerisms <font size=1>1</font> Structure is important to children with Asperger's Syndrome as it makes them feel secure and grounded. Unfamiliar social situations may unnerve them as they test their ability to adapt. It's best to give these children some time to prepare for what lies ahead. Talk to your child about what to expect and give him the help he needs so that he learns how best to handle the circumstance before him. <font size=1>2</font><br> <img src="readingtogether.jpg" align=right hspace=12 vspace=12 border=1> <br><br> <br> <img src="NFlearning.bmp" align=left hspace=36 vspace=6 border=0><br> <br> Learning Factors is ideal for children as well as adults who want to enhance their mental focus naturally and safely. Emerging research shows a strong link between learning, behaviour, concentration and essential fatty acids. Children diagnosed with ADD or ADHD or dyslexia often have low levels of these essential fatty acids. Learning Factors is based on Dr. Jacqueline Stordy's research which shows that children supplemented with long chain essential fatty acids often become calmer and improve in their reading skills. <br><br> <br> <br> http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/brain/asperger.html <br> 2. Autism Speaks Canada<br> <br> http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/disorders/asperger.shtml<br> <font face="Times New Roman" size=3><i><b>Carol Roy is a Natural Health Practitioner, registered with Natural Health Practitioners Canada, who received her diploma from the Alternative Medicine College of Canada in Montreal, Quebec. With 9 years experience in her area of expertise, naturopathic medicine, Carol has also trained to become a fully qualified Reiki Master, Quantum Touch ® Practitioner and Reflexologist.</b></font></i> <center>The suggestions by Nutters Bulk & Natural Foods and the contents of this article<br>are recommendations only and not a substitute for any medical advice or a <br>replacement for any prescriptions. Seek medical advice for any health concerns.<br>Consult your health care provider before using any recommendations herein.</center><br> </table> <table width=800> <td width=800> </td></tr> <tr> <center><font face="Arial" size=2 color="#E0E0E0"> <a href="stores.html"><b><font color="#E0E0E0">Locate A Store</b></a><font size=2> </table> </body>