Page 128 - April Issue

in focus: infant | disorder
mother, baby & child April 2011 to persistent infection in the
gastrointestinal tract that could
lead to possible brain damage
and autism. However, it was
concluded that Dr Wakefield’s
research did not prove anything
conclusive against the MMR
vaccine. Therefore, it is
suggested not to delay specific
childhood vaccinations as the
risks of not taking them could
be life threatening.
There is also some debate
about the small amount of
mercury (called thimerosal)
which is a common preservative
in multi dose vaccines that
causes autism or ADHD.
However, studies have not
shown this risk to be true either. is commencing services
The American Academy of
Paediatrics and The Institute
of Medicine (IOM) agree that
no vaccine or component of
any vaccine is responsible for
causing Autism.
Autism and treatment
Therapy is most successful when
it is geared towards the child’s
particular needs and when it
is started as early as possible.
These therapies include Applied
Behaviour Analysis (ABA),
Occupational therapy, Physical
therapy and Speech-language
therapy which are all available
at the Child Learning and
Enrichment Medical Center in
Dubai. In October 2010, CLEMC
began accepting students and
are amazed at the progress
the children have made so far.
While many of the students
are working on beginning
learning skills, they have all
become more independent in
a variety of “classroom” skills
and routines. All of the students
have improved their group
behaviour and are attending
to the lead teacher whilst
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working towards achieving their
individual goals.
Teachers are helping
students improve
communication skills through
PECS (Picture Exchange
Communication System),
pointing, sign language and
vocal responses. The children
are taking great strides in
improving their appropriate
behaviour which allows them
to be more independent in
their school activities. Many
parents have reported seeing
improvements in their child’s
behaviour, communication,
following directions and
other skills at home. CLEMC
for children with selective
eating habits or other eating
difficulties. up hope. With the amount of
Tips for parents
It is important to note that some
of these tips may or may not be
applicable and also it is vital to
consult with your child’s doctor
before changing anything about
your child’s life.
Some children with autism
respond to a gluten-free or
casein-free diet. Gluten is found
in foods containing wheat, rye,
and barley. Casein is found in
milk, cheese, and other dairy
products.
It is important to talk with
other parents of children with
autism and to keep updating
yourself on the progress of
research in this area.
Rewarding your child’s
good behaviour, developing
a consistent routine without
deviating from it too much,
becoming familiarised with your
child’s quirks and what he or
she is sensitive to is of utmost
importance.
The most vital tip is to
accept your child, nurture
them positively and never give
advancement in research within
the field of Autism, children today
are much better off than they
were a generation ago and will
continue to improve with time.
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