The reason children on the autism spectrum do not enjoy pretend play is based on how their brains see the world. Pretend play requires putting yourself in someone’s shoes and talking and acting as if you were another person. Children with autism spectrum disorders usually struggle with the ability to see outside of themselves.
Autism / Asperger’s and Pretend Play
Watch out for children who do not show any interest in pretend play (such as feeding a baby doll) by about age 2. That is a potential sign of an autism spectrum disorder. Kids with autism tend to pick games that engage their senses and avoid games that ask them to pretend, a new study finds. Researchers found that children with autism were naturally drawn to activities that get them moving or allow them to watch moving objects. On the other hand, arts and crafts, and games that required pretending were the least popular with these same children.
Why do you think this is true? If you think you know the answer, email us your guess. Also, check back here tomorrow for the fascinating explanation.
ADHD, Behavior, Anxiety, Depression, & Autism Common?
Many more children have mental problems then you would think. According to a finding published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 5 children or 20% between the ages of 3 and 17 have some form of mental disorder. Here are some interesting statistics showing just how common the top 5 mental disorders are:
ADHD: 6.8% or 1 in 14
Behavioral or Conduct Problems: 3.5% or 1 in 28
Anxiety: 3% or 1 in 33
Depression: 2.1% or 1 in 50
Autism Spectrum Disorders: 1.1% or 1 in 100
If your child suffers from any mental disorder, seek out help right away. Most childhood mental health problems can be improved by giving them the support they need and acting quickly if there is a sign of a problem. Without any treatment or help, most of these mental illnesses will worsen over time. It’s always better to try and seek support when the child, or adult for that matter, starts showing signs of mental illnesses. There are a number of different treatments, such as medicines and therapy options.
Stop Procrastinating
What is not started will never get finished.
Asperger’s & Autism – Tuberous Sclerosis Connection
Up to half of the people with tuberous sclerosis develop autism and the hope is that any treatment that works well against tuberous sclerosis might also benefit others on the autism spectrum. Tuberous sclerosis is caused by one of several mutations in genes that regulate cell growth and strikes about 1 in 6,000 newborns. People with it commonly develop tumors, autism, and/or epilepsy. The hope is that studying this disease may provide new insights into autism.
New Autism & Asperger’s Hope?
There is potentially new hope for those with autism and Asperger’s. Researchers are now studying an old drug called rapamycin in clinical trials for a rare genetic condition called tuberous sclerosis complex. This study is drawing attention because the disease often leads to autism. Some have been reported mental advances and dramatic gains from this drug trial.
Check back tomorrow for more on the tuberous sclerosis – autism/Asperger’s connection.
Depression
Depression in children and teens is a major problem that is hardly discussed. People are often too embarrassed to talk about it and sometimes in denial. If depression in children and teens is left untreated, it can lead to long-term educational issues, relationship problems, substance abuse and suicide.
Socialize Asperger’s Children
It’s important to get Asperger’s children to socialize as often as possible. Sports and play dates are great ways to get these kids included.
Success: Leave a Trail
Do not follow where the path may lead. Go where there is no path and leave a trail.
Parenting Special Needs Children
When children have special needs, those closest to them may suffer. Parents of children with special needs often experience emotional problems such as fear, sadness, rage, loneliness, and guilt. They also experience physical problems such as exhaustion and self-neglect. Many report their health as “fair to poor“ and over half say their diets and exercise habits have deteriorated since their parenting responsibilities began. They also report that they do not regularly keep their own medical appointments. It is important for those caring for those with special needs to address and treat their own issues as well.