My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? - Health - Nairaland
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| My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by brodalikeme(m): 6:00pm On Sep 12, 2012 |
My favourite nephew who is almost 4 years old was having a challenge with speaking, so we decided to do some medical examination. All the results points in one direction- Autism. The major signs or symptons of this disorder he shows are impaired speech development and poor level of concentration. Before we were confronted with this problem, we knew very little about this health disorder. From what the doctors are saying, there is no know cure for autism, that it can only be managed. The problem with managing it is that there is no clear cut direction to it. Please can anyone who has got an experience in this are help us out. Thanks 2 Likes |
| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by emenim(m): 4:29pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
Am sorry, i do not have a solution to your problem. however there must be a way out, and am sure you will get an expert that can be of great help to you |
| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by kenlash1(m): 4:29pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
Treat d child as normal as possible so he doesn't feel differnt, then always pay attention to wat he or she does 1 Like |
| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by papiwater: 4:34pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by Nobody: 4:35pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
The child needs tender care, patience, and attention. Maybe slow in learning and understanding things, but with patience, u'll overcome all that and would be very close to having a normal life. 2 Likes |
| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by Okijajuju1(m): 4:35pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
AUTISM!! One of my top three greatest fears... I once did a research on their care with my ex-girlfriend which led me to visit a woman who runs a care centre for autistic children in Ghana, I was scared outta my mind.. I literally had the creeps.. Anyways, I suggest you find a proper centre in Nigeria that deals with this.. Its been a long time I did that research but I know that the woman was very helpful.. She actully said she had some Nigerian clients she was counselling as well.. My advice is you research a centre in Lagos or this one in Ghana and pay a visit.. |
| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by djeezy(m): 4:35pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
I am not a medical expect but I have seen an akin situation. Since science has asserted there is no cure, a miracle perhaps can occur. I have seen a child with similar problem, he didn't speak or utter a word untill he was 3yrs. He just started communicating well. So my advice is to change enviroment and create things that can propel him/her to communicate and always keep him closer to other kids. Hope this helps. 3 Likes |
| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by Tinkybabe(f): 4:36pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
There are loads of vids on managing autism on Youtube.It's not the end of the world for your lil nephew.. autistic patients are now leading normal lives.Just search for the vid on Youtube or type it in google. |
| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by Clemzy16(m): 4:41pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
Okija_juju: AUTISM!! One of my top three greatest fears...Even the great okija does not have a cure in his shrine. 5 Likes |
| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by occam(m): 4:43pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
What kind of examination indicated it's autism? It could be that it's only delayed speech & language development. Sometimes people mistake this for autism since delayed speech & language is a key symptom. I suggest you take him for a couple of session with a Speech & language specialist to assess him. 1 Like |
| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by Clemzy16(m): 4:46pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
I'm not a medical expert but i'd advise that you guys feed effectively. Eps. with food of great nutrient. And try to talk more and play less with him. I think That'll do. |
| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by free2ryhme: 5:01pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
[size=15pt]Tips for Understanding and Managing Your Autistic Child's Behavior[/size] Children with autism are LESS likely to misbehave intentionally than typical children. Their apparent bad behaviors -- such as bolting from the room, whacking a peer, refusing to take part in circle time, climbing the fridge -- are often caused by external problems that can be solved by calm, creative parents. These hints and tips, provided in part by About.com readers, may make for a calmer family life. 1. Know Your Child Few autistic children are intentionally "bad." Many have difficult behaviors. So what's going on? Each child is different, and knowing your own child is key to taking action. Is your child extra-sensitive to sound and light? Does she need lots of sensory input? Is he likely to misunderstand a close approach? The more you know, the easier it is to troubleshoot a situation. 2. Modify Your Expectations Your mother may have expected you to sit still through a full dinner hour. But that's not a reasonable expectation for most children with autism. Consider starting with a smaller goal -- sitting still for three minutes, eating with a fork, or whatever you think he can handle -- and building toward the larger goal of sitting through a full meal. 3. Modify the Environment Safety is key. And for autistic children, creating a safe environment is a challenge. Since so many of your child's behaviors may have the potential to be dangerous, it's important to take precautions such as bolting shelves to the walls and floor, putting a dead bolt on the front door, and latching cabinets securely. One About.com reader even put plexiglass on the fronts of bookshelves to keep her child from climbing. 4. Consider the Possible Sources of the Behavior Many children on the autism spectrum either crave or over-respond to sensory input. Some alternate between the two extremes. Very often, "bad" behavior is actually a reaction to too much or too little sensory input. By carefully observing your child, you may be able to figure out what's setting him off. 5. Remove Overwhelming Sensory Input If your child is over-reacting to sensory input, there are many ways to change the situation. Of course, the first option is to simply avoid overwhelming sensory settings such as parades, amusement parks and the like. When that's not an option, consider ear plugs, distracting sensory toys, or plain old bribery to get through difficult moments. 6. Provide Sensory Input If your child is crashing into couches, climbing the walls or spinning in circles, chances are she's craving sensory input. You can provide that in any number of more appropriate ways. Some people recommend bear hugs; other suggest squeezing youngsters between sofa cushions, rolling them up like "hot dogs" in blankets, or providing them with weighted vests or quilts. 7. Look for Positive Outlets for Unusual Behaviors While climbing the entertainment center may be "bad" behavior, climbing at a rock gym can be a great way to build muscles and friendships at the same time. While spinning at the grocery store may be odd, it's ok to twirl on a tire swing. What's a problem in one place may be a virtue in another! 8. Enjoy Your Child's Successes We were the only parents on the block to cheer at our son's first intentional fib. We're thrilled when he says "yes" to a playdate, completes a full sentence, or kicks a ball back and forth a few times. He's not likely to captain the soccer team -- but he is successfully becoming himself. 9. Worry Less About Others' Opinions Your child is really doing a fine job in the grocery store. He may be flapping a bit, but it's no big deal. Until you catch the eye of the mom with the perfect little girl -- staring at your son. Suddenly his flapping seems like a very big deal, and you find yourself snapping at your son to "just put his hands down!" It's not easy, but it's important to remember that he's autistic -- not intentionally embarrassing! 10. Find Ways to Have Fun Together It's not always easy to associate autism and fun. But if you think about it, rolling your child up like a hot dog, bouncing on a trampoline or even sitting and cuddling together can be a lot of fun. Instead of worrying about the therapeutic value of each action, try just enjoying the silliness, the tickling, the cuddling...and the child. At least for a little while! 2 Likes |
| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by brodalikeme(m): 5:06pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
Thanks everyone for you concern and suggestions. there are some positive improvements with his level of concentration. Someone has recommended we see a therapist that will help him with his speech, we have an appointment to see the guy tomorrow. Am grateful. Keep the suggestions coming please. |
| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by duality(m): 5:19pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
Clemzy16: Even the great okija does not have a cure in his shrine.  i was about saying the same thing. and worse was that he was afraid. SMH.these are the things you see when Juju begin chop bribe.  anyway, i think the child needs proper examination. some children have slow growth/ development initially but things change with time. i had a friend like that. today, the guy is a big man with UK masters and working in an oil and gas firm. some parents need to be patient with their children. |
| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by DCTrendy(m): 5:27pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
Pls take the baby to Redemption Camp with your faith. Jesus heals there and am not joking about that. I witness some there already With God, NOTHING shall be impossible. |
| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by brodalikeme(m): 5:31pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
@occam. we visit an ENT ( Ear, Nose and Throat) specialist to determine if he hand problems with hearing and all that. first he was said to be tongue tied. a surgery was performed with no real positive impact. He's had some neurological test too, that was were we started getting the pointers to autism. like i said before, it the lack of concentration and the impaired speech sort of confirms that he is suffering from autism. Thanks for your point of view though. |
| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by flexyonline: 5:39pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
You need information from people who have been there. I have, as I have two kids on the spectrum who are coming along just fine right now. I'll get back to you later as I do not have time to type right now. With the right support your nephew should be OK. 1 Like |
| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by djfiifi(m): 5:43pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
As a teacher,i will talk of the little ways I know of in managing a child suffering from autism in our schools here in Ghana,dont forget learning is not only done at school but at home too.So try it at home. 1:Ensure you have the child's attention before interacting with him/her 2:Start whatever you do from what the child knows abt and go at the pace of the child 3:Break task down into small steps. 4:Use level of language appropriate for the child accompanied by appropriate gestures 5:Focus on oral language and dialy living skills 6:Work on social skills such as eye contact 7:Present materials in organised manner not too much at one time. 8:Include a lots of repetition,praise and encouragement 9:Ignore annoying behaviour 10:Decide priorities for what the child needs to do/learn 11:Focus on the child's happiness,confidence and self-esteem These are some of the little things I know. |
| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by andyanders: 6:17pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
brodalikeme: My favourite nephew who is almost 4 years old was having a challenge with speaking, so we decided to do some medical examination. All the results points in one direction- Autism. The major signs or symptons of this disorder he shows are impaired speech development and poor level of concentration. [i]Sure this can be handled. Sine medics has proved that it cannot be handled, contact God Almighty who will handle this through His anointed prophet T.B Joshua at Synaggue Church of All Nations. [/i] |
| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by Nobody: 6:35pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
My most favourite man on earth/the man I luv the most after my husband and the finest looking child in my whole family who happends to be my small broher is Autistic. Sometimes I feel like having a conversation with the Lord one on one so I can ask him "why my beloved brother" At the beggining I was so upset the whole stuff used to leave my depressed. Infact I think I was even more autstic then my brother, my moher had to look for ways to handle me. I was in that constant thought of "why us?' but thanks to our beautiful, strong, courageous and religious mother, she fought hard and shaped my brother in to something very remarkable today. Unless you are told he's Austic, you wouldn't guess. Well what help? Training training and patient. I mean leterally he become my mom full time work. From speech therapy to speech therapy, behavioral coaches, special school programmes and us at home as well. My mom wanted her son to feel just like the other kids, and to know that he was just as normal so she didn't enrolled him in any special school, instead she got him an additional teacher to help the regular teacher teach him better. And oh boy what a transformation. Now he talks non stop even though he's not very clear in everything yet but the improvement is pleasantly shocking. One thing that we didn't allowed is that rountine stuff. Like a special time to eat, special time to sleep and etc my mom cut that out totally. We got him to live and behave like us you know one thing abt autistic kids is that, they imitate a lot. About the behaviour, oh yeah things can get out of hand at times. My brother autism is mid, he looks absolutely perfectly normal not even a little bit of sign.... he speaks good also and blends in perfect with his friends. His only problem the behaviour can get a little out of hands at times. Now he's I must say so much better in the behaviour as well. Thanks to Allah everything is going well. Back then the only person that used to make my cry was him, esp when we go shopping and you refused for him to take something he wants, he would take want they called difficulty and slapped it your face. He would turned the whole shop upside down, and boy is the little boy strong, I haven't seen nothing like it before. He would beat me up. And you don't want to know our age differences. I would safe myself embarrassment and not say it. I am wayyyyyyyyyyy older than him but his strength is not near here, even my big sister, he would leave his mark on her. His theraphy try but failed. Three diffrent professionals try but still failed again mom have to bring in her own managing tactics. This came in the form of punishment, she would deny him of stuff he wanted and if he repated it, he wouldn't go to the shop with us, we wouldn't take him out to play with his friend and we would tell the reason why. After sometimes, like after quite a while, we would take him to the shop again, and if he repeated it same thing till he started improving gradually and now he's perfect. You would go to the shop with him without no husle infact he's great company nowdays and I always take him with me. And my sisters and brothers always take him out to social events and stuff so he can get use to people and now he don't even like staying in the house and he's perfecly well behaviour.  8 Likes |
| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by Nobody: 6:43pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
P.S ignore my mistakes...my phone is acting up. 1 Like |
| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by sigmundfreud(m): 6:50pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
so fagged out now. Will reply your post later. 2questions 1. Where are u? so i can refer u to a nearby centre. 2. Who made the diagnosis? 1 Like |
| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by Nobody: 6:56pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
Okija_juju: AUTISM!! One of my top three greatest fears... One of my greatest fears too, as a medical doctor i know much about it and it scares the shit out of me. A friend of mine has a child that is suffering from the condition, i was freaked out when i met the child and i never spoke to the child again after i found out - but my friend does not agree (maybe she does not know what autism is - and i did not stress me). I am sorry to say this (forget that i am a doctor), but i see people with autism like - SCHIZOPHRENICS (ashiere) - I know there is a lot of difference, but that is my own perception. |
| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by babuji(f): 7:08pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
Dear OP, Please dont be quick to label the child. It has consequences.Except its a very bad case, he or she can lead normal lives if they are on the spectrum. Also dont put the child in a place where other kids are said to be diagonosed with such, it has a retarding effect. My son didnt start to speak till he was almost 4 years. We had been told all sorts of dampening news but i and my husband joined our faith together and continued to prophesy on him and also annoint his tongue daily. He attends a normal school with normal children and we also ensure we engage him verbally as much as possible at home even though it was hard work. We also got his elder sister to do her bit. We also cut down on the TV and increased other interactive activities. We also got some guidance from a child specialist and a speech and language therapist. Most of the information we have today was downloaded from the internet. Today he is almost 6 years, so full of energy. he is in Grade one in school. He speaks good english, can express himself properly and has a way with words that is so quaint and enchanting. Even his pediatrician couldnt believe the improvement. He loves to draw and paint and also loves playing with the piano/keyboard. Let nobody label your child, he or she is just different from others. celebrate his uniqueness, find out his or her gift or talent and encourage it. the truth is its the parents that can do the work better than the specialists, but the specialists can provide the guidance. Dont shield him from other children just ensure you're around to provide guidance. I hope this helps. 3 Likes |
| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by Diidi(f): 7:19pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
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| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by sigmundfreud(m): 7:28pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
*dhtml:Haba!... 1 Like |
| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by Ama28(f): 7:28pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
Most people are scared of Austism and many believe all sorts of things about them. The first thing to do after diagnosis is what your doing now and that is looking for appropriate help. The first time I walked into a room full of Autistic children I had shivers for the first few seconds but now you can throw me in there anytime, they are wonderful kids. How to help Raising such child is different from other kids. In our schools you see one teacher for 30 children right? But for autistic children its a child per teacher. The teacher most have studied special education and have an indebt knowledge about the kid. By indebt here I mean, the teacher is supposed to be drawing up programs for you at home that you will do with him. It will be dependent on which behaviour or task she is doing with him example toilet training, eating, table manners, dressing one self, sounds etc. Someone here suggested that you do not follow a routine with the child. Pls it is wrong, that routine your making the child learn is the differnce between wanted and unwanted behaviour. If he can come out to the dinning and eat then you have succeeded in helping him adjust. Remember that's why your doing everything adjustment. You need patience and anger management. In the centre where I trained, they deduct teacher's salary if they assault a kid. So you most check that out. Autistic children has higher dexterity score than normal(sorry I used this word) children in an intelligent test. But they score low in mental ability, meaning that his hand ability is higher than his mates, engage him in paintings, craftmans and other hand ability things, that's his niche, let him enjoy it. Choose the ones he do best and let him do it more. Reward his behaviours, good and bad, we call them wanted and unwanted. My response is already so long, I need to stop but most especially the specialist that he needs is an educational pedagogist and the earlier he has special training the better. Hope I have been helpful, I work with children, I have trained in an Autistic home in Eastern Nigeria and by Punuka Foundation USA ( I always advise parents to minimise sugar that you give them at night, it gets their energy level high and keeps them up. I stand to be corrected, enjoy the kid!) 1 Like |
| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by flexyonline: 7:35pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
One of my greatest fears too, as a medical doctor i know much about it and it scares the poo out of me. A friend of mine has a child that is suffering from the condition, i was freaked out when i met the child and i never spoke to the child again after i found out - but my friend does not agree (maybe she does not know what autism is - and i did not stress me). Your comment is sadly ignorant and insensitive. To think you are a medical doctor!! I feel so sorry for your patients, they don't deserve someone like you caring for them. 8 Likes |
| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by Sissy3(f): 7:37pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
*dhtml: how can you even say such? they shouldnt even be in the same sentences if you truly read your statements slowly and backwards |
| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by sigmundfreud(m): 7:49pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
Childhood Autism/Autistic disorder or autistic spectrum disorder is a pervasive dev. disorder xterized by 1. Communication impairment 2. Restricted repetive activities and stereotyped behaviour. 3. Impairment in social interaction ...all these shd be present before 30mths or 3yrs. Affects 4/1000. 4times commoner in boys than girls. Actual cause is unknown but theories abound....family history, problems during birth, exposure to chemicals, advanced paternal age etc. Features...child wont reachout to be carried, lack of warmth to parents or others, lack of imitative play. Rocking, sometimes throw tantrums when u disrupt their pattern. Poorly dev. Speech. etc. Some have associated things like seizures, restlessness and learning disability. Mgt... It is a spectrum, from autism to aspergers to PDDNOS. Multidisciplinary approach. Psychiatrist, paediatrician, speech therapist, psychologist etc. Medication plays a minor role. impt things...plan child education, manage disruptive behaviour, treat associated problems and support for the carer. Outcome...depends on IQ and presence of speech before age 6. Good family support. Its not all gloomy but it can be challenging for carers. Be encouraged and the earlier u get professional advice the better. |
| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by Gboliwe: 7:58pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
I never knew what Autism was until sometime in Feb/march this year when a sister I met accidentally, told me her baby had it. I have not stopped searching for a centre close by where I can reach out as a volunteer to these children. The way its described, it is so scary. But with love and patience we can help them. I stay in Imo, any centre close by? 1 Like |
| Re: My Nephew Has Autism, How Do We Manage It? by Busybody2(f): 8:35pm On Sep 17, 2012 |
flexyonline: You need information from people who have been there. I have, as I have two kids on the spectrum who are coming along just fine right now. I'll get back to you later as I do not have time to type right now. You have two, wow, a massive hug to you. You must be superwoman. I have one, but all I can say is the Lord is my strength, plus I have a dependable fantastic family and friend network phew. |
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