This behavior may be the one that terrifies parents the most. They are often worried about the child giving him or herself a concussion or brain damage. Repeated raps to the side of the head and face can also detach retinas, making the self-abuser blind. When it occurs in public, people shrink away because they… Continue reading Why do autistic kids slap or hit their own heads?
Why do many kids with autism walk on their toes?
They don’t. This only applies to a very small number of children with autism. If parents and pediatricians have ruled out foot and ankle deformations, then the next approach is to look at how they learned to walk. Too many parents make the mistake of putting shoes on their children’s feet when the children first… Continue reading Why do many kids with autism walk on their toes?
Why do many kids with autism not talk at all?
There is more than one reason why children with autism don’t talk at all. Their level of functioning may interfere with them obtaining the ability to speak. Or they have receptive language skills and clearly understand what is said but can’t verbalize themselves. Or they may need assistive devices that help them talk and formulate… Continue reading Why do many kids with autism not talk at all?
Why do many kids with autism repeat/echo words and phrases?
This is actually a diagnostic criteria for autism called “echolalia”. Both verbal and non-verbal children may do it. It seems odd coming from a child that doesn’t speak otherwise because it’s obvious they have the ability to speak but won’t speak on their own in their own words. Some children with echolalia are so good… Continue reading Why do many kids with autism repeat/echo words and phrases?
Why do many kids with autism flap their hands?
Kids with autism flap their hands for four reasons. The first is a form of self stimulation. The flapping applies pressure to the carpal tunnel nerves inside the wrists which in turn creates an unusual throbbing sensation and a “fuzzy fingers” feeling. (Don’t believe me? Flap your own hands for thirty seconds and see for… Continue reading Why do many kids with autism flap their hands?
Why do autistic kids stimulate?
Autistic kids self stimulate for two reasons. One, they are sensory deprived because so may things are irritating or annoying to them. They can’t stand sounds, tastes, sights, or sensations on their skin. They might avoid smells too, but a lot of children with autism will sniff and smell just about anything even if it… Continue reading Why do autistic kids stimulate?
Why do autistic children avoid eye contact?
Eye contact is a very personal and intimate thing. Children with autism are uncomfortable with this and will look at something other than the eyes even when they are looking at a person’s face. Children who don’t like to be hugged or kissed will especially avoid eye contact. Other children with autism aren’t really avoiding… Continue reading Why do autistic children avoid eye contact?
Why do autistic kids like Thomas the Train or any other train characters/toys?
Trains are inanimate objects that don’t usually talk. Thomas and friends or Chuggington and Pals do talk. They don’t have human faces but the voices resonate with children with autism because they can listen and watch without engaging in a conversation face to face with another human being. Children with autism also like trains and… Continue reading Why do autistic kids like Thomas the Train or any other train characters/toys?
How do you explain divorce to an autistic child?
It depends on how high functioning the child is and how old he or she is too. A child under the age of six isn’t going to understand it one way or the other; he or she is just too young. Over the age of six, you still can’t really explain it to a child… Continue reading How do you explain divorce to an autistic child?