Sunday, July 15, 2012

Ways to Deal With Autism Kids


The category of autism spectrum disorders includes autism, Asperger's syndrome, Rett syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder, and childhood disintegrative disorder. Autism, however, is quite different from the other conditions as it comprises all the symptoms that others only partly display.

For the parent who has noticed that his or her child is different from other children of the same age, whether at a cognitive, emotional or behavioral level, the first step is learning as much as possible about autism and how it manifests, and the second is getting an official diagnosis. Also, autism is a lifelong condition that requires special therapy and treatment, so the sooner this issue is tackled, decisions are made and the training program starts, the better are the chances for an autistic child to acquire the abilities and knowledge needed for a normal social functioning.

Once the parents know what they are up against, whether autism or another autism spectrum disorder, there are several things of vital concern that need to be understood. One of these is for them to accept that the child's condition is not their fault, that there is nothing they could have done to prevent it and that the only way to approach such a situation is with clarity, determination and full dedication. Another important thing parents with autistic children should know is that they can be actively involved in therapy sessions by watching, learning and applying cognitive behavioral methods on a daily basis, thus reinforcing positive behavior. They can also opt for school-based programs especially designed for children with such a condition.

Under no circumstances should parents give up the behavioral therapy sessions, especially if the child has made noticeable progress. Their attitude towards dealing with this condition needs to be consistent and their daily routines carefully planned so as to include time to play, to find effective ways of communication and to prevent repetitive, unwanted behavior. Parents need to invest time and energy into helping their child as best they can.

For those parents who have reached a point where they feel like their child has not made any progress, who feel helpless, depressed or desperate, there are support groups and family therapy to help them cope with the situation. Having a child with autism poses challenges that parents are not always prepared to handle, but with the right treatment, plan, unconditional love and support progress can be a reality. It is hardship but as parents, never give up in anyway.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Seasonal Asthma Symptoms


Seasonal asthma refers to the condition which is characterized by the inflammation and constriction of the airways that is caused in the presence of airborne allergies, for example such as pollen in spring season. This type of asthma tends to show up in a seasonal cycle as a response to increasing levels of a number of airborne allergens as seasons keep changing.


However, the severity of the symptoms of seasonal asthma is variable. The normal asthma already takes a toll on people with its tricky nature that dealing with allergies due to seasonal changes simply acts like the last straw. Generally, allergies are an overreaction to normal substances that doesn't trouble most people. Our immune system has a strong effect on how a person handles one's indoor and outdoor activities. In case of being over-sensitive to certain allergens, the immune system can build up a swelling in the lungs and shut out the air that one needs to breathe in.

So, when an asthmatic patient has allergies, one can experience more frequent attacks in spring and fall seasons. This can make the symptoms of the already active asthma go out of control. Depending on one's immunity strength, it can be subtle or life-threatening. So, better late than never; one should keep tabs upon the early signs so that they can be treated well in time.

Here are some common symptoms of seasonal asthmathat are frequently seen. These are the classic symptoms that basically characterize this special respiratory disorder. They are:

1. Frequent coughing 
2. Increased mucus production 
3. Feeling of chest tightness 
4. Shortness of breath 
5. Rapid breathing

If the patient suffers from some kind of allergy, the symptoms such as watery, red eyes, sneezing and runny nose can also be seen. It is recommended that if at all the situation goes out of hand, one must seek medical help. With the doctor's help, one can regularly follow the prescribed medication or even refer to a known allergist that can help the patient to figure out one's asthma triggers.

What is both funny and morbid about these symptoms of seasonal asthma is that they can get aggravate even before the patient realizes it. One may feel that their situation is way under control, but the patient may never know when they turn the tables. So, it's advised that whenever one finds it difficult to breathe properly, they should stop all their work and rush to visit their doctor.

Here are some signs one should watch out for when calling their doctor:

1. Persistence of shortness of breath even after following medication 
2. Change in the skin color of the patient 
3. Chest pain 
4. Difficulty in breathing that disturbs the task at hand

Therefore, it's essential for one to keep self-monitoring oneself so that the symptoms of seasonal asthma can be controlled well in time. With changes in the seasons, one should get more alert and prepared to face the allergies with precautions.