By Sandra Kim Leong

Scientific studies show that out of all types of vitamins, B6 is probably the most useful. Since 1965, there have been 18 major studies on the uses of vitamin B6 to fight autism. In 8 of those studies, children with abnormalities in their urine, after taking B6 and magnesium, had normal urine.

Also, B6 and other B vitamins, have been shown to help autistic children with better mental focus and more social awareness. It may sound a little unbelievable but it is reported that some children, after taking vitamins and supplements, even spoke for the first time. Hence, if you have a child who is experiencing some speech delay, then this news can be pretty hopeful. However, if you want to give your autistic child vitamin B6, be sure to also include magnesium supplements. This is because vitamin B6 causes a magnesium deficiency in the body.

Vitamin C is another vitamin for your consideration to give to your autistic child. In fact, studies show that a lack of Vitamin C can result in confusion and disorientation, for just about anyone. Although there have been relatively few studies on how vitamin C has an effect on autistic symptoms, the few that there have been have been successful. Most of the children tested showed similar result conclusions to the B6. After a period of consuming Vitamin C supplements, these children started showing fewer autistic signs.

By Jon Arnold

The autistic child generally stays aloof and is unable to respond to others. Autistic children may not even make eye contact and may also engage in odd behaviors like flapping their hands, rocking their heads or show an obsessive need to maintain order. It isnt uncommon for children affected by autism to not speak at all. Those who do speak may do so in rhyme or repeat what they hear (echolalia) or may use a strange language of their own.

The exact cause of autism is still unknown although research suggests a problem with the structure or functioning of the central nervous system.

Some autistic children are exceptionally bright and do quite well in school although they may have problems adjusting to the school environment. Other children suffering from autism may not do as well and autism is often associated with mental retardation as well. But it needs to be noted that autism and retardation are very distinct, since it is not uncommon to have an autistic child who is exceptionally bright.

Teaching an autistic child to function in normal society can be frustrating at times since the child needs your constant attention and the whole process can be quite intensive. Here are a few ways you can help your autistic child overcome this problem and develop into a well rounded individual:

* Its important to ensure your autistic child doesnt feel left out and is a part of the family. At the same time its important to take care to not make your child the center of all attention since this will do more harm than good, because outside of the home, like at school, they will not be able to be the center of attention.

* The autistic child needs to live in and see a set routine that he/she can count on everyday. In the absence of a set routine, an autistic child may respond with a bizarre behavior.

* It has been observed that the autistic child doesnt learn well from experience. In fact, every event that that transpires may seem completely new to the autistic child, even if the same event took place yesterday. This is why its important to use the same group of words each time you reward or reprimand the child since this helps them remember events better.

* If you are going to make any changes around the house or around the autistic childs surroundings, describe what you are going to do to them before you act. This is because autistic children usually take much longer to adjust and sudden changes can confuse them.

* Look for the best educational program to suit your childs needs. Preschool intervention programs offer special courses for the autistic child who is not old enough to go to school yet.

Apart from the above mentioned ways, remember that consistency in everything you say or do is crucial to unlock the potential within your autistic child. At the same time, its equally important to take time out for yourself so that you dont feel overwhelmed by the task at hand. So as long as you are peaceful with yourself, a little love, some patience and your wholehearted devotion is all that you need to see your little one through all of their troubles.

To get more insights and more information about the Autistic Child please visit our web site at http://www.autism-explained.com

By Rachel Evans

The following are 10 great toys for autistic children. The first 5 are suggestions are for children age 3-7 and the second 5 are for children age 8 - 12. Following each basic toy description is examples of where you can find them -

Ages 3-7 1. Paints and/or coloring pencils with large paper - This is a great way for an autistic child to express him/herself in color. Knowing what colors your child responds to may be helpful when it comes to learning. Check Toys R Us, Sears, or Wal-Mart.

2. Building blocks - any toy for autistic child that can be stacked helps them improve their motor skills. Great toys to consider include 'Lego', alphabet blocks, colored shapes, etc. Check Toys R Us, Sears, or Wal-Mart

3. Stories with Repetition and/or Rhyme -These books help in the development of speech skills. Good book examples you can consider include 'Dr. Seuss' and 'Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes'. Book stores, online at http://Amazon.com, or your local library.

4. Mix and Match toys - Toys that involve sorting and grouping together matching numbers, colors, shapes, etc. help improve cognitive skills. One interesting toy for autistic child is 'Match & Spell 3 - Letter Word'. This game teaches a child how to spell basic words by putting together matching colored cards that create a picture of the word. This game can be found online at the autism toy store stars4kidz.

5. Toys that light up - Toys such as the 'flashing molecule ball' are good for visual stimulation. When the ball is squeezed, the colorful balls light up and flash. Check for it at Toys R Us.

Ages 8 - 12 1. 'Calculator Cash Register' - This is a perfect pretend toy for autistic child. This particular toy comes with a working calculator, pretend money (bills, coins and credit cards). This toy encourages creativity and math skills. Check online at http://Stars4kidz.com or local toy stores.

2. Musical toy instrument - If your child has an interest in music, consider getting a toy instrument such as drums, guitar, recorder or piano with sheet music. These toys teach cognitive, motor, creative and sensory skills. Check local toy stores, Toys R Us or Wal-Mart

3. Picture books - Picture books such as 'I Spy' are great ways to engage your childs imagination. 'I Spy' has a collection of picture riddle books based on different themes. Check your local bookstore, online at Amazon, or your local library.

4. Classic board games -There are many classic board games to choose from including 'KerPlunk', 'Scrabble Jr.', 'Monopoly Jr.', 'Trouble', 'Yahtzee', etc. Board games can be a toy for autistic child that helps to improve social skills, and depending on the game, may help to develop cognitive and motor skills. Check Toys R Us, Wal-Mart and Sears.

5. 'Stretch-Eze' - This is a unique sensory toy that is ideal for stretching, exercise, and making creative movements. The 'Stretch-Eze' is a stretchy circular band that comes in different sizes and colors. Look for it at online at Stars4kidz.

Keep in mind that the toys listed above are only toy for autistic child suggestions. You dont need to base the toys you give your child on their age. In fact, many parents of autistic children find that any toy is acceptable if their child responds to it regardless of the age specifications on the box. Note: The only exception is choking hazard age warning.

By Rachel Evans. To find out more about autism toys and for information on toys for autistic child please visit the links.

By Jon Arnold

This aspect presents a very unique challenge to the parents of an autistic child. Needless to say, it is difficult to accept the fact that your child is afflicted with autism, but of course as parents, you want to do everything you can for your child to allow them to lead as normal a life as possible. Some parents are even in denial of the fact that their child has autism, but the quicker you as parents can accept that fact, the sooner you can deal with it and get the specialized help that your autistic child needs at this point in their development.

As a parent, you may need to develop a thick skin. What this means is that some people in the general public will make rude remarks or comments about an autistic child. While most people will accept that fact and be helpful and sympathetic, you need to be emotionally prepared for the occasional thoughtless jerk who makes a rude or crude comment about your autistic child. It does you no good to get angry or embarrassed or to cause a scene, and you need to be pacified with the fact that the jerk who made the comment makes himself look incredibly stupid to others via his remark.

One of the ways to allow your autistic child to learn how to act and behave in the general public is via role playing at home. You can pretend to be at a social gathering such as a school picnic and do role-playing, which will allow your child to become comfortable with this setting gradually over a period of time. Keep your role playing sessions short at home, since the attention span of an autistic child is limited, and forcing them to continue with it after their attention is exhausted will simply put a negative spin on being in such a social situation, which is the opposite of what you are trying to achieve.

One of the traits of an autistic child is that they do not look people in the eye. It is unknown why this is the case but it is thought to perhaps be a function of the child actually realizing that they are not the same as their peers, and this aspect is a reflection of a sign of low self-esteem. While there is no way to prove that via scientific studies, that is a popular train of thought. Whatever the cause though, you may want to work with your child at home, and perhaps even with a reward system for when they are able to look you in the eyes. The model of 'proper behavior warrants a reward' has been effective for many, but do not make the reward large, just something very small, like being allowed to play with their favorite toy.

It will take work, but as parents, you have the ability to help shape your childs future. Do not put the entire task on the shoulders of the school, but rather, work with your child at home to create a pleasant and loving atmosphere, and to work with your autistic child to help them function.

For more information about Autism and Autistic Spectrum Disorder please visit our web site at http://www.autism-explained.com

By Rachel Evans

While public schools are funded to handle children with special needs, these locations are not always the best arenas for autistic children. One of the reasons that home-schooling your autistic child is a good idea is because special education programs may lump autistic children in with others who have maladaptive behavioral problems.

Remember, autistic children have behavioral problems due to their developmental inability to properly function normally in social situations. If they are placed in with others who have emotional problems they may regress instead of progress. However, if home-schooled, parents can control the social influences that are likely to either help or hinder the progress of their child. They can keep them away from insensitive teachers, bullies, and have greater control of their education.

Due to their obvious differences, many autistic children are treated with cruelty. This horrible fact of life can undo much of the progress that your child may have already made. Most autistic children function best when routines are set. Home-schooling is the best way to ensure these routines are established and followed.

In addition, home-schooling is a good choice because many autistic children are sensitive to sound. If they are in a classroom with a bunch of other children making noise, it can be difficult for them to focus. The home-schooling setting is normally more quiet and conducive to learning, besides, it offers autistic children a typically 1:1 teacher to student ratio. Plus, if youre following a GFCF diet its much easier to implement this at home and you can be sure that your child is only eating what youre giving them. Furthermore, research has demonstrated that autistic children who are home-schooled score better on problem behavior assessments.

In order to make the most out of your childs home-school experience, it may be a good idea to keep a journal. Write down anything about your childs behavior and performance that is important. For instance, you can keep track of when your child is most productive, when he or she learns best, and what are the potential distractions. Remember youll need to adapt your teaching style to suit their learning ability. Trying to make them learn your way will just lead to a lack of progress and frustration all round.

As a parent and a teacher it is important for you to read up on recent literature involving the education of autistic children. There are many resources that provide information on teaching strategies, learning methods, and the different types of intelligence. Knowing this information will enable you to tailor a home-school program that will meet your childs needs. The beauty about home-schooling is that if one approach doesnt work you can adapt your style until you find an approach that does work.

Home-schooling is fast becoming a common educational choice for parents of autistic children. The research involved clearly outlines the benefits of home-schooling. However, you must ensure that you will have the time and the dedication to follow through with home-schooling. Simply keeping your child at home is not going to do any good if learning is not occurring. It is important that you address academic, behavioral, and social needs.

Rachel Evans has an interest in Autism.