Accumulating evidence establishes a clear link between exposure to pollutants and chemicals with cognitive, motor, and sensory impairments. Scientists believe this is due to epigenetics, where environmental triggers switch specific genes on or off without affecting DNA sequences. In other words, you can reverse the effects of some epigenetic changes by avoiding toxins from chemicals and pollutants. […]
Tag: newly diagnosed
Finding a Doctor
Finding a qualified and experienced doctor, though challenging, can make all the difference in your child’s health and future. Therefore, in this article, we offer suggestions to help parents find a doctor who can effectively identify and address any underlying medical issues their child may have. It takes a team to care for a child […]
In-Home Therapy Programs
Sometimes children receive therapies in their home environment instead of a therapy center, office, or school. Interventions that occur in this type of setting are called “in-home” therapy programs. In this article, we will discuss what an in-home therapy program is and how to start one for your child. Why Choose an In-Home Therapy Program? […]
Underlying Medical Issues in Autism
Behavior is communication. Sometimes our kids with autism are communicating their medical issues to us through their behavior. Therefore, figuring out underlying medical causes requires patience, keen observation, and an experienced doctor who can help you with proper medical testing and guidance. In this article, you will find a list of documented behaviors associated with […]
An Introduction to Medical Interventions for Autism
Medical interventions for autism can greatly improve your child’s outcome and quality of life. In this article, we will discuss: Why it’s important to consider a medical approach to autism intervention. Give a brief overview of underlying medical issues that can cause autism-like behaviors. Provide links to resources that will help you successfully begin your […]
Medical Causes of Speech Issues in Autism
This article provides information about medical causes for speech issues in autism as well as treatment options. Please note: There are two approaches to addressing speech issues in autism: medical and therapeutic. TACA recommends that parents seek to address speech issues from both approaches in order to achieve the best possible outcome for their child. […]
Therapeutic Interventions for Autism
The most common therapeutic interventions for autism are occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). When exploring therapeutic interventions for your child, there are many options to consider. Therefore, you will want to make a prioritized list of your child’s needs. Take into consideration your child’s strengths and learning style, as […]
Keeping Your Kids with ASD Safe
Having autism brings unique challenges to keeping our children safe and protected. The following information provides a summary of key considerations concerning elopement, water safety and drowning, pica and household toxins, interactions with first responders, and internet safety.
I Think My Child May Have Autism
If you think your child has autism or your child is showing signs or symptoms of autism, it is important to have them screened. The sooner your child receives a diagnosis, the sooner they can begin needed services which can improve their outcome and quality of life. This article will give you information about the […]
GFCFSF Diet on a Budget
Feeding your family a GFCFSF diet on a budget involves using the same basic strategies you would typically use to reduce food costs to your family. Here are some tried-and-true tips for implementing a healthy, gluten-free, casein-free, soy-free diet that is budget friendly.
Going Gluten-Free, Casein-Free, Soy-Free (GFCFSF) in 10 Weeks
Planning on implementing a gluten-free, casein-free, soy-free (GFCFSF) diet for your child? Then you’ve come to the right place! Download this FREE guide for a simple, easy-to-follow plan to help you successfully transition to the GFCFSF diet in 10 weeks. Our guide, Going GFCFSF in 10 Weeks, provides information about: How to remove gluten, casein, […]
Top Reasons to Implement a Gluten-Free, Casein-Free Diet
There are several reasons why parents should consider a gluten-free, casein-free diet for their child with autism. In this article, we will discuss why this diet is important.
Introduction to the Gluten-Free, Casein-Free, Soy-Free Diet
The gluten-free, casein-free, soy-free (GFCFSF) diet removes all sources of gluten, casein, and soy from the diet. The word “diet” is really a misnomer because this is a lifestyle change. It is a way of seeing food as nourishment for the body and brain. Once you see what gluten, casein, and soy can do to some people’s bodies, you will begin to understand why this diet is important.
Speech Issues in Autism: Introduction
Speech issues are common in autism. In fact, about 40% of children with autism do not talk at all. Providing your child with an effective means to communicate their thoughts, opinions, experiences, feelings, and knowledge is essential to creating a meaningful life for them.
A – Z: Autism Journey Blueprints
The Autism Journey Blueprints were created as a quick introduction reference guide for families on the autism journey. Complete Autism Journey Blueprints: click here to download the PDF. AJ Blueprints – Years 1-3: click here to download the PDF. AJ Blueprints – Medical Intervention: click here to download the PDF. AJ Blueprints – Dietary Intervention: click here to download […]
Autism on a Budget Series
I am a single mom of two adults on the spectrum so I know all about money concerns. Raising a child, or two, with ASD will break the bank! I have also been doing parent support for over 10 years and have been asked countless times, “How am I supposed to be able to afford […]
A – Z: TACA Facts – a video series answering the most common questions
We are very excited about a new video series in collaboration with our friends at Autism Live. Introducing: TACA Facts This is an introduction to our new series “TACA Facts” sponsored by Autism Live. We’ll answer the most common questions for families living with autism in 2-3 minute segments. TACA Fact: Can children with autism […]
Diagnostic Criteria for Autism
Only a well-qualified, trained medical professional can issue an autism diagnosis. When determining whether or not a person has autism, professionals look to see if they meet specific diagnosis criteria outlined in The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). If your child is showing signs of autism and you need to […]
iPads and Autism – Innovation in Communication
In September 2011, TACA was approached by a long time family member who had a teen with autism who had uttered his first words just a short time after having obtained his iPad. He was 16 years old when his family first heard his voice. After this remarkable experience, they were motivated to share their […]
Top Ten Tips for Beginning the GFCFSF Diet
By Holly Bortfeld Have reasonable expectations. A real trial of the diet is 4 months. Not 1-2 weeks, but 4 months. And that clock starts AFTER you have removed ALL of the gluten, casein and soy. Know that it’s typical for children to have days or weeks of tantrums and diarrhea as they are going […]