Treatment for Children with Co-occurring ADHD and Autism

Either ADHD or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can pose monumental challenges. Many children, however, find themselves at the mercy of both development disorders simultaneously. Fortunately, it appears that some treatments may be beneficial for both ADHD and ASD, while others can be employed to tackle each problem separately. Treatments for co-occurring autism and ADHD Las Vegas may include:

Pharmaceuticals - Drugs used to control ADHD can also have beneficial effects on co-occurring ASD. ADHD drugs tend to come in two classes, stimulant and non-stimulant. The stimulant methyphenidate has proven helpful for reducing hyperactivity and impulsiveness in ADHD/ASD study participants, but these participants couldn't tolerate as high as dose as children who only had ADHD. Non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and guanfasine have also elicited positive results, and ADHD/ASD patients seem to tolerate them more easily than they do stimulant drugs.

Nutritional therapy - supplementation with certain nutrients may help both ADHD and ADD. One key nutrient appears to be magnesium. Magnesium is important for neurological function and helps to relieve anxiety, insomnia, panic attacks and spasms -- symptoms all too familiar to many ADHD/ASD children. Additionally, any other common nutrient that supports overall nerve health and function may help both ADHD and ASD. Examples include vitamins B and C, calcium, zinc and iron.

Behavioral therapy - ADHD and ASD have traditionally been addressed with separate forms of behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy for ADHD focuses on reducing impulsiveness and increasing mental focus through group sessions, while behavioral therapy for ASD focuses on one-to-one training in social interaction, communication, and personal skills. But taming the wandering focus and racing mind found in ADHD can also help calm the effects of overstimulation common in ASD. At the same time, the newfound social skills gained in ASD therapy can be highly useful for the management of ADHD-related behavior.

Chiropractic adjustment - Some studies indicate that chiropractic adjustment may be able to reduce ADHD and ASD symptoms without actually resolving the underlying condition. Chiropractors state that the improvements occur due to the improvements in overall nerve function that occur when a cervical spinal misalignment is corrected.

Parents of children with co-occurring ADHD and autism Las Vegas can take heart from the variety of possible treatments currently available. The right combination of therapeutic techniques and caring professionals can make a profound difference.

What's Known About Autism Today

Over the years, a great deal of research has been done on autism. Thanks to this research, there is a lot more known about autism than ever before. As a result, doctors are better able to treat people with autism, and the parents of children with autism are able to provide the right level of support. This article will provide a brief summary of what's known about autism at this point in time.

What is Autism?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is usually diagnosed in early childhood. Those with autism often experience trouble communicating with others, maintaining relationships, understanding abstract concepts, and even using language (both in speech and writing).

It's currently estimated that about one in every 50 people across the globe has autism, but the numbers are growing year by year.

The Autism Spectrum

These days, autism is diagnosed on a spectrum that consists of four different developmental disorders. These include Childhood Disintigrative Disorder (CDD), Atypical Autism, Asperger Syndrome, and Autistic Disorder.

What Are the Signs of Autism?

There are many potential signs that parents should be on the lookout for and that may be early symptoms of autism las vegas in children.

One of the earliest potential warning signs is when a child has not begun babbling or pointing by the age of one year. By 16 months, children should also have begun articulating single words and responding to their own names.

Instead, children with autism may rarely speak and may seem withdrawn. They may have a habit of lining up all their toys, fail to respond to their own name, and seem to have little to no communication skills.

It's important to realize that most signs of autism show up in a child's first year of life, and that most cases of autism are diagnosed by a adhd las vegas doctor by the time a child is three to four years old.

Treatment Options

While raising a child with autism can cause a strain on any family, the good news is that there are treatment options for children with autism, just as there are treatment options for those wit ADHD and other disorders in the Las Vegas areas.

Specific treatment options for autism include educational and behavioral therapy, medications, and even a change in diet.

Overall, there's still a lot to be learned about autism. However, the good news is that researches have come a long way in understanding how to identify the disorder and treat it appropriately.

Is the Autism Diet Effective?

Some researchers have found that autistic kids frequently have food allergies and intolerances, according to Dr. Martha Herbert, a pediatric neurologist at Harvard. (reference 2) It is postulated by a sector of the professional health community that these food interactions may contribute to the cause of autism las vegas, or at least aggravate its symptoms.

While this theory has not been proven by Western scientific studies, some physicians and parents have found anecdotal evidence that eliminating common allergens from the diet works, and others are willing to try it since other therapies for treating autism are limited.

The gluten- and casein-free diets have been growing in popularity in recent years.

The diet involves the strict elimination of foods that contain gluten, which is a substance found in wheat, rye and barley, and casein, a component of dairy products.

Some parents have reported improvements in speech and behavior after using the elimination diet.

According to a theory, people who have autism process peptides and proteins in foods that have gluten and casein differently than other people do. Another theory involves the digestive system. The leaky gut syndrome is a type of reaction from a microbial imbalance in the digestive tract, or too much harmful bacteria and yeast that can result in permeations in the intestinal lining. These openings facilitate the movement of food particles across the membrane into the bloodstream, which can cause allergies.

The resulting allergic reaction may cause inflammation and allergic reactions, such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps and acid reflux. Since people with autism can have trouble communicating due to a young age or cognitive problems, it may be difficult to report some painful physical symptoms. The resulting discomfort and physical reactions may exacerbate impaired speech and impaired cognitive and social behaviors, such as temper tantrums.

Some research has found high levels of peptides in the bodily fluids of autistic people.

It is, of course, challenging to eliminate all sources of casein and gluten from the diet, but some people experience results.

Children with autism often have trouble communicating, so they may not be able to tell their parents that they're experiencing painful symptoms like acid reflux and stomach cramps. Instead, they scream, act aggressively and throw temper tantrums. The discomfort, pain and other physical reactions from the allergic response could trigger autistic behaviors.

According to some clinicians, a person with autism may benefit from making dietary changes. Schedule a physical with a specialist in adhd las vegas, Nevada, and ask about the potential treatment benefits of a gluten- and casein-free diet.

Outdoor Activities in the Las Vegas Area for Children with Autism or ADHD

When children are diagnosed with psychiatric disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or when they fall somewhere on the autism spectrum, parents often feel helpless and scared for their son or daughter's future. However, there's actually a lot that families can do to help a child cope -- and even thrive -- with these conditions.

Stimulating the Senses 

For hyperactive and autistic children, sensory stimulation is a tricky minefield. Children need exposure to colors, lights, fresh air, and new places and people in order to develop social skills and creative abilities. However, for many children with autism or ADHD, over-stimulation and self-stimulation are problematic. 

 

When a child is unusually sensitive to external stimuli, it means that scents, flavors, feelings, sights and sounds may seem "normal" to their friends and family but trigger unexpected reactions in them.

It's difficult to imagine a city that stimulates the senses more than Sin City itself. However, children with autism las vegas don't have to suffer more than those who live in less stimulating environments. Because the city is located in the middle of a desert, there are plenty of nearby landscapes that make the Great Outdoors a fascinating, educational, and even calming place for children. 

Outdoor Options for Las Vegas Children 

When confronted with a diagnosis of childhood adhd las vegas families should actually feel relieved that they live in such a scenic part of the country. That's because physical exercise is one of the best, most natural ways to stabilize the human brain's ability to focus, learn, prioritize, and analyze. Nevada's valleys, rivers, canyons, dunes, and even skyscrapers offer an exciting backdrop for a whole host of fun outdoor activities. These include:

• Dune buggy racing near the Las Vegas Motor Speedway
• Cycling and hiking in Red Rock Canyon
• Kayaking down the Colorado River
• Hiking and exploring the Valley of Fire
• Free-falling off the Stratosphere Tower

Each of these opportunities provides an unconventional way for children to increase their endorphin levels and focus. According to the magazine ADDitude, one Colorado school took advantage of this link between exercise and learning in a creative way: teachers replaced time-outs with ten-minute exercise sessions. Students who act out in class must use exercise equipment, rather than sitting in the hallway; this is much more effective and stimulating than the old forms of punishment. 

When children can harness their own body's ability to regulate their attention and moods, their confidence improves and their ADHD symptoms decrease. They're also more likely to stay in good physical shape, and when the body is healthy, it's that much easier for the brain to follow suit.