A Pediatric Perspective : ASD

SPD Foundation Comments on Adam Lanza’s SPD Diagnosis

Cecilia Cruse — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 19:56:00 GMT

I just received this update from the SPD Foundation regarding the Newtown, CT murders and the young man identified as the shooter Adam Lanza. (See my December blog: Autism Speaks Out About Newtown Tragedy ). PBS's Frontline has released a riveting documentary...(read more)

A Second Opinion

Cecilia Cruse — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 16:58:00 GMT

I recently came across this lecture on the TED Talks series. If you are not familiar, TED (Technology Entertainment, Design) is a non- profit organization designed to foster the spread of great ideas. Since its inception in the 1980's it has hosted a...(read more)

iPad as a Reasonable Accommodation?

Cecilia Cruse — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 22:08:00 GMT

As many of us head out this week on travels for the Thanksgiving holiday, I thought you might find this story from a few months ago food for thought on your journey. Seems there was an incident aboard an airline flight where a teen was asked to turn off...(read more)

What Autism Feels Like

Cecilia Cruse — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 20:21:00 GMT

A colleague recently sent this YouTube link and I felt compelled to share it. Although titled What Autism Feels Like , it is actually a brief clip on what a day probably sounds like in the life of a child with ASD. As peds therapists, it often becomes...(read more)

Holistic Concepts: Treating the Whole Child

Cecilia Cruse — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 14:16:00 GMT

Lately there seems to be a more targeted focus on holistic approaches to treatment. From articles to online therapy groups seems this is a relevant topic of discussion. Advance magazine for example has a current article entitled Holistic Occupational...(read more)

More Thoughts on ASD

Cecilia Cruse — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 21:26:00 GMT

I know I have been blogging frequently on the topic of autism, but given the media attention it seems to be getting these days, along with the proposed definition changes in the upcoming DSM-5, it just seems fitting to keep current in this ever expanding...(read more)

Avatars: The New Way to Learn Social Skills?

Cecilia Cruse — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 20:39:00 GMT

I recently came across this Research Study ongoing here in Orlando at the University of Central Florida. UCF's Anxiety Disorders Clinic has teamed up with Virtually Better, an Atlanta based interactive technology company to develop a computer simulation...(read more)

Some Very Special Fathers

Cecilia Cruse — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 22:01:00 GMT

In my years as a clinic and school therapist, I have had the delightful privilege of meeting some amazing fathers of children with special needs. So, in honor and tribute for this Sunday's Father's Day here is a blog from Ellen Seidman at Love That Max...(read more)

Oxytocin: The “Just Right” Chemical?

Cecilia Cruse — Thu, 31 May 2012 18:05:00 GMT

Lately I keep finding articles in the news about the importance of oxytocin. Our bodies release this neurotransmitter naturally from the hypothalamus through touch, warmth and/or close proximity to someone with whom we feel a deep connection. Often considered...(read more)

Sensory Processing Disorder Update: A Must Read!

Cecilia Cruse — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:40:00 GMT

I received an update last evening from the desk of Lucy Jane Miller. Seems the APA (American Psychiatric Association) has announced the third and final opportunity for public feedback on the upcoming DSM- 5 to be published in 2013. In the newsletter,...(read more)

Tuesday Tidbit – Special Toys for Special Kids

Wendy Hof — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 04:23:00 GMT

" Whoever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping. " ~Bo Derek It's that time of year again. Time to find that "perfect" gift for the ones we love. When it comes to the children we love who have special needs this can be...(read more)

New Diagnostic Test for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Wendy Hof — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 04:08:00 GMT

The Boston Children's hospital has just released information on a study they have completed with the Boston based Autism Consortium showing that a new test for children exhibiting Autism Spectrum Disorder symptoms has approximately 3x's the detection...(read more)

Tuesday Tidbit - The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio

Wendy Hof — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 05:51:00 GMT

In March I wrote a blog about visiting Toys*R*Us and offered some suggestions on websites that offered more than your usual selection of toys. I receive an email from Stephanie Oppenheim who shared with me her website (the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio) and...(read more)

Feeding Difficulties - Ability vs Motivation

Wendy Hof — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:49:00 GMT

One of the most challenging things when it comes to working with a family who has a child who "won't eat" is figuring out how much of it may be due to the child's inability to eat (sensory problems, physical problems, processing disorders, etc) and how...(read more)