Abstract
This paper studies and reviews coping strategies for mothers of autistic children. The paper begins by discussing the stressors faced by the mothers. Next the paper describes the results of cognitive defects in children. The paper includes a qualitative review of four published studies on the topic.

From the Paper
"This study identified and explored the effectiveness of the coping strategies used by mothers of children with autism. By using a qualitative review of four published studies that incorporated interviews of mothers of children with autism this research..."

Tags:COPING STRATEGIES, MOTHERS, AUTISTIC CHILDREN

Abstract
This paper examines various alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) systems which are used as devices for assisting those who cannot communicate normally. The paper then describes the symptoms and behaviors of autistic individuals, particularly their communication difficulties. Additionally, two AAC systems that have proven promising for the teaching of autistic children are discussed at length. These include Picture Exchange Communication System or PECS and Computer Based Intervention Programs or CBIP.

From the Paper
"Children who suffer from Autism and related disabilities characteristically demonstrate delayed speech development, poor verbal communication skills and the frequent use of non-intelligible noises."

Tags:autism, augmentative, communication

Abstract
This paper discusses the use of a mercury-based substance, Thimerosal, in children's vaccines has been proven to cause autism in children, as well as EMT or enhanced milieu teaching, one of the latest methods in the induction of children with autism into the 'normal' cognitive, communication world.

Contents:
Abstract
Educating Autistic Children Through Enhanced Milieu Teaching
More Support for 'Naturalistic' Teaching
Other Specific Protocols
Conclusion

From the Paper
"A Centers for Disease Control (CDC) epidemiologist named Tom Verstraeten "had analyzed the agency's massive database containing the medical records of 100,000 children" and found that the mercury-based preservative in the vaccines "appeared to be responsible for a dramatic increase in autism" (Kennedy, 2005, unpaged) as well as other neurological disorders in children. The evidence is difficult to ignore. In 1991, the CDC and the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) had recommended the administration of three additional vaccines "laced with the preservative" for extremely young infants, in one case only hours after birth. After that, "the estimated number of cases of autism had increased fifteen fold, form one in every 2,500 children to one in 166 children" (Kennedy, 2005, unpaged). By anyone's reckoning, that is too steep an increase to be caused by chance, and certainly genetic mutation takes infinitely longer than 'instantly.' Dr. Bill Weil, a consultant for the American Academy of Pediatrics, noted that he would not want his own grandson to get any containing-containing vaccines until more was known (Kennedy, 2005, unpaged)."

Tags:teaching, disease, medical, records, FDA, social, behavioral, cognitive, academic

Abstract
The paper explains that sensory integration therapy is an attempt to rectify sensory disparity and dysfunction in autistic children. The paper presents the profile of the autistic child who would most benefit from this therapy. The paper relates that research shows how sensory integration therapy can improve the child's ability to play and interact better with his/her surroundings. The paper notes, however, that it may be uncomfortable and create a less than positive situation for the development of the child. The paper concludes that it is therefore important that the therapist be fully trained in the latest theories and praxis.

From the Paper
"Numerous studies in recent years have shown that there is a possible link between sensory integration therapy and improving the quality of life for autistic children. This form of therapy is seen as a "....valuable tool to teach autistic children how to interact with their environment." ( Evans R.) The problem of sensory integration is a crucial factor for many autistic children. It is very often the case that the sensory impulses of the child conflict with and are contradicted by those expected by the society in which they have to interact."

Tags:stimuli, behaviors, neuroscience, developmental, psychology, occupational, therapy, education

Abstract
This paper analyzes two studies that deal with augmentative and alternative communication systems that can assist language development in autistic children. It first reviews "Effects on Communicative Requesting and Speech Development of the Picture Exchange Communication System in Children With Characteristics of Autism," by Jennifer Ganz and Richard Simpson. It then looks at "Effects of a Computer-Based Intervention Program on the Communicative Functions of Children with Autism," by Orit Hetzroni and Juman Tannous.

From the Paper
"Subjects were taught to present a picture of the desired object and later to create picture sentences by placing strings of pictures on a Velcro strip. At first teachers presented students with the pictures, but the goal was for subjects to independently locate the desired items and string them to form sentences. Pictoral sentences were then to be accompanied by the appropriate verbalization. Each subject had his/her own book of pictures, which were expanded to include photographs of desired objects and sentence starters such as "I want" over time. In this way gradually more complex verbalization could be required. While the beginning pictures dealt primarily with objects themselves, gradually comments on qualities of an object or action as well as objections could also be verbalized. Sessions were videotaped, and independently and holistically scored by observers who agreed when a subject met the specified criteria for non-verbal and then verbal communication."

Tags:verbalization, sentences, pictures, speech

Abstract
Researchers agree that there needs to be more research done on the effect of music therapy on autistic children. The paper shows that while case studies tentatively established a link between music therapy and the reduction of disruptive behavior (head-jerking and screaming, for example), more research is needed to establish positively the effects of music therapy on autism in children.

From the Paper
"Using the self-reports of adults with autism, Toigo (1992) argues that music therapy is well suited to assisting individuals with autism.There are very few studies that have examined the effectiveness of music therapy with individuals with autism. Indeed, the music therapy profession itself recognises that there is a need to conduct sound research to evaluate the efficacy of music therapy and, in particular, to develop reliable measures of change that may occurduring intervention (Toolan & Coleman, 1994; Wimpory, Chadwick, & Nash,1995). Some research reports in this area rely on single case studies (Monti, 1985).In others, the intervention procedures and the characteristics of the participants arenot clearly explained (Hairston, 1990;)"

Tags:stimulation, auditory, verbal, communication, professionals

Abstract
The proposed study examines whether the academic achievement of a sample of 10 to 13 year old, autistic children can be significantly improved through cooperative learning techniques.

Tags:at, risk, students, autism

Abstract
This paper is a literature review addressing how SMART Board technology can be used with autistic learners.

From the Paper
"The research question that this literature review will explore is "How do SMART Boards affect the learning of autistic children". This question leads to a study of the role of new technologies in teaching those with autism, an examination of the SMART Board as an educational tool in the autistic child's classroom, an assessment of the technology as it relates to teaching autistic children and the specific uses to which SMART Boards can be put in the classroom for..."

Tags:SMART Board, autistic, education, learning, literature review

Abstract
This paper explains that experts have a hard time agreeing on the causes and risks of autism, which is a spectrum disorder; however, there is a general agreement that it is a devastating disorder impacting social skills in ways that are far reaching. The author proposes a research study to determine if pre-school programs designed for disabled children are effective methods for helping children with autism develop their social skills and thus increase their ability to communicate. The paper reports that the research will use the case study method studying ten selected participants. The author will gather information using a multi-dimensional approach of interviews with the family members and teachers, observations and empirical data from program records.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Background of Study
Purpose of Study
Significance of Study
Research Questions
Assumptions
Delimitation
Definitions
Literature Review
Proposed Methodology
Exploring the Options
"What Is Methodology?
Literature Review
This Study Proposal Choice
Participants
Data Analysis
Limitations of Study
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Children with autism often fail to develop appropriate social skills and are consequently treated differently by their school peers. In addition, their reactions to teachers and other personnel at the school may be inappropriate because they do not have the developed social skills needed to react appropriately. By the time children start school they have usually developed social skills that can help them navigate the day and the tasks that are required of them. For children with autism the inability to socially communicate can make the day difficult at best and impossible to navigate at worst."

Tags:case, devastating, peers, interviews, spectrum

Abstract
This ten-page undergraduate paper discusses different teaching methods and technique for children with autism. These children need individualized programs, which focus on the development of communication and social skills.