Autism Re-Evaluations: The When, Why, & How
Required autism re-evaluations in order to continue support services can be frustrating and concerning for families. We streamline the process to make it accessible and easy.
Our Blog: Upward Alabama
Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs) in Children
Some children who struggle with learning may have something called a “specific learning disorder.” You may have heard of terms such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia – these are all examples of learning disorders. Specific learning disorders typically impact how children understand, process, organize, and use information, and they can range from mild to severe. Recent research suggests that around 1 in every 59 children has a learning disorder, with dyslexia being the most common.
Tics and Tourette's Syndrome in Children
Research shows that approximately 1 in 5 children develop tics, such as repetitive throat clearing, grunting, sniffing, eye blinking, head jerking, or facial grimacing. Tics typically emerge between the ages of 5 and 7, with frequency and severity often escalating between ages 8 and 12. While many children see a decrease in tics as they enter late adolescence, others may continue to experience them into adulthood.
Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) in Autistic Children
PDA is characterized by an extreme avoidance of everyday demands, which can include both direct requests from parents and indirect demands such as responding to bodily cues like hunger or thirst. Interestingly, children with PDA may resist activities they usually enjoy, including social interactions and hobbies. This behavior is not merely about being defiant; it reflects an overwhelming need for autonomy and control.