Potential for Autism Early Detection Offered by 3-D Facial Imaging

Handwriting Size and Children with Autism

[Source:  Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders via Your Therapy Source]
 

Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders published a study of  26 boys with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and 17 typically developing children and their ability to regulate the size and consistency of fundamental handwriting movements when using writing guides.    Each participant wrote a series of four cursive letter l's using 10 mm and 40 mm writing guides, using a graphics tablet and stylus. The results showed the following:

1. movement size and consistency was comparable between groups when the writing guides were set at 10 mm
    
2. handwriting movements of children with ASD were significantly faster and more fluent than typically developing children when writing guides were set at 40 mm.
    
3. neuromotor noise was comparable to that of typically developing children across both writing sizes.

Two-Minute Imaging Test for Autism in the Works

[Source:  Psych Central]
 

Scientists have developed a brain-imaging technique that may be able to detect autism spectrum disorder in only two minutes, according to new research published in the journal Clinical Psychological Science.
 

The scanning procedure, which reveals the brain's response to thoughts of 'self-perspective,' offers promising diagnostic potential once more research is done.
 

In previous research using functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), scientists found that when it comes to recognizing "your turn" in sports or in a game, people with autism spectrum disorders show a subdued response in the brain. In fact, the more subdued the brain's response to self-perspective, the more severe the autism symptoms.

Parents May Be Able to Lower Kids' Autism Risk 

[Source:  Time]

With the help of videos and trained therapists, parents of at-risk kids may eventually help their toddlers to avoid an autism diagnosis
 

Autism experts still disagree over a lot of things about the developmental disorder, but there is one idea that unites most of them - that the earlier the condition can be diagnosed, and the sooner interventions, from medications to behavioral therapies, can be tried, the more likely that child will be to develop normally.

Difficult Behavior in Young Children May Point to Later Problems

It's normal for a young child to have tantrums and be otherwise disruptive, but researchers have found that if such behavior is prolonged or especially intense, the child may have conduct disorder, a childhood psychiatric problem that could be a harbinger of antisocial behavior.

Feds Put New Focus On Down Syndrome

[Source:  Disability Scoop] 

As people with Down syndrome live longer than ever before, the National Institutes of Health is looking to reshape its efforts related to the chromosomal disorder.

The federal agency is tweaking its Down syndrome research priorities and adding a new focus on life's later years and associated conditions.

Placement of the Week: PT in Fayetteville, AR  

Congratulations, to Lori Y., who just took a position with one of our more progressive clients in the Fayetteville, AR area.     She will be working with collaboratively with PTs, OTs and SLPs to serve youngsters from birth to 18.

Great Job, Lori!

Hot Jobs:  Pediatric Home Health OT and PT or PTA

Hot Jobs:  School Psychology Positions Throughout California

Activity of the Week: Snowman Describing Game  

Check out this great game for articulation, language and or fluency practice.

Game consists of a variety of different snowman carts.  You can use the game for:

• /sn/ practice
• using adjectives
• asking questions
• complex phrases
• details

Another Seasonal Activity: Hole Punched Hearts  

This easy Valentine's Day craft was inspired by these hole punch snowflakes we posted years ago. What I love about these hearts aren't just that they are pretty , they are so simple and are a craft that you can put down and start dinner, run to the bust stop to pick up a sibling, or put away until the next day. Using a hold punch is a wonderful tool for building hand strength but make sure you have the right size punch that your child can maneuver to avoid any frustration.

Recommended Apps: Top Apps of 2014  

To ring off the new year, I wanted to support a great website and vision of Mai Chan and her team at Yapp Guru (which includes the Aubrey Klingensmith of Speechie Apps and Tanya Coyle of the Lexical Linguist, both smart and passionate women). If you haven't checked out Yapp Guru, I encourage you to. It's the "amazon" of apps for therapists. Apps are reviewed by experts, categorized, and voted on by not only by experts in the field, but by treating therapists, educators and parents. It's a

Another Winter Craftivity: Dotted Mittens 

Editor's Note:  This would be a terrific activity for artic trials!
 

[Source: Creative Connections for Kids]

It is mitten season! This is a quick and easy craft that even toddlers can make. Choose favorite colors and stickers to decorate these simple mittens. Read a mitten story for a literacy connection too!