Five (Unusual) Wheelchair Friendly Travel Options

Here’s a quick roundup of some fun activities you might not have thought you could do in a wheelchair. From taking to the skies, to hitting the hills, there are plenty of accessible options available throughout the country.  We’ve listed some ideas nationwide to inspire you to find options locally.

Ride in a hot air balloon

air balloon, wheelchair travel, 1800wheelchair.comEveryone wants the chance to leave the confines of the day-to-day grind behind, to throw off the shackles of gravity and to go soaring among the clouds. Fortunately, soaring can be done without leaving your wheelchair on the ground in a range of wheelchair-accessible hot air ballooning trips across the country.

At Love is in the Air Ballooning, which prides itself on being Nevada’s only wheelchair-accessible hot air balloon, riders can take an hour-long journey and see “Sin City” from a different angle. The trip starts over the west side of Las Vegas and offers incredible views of Spring Mountains, Red Rock National Park and, of course, the Strip.

The ride is suitable for anyone who can comfortably sit for at least an hour. Access to the balloon is via a ramp. A special side-viewing window means everyone has a great view of the passing landscape, whether they are sitting or standing.

In case you are worried about safety, the balloon has an FAA-approved locking system, which secures passengers traveling in a wheelchair. Anyone traveling in a wheelchair must be accompanied by at least one caregiver.

Visit the beach

Sand and wheelchairs don’t make the best bedfellows. But all that is changing as more and more beaches across the country up their accessibility. There are generally two options for enjoying the beach on wheels – using a specially designed beach wheelchair or making your way to the water’s edge down a rubber mat in your own wheelchair.

California’s beaches are especially well set up for wheelchair users, as a great example of accessibility, with many counties offering free beach wheelchairs. These have large, wide wheels that make navigating the sand a doddle. While many of them need users to bring a beach buddy to help with pushing, several offer motorized chairs that can be self-propelled. Availability is usually on a first-come, first-served basis, although some require advanced booking. Many of the beaches allow the manual chairs to go into the water, up to about 6-inches deep, so you can get your wheels and your feet wet.

If you prefer to stay in your own chair, check out one of the nation’s beaches with a mobi-mat or other beachfront access way. The mats were inspired by the mats used by the US Marine Corp for beach landings. They are made from 100-percent recycled polyester. The mats are in use at over 30 Florida beaches, for example, and at plenty of other places across the country.

Take to the hills

Track Chair, 1800wheelchair.com, disability, Visiting the beach is one thing, but too often, regular chairs just can’t handle rugged and hilly terrain. Thanks to the Action Trackchair, visitors to Staunton State Park in Colorado can experience the best of nature.

The Trackchair is a combination wheelchair and tank in one. The electric tilt mechanism means users can stay level even while crossing hills and uneven terrain and with a battery that last up to 10 miles (six-eight hours of continuous use), this is one chair that won’t let anything stop you from conquering the great outdoors.

The park has designated trails for the chair (which is available free of charge) that give access to some of the most stunning parts of the park. These include high grassy meadows, a variety of fauna, geological and water features and incredible views of Pikes Peak, Lions Head and Mount Rosalie.

If you prefer to stick with your own trusty wheelchair – electric or manual – there are plenty of accessible paths, trails and tracks at state and national parks across the country. If you don’t already have one, apply for an Access Pass. This lifetime pass, available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who have been medically determined to have a permanent disability are eligible to receive a pass granting access to more than 2,000 sites, including those run by the National Park Service. And did we mention it’s free?

Go camping

Camping isn’t for everyone (think mosquitos, “rustic” toilets and things that go bump in the night), but if it is your thing, there is an increasing number of wheelchair-accessible options springing up over the U.S.

Wisconsin is especially proud of its accessible cabins. It offers two rustic (read: basic) cabins in Copper Falls and Blue Mound state parks and eight cabins with more facilities throughout some of its other parks.

The two rustic cabins are wheelchair accessible indoors. Outside, there is an accessible fire ring and picnic table. Bathrooms include an accessible pit toilet (we did say it could be rustic!), flush toilets and a shower near the cabin.

For those who are more “glampers” than campers, the eight larger cabins might be more your speed. They are wheelchair accessible, have a kitchen with low counter, stove, microwave and fridge and come equipped with two hospital beds with lift. The bathrooms have a wheel-in shower, bench and shower commode chair and, yes, we pretty much guarantee their fair share of creepy crawlies! Enjoy.

Take a hay ride

A traditional fall hayride doesn’t exactly scream something you can do without transferring from a wheelchair, especially as most hay wagons aren’t exactly easy to get into or out of. Fortunately, the folks at Oak Ridge Prairie County Park in Indiana decided years ago that their seasonal hay rides (offered in September and October, only) should be open to all.

The site has a permanent ramp that leads straight into the wagon. Once on board, the wheelchair can be locked into place for the duration of the ride for maximum safety. The only downside of this “traditional” ride is that the horses have been replaced by a tractor.

Guest post from accessibleGO.com  is a travel platform for people with disabilities offering bookings, reviews & community.

Three Ways to Help Your Child

All parents ask “What more can I do to help my child become the best he can be?”

 All parents are scared to death when told their newborn will likely not make it through the night.  My Mother and Dad were no exceptions.

During the first year of your child’s life, you are the center of his world. As the mother, you have carried this tiny human being within your womb, supplying it’s every need for entrance into this world.   As the father, you have been at your partner’s side, comforting her, choosing a name and enjoying planning the arrival of your son or daughter.

The day comes, and your dreams are about to burst into reality. But suddenly, something is wrong.  Your newborn is not placed into your arms but is instead rushed to a neonatal unit, leaving you more frightened and confused than you have ever felt in your lives.

Each passing day brings gratitude;  your baby is still alive, but you walk around with millions of questions and very few answers.  What did I do wrong?  You searched your head, trying to recount every moment of carrying your pregnancy.  You kept every doctor’s appointment; you ate right, never missed taking a vitamin.  You exercised, and dreamed of giving birth to a beautiful, healthy child.

Every newborn needs great care, but your little one needs more specialized care and handling.  You soon learn how to feed and attend to your child’s condition, and you do everything the doctors, nurses, therapists have instructed.

There are many things you as a parent can do to help your son or daughter progress that no one else can do.   Simple things costing very little financial burden can help your child reach goals.

Sleep tapes are a great way of helping your youngster gain self-confidence in hs ability to achieve the best his physical condition will allow.

Studies, such as the one done by Sid Kouider at the Ecole Normale  Supérieure in Paris, and his colleagues found that our brains are as active when we are asleep as when we are awake and capable of acting upon given concepts.

This means that no matter how damaged a brain is, it is still open to accepting positive suggestions, especially when drifting off or already asleep.  Unencumbered by grown-up issues, children’s brains are like sponges, ready and capable of soaking up all the positive reinforcement given to them.

When positive concepts are repeated over and over night after night, the brain translates these ideas to the body.

Sleep tapes can be found on the internet offering a variety of topics, anything from improving inner and outer health to positive reinforcements for champion bowlers.

Your voice is the best

The best way to help your child accept positive suggestions during sleep is to record a tape yourself.

Before birth, your baby knew your and your husband’s voice feeing your love and the comforting, safe sound of your words, sensing you were a safe, positive environment for growth and fulfillment of all of his needs.

Listening to your voice at night will sooth and help the things you say to be absorbed and translated, into action when your child is awake.

My Dad made the tapes.  I   loved his voice.   They relaxed me, and I believed everything he told me.  They became my bedtime stories that would come true.

At first, they were filled with concepts he wanted for my future; health, strength, a great unconditional love for myself and others, a great desire for knowledge, and the ability to learn quickly and easily.

It worked. Within a year, I went from a third-grade reading level to eighth-grade level.  The following fall I enter a regular high school, only a year older than my peers.

At fifteen, Dad encouraged me to write my night tapes.  We sat for hours deciding what to write and taping it.   How we giggled and joked when I tried to taped it. I couldn’t understand half of what I reordered, but Dad got every single word.  I know it was the prelude to my love of writing.

Nothing happens overnight.  In the case of sleep tapes, it’s true, but if you play the tapes three to five times a night, you will very likely notice positive results within a few weeks.

Fill your home with music and your heart will heal

Every living plant, animal, and human being respond to sounds, internal and external and each sound vibrates at  different frequencies   Our universe is composed of an infinite number of sounds constantly stimulating our sense of hearing.

Noises such as traffic, chatter, and phone ringing are giving off Bata waves at a rate of fourteen to twenty hertz per second.  This speed causes our brains to send different chemicals to our bodies.   If the sound we hear is too harsh, our bodies react in a negative manner. We walk around feeling tense, have stomach aches, and are worried and depressed.

When we are doing something we love, being creative, and happy, our brain is experiencing alpha waves at eight to thirteen hertz.  At this speed, the chemicals have a positive effect on our health.

Listening to music with a pulse of about sixty beats per minute can shift the human consciousness from the beta state to the alpha range, enhancing alertness and enabling the brain to release Dopamine.  This natural chemical helps the body to relax and heal.

Dopamine affects our pleasure center, allowing us to enjoy our favorite melodies.   Your child will benefit by listening to happy music. If your son daughter is deaf or hard of hearing, place them where they can feel the melody and the beat. Their body will respond to the movement and the vibrations of the music.

While listening to our favorite music, our pain tolerance increases due to the release of Endorphins from the brain.  When we feel pain or stress our brain immediately sends out endorphins to the affected area of our bodies.

Music being played before bedtime or during physical/occupational therapy sessions helps tightened muscles to relax, easing movements needed in performing the exercise. Therapy is more productive done to soft music.

I grew up in a home alive with musical notes.  Dad and mom loved to dance.  A night rarely went by without my parents either jigger bugging or tangoing across the floor.

Daddy played the Flamingo guitar.  He knew it wasn’t my taste, but my Rock and Roll wasn’t his.

Studies have shown that different types of music send specific chemicals down to our bodies.  Folk music releases Serotonin, a neurotransmitter helping our emotions.

Jazz and R&B can release either Serotonin or Norepinephrine, both a mood enhancer.

Classical music from the great composers fills the heart, body and soul with Norepinephrine or Dopamine allowing us to relax and experience theta range brain waves. Mozart, Handel, Chopin, and Debussy always gave me a sense of comfort, good will, and a sense of security.

Enjoying Music Together

Each individual has a preference for the type of music that sets their souls soaring and their body responding happily.  Play different types of music for your child.   No matter how young or what your child’s disabilities are, fill your home with music.  Discover what makes him smile, kick his feet or clap his hands.

Create family time with everyone participating.  Your child will feel love as the whole family listens to his/her favorite music.

Dance with him.  If your son or daughter can walk, perform different moves with him. Swing your arms, kick your legs, and have fun.  If he has trouble balancing or is confined to a wheelchair, pick him up in your arms, dance around with him, letting him feel the beat and the rhythm.  Show him the music is alive.

Give your youngsters something they can make noise with, a pot and spoon, a toy drum.  It doesn’t matter what it is as long as he can make ‘his’ noise with it.

When I was very young, Mom tied small bells on my wrists and ankles encouraging me to move.  Lol. I was a natural when it came to shaking them!

There are so many ways for you and your child to enjoy music together. Sing his favorite songs with him.  Watch his reaction to different sounds and types of music.  Do certain melodies help him relax, smile, and respond to the world around him.  Do other kinds of music make him anxious and uncomfortable?

The magic of music not will only shower many benefits upon all your children as it brings your family together, it will give you, as parents, a sense of being somewhat in control of your children’s health and welfare.

It will lift your spirits, and you’ll feel more balanced within yourself.

A picture is worth more than 1000 words

No saying is truer than this one when it comes disabled kids

Remember, your son or daughter who was born with a disability doesn’t realize he can’t do things like other children.  Until exposed to the outside judgements, all isjudgmentsh his world.

It is your role as parents to help him accept these differences in a way that it instills confidence, and yes, pride in who he is and his accomplishments, no matter how small they are.

Never tell him that he can’t be a doctor or a singer.  Dreams are vital fo the healthy development of your child.  Even if your son or daughter dreams of becoming a baseball or ballet dancer are unrealistic, do not quash. it

Encourage and enhance all dreams.  My parents did.  At age five, I was strapped into braces up to my chest.  I loved ice skating more than anything.   My Father knew this was impossible given my condition, but each day, in every way, he helped me build my dream.

Dorothy Hamill was my favorite skater.  I longed to be like her.  Dad helped me cut out every picture her we could find in newspapers/magazines and plaster them all over my room.  He bought me a bright red skating outfit and a pair of ice skate which we hang on my bed post.  They were the first things I saw in the morning and the last things I saw at night.   We visited the local skating rink, and Dad held me in his arms (he was an expert skater) and skated around with me, so I could feel the movements and feel the wind rush through my hair.      And I was so proud of my Dorothy Hamill haircut

I asked Dad on the day I got my Master’s degree in Special Education, why he bothered to go through all that for a dream he knew, could never come true?

He looked at me with his big brown twinkling eyes and said, “I love you.   I knew you wouldn’t ever be a skater, but I wanted to give you the self-confident to strive for any dream you wanted.”

Give your child the gift of dreams and confidence to do be his best. Don’t limit them with your fears and doubts. Don’t worry about dreams that won’t come true.   Living with a disability has a way of changing each dream into a goal that can come into reality.  Every dream that doesn’t come true leads to the possibility the next one will.

myfaceSunday Erickson, was born with cerebral palsy. According doctors, much of her brain was destroyed at birth. Despite these dire predictions, she obtained BA in Social Anthropology, and a Master’s in Special Ed and Rehabilitation. She taught United Cerebral Palsy in Ft. Lauderdale, and is a freelance writer and is the author of TU-TU MUCVH.

 

References

https://www.superconsciousness.com/topics/art/how-music-affects-body

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/01/study-performing-music-gets-us-high/267138/ Study: Performing Music Gets Us High/ Scott Douglas/ Jan 1 5, 2013/Health

https://www.neurogenesis.com/Neurotransmitters/norepinephrine.php

https://www.babycenter.com/404_is-listening-to-negative-lyrics-or-angry-music-really-harmfu_71171.b/ Is listening to negative lyrics or “angry” music really harmful for my child?/Douglas Gentile developmental psychologist

https://apneasleepdisorders.com/advantages-sleep-tapes/what  are the advantages of sleep tapes/charles moore

https://www.relax-online.com/susan2.htm//sleep tyapes/susan castle

https://www.scope.org.uk/support/families/sleep/tips

https://www.wonderbaby.org/articles/music-development/mu sic and development: musical ways to engage developmentally disabled children

https://stress.lovetoknow.com/Top_Ten_Relaxation_Techniques_Children/top ten relaxations techniques for child

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232248.php/serotonin facts, what does serotonin do?/by james mcimtosh/ed by helen webberley

https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/norepinephrine/

https://www.articlesforeducators.com/article.asp?aid=92#.VzjGvjbSnSE/understanding the brain and learning disabilities/copyrighted by marcus simmons/2008

https://www.themindfulword.org/2012/guided-imagery-scripts-children-anxiety-stress/meditaion/use these scripts to help children cope with  anxiety and  stress/dr tara zuckerman, phd/psychologist  for children , young adults and adolescents

ttps://www.quora.com/At-what-age-does-a-child-individual-become-conscious-aware-of-his-decision-making/At what age does a child-individual becomes conscious/aware of hi s decision?/Mateusz Szumala/organizational psychologist with a clinical twist

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/Pages/Gender-Identity-and-Gender-Confusion-In-Children/Healthy   Children/ Ages & stages/

https://www.princeton.edu/futureofchildren/publications/docs/09_02_0Jacquelynne S. Eccles, Ph.D., is professor of psychology, education, and women’s studies at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor2.pdf

https://www.ldonline.org/article/5937/Helping parentd deal with the fact  that their child has a \disabilty/

William C. Healey/CEC Today Vol.3 No. 5 – November 1996 The Council for Exceptional Children

 

Understanding Autism

Autism is a disorder that affects one in every one-hundred children born today. Children who lack social, communicative and behavioral skills are likely to be placed on the Autism Spectrum. This scale defines various forms of autism from Asperger’s Syndrome to the “standard” autism that is explored in the following passages. Regardless of the disorder’s severity in a particular case, autism is a serious disability and should be treated as early as possible. Consult the following paragraphs to discover more about the symptoms of autism, the hypothesized causes of the disorder as well as some information about treatment. There are also links to some other helpful websites for your convenience.

Symptoms of Autism

There are different levels of autism, and each person diagnosed experiences different symptoms. Some cannot develop fluency with verbal language. Many autistic people have heightened senses. They may hold their hands over their ears as if pained by normal noises. They also have obsessive-compulsive tendencies and will find ritual activities – such as waving a ribbon – soothing. They may also be incredibly passive or extremely hyperactive. Parents of young children with autism will notice a delay in their child’s ability to pursue social relationships, effectively communicate and develop specified interests. For example, games that many babies like to play with their parents such as peek-a-boo will not result in the expected smiles and giggling. They also may regress to using single words after developing use of complete sentences. Although these symptoms are noticeable as early as eighteen months into a child’s life, a successful diagnosis generally cannot be performed until they are around two years. The earlier autism is diagnosed, the sooner a child can begin treatment.

Causes of Autism

Even in today’s technological world, autism baffles scientists. It is unknown why some children develop the behavioral disorder and many causes have been explored including vaccines, genetics, and bacteria. It has been proven that about 10% of autistic people developed the disorder as a result of German measles, Tuberous sclerosis, Fragile X syndrome, brain inflammation, or phenylketonuria. They have also determined it affects about 1% of children and that males are four times as likely to be autistic than females.

Treatments for Autism

There is no cure for autism. However, most children can make progress. As autism affects social, behavioral and communicative skills, it actually doesn’t hinder the IQ in any way. There are nonverbal IQ tests that can help therapists determine the best ways of helping a particular autistic child advance. Unfortunately, the most effective programs would cost more than most taxpayers would be able or willing to invest. Progress should also occur as time passes and though maturity has brought about significant change in a few documented cases, a person with autism will never just snap out of it. Other approaches being tried include music therapy and pet therapy, amongst other programs.

Understanding

Although they sometimes do not share the same classrooms as other students or live independently, people with autism are not unintelligent. To reiterate, autism does not affect the IQ. In fact, many people with autism earn college degrees. They just need to approach learning differently and at times receive a bit of guidance. Many autistic people tend to excel in problem solving and recognizing patterns. Their math skills are often far beyond the children in their age range and their records on sequential computer games such as Minesweeper can be impressive. Most children with autism will excel in fields such as music or art as well.

 

If you find this article useful, please free feel to link or reuse it. All we ask is for a credit back to our site.


1800wheelchair offers a variety of products for children in our pediatric store. Here you’ll find kid-sized wheelchairs and 100 lb capacity strollers built specifically for special needs children.

What’s the Best Thing to Do About Bullies?

Bullying affects everyone involved and no one comes out the winner. Even the bully is a victim. Anyone can be a bully and may not even realize it. Bullying can be physical or mental and can occur over the Internet, when the bully and the victim are not even in the same place. By creating an environment that promotes respect and acceptance, bullying can stop.

Bullying Information for Kids

Bullying just isn’t cool. But you aren’t powerless. There are lots of things you can do to get help for yourself, a friend, or a brother or sister. The first step is getting information. These websites are designed just for kids like you. Have fun and click around, just make sure that you get your parents permission first.

Stop Bullying Now This website is designed to teach kids about bullying in hopes of putting an end to it. It has sections on defining what bullying is, what you can do, and there are also fun games and webisodes.

What Can Youth Do About Bullying? This article provides information on what you can do if you are being bullied, if you see someone being bullied, and if the bullying isn’t happening at school.

The Bully Roundup This game from BAM will challenge your bully smarts. There are even prizes.

Cyber Bullying Information for Kids

Bullying can occur over the Internet on computers, cell phones, and even Facebook. This is called cyber bullying. Sometimes people who are usually quiet or nice in person, feel more comfortable saying mean things on the Internet. Just like anyone can be a bully, anyone can be a cyber bully. Have you ever heard of a person creating a fake Facebook or Myspace profile about someone in order to make fun of them. This is only one example of cyber bullying. If you think you are a victim of cyber bullying or that you might be a cyber bully, talk to an adult that you trust.

Stop Cyber Bullying This interactive website provides information about cyber bullying for children 7-17, parents and caregivers, and law enforcement.

Are You a Bully?

Sometimes people do not think they are a bully because they do not fit the stereotypical bully profile. Anyone can be a bully, including you. Bullying can be both physical and mental. Bullies can be boys and girls. Bullies can be any age. If you make another person feel bad about themselves, you make be displaying bully behaviors. If you are lashing out at someone because you are mad or upset, you need to get help. There are lots of resources that are available for you. Check out these websites and also talk to an adult that you trust. Once a bully is not always a bully. You can make amends and become friends.

Do You Bully? This article from Stop Bullying Now is a great resource to help you if you think that you are bullying. There is even a quiz to decide if your actions could be considered as bullying.

Are You a Cyber Bully This quiz from Stop Cyber Bullying will help you determine if you are a cyber saint, a cyber risky, a cyber sinner, or a cyber bully.

Bullying Information for Adults

If a child were to approach you about a bully, would you know what to do or say. Sometimes adults provide guidance that can make the situation worse or teach children things that may negatively affect the way they handle situations in the future. By gaining the appropriate information ahead of time, adults can create an environment that discourages youth violence. Adults can also promote positive behaviors that can teach children to be proactive. You can make the difference; start with the right information. Note: The following websites are designed for adults and may not be appropriate for children.

The ABC’s of Bullying This online course provides an introduction to addressing, blocking, and curbing school aggression.

Children Who Bully Could your child be a bully? This article from Stop Bullying Now provides an insight to common bullying behaviors and common myths associated with bullying.

OJJDP: Bullying This article provides strategies for dealing with and preventing bullying. It also highlights three programs that are dedicated to bully prevention.

Bullying Among Children and Youth This article from the OJJDP provides an insight for adults on what bullying is, a model for intervention, the consequences of bullying, and bullying in the United States.

Cyberbullying Research Center This website provides current research and findings about the “nature, extent, causes, and consequences of cyber bullying among adolescents.”

Wired Safety This website provides information on how to be safe on all aspects of the Internet world, including online gaming, Facebook, and identity theft. Use this information for yourself and to help guide your children.

When Your Child is the Bully This article from Family Corner highlights five issues to address if you believe your child is displaying bully behaviors.

How Bullying Affects Your Child This article from My Optum Health discusses the negative effects of being a bully. It also discusses the “passive bully.”

Bullying Prevention Programs

Every bullying situation is different and the solution may require different approaches. These programs are provided to give information to caregivers, educators, and administrators about preventing and dealing with bullies. Note: Not all of the programs listed below are free.

Bully Proofing Your School This program provides training for teachers and administrators on creating a school environment free from bullying. This site contains program information and contact information.

BullySafe USA This website provides various resources for adults on youth violence prevention including a training, publications, and presentations.

Don’t Laugh at Me: Program Information This article will explain the curriculum behind the DLAM program (Includes Contact Information)

Don’t Laugh at Me: Free Packet Sign up here for a free packet about the DLAM program.

Peaceful Schools Program – Menninger Clinic This program focuses on the three social roles of the bullying situation: the Bully, the Victim, and the Bystander. (Includes Contact Information)

The Safe Culture Project This program will teach you how to change the culture from a bullying environment to a one that includes dignity, safety, and respect. (Includes Contact Information)

The Steps to Respect Program This program focuses on the responsibility of all members in the bullying environment to decrease its occurrence.


Check out 1800wheelchair’s catalog ADLs (aids to daily living) which include: support rails, wound care, adaptive clothing and orthopedic shoes.

Autism: On The Spectrum

Autism In Our Culture

Autism is defined as a neural developmental disorder that is most often characterized by communication difficulties and impaired interaction with others. Symptoms may include, avoiding eye contact and a lack of perceivable empathy. Many people with autism display repetitive behaviors, such as rocking and hand flapping. Some behaviors may be self abusive like head banging and biting. The amount of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders or ASD is unclear. It is estimated that, in America, approximately one out of 110 children have ASD of one severity or another. Boys are more likely than girls to be diagnosed by a ratio of four to five, according to current data. Racial and socioeconomic factors seem to have no bearing on the rate of occurrence of ASD in children and adults. Most cases of autism manifest observable symptoms very early and are diagnosed with ASD before the age of three.

The Spectrum

Autism Spectrum Disorders, or ASD, refer to the modern way of diagnosing those with autistic related developmental disabilities. Like many other developmental disorders, symptoms of autistic people range greatly in severity. Diagnosing individuals using the spectrum based model, can help ensure that they are getting the best treatment for their specific symptoms. Lower and higher functioning autistic individuals may require a very separate set of treatments than those who range somewhere in between. Asperger’s Syndrome is typically the most recognizable syndrome associated with high functioning autism. Currently there is a diagnostic distinction between high functioning autistic people and those with Asperger’s. Whether or not the distinction is necessary is the subject of some debate. The diagnostic description of Asperger’s is functionally the same as that for the highest functioning persons with autism, and while a large culture has arisen among those who have adopted Asperger’s as a significant portion of their identity, it may eventually be eliminated as a separate medical diagnosis.

Treatment and Education

There is not one specific, or organized, treatment plan for those with ASD. Individual care and attention to the particular needs of the individual is a necessity. Early intervention is ideal. Special and strong focus on teaching the child the basic skills of talking, walking, and interaction with others before the age of three, can help the child’s development later in life. Continuing to expand on these skills through personalized programs, staged interactions, and education is also very important. A variety of therapies may be combined and integrated into the individual’s life ranging from dietary plans, medication, to behavior and communication therapy. Depending on the person, care can range from daily one on one attention to occasional supervision during education and work. There is no known cure for autism. As research continues, a better understanding of these conditions can be gained. Knowledge, understanding, experimentation, and personalization are key in providing the individual proper care in the here and now.

Research and Causes

There is no known specific cause for autism. The syndrome’s symptoms revolve around the brain, specifically the neural developments. Research on the brains of those with ASD vs. non-autistic individuals; show that the shape and structure of the brains differ. Further research is necessary to understand and develop on the causes of the differences. Heredity is suspected to be a significant factor, and research continues to study those causal links. Experimentation and case studies on autistic individuals can be used to understand the strengths and limitations of these syndromes. This knowledge will directly help individuals, and their families, to recognize and explore new methods, promoting functionality of all individuals with ASD.

If you find this article useful, please free feel to link or reuse it. All we ask is for a credit back to our site.


1800wheelchair offers a variety of products for children in our pediatric store. Here you’ll find kid-sized walkers and 100 pound capacity strollers built specifically for special needs children.

Resources for Parents of Children with Special Needs

Legal Links

US Educational Links

Therapeutic Links

Disability Links

If you find this article useful, please free feel to link or reuse it. All we ask is for a credit back to our site.


Check out 1800wheelchair’s catalog ADLs (aids to daily living) which include: support rails, wound care, adaptive clothing and orthopedic shoes.