Where can I find usefull information on low functioning Autism?

Question

My boyfriend has what I would consider to be a low functioning Autistic daughter. ie: can not verbally communicate at all, very low intrest in much of anything, she is 12 and enjoys swinging, swimming, barny, and rocking. She seems to understand what you are saying, however is still working on tasks such as washing her hair, and getting dressed on her own. I have been trying to find information on this level of autism, however the only info. that I can find is about high functioning Autistic people. I would really like to talk to a parent of a non high functioning autistic child.

Answer 1

hi my best friend have a daughter just like your step daughter and even when  she was younger till this day she is 20 she has no interesting I mean nothing only ipod when the little kids play with her things she is like a baby gimme its mine no i dont want them to play with it and cry too everyday you have to tell her to go shower and when she gets dress remind you she has alot of clothes ok and she will dress like a bum all day long and she is 20.But I tell her mother dont worry she will be ok its hard for them because we dont know what they are thinking oh by the way my 11 year old son has pdd-nos and take time with him i dont allow no one to speak to him hard no way but he is a very good boy even in school he is good.Just btake time with her trust me it is hard real hard to get them interested in something...their is info all over the computer for the just punch in special needs children.com or pdd and take it from their because their is help out theit for them how does she do in school?

Answer 2

Sounds like you could be right - called Classic Autism. Well spotted. Try National Autistic Society www.autism.org.uk

Tel: [phone]

PS I'm Autistic ......there is help and hope out there. Good Luck!

Answer 3

look at the O.A.S.I.S. website, and look into CARD centers. Ask at your local school system. Good for you, caring about the child. YOu can probably find a local support group for families of people with classic autism.

Blessings

Answer 4

http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publicati...

Answer 5

http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publicati...

Answer 6

I have two kids with autism. Despite what many uninformed doctors and insurance companies may say, autism is treatable - even low-functioning autism. And it's never too late to start treatment.  If your boyfriend's daughter seems to understand what you are saying, she might be a good candidate for learning some simple sign language.

By far, the single most effective treatment for my kids has been ABA (applied behavior analysis). This has a confusing title, but it is essentially a method for teaching various skills. You can take any activity - speaking (or signing), dressing, playing, social interaction, toileting, etc. - and break it down into a series of skills that are taught, one by one. There are lots of books on the subject. As a starter, I highly recommend "Let Me Hear Your Voice" by Catherine Maurice.

The second most effective treatment for my kids has been what is termed "biomedical". Whatever the cause, most people with autism have common underlying medical problems that can be treated. A wealth of information is provided by the Autism Research Institute at http://www.autism.com/

Answer 7

First off, kudos to you for taking an interest in this child.   You may want to contact the Autism Society in your area.  They can provide valuable information and support.  If the child is in school, you or your boyfriend should be able to get information from the teacher/counselor, etc.  I am the mother of a 16 year old semi-low function son and I am constantly finding resources by searching the web.  Good luck to you.