Since April is Autism Awareness month, I thought I would help to educate some of our readers about some of the different forms of Autism Spectrum Disorder’s and how our candles and help a child that has autism.  Any form of Autism is worth mentioning, more importantly, it is worth learning more about. 

What is Autism?

Autism is one of three disorders in the Autism Spectrum Disorders.  It is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. Parents usually see these signs begin before a child is three years old.  It affects information processing in the brain by altering how nerve cells connect and organize.

 Asperger syndrome - Children and adults with Asperger lack delays in cognitive development and language.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified, this is also known as PDD-NOS or Atypical Autism.  This diagnosis is used when children show many forms of Autism and Asperger yet they do not completely meet the full criteria.

For parents of children that suffer from PDD-NOS, the simple tasks of going to the store or a restaurant  can and often is a major production.  Some children with  PDD-NOS will literally have a meltdown in public.  Just a change in the routine can be a stressful situation to the child. 

The Square Peg In The Round Hole

In a school setting, these children often have difficulties with social cues.  Which can create behavioral problems for them.  They are expected to be just like all of the other children.  Which simply won’t happen.  More times than not, schools are teaching curriculum but the child is not grasping and retaining. 

1. Children with PDD-NOS often appear to not be paying attention, yet they hear everything that is being said
2. Many lack the ability to stop and process a situation before acting on impulse
3. Some have an unusual lack of fear. 
4. Many have low IQ’s yet are very high functioning
5. Melt downs in public are construed by outsiders as the child is throwing a temper tantrum
6. They can be loud and often have to be told to use their quite voice
7. Mainstreaming children into a normal educational environment although great for teaching social behavior, it sets them up for failure
8. They are subject to the bully’s in school and will suffer the schools consequence due to their impulsive behavior to protect themselves
9. They want to feel a sense of success

What You Can Do

If you know someone who has a child that has PDD-NOS, you know that the child maybe very spirited.  What you probably do not know is the impact on the parents.  Understanding what may not be disclosed to you is the first step in helping any parent with a child that suffers from PDD-NOS.

• Many parents of children with PDD-NOS do not have major support systems.
• They live private lives so that their child is not judged by society as being a “problem” child.
• They do everything within their power to prepare the child for any change in routine there maybe so that it is less stressful on everyone.
• They battle the education system for their child and other’s just like them to be taught how the child learns.
• They walk out of parent teacher conferences feeling that the education simply does not understand.  Often times they do not.
• They take the child’s inability to stay focused and on task in school very personally.
• They prepare for war if they have to change a store that they would normally go to.
• They are the child’s biggest advocate.
• Often, the parent feels alone in a sea of wolves.

What Autism Is Not~

Autism is not  ADHD.  ADHD is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.  Often teacher’s commonly confuse PDD-NOS with ADHD.

If you would like to help parents with children that have PDD-NOS you can do many things.  Here is a list to help point you in the right direction.

• Understand the impacts of PDD-NOS on the family
• Realize the child is unique and not a problem child
• Be a friend to the child, have a one on one special conversation with them even a 5 minute conversation helps both the parents and the child.
• Suggest a craft project with them. 
• Natural Beeswax Candles and PDD-NOS

Beeswax candles are a great project to do with children that suffer from PDD-NOS.  Here are some ways it helps the child.

1. Math skills are applied to a fun project
2. Motor skills are used.  Some children with PDD-NOS have problems in this area.
3. The child receives a sense of accomplishment and praise from their finished project.

You can learn more about Autism and PDD-NOS by visiting the National Autism Resource web site.  If you would like more information about natural wax candle projects with a child that suffers from PDD-NOS, please contact me through my contact page which can be found by visiting www.riascollectables.com.  Just put PDD-NOS in the subject line.