Angelman Syndrome is a neuro-genetic disorder that is often misdiagnosed as autism or cerebral palsy. Symptoms include developmental delay, seizures, lack of speech, and motor disorders. Named after Dr. Harry Angelman, who first noted and described the symptoms, Angelman Syndrome does feature many of the same characteristics of other developmental disabilities, but it has a certain genetic component that distinguishes it from other disorders. Angelman Syndrome is connected with the number 15 chromosome. Most often, a portion of this chromosome is deleted, which results in Angelman Syndrome. Other genetic causes include two paternally derived number 15 chromosomes, a mutation, or imprinting center deficit. These causes can be screened through a DNA laboratory. While normal pre-natal and birth history is present, by 6 to 12 months of age, a child can begin showing signs of Angelman Syndrome. Developmental delays such as unsteady limb movement or increased smiling are evident. As a child develops, common symptoms of Angelman Syndrome include: Severe developmental delays Movement or balance disorder — ataxia or awkward gait, unsteadiness, jerky limbs Speech impairment — few or no words, receptive and non-verbal communication more advanced than verbal Excitable personality — frequent smiling or laughter, general happy disposition, hypermotoric behavior Other symptoms seen frequently include delayed or disproportionate head circumference or microcephaly, seizures usually onset before 3 years of age, and abnormal EEG. Other possible signs include protruding tongue, frequent...

Angelman Syndrome is a unique genetic disorder marked by developmental delays, seizures, and speech issues.

What is Angelman Syndrome?

 Angelman Syndrome is a neuro-genetic disorder that is often misdiagnosed as autism or cerebral palsy. Symptoms include developmental delay, seizures, lack of speech, and motor disorders. Named after Dr. Harry Angelman, who first noted and described the symptoms, Angelman Syndrome does feature many of the same characteristics of other developmental disabilities, but it has a certain genetic component that distinguishes it from other disorders.     Angelman Syndrome is connected with the number 15 chromosome. Most often, a portion of this chromosome is deleted, which results in Angelman Syndrome. Other genetic causes include two paternally derived number 15 chromosomes, a mutation, or imprinting center deficit. These causes can be screened through a DNA laboratory.    While normal pre-natal and birth history is present, by 6 to 12 months of age, a child can begin showing signs of Angelman Syndrome. Developmental delays such as unsteady limb movement or increased smiling are evident. As a child develops, common symptoms of Angelman Syndrome include:    Severe developmental delays   Movement or balance disorder — ataxia or awkward gait, unsteadiness, jerky limbs   Speech impairment — few or no words, receptive and non-verbal communication more advanced than verbal   Excitable personality — frequent smiling or laughter, general happy disposition, hypermotoric behavior    Other symptoms seen frequently include delayed or disproportionate head circumference or microcephaly, seizures usually onset before 3 years of age, and abnormal EEG. Other possible signs include protruding tongue, frequent...

The word dyslexia was coined in 1895 but didn't come into common usage until the 1960s. The word comes from the Greek roots dys, meaning "abnormal" or "difficult," and lexis, meaning "word" or "speech." At its most basic level, dyslexia literally translates to "difficulty with words." Dyslexia is usually considered a reading and / or language-processing problem, and at one time in history, it was a synonym for word blindness or the inability to recognize words. Dyslexia is the most common of the conditions named under the broad category of "learning disabilities" or "learning differences," and involves neurological and structural issues related to brain and body development. Other factors — such as allergies, nutrition issues, or heavy metal toxicity — must be addressed because they play a critical role in the ability of your child to learn and act appropriately. These complicating factors can cause mood swings, aggression, lack of focus and attention, and imbalances in brain chemistry. According to the National Institute of Health, dyslexia is "one of several distinct learning disabilities. It is a specific language-based disorder of constitutional origin characterized by difficulties in single word decoding, usually reflecting insufficient phonological processing abilities...Dyslexia is manifested by variable difficulty with different forms of language, often including, in addition to problems in reading, a conspicuous problem with acquiring proficiency in writing and spelling." Dyslexia is very common. It may affect up to 15% of American students, and half of American...

Dyslexia, a common learning disability, involves difficulty with words and can impact reading, writing, and spelling, but is not permanent.

What Exactly IS Dyslexia?

 The word dyslexia was coined in 1895 but didn't come into common usage until the 1960s. The word comes from the Greek roots dys, meaning "abnormal" or "difficult," and lexis, meaning "word" or "speech." At its most basic level, dyslexia literally translates to "difficulty with words."   Dyslexia is usually considered a reading and / or language-processing problem, and at one time in history, it was a synonym for word blindness or the inability to recognize words. Dyslexia is the most common of the conditions named under the broad category of "learning disabilities" or "learning differences," and involves neurological and structural issues related to brain and body development.    Other factors — such as allergies, nutrition issues, or heavy metal toxicity — must be addressed because they play a critical role in the ability of your child to learn and act appropriately. These complicating factors can cause mood swings, aggression, lack of focus and attention, and imbalances in brain chemistry.   According to the National Institute of Health, dyslexia is "one of several distinct learning disabilities. It is a specific language-based disorder of constitutional origin characterized by difficulties in single word decoding, usually reflecting insufficient phonological processing abilities...Dyslexia is manifested by variable difficulty with different forms of language, often including, in addition to problems in reading, a conspicuous problem with acquiring proficiency in writing and spelling."   Dyslexia is very common. It may affect up to 15% of American students, and half of American...

Bright Minds Institute A frequent question from both parents and teachers is how do you discipline children that behave badly — and by that I mean become physically aggressive or start having tantrums and throwing things around physically. The first thing to remember is the fact that patients with Autism Syndromes have a brain disorder. This brain disorder is particularly manifested by abnormal neuropathology. These children have hyperfunctioning of local neural microcircuits in the brain which produce hyperreactivity and hyperplasticity. If we were to stay with those two concepts, hyperreactivity meaning reacting more to any sensory stimulation, most children will hyperreact to auditory stimulation but it is also on occasions visual stimulation as well. Some of them will react to sensory stimulation such as touching or changes in temperature. What this causes is an overabundance of stimuli in an individual who cannot quickly adapt and react appropriately. The other piece of the puzzle that most people do not recognize is that all humans are genetically determined to have patterns of reactivity to very basic specific stimulus. We have a reactivity to situations that produce anger, fear, or threat as examples, and most of our instinctive reaction is to protect ourselves physically. Within those patterns of reaction, aggression is a frequent one. These hyperfunctioning microcircuits in many of occasions become autonomous and "memory trapped" (similar to "muscle memory" through repetition) leading to hyperperception, hyperattention, and hyperemotionality....

To manage aggression in autistic children, understand their brain disorder and avoid overstimulation, opting for calm, secure environments.

How to Modify Aggressive Behavior in Children with Autism

  Bright Minds Institute    A frequent question from both parents and teachers is how do you discipline children that behave badly — and by that I mean become physically aggressive or start having tantrums and throwing things around physically.   The first thing to remember is the fact that patients with Autism Syndromes have a brain disorder. This brain disorder is particularly manifested by abnormal neuropathology. These children have hyperfunctioning of local neural microcircuits in the brain which produce hyperreactivity and hyperplasticity.   If we were to stay with those two concepts, hyperreactivity meaning reacting more to any sensory stimulation, most children will hyperreact to auditory stimulation but it is also on occasions visual stimulation as well. Some of them will react to sensory stimulation such as touching or changes in temperature.   What this causes is an overabundance of stimuli in an individual who cannot quickly adapt and react appropriately.   The other piece of the puzzle that most people do not recognize is that all humans are genetically determined to have patterns of reactivity to very basic specific stimulus. We have a reactivity to situations that produce anger, fear, or threat as examples, and most of our instinctive reaction is to protect ourselves physically. Within those patterns of reaction, aggression is a frequent one.   These hyperfunctioning microcircuits in many of occasions become autonomous and "memory trapped" (similar to "muscle memory" through repetition) leading to hyperperception, hyperattention, and hyperemotionality....

'What? Gluten intolerance? Wheat allergy? Not me!' Gluten-Free has become a fad. Many doctors, dieticians, and nutritionists today may suspect and diagnose Celiac Disease, (CD), yet are mystified about what diet to recommend. Some doctors don't know that wheat is allergy-related and gluten is intolerance, not an allergy. Many people are sensitive to both. Some doctors tell gluten intolerant patients to avoid wheat, barley, and rye. Very few doctors and nutritionists know about cross-links that occur in many foods and especially in many gluten-free products, such as tapioca and corn. Wheat allergy should not be confused with gluten intolerance. Celiac Disease, (Celiac Sprue), affects the small intestine, and is caused by an abnormal immune reaction to gluten. Usually diagnosed by a gastroenterologist, it is an auto-immune related digestive disease that causes serious complications such as malnutrition and intestinal damage if left untreated. Wheat, a grain, contains four major proteins that can cause an allergy Gluten is found in wheat as well as barley, rye, and many other grains oats. Europeans in general are more informed about Celiac Disease than most North Americans. Italian children are tested for CD before they are allowed to go to school, and Celiacs receive a discount from the government for their special diets. It is interesting to know that Italians have the highest degree of CD on the planet. Approximately 20% of wheat-allergic children in the world also are allergic to other grains. Friends and family commiserate, unaware they, too, may be afflicted with...

Gluten intolerance and wheat allergy are distinct; many unaware of proper diet for Celiac Disease, which is hereditary and serious.

Gluten-free? Why Me?

'What? Gluten intolerance? Wheat allergy? Not me!' Gluten-Free has become a fad. Many doctors, dieticians, and nutritionists today may suspect and diagnose Celiac Disease, (CD), yet are mystified about what diet to recommend. Some doctors don't know that wheat is allergy-related and gluten is intolerance, not an allergy. Many people are sensitive to both. Some doctors tell gluten intolerant patients to avoid wheat, barley, and rye. Very few doctors and nutritionists know about cross-links that occur in many foods and especially in many gluten-free products, such as tapioca and corn. Wheat allergy should not be confused with gluten intolerance. Celiac Disease, (Celiac Sprue), affects the small intestine, and is caused by an abnormal immune reaction to gluten. Usually diagnosed by a gastroenterologist, it is an auto-immune related digestive disease that causes serious complications such as malnutrition and intestinal damage if left untreated. Wheat, a grain, contains four major proteins that can cause an allergy Gluten is found in wheat as well as barley, rye, and many other grains oats. Europeans in general are more informed about Celiac Disease than most North Americans. Italian children are tested for CD before they are allowed to go to school, and Celiacs receive a discount from the government for their special diets. It is interesting to know that Italians have the highest degree of CD on the planet. Approximately 20% of wheat-allergic children in the world also are allergic to other grains.  Friends and family commiserate, unaware they, too, may be afflicted with...

Paula: Anna, I'm excited to interview you. It gives me a chance to publicly thank you for the help you gave my children and to let others know there's healing available for kids who struggle! Could you tell us a little about Anna's House? Anna: Anna's House offers educational remediation from the brain stem up. The American system typically treats the symptoms of educational and learning difficulties, not the cause; therefore many of the kids I treat have been shuffled from therapist to therapist. I named our center "Anna's House" because I wanted kids to be able to say "I'm going to Anna's house" instead of "I have to go to therapy." Paula: What do you mean by "from the brain stem up?" Anna: We treat using Neuro-Developmental Delay (NDD) therapy. We believe that the root problem of learning disabilities for many children is a result of abnormal retention of the primitive reflexes in the brain stem, which blocks normal development. If these blockages are removed, the central nervous system is able to mature in an organized manner-the same organized, systematic progression of normal developmental growth. Paula: You became a remediation specialist because of experiences with your daughter, Anna Lee. Could you share a little of that journey? Anna: When...

Anna Buck of Anna's House discusses her NDD therapy that addresses the root cause of learning difficulties, not just symptoms.

Educational Remediation From the Brain Stem Up: An Interview With Anna Buck

  Paula: Anna, I'm excited to interview you. It gives me a chance to publicly thank you for the help you gave my children and to let others know there's healing available for kids who struggle! Could you tell us a little about Anna's House?        Anna: Anna's House offers educational remediation from the brain stem up. The American system typically treats the symptoms of educational and learning difficulties, not the cause; therefore many of the kids I treat have been shuffled from therapist to therapist. I named our center "Anna's House" because I wanted kids to be able to say "I'm going to Anna's house" instead of "I have to go to therapy."         Paula: What do you mean by "from the brain stem up?"        Anna: We treat using Neuro-Developmental Delay (NDD) therapy. We believe that the root problem of learning disabilities for many children is a result of abnormal retention of the primitive reflexes in the brain stem, which blocks normal development. If these blockages are removed, the central nervous system is able to mature in an organized manner-the same organized, systematic progression of normal developmental growth.         Paula: You became a remediation specialist because of experiences with your daughter, Anna Lee. Could you share a little of that journey?         Anna: When...

No one wants to talk about it, but sadly bad things happen during pregnancy. Sometimes babies die and sometimes babies are not born perfect with "10 little fingers and 10 little toes." Since no one talks about these things, going through a difficult pregnancy, when you know your child is going to be born with a birth defect, can be very isolating. Each year about 120,000 babies are born with a defect. The most common are: heart (a common result of prematurity), cleft lip/palate, Down Syndrome, Spina bifida (when the spinal cord develops incorrectly, leaving it exposed), arm and leg, gastrointestinal, and eye defects. They are the leading cause of death of babies within the first year of life. There are a wide range of defects, defined as abnormal structure, function, or body chemistry, which lead to death or physical/mental disabilities. Birth defects are caused by genetics (chromosomal problems or gene mutations) or environmental factors (such as exposure to certain chemicals, infections, drugs–prescription as well as illegal–or alcohol). Unfortunately, for those wondering "Why me?" the majority of the time there are no known reasons why this happened. Here are some tips to help you cope in this situation: If you're struggling to get answers from your doctor; get a second opinion. They should be there for you, to explain what to expect during and after pregnancy, as well as to provide support during this difficult time. If doc isn't meeting your needs, move on. (Yes, I'm saying...

Difficult pregnancies with birth defects can be isolating. Educate yourself, seek second opinions, aim to enjoy pregnancy, and find support.

Managing Pregnancy When Baby Isn't Perfect

No one wants to talk about it, but sadly bad things happen during pregnancy. Sometimes babies die and sometimes babies are not born perfect with "10 little fingers and 10 little toes." Since no one talks about these things, going through a difficult pregnancy, when you know your child is going to be born with a birth defect, can be very isolating.  Each year about 120,000 babies are born with a defect. The most common are: heart (a common result of prematurity), cleft lip/palate, Down Syndrome, Spina bifida (when the spinal cord develops incorrectly, leaving it exposed), arm and leg, gastrointestinal, and eye defects. They are the leading cause of death of babies within the first year of life.  There are a wide range of defects, defined as abnormal structure, function, or body chemistry, which lead to death or physical/mental disabilities. Birth defects are caused by genetics (chromosomal problems or gene mutations) or environmental factors (such as exposure to certain chemicals, infections, drugs–prescription as well as illegal–or alcohol). Unfortunately, for those wondering "Why me?" the majority of the time there are no known reasons why this happened. Here are some tips to help you cope in this situation:  If you're struggling to get answers from your doctor; get a second opinion. They should be there for you, to explain what to expect during and after pregnancy, as well as to provide support during this difficult time. If doc isn't meeting your needs, move on. (Yes, I'm saying...

The stigma surrounding autism suggests that individuals with autism are dumb or incapable of learning and work, but this picture is not very accurate. According to a study published March 2012 in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology, people with autism are more able to sort through information and comprehend it better than people without autism. Many parents and therapists of people with autism often document that these individuals, while they might lack in certain subject areas, find it easy to focus on certain things, and this enhanced ability is often centered on subjects like computers and technology. In the study, 16 adults with autism and 16 adults without autism participated in information processing tests. The results show that the adults with autism often performed better when the tests became more difficult, which shows they can function well in challenging conditions, and they can often perceive more information than the "typical" adult. What implications do such studies have for adults with autism or those individuals transitioning to adulthood? While many parents focus on the here-and-now aspect with their children with autism, there is often not as much attention on what happens when public school and therapy support ends. Since individuals with autism often display enhanced abilities in certain areas, the prospect of them attending college or holding a job should be great. The College Autism Spectrum has identified 15 universities and colleges in the United States who provide programs to help...

Contrary to stigma, studies show people with autism excel in processing info & can thrive in college/jobs with proper support and programs.

College and Jobs for People with Autism

 The stigma surrounding autism suggests that individuals with autism are dumb or incapable of learning and work, but this picture is not very accurate.   According to a study published March 2012 in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology, people with autism are more able to sort through information and comprehend it better than people without autism. Many parents and therapists of people with autism often document that these individuals, while they might lack in certain subject areas, find it easy to focus on certain things, and this enhanced ability is often centered on subjects like computers and technology.   In the study, 16 adults with autism and 16 adults without autism participated in information processing tests. The results show that the adults with autism often performed better when the tests became more difficult, which shows they can function well in challenging conditions, and they can often perceive more information than the "typical" adult.   What implications do such studies have for adults with autism or those individuals transitioning to adulthood? While many parents focus on the here-and-now aspect with their children with autism, there is often not as much attention on what happens when public school and therapy support ends. Since individuals with autism often display enhanced abilities in certain areas, the prospect of them attending college or holding a job should be great.    The College Autism Spectrum has identified 15 universities and colleges in the United States who provide programs to help...

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects as many as 500,000 children and adults each year. What is cerebral palsy? Cerebral palsy is the term used to describe the many disorders caused by abnormal development or damage to the brain before, during, or shortly after birth. It is commonly seen in babies that were premature or were delivered during a complicated birth. Mothers with infections, seizure disorders, or other serious medical problems are more likely to deliver a baby with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy presents itself in an individual in infancy or early childhood. Usually as the brain and nervous system develops in the child, cerebral palsy can be seen and diagnosed. Infants and children with cerebral palsy are slow to develop and reach milestones, such as rolling over, sitting up, or crawling. As children grow older, cerebral palsy affects their muscle tone, movement, and muscle control. Simple tasks, such as walking or bladder control, are very difficult for them. Each individual with cerebral palsy is affected differently. Some symptoms of cerebral palsy can be mental retardation, learning disabilities, breathing problems, deformities of the skeleton, eating and digestive problems, and hearing and vision problems. These are common symptoms for many individuals, but all individuals with cerebral palsy are affected differently and exhibit different signs. What Is Cerebral Palsy: Types of Cerebral Palsy Like with many disorders and special needs disabilities, cerebral palsy can vary in severity....

Cerebral palsy, affecting 500k yearly, is a brain disorder from birth-related damage, affecting muscle tone, movement, and development.

What is Cerebral Palsy?

 Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects as many as 500,000 children and adults each year. What is cerebral palsy? Cerebral palsy is the term used to describe the many disorders caused by abnormal development or damage to the brain before, during, or shortly after birth. It is commonly seen in babies that were premature or were delivered during a complicated birth. Mothers with infections, seizure disorders, or other serious medical problems are more likely to deliver a baby with cerebral palsy.     Cerebral palsy presents itself in an individual in infancy or early childhood. Usually as the brain and nervous system develops in the child, cerebral palsy can be seen and diagnosed. Infants and children with cerebral palsy are slow to develop and reach milestones, such as rolling over, sitting up, or crawling.   As children grow older, cerebral palsy affects their muscle tone, movement, and muscle control. Simple tasks, such as walking or bladder control, are very difficult for them. Each individual with cerebral palsy is affected differently. Some symptoms of cerebral palsy can be mental retardation, learning disabilities, breathing problems, deformities of the skeleton, eating and digestive problems, and hearing and vision problems. These are common symptoms for many individuals, but all individuals with cerebral palsy are affected differently and exhibit different signs.     What Is Cerebral Palsy: Types of Cerebral Palsy    Like with many disorders and special needs disabilities, cerebral palsy can vary in severity....

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