Caring for an Autistic Child

Autistic Child Care by: Mary Rose


Autistic child care should start as early as possible. Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears before age three and in some cases as early as 18 months. It is a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain in areas of communication and social interaction. Although the characteristics might be the same, each person is very unique. Autism is a spectrum disorder whose characteristics can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations from mild to severe. An autistic child can be identified very early. Parents are usually the first to notice unusual behaviors in their child. Normally a child of 12 months is expected to babble, say a few words, pick up gestures like pointing and share emotions like smiling with parents. In some cases, the baby seemed different from birth, unresponsive to people or focusing keenly on one item for long periods of time. The first signs of an autistic spectrum disorder can also appear in children who seem to have been developing normally. When an engaging, babbling toddler suddenly becomes silent, withdrawn, self-abusive, or indifferent to social overtures, something is wrong. Autistic child care is best done if the condition is diagnosed before the age of three. The best approach towards it is to count the child's strengths rather than the weaknesses. People use different terms to describe individuals within the autistic spectrum, such as autistic tendencies, high or low-functioning autism, or autism spectrum. Whatever the term, an autistic child can learn and function productively given the appropriate educational plan. Visual and not verbal clue should be focused in building an exhaustive module, to reach out to individuals falling in the spectrum of autism. We need to break routine way of teaching to encourage flexibility and stress on unambiguous communication. We must teach the autistic child life skills in a way that they can easily recall or relate to. Visual augmentation helps a child communicate better. Autistic child suffers from social deficits like speech impairment, problem in understanding others' perception and context and normally communicate in a way that is not understood by others. We have to teach them to communicate in socially identifiable way. Structure makes tasks predictable, reduces anxiety in the child. One can develop a concept using visual gestures. This helps the child which is struggling to recall the sequence. An autistic child's behavior is often mistaken as unruly. But it is only when the child is unable to communicate, it responds aggressively.So, we need to equip the child with better tools to communicate. Structured teaching can be beneficial to help the child pick up life skills. Awareness has to be created to enable families to carry out autistic child care in a better manner. They need to have access to better medical management of the related disorders like aggression, hyperactivity and irritability. Parents need to learn to communicate and give out unambiguous instruction to their wards. There should be support for employment and opportunity for autistic individuals in the society.
About The Author
Mary Rose has authored several books including books related to children and child care.For more information logon http://www.casanads.com/bm/children.htm

Help Needed in Burma and China

Due to the recent disasters in Burma and China more help than ever is needed from you. Please give to the charity of your choice. Burma is now allowing foreign aide. China has already accepted foreign aid and expects to need more as the number of dead mounts.
God Bless.

Paris Hilton - Are You There?

Dear Paris, Here's An Idea…. by: Jennifer Jordan
For the past few weeks, I've been astonished to find there's been no front page news on the life and times of Hilton heiress, Paris. I mean, with America at war, the healthcare system in disarray, and a presidential election creeping up, what else could possibly be more worthy of breaking news than Paris's recovery from her time in the slammer. We're all praying for you dear Paris; get well soon. I'm sure I'm not the only one surprised by this; half of America probably expects Paris to randomly appear on every news station, perhaps speaking at the next State of the Union Address, where - when asked about her feelings on Iraq - she replies, "I'd love to go there; I've never been to Africa" and then concludes her speech with her signature catch phrase, "That's hot." Her dad beams with pride, her mom applauds enthusiastically, her dog Tinkerbell piddles from excitement. Right….and the world goes further to hell in a hand basket….a designer hand basket, mind you. Sarcasm aside, I, like so many other people, simply don't get why Paris Hilton is such a big deal. So, she's a heiress to the Hilton hotel chain. So what? I'm set to inherit my dad's one-man janitorial company and you don't see me getting attention (and he has a really expensive mop, people!). So she's blond, tall and thin. I can dye my hair, wear heels, and throw up after I eat. If that doesn't get me Paris-like attention, I guess I could just stop wearing underwear. I will miss you fruit-of-the-loom. Truth be told, the whole Paris fascination is a bit of an enigma: she's not a big deal, she just makes herself one and that, in turn, makes everyone bite…even if they don't like the taste. Look at this article, I'm doing it too. The Guiness Book of World Records hit the nail on the head in their 2007 edition when Paris received the record for "Most Overrated Person." Still, it's attention, albeit negative attention, and that's probably enough for Paris to deem it "hot." I guess the whole Paris thing just makes me mad. Here is a person who doesn't need to worry about a job or paying rent or whether or not she can afford her healthcare premiums. She's been born with a silver spoon in hand and yet can't even seem to dish out anything good. Is she helping make the world a better place? Does she take her elevated status in society and use it to help others by dedicating her life to a worthy cause? Other than the few license plates she may have pounded out in prison, has she really contributed anything tangible to society? Seems to me the only things she adds to our culture are scandals. I don't know about you, but I'm just about all scandaled out. They're so "Amy Fisher." So, dear Paris, here's an idea…instead of parading around in shirts with that oh so clever (and grammatically incorrect) catch phrase of "Thats Hot. Your Not," go give back to the world. In lieu of hopping from party to party (all while trying to avoid those "pesky" laws) go and do something that helps others. Take your money, take your fame, and take your undeserved power and volunteer at a Children's Hospital, fight for animals, donate money to help the African AIDS crisis, head a fundraiser that helps cancer research. Don't do this for five minutes once a month; include them in your life's dedications. When you start to do this, your biggest dream will come true: you'll find that you really are a big deal after all.
About The Author
Jennifer Jordan is a senior editor for http://www.turbocellcharge.com/. Possessing an infatuation with pop culture – and a gift for stalking – she keeps up on the latest news of the musical world.

Children's Charities

Helping Children's Charities With Your Credit Card by: Joseph Kenny
People donate to charity in a number of ways. They give old clothes, bake and sell cakes, or contribute their time. Now there's an even easier way to support your favourite charity by using your credit card. People have been able to use their credit cards to make direct payments to charity for quite some time. But now many charities are automating the practice of receiving donations by launching their own credit cards backed by major banks. Charity Credit Cards – How They Work Charity credit cards donate to charities in two ways. People apply for credit cards as usual. Once the application is accepted, the issuing bank donates a lump sum to the charity. This can vary considerably, from as little as £5 to £40 or more. The second part of the donation is a fixed percentage of spending on credit card purchases. Again, this rate can vary from around 0.25% to 1%. This means that charities get 25 pence for every £100 spent on the card. Some card issuers offer an incentive for repeated spending on the card or for continuing to keep the card. This usually means another lump sum donation to the charity at the end of a set period, such as a year. Children's Charity Credit Cards There are many charities that issue credit cards, including many popular children's charities. The NSPCC (National Society For The Prevention of Cruelty To Children) card is backed by Halifax and offers a preferential rate on balance transfers for six months. Other credit cards for charities that benefit children include: 1. Barnardos – issued by Cooperative Bank 2. Children in Crisis – issued by Cooperative Bank 3. Childline - issued by MBNA 4. Children's Aid – issued by Cooperative Bank 5. Children's Society – issued by Cooperative Bank 6. Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital - 7. Mencap – issued by Halifax 8. Save the Children – issued by Cooperative Bank All of these credit cards offer a one-off donation when the card is issued, a percentage of spending donated to charity and an additional donation for continued use of the credit card. Looking For The Best Charity Credit Card Deal In addition to donating to charity, most charity credit cards offer the same benefits as other credit cards. It is worth shopping around for the best deal. There are many websites that have credit card comparison charts to help people decide on the best mix of features. Many charity credit cards have introductory offers. These include 0% balance transfer rates for fixed periods. Some card issuers charge a one-off fee for balance transfers to stop the practice of rate jumping. Other introductory offers include long term low interest rates, low or 0% interest rates on purchases, reward points and more. Shopping around for the best credit card deal will give consumers a credit card that suits their spending habits. At the same time, they will be able to automate their charitable contributions. This benefits both consumers and charities.
About The Author
Joe Kenny writes for CardGuide.co.uk, with the latest credit cards, and more info on the best credit cards. Visit today: http://www.cardguide.co.uk/

Donating a Car to Charity

Donate a Car to Charity; You’ll be Glad you Did! by: Seth Scolack
When you donate a car to charity, you are helping a person fulfill a need that they are unable to fulfill themselves. Most of us take for granted the convenience of our car, but for other people, a car is not only convenient but it may also help them to earn a living or provide kids with transportation to school. Besides having helped someone else, there are several other practical reasons why you should donate your car to charity.
For many of us, the thought of having to try and sell our old car that we have had for years is a bad one. Haggling over price with a car dealer and having to spend money to ensure the vehicle is in good enough condition to sell is a nuisance. In fact, spending the time and money on an already old car is sometimes actually counterproductive and ends up costing more money than it’s worth. When you donate a car to charity, you are not required to see that your vehicle is up to working standard. Furthermore, you do not have to spend the money to get your car towed to a lot. You do not have to place an ad in the paper and wait around for people to call or visit your less than perfect automobile. When it comes down to it, selling an old car requires effort. If you are in the position to part with your car and the money that you might make on selling it is minimal, you might just simply choose to donate it.
Speaking of money, one of the great benefits of donating your car to charity is that you are eligible for a tax deduction. In the United States, if you donate to a charity classified with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, you may be eligible for a tax deduction. Before donating your car, it is useful to know the fair market value, which can be assessed by using one of the several guidebooks on the subject. Also, be clear on what your charity will do with the car, as it will make a difference in your tax break depending on whether the car is resold or broken down for parts. Taking the time to speak directly with your chosen charity will answer all your questions and give you a good idea of how they operate.
Donating your car to charity will help someone and will also benefit you. Whether it is to save yourself the inconvenience of selling an old car or not, you can still feel good knowing that you have been generous.
About The Author
Seth Scolack is an avid philanthropist who donates his time and experience in an effort to help others. He writes about nonprofit fundraising and provides other tips for making donations easy. Savvy Seth's Donate a Car to Charity - (www.savvyseth.com).

Alabama School Bus Crash Victims Fund

Fourth Person Dies from Huntsville, Alabama Bus Crash
A fourth person has died from the Huntsville, Alabama school bus crash. The accident on Huntsville's I-565 involving a school bus and an orange Toyota has brought on many questions and much speculation. So, I am going to speculate too. Having driven that portion of I-565, I know from experience that it is somewhat dangerous due to poor design. The ramp offers two lanes leading to the overpass, but the right land ends too soon forcing drivers to cut sharply left and resulting and lots of near misses, angry drivers, and at least one birdie finger that I am aware of(ok..responsible for). The other possibility is that the Toyota may have had a bad strut or flat tire(s). From the news footage, it was visible that the right rear tire was gone, and the right front appeared flat as well. If the right side went flat on either tire, in conjuction with worn out struts, then the car would go to the left rather abruptly. I also used to ride the bus to tech school, the same tech school this kids were headed to, I feel for them and their friends. Tech school is greatly under rated by many parents, but I found it to be a great experience and full of very hard working and honest kids. A fund has been started to help these kids at Redstone Federal Credit Union in Huntsville.

Backpacks for Charity

Backpacks for Charity by: Elaine Smith
There are several sites on the web, that describe programs that provide backpacks full of school supplies to needy children, and backpacks full of toiletries and other necessities for wounded military personnel and for victims of disasters.
A sixteen year old girl, with the help of her Mom and some friends, bought 200 backpacks and filled them with toiletries and other necessities for the victims of Huuricane Katrina. They did this with their own funds except for a wonderful donor who provided the money for shipping the backpacks to the affected area.
There are several church groups all over the country, that have programs which provide backpacks stuffed with all sorts of school supplies, such as notebooks, pens, pencils, paper, crayons, markers, glue and whatever other school supplies they can think of to include. Some scout and youth groups are picking up on and joining this effort.
One program run by couple in California, supplies the children of migrant workers with backpacks and school supplies. They run the program form their garage. They also help poor migrant workers with things like food, clothing, housing and job assistance. A 10 year-old boy in Boca Raton Florida, dreamed up a way to help children in his area.
He began to fill backpacks with school supplies for kids who needed them. By the time he was 11, he had a real organization, and had qualified as a charity under IRS rules. The group donates backpacks loaded with notebooks, paper, pencils, glue and other essentials, to schools and charities, all over the state of Florida, that ask for them.
The young man says that if they tell him kids need the packs, “that’s good enough for me.” The word about this group spread quickly among corporations and non-profit organizations. Corporate foundations, local companies, his Dad’s clients and family and friends all donated cash and supplies. By the time this kid was sixteen he had managed to distribute over 8,000 loaded backpacks.
One of the nations leading office supply companies donated most of the backpacks they have donated about $257,000 in cash and supplies. The young man had enlisted 20 of his friends to help fill the packs, and to personalize them,, and by writing the names of recipients on the luggage tags attached to each pack. The boy’s mom dad, and half-brother all help, and are officers in the organization, however he writes all his own appeal letters.
The last we knew he was worried about finding a successor, since he was heading off to college. He was worrying that the organization would have to shutdown. This would be a great loss, not only to the kids in need, but also to the rest of us, who no matter what our age, can learn from his example. In cities and towns all over the U.S. churches, civic groups, and individuals have been donating backpack with school stuff to kids and packs with toiletries and other items to adults in areas affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. They have no idea what a sign of hope these things are to us.
About The Author
Elaine Smith is a freelance writer with advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of School Backpacks her numerous articles provide a resource of interesting and information. Visit her website for more info. http://www.backpack-n-backpacks.com.