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Animal-Assisted Therapy

Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is gaining momentum amongst behavior therapists across America. A publication in the Western Journal of Nursing Research and the Journal of Developmental Disorders recently advocated for the use of animals, specifically canines, in the treatment of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). Such disorders include autism, Rett’s, childhood disintegrative disorder, Asperger’s and other PDD…

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Benefits of Aqua Therapy Amongst Children with ASD

Recent studies by the Franciscan Hospital for Children, Boston University, and Drexel University uncovered evidence that developmental rehabilitation through aquatic therapy aided in combating the negative behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Researchers Maria A. Fragala-Pinkham, Stephen M. Haley, and Margaret E. O’Neil conducted a 14-week program with children diagnosed with ASD to test…

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Vaccine Has No Links to Autism

MMR shot is associated with increased risk of febrile seizures – considered harmless but in rare cases can flag underlying epilepsy Today, the journal Pediatrics published an update to the 2011 Institute of Medicine report on the safety of early childhood vaccines. The new study, “Safety of Vaccines Used for Routine Immunization of U.S. Children: A Systematic Review,”…

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OCD: Guidelines for Family Members

In an effort to strengthen relationships between individuals with OCD and their family members, and to promote understanding and cooperation within households, we have developed the following list of useful guidelines. These guidelines are meant as tools for family members to be tailored for individual situations, sometimes more powerfully employed with the help of a…

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Tips on Coping with ADD

A mother of an ADD child has 19 helpful suggestions for parenting a child with Attention Deficit Disorder and coping with the challenges. A Mother’s Point of View The following is a compilation of personal thoughts and ideas derived from several years experience raising my son, an interesting, delightful, and lovable child, acquired by using…

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Animal Therapy for Children

In a new report, parents of children with autism describe a broad range of benefits associated with having a specially trained service dog. They feel their child is safer – particularly in terms of curbing the tendency to bolt or wander. They also describe how having a service dog both calms their child and draws a…

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