Category: Blog Posts

The world of autism, diagnosis and recovery are constantly changing, shifting and evolving. New studies and research are changing the face of what we know autism to be. The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry published a study entitled “Optimal outcome in individuals with a history of autism” that shows the beginning of a real shift in view of autism. 
  

The study showed that in rare cases, a minority of individuals will lose the diagnosis due to recovery from symptoms. The reasons for such a recovery is unknown. It could be biological or behavioral patterns. At this point that is not known. Researchers are not quick to claim a cure all. They are stressing that this is rare, but significant enough to report. So, beware of false hope. 

What we do know if this – early diagnosis and behavioral therapy are critical when it comes to autism. Regardless of full recovery, those are constants in assisting individuals with autism. (To read more about this study, read – Some with Autism Diagnosis Can Recover Symptoms, Study Shows.)

What kind of individual do you want on your business team? Intelligence is often the desired quality. According to an interesting study in 2011 published in the Harvard Business Review, more women on a team lead to a greater success rate. When given tasks such as brainstorming, puzzle solving, and making decisions, the teams with women scored higher. (Read What makes a team smarter? More women)
  

What makes team dynamics with women more successful? In a nutshell, it’s called being a good team leader. This includes being a good listener, being concerned about others, and being open-minded. These are abilities that come more naturally to women, which is why they are great employees, managers, and entrepreneurs. 

Even though these things come naturally to most women, in order for them to be truly successful, these good qualities must be cultivated. To learn more about how a woman can be a successful business leader, read my article – It takes three things to be a successful business woman.

What does a patient want from a doctor? Knowledge and experience are of course a must, but what about empathy and compassion? According to current studies, empathy plays a vital role in the recovery of a patient. 
  

Physicians, Dave Rakel and Bruce Barrett, led a study about perceived empathy. Patients with a common cold were studied. There were three groups of patients. Group one had no interaction with a doctor. Group two received “standard” care from a doctor. The focus was on the examination with little eye contact. The last group received PEECE. PEECE is the Perception of Empathy in the Therapeutic Encounter: Effects on the Common Cold. Doctors focused on showing empathy and building a connection with the patient. 
  

The results were astounding. The patients who rated their encounter with the doctor as “perfect” recovered from their cold quicker than those who felt a lack of empathy. Dr. Rakel comments, “Compared to earlier findings, this shows even more powerfully how patients’ perception of empathy can support their immune function’s ability to recover from the common cold more quickly and with fewer symptoms. This study gives us a lot of hope that relationship-centered care really matters. There is power in the process before the pill even takes effect.” To learn more about this fascinating study, read – Final Study: Physician Empathy Helps Patients Overcome Colds Faster. 
  

Lack of empathy goes beyond helping the common cold. I believe lack of empathy to be related to many of the problems we see. Stay tuned – I will be writing more on this topic. 

Changes to the DSM-5 manual and the criteria for autism diagnosis is a hot topic. In the manual, Asperger Syndrome will be no more. Anyone with Asperger Syndrome will be diagnosed as ASD-Level 1. There has been a wide range of responses to these changes. Today.com posted an article, Farewell to Aspies: Some families reluctant to let go of Asperger’s diagnosis, that discusses the responses to this major change. 

 

Timothy Bumpus and his mother, Catzell feel strongly that Asperger Syndrome should have its own category. Timothy commented, “Some of the most brilliant people had Asperger Syndrome, and you just can’t put that under the title of Autism.” His mother agrees by stating, “His mind works in a very different way, but we focus on the positive. I don’t call it disabled. I call it differently-abled. There are so many articles I’ve read where people say it’s not a disability at all, that it’s a giftedness. It’s just a whole other level of giftedness. I think [in the DSM-5], Asperger’s should be in its own unique category.”

 

Others feel differently. Deborah Knutesen, mother of a 7 year old boy with autism, has another opinion. She says, “I think if there’s a definition of Asperger’s and you fall into that, then you’re part of the party. If a different name makes you feel better, okay, but you’re still part of it. And you should be an advocate for it. Our society always has to have a class system. It makes me laugh. [Asperger’s parents] consider themselves the upper class of autism.”

 

Time will tell what the long-term effects will be. Experts are optimistic because they believe it will enable everyone on the spectrum to get the care that they need. Download a free chapter of my upcoming book on “Out of Mind – Out of Sight: Parenting with a Partner with Asperger Syndrome.” 

A few months ago, I blogged about Joseph Sheppard. Joseph was particularly inspiring. He was diagnosed with a high functioning form of autism in his forties. Instead of viewing this as a crutch, he looked at his diagnosis as liberating, referring to it as his “inner splendor.” I came across another article on CNN.com about Joseph with an update on what he has been doing in behalf of others with autism. (Read With autism, no longer invisible) 
  

Sheppard is the co-director of Centre for Autism Research, Technology and Education (CARTe), along with Jim Tanaka, psychology professor at the University of Victoria. CARTe is involved in research and development of technology to improve social and emotional skills for children and adults with ASD. They are currently testing games for children to assist with facial recognition and interpretation. Tanaka refers to Joseph as “the visionary of our center.”
  

Joseph is also working on a publication called “Autism’s Own Journal.” This is set to be published in April 2013 and will include fictional and non-fictional stories about autism written by those with autism. This is probably just the beginning of the inspired work that Joseph Sheppard will do in his lifetime. The reason I believe him to be a hero is the fact that he wants to bring out the best in an autistic individual without looking to change them. What a powerful message!
  

For more information about Asperger Syndrome – Visit Asperger Syndrome Frequently Asked Questions.  

Do you remember the beginning stages of your marriage? Often times they are described as exciting, blissful, and passionate. Research shows that on average that lasts around 2 years.
  

But what happens after? That period is often called “the slump.” It’s interesting to note that if couples push through the slump, they usually rekindle that initial phase after the children leave the home. Life becomes new, fresh, and exciting once again. 
  

Long-term passionate love is not realistic. It comes and goes. When it is gone, many couples suffer. It’s not necessarily the passion they are missing, it is the element of surprise. Surprise stems from the brain. It affects the positive emotion in our brains, promoting a stronger emotional reaction. 
 

How can you develop the element of surprise in your marriage? One simple way is by doing new and exciting activities together. Pick an activity that you both would consider exciting. The fun and excitement you experience together as a couple will only bring you closer. If you do the same-old, same-old date night every week that is bound to be boring and keep you both complacent. Another way is to look for little opportunities to surprise your mate. How about slip a note into their briefcase? Or take your husband out to a ball game? When something is unexpected and loving, your bond will only grow closer. It takes thinking ahead and hard work, but it will be worth your while! (Read The New York Times article – New Love: A Short Shelf Life.)
  

For more information, visit Marriage Counseling – Maintaining a Strong Marriage