Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Hyperkinetic and Autistic Children: Know The Difference

They have different ways to express themselves. Sometimes the difference is very subtle, but they're not the same.


Your autistic children can act strangely sometimes, but that’s only because they’re different from the rest, they do things their own way. “Hyperkinetic Disorder” is another term for “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder” (ADHD), a condition in children who have three main kinds of problems: overactive behavior (hyperactivity), impulsive behavior and difficulty to pay attention. As neurodevelopmental disorders, both ASD and ADHD share some phenotypic similarities, but are characterized by distinct diagnostic criteria.

Some people tend to think that autistic children and hyperkinetic children are the same, but they are different in many ways, and you must treat them according to what their conditions are. Children with autism are better at focusing in general, while hyperkinetic children are not good as them at concentrating. It may not look like much, but it marks a big difference between both disorders.

Hyperkinetic children have a hard time finishing tasks, they just jump from one task to the other without ending them. Autism children do all their tasks in the order that is given and are better at organizing their ideas.
Cognitive impairment, delayed language and motor development are more common in hyperkinetic children, making them have low self-steem and feel left out when compared to children with no special needs. Autism children do share this; since they have problems communicating with other, it’s difficult for them to communicate and speak up their mind.

Both of them have their own ways of processing and learning. You must give them attention and take care of them because you, as a parent, have a big responsibility. All special-needs children need to keep their minds occupied on something. With Autism Soccer you’ll have that and even more; your kids will be fit and ready to face the future. Call them!
Don't expect the same reaction, Their way if interpretation and retentive are not that similar.




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Monday, February 27, 2017

Social Media and Children

He has access to almost unlimited information. Talk to your children and give them some guidance on what to look for.

You’ve probably heard or used them at least once today. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and many other social media platforms are a prevalent part of the lives of everyone in the modern world, and more than 60% of the population spends a good time of their day checking their profiles, interacting with friends and strangers through these platforms. Now, for well seasoned adults this is not a problem, but for parents of small children, social media can be a real danger. Opportunistic predators, not child-proofed content and many other bad things can come their way if you don’t protect them from these platforms. But since they are so ingrained in the habits of the XXI century society, what can you do to make them safe in them?

It comes as no surprise that parents have requested these platforms to take a step into the fight to keep children safe. Enabling children-safe content policies, using filters, some even allow extensions or non-native apps to be installed in order to protect them from the dangers of the world. This however, comes as no substitute for the attention that only a concerned parent or caretaker might give. People with bad intentions can try to lure children with offers through their profile, or use innocently posted pictures as material to do harm to others.

The idea is that they are mature enough to comprehend what they can and can not share, what topics to talk about and what’s wrong to do on those platforms. You as a parent need to inform them about the dangers of using images to do harm, and help them understand the powers and the dangers of it. This however, does not mean that after giving them a talk you can let them use social media freely, no. Take a few minutes a day to monitor their profiles if they use them unsupervised. Sometimes children can not see how something apparently innocuous such as phone numbers and other personal data can generate trouble.

At Autism Soccer we encourage the safe use of social media platforms. After all, they will be in the horizon for years to come, and will help children and adults alike get information in an instant, with the help of tablets and smartphones. They can be used to create wonderful things, and to enrich the experience of children with the world. Just remember to keep an eye open and generate the necessary trust for them to come to you when they feel something isn’t right on their social media profiles.
Sit with them and let them explore, so they understand what's right when interacting.




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Thursday, February 23, 2017

Fruits Your Child Needs to Eat Now

Fruits are nutritious, Offer them a healthy snack.

There’s an old saying that’s been used for more than a century that goes like this: “An apple a day, keeps the doctor away”. To take it literally would be a mistake; the actual interpretation is that eating fruits in a daily basis can boost your health (you still need to check yourself with a doctor!). Fruits are fundamental because of the amount of benefits they give, without adding fat or damaging your system. Since they come in many different types, each fruit has its own set of characteristics.

Another thing about fruits that never fails: most of the children love them! Their taste is exquisite, and it’s very difficult that your children would not enjoy eating them. But since we are talking about special needs children, then you have to be on the lookout for possible effects of fruits on their system. Here’s a list of recommended fruits that your child needs to eat now:

  • Apple: The best example of a healthy fruit, apples fight off cholesterol making your child’s arteries free of them. Apples also strengthen their immune system, making them better prepared to be outdoors.
  • Watermelon: 92% percent of watermelon consist of water, but that’s not all, this fruit is filled with nutrients. With antioxidants, amino acids and vitamins A, B6 and C. Also, kids love this fruit in juices, so there won’t be a problem in eating it.
  • Pineapple: This tropical fruit is well known for its distinctive flavor, but it also has some incredible nutritional values. To start, it boost their immune system. They also have a good amount of manganese, which strengthen bones and helps in their recovery.
  • Tomato: Their benefits go from good stomach health, reduced blood pressure, increasing digestion, reduce cholesterol levels and improve fluid balance. This could be more difficult for your children since it’s not that sweet, but incorporating it with salads or when cooking can make your children take advantage from its benefits.
There are much more fruits your kid can eat and boost their growth while protecting them from diseases, the ones I listed are orientated mostly on the immune system and the growth of children, which are essential in this stage of his life. It’s not all about eating fruits though, remember they need to exercise as well. Make sure you call the people from Autism Soccer, to get all that energy flowing and in use.

When you feed your child with fruits, they will have more energy and feel more inclined to eat natural meals.



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Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Dancing With Autism

Teaching your kid how to dance can make him build self-trust while learning.

I’ve been covering various styles of art expression that Special Needs Children can practice and learn to improve their social skills and cognitive abilities for a joyful present and a better future. Today I’ll be talking about one that has a very different technique: Dancing.  By dancing you can express emotions through movements; it doesn’t require communication because it expresses itself nonverbally. The dancer prepares their performance carefully and follows every step until he finishes.

We know for a fact that autistic children’s way of communication can vary from one child to another, but most of them do it nonverbally. When dancing, children can connect and channel their way of expression, while also opening up to their peers and instructor. There’s more: When dancing, music comes into play by making the kid focus on what he’s listening to and do sequences at the same time, making both sides of the brain work. There are also dancing therapies that base their teaching into further development of the connection of those hemispheres. Social interaction, not only with companions but with the public when there’s a show. 

The courage needed for that can make them able to face real life situations, which require social interaction. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing your children in stage doing choreography, showing what they have and proving everyone how wrong they were. When dancing in groups, they create bonds with other kids and grow in an interactive environment. 

As a parent, you have to understand that before doing all this, you have to make sure your children is connecting with the activity, do not force things for him, it’ll make it worse in the end. 

Special needs children understand and learn fast, they are able to become excellent dancers if you give them time and patience. All they expect from you is to love them and make efforts to connect, and if you can, make them practice sports too. With Autism Soccer you'll have both love and physical training, they'll be ready for dancing any time! 


Incentivize them with compliments and keep reminding them how good they are.




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Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Choosing The Right Channel

Be careful of what you let your child watch. Remember, he is very good at retaining information.

The television, just like most of the technology that was born in the late 19th century, is one of the biggest inventions made for the comfort of men. Nowadays, it’s very normal going to someone’s house and see a TV in the living room, programmed to show what the owner wants to see.
You probably love sitting on your couch and watching some sports on sundays, and the news on Monday mornings. But have you wondered what does your children watch? Perhaps you let them watch whatever they want to. I’ll have to give you a piece of advice: don’t let them watch everything on TV, as special needs children, they could be mentally affected to non-proper contents.
What’s the best channel for my children? That question varies depending of every specific case. In some cases there are children who enjoy watching movies appropriate for their age or educational cartoons that enhance their intelligence. Others might even like watching complex programming (but not violent), and are able to understand what’s happening in those shows. It’s in your hands to decide what’s right or wrong for your children, but be on the lookout for the remote control. Use parental control in these cases, so your child doesn’t get into the wrong channel.
It’s not just the channels he watches that you need to control, but the time he spends on the TV. Never let your children watch TV more than 4 hours (under the age of two). More than that can create addiction, in some cases their perception or reality gets affected. It’s important that you monitor this, your child has to accept these terms as well, or you might have a problem of disobedience.
Special needs children are very smart and aware of what’s going on, choosing the right channel can be the difference between helping or damaging their growth. It can be hard when your child doesn’t want to listen because of the TV, but if you show him that outside can be fun as well, he/she will try it gladly. Want to try sports? Autism Soccer has the answer for you, preparing your children for what’s yet to come.
Their way of interpretation is different, avoid showing him confusing or complex shows.


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Monday, February 20, 2017

On a Roadtrip



Being home is like heaven for your children: they can play around freely, watch TV, play with their pet, toys and be relaxed in general. But there will be times where you’ll have to leave home to travel and visit someone or just for the pleasure of seeing new places. You as a parent, are aware of the condition you child has and know this won’t be easy for him. Luckily, we have some ideas on how you can help him having a good time when traveling: 
  • Prepare yourself and your family for the trip: I mean mind preparation, for every member of the family, and for your children. He needs to know where he’s going, and you have to be prepared for his reactions according to the place you’re going.
  • Let him bring his stuff: Anything that could help him not being so nervous for the trip, his favorite toy, a book he loves. The idea is to make the trip fun for him, or at least tolerable.
  • New surroundings: Every time you make a stop tell your kid not to worry, tell him you’re on an adventure and tell him stories to keep his mind busy from the fear of being in strange places. If going to a crowded town or city try to have all the things you need ready for your child (earplugs, his toys), this can be hard, but with effort your child will embrace the situation.
  •  Bad things can happen: You have to face the fact that your children won’t be behaving perfectly during the trip, have that in mind. Instead of making the situation worse for your kid, try to understand and don’t lose patience. He needs you as a parent.
 Do not stop yourself from traveling with your children, but always make a good planning for every single trip you’ll make in the future. You can always count with Autism Soccer to help your child develop social skills while getting in shape for those long trips.

Put on his favorite music, take photos with him, do all you can and be patient.

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Friday, February 17, 2017

Influence of dogs in the growth of Autism Children

A high percentage of kids end up bonding with their pet and develop better social skills than kids that didn't interact with dogs.

Known as the best friend of men, dogs have been around humans for almost 10.000 years. In the beginning, it was a relation of mutual benefits: they helped in the hunt and humans rewarded them with food. Of course, things have changed now, they’re still our companions but now they’re also friends and in most cases, part of the family.

Dogs are very smart animals, capable of comprehending human feelings. Their levels of empathy towards their owners can be surprising: A dog can feel when his owner is sad or depressed, or feel the joy of his happiness. They may not be able to talk, but they understand you.

When introducing a dog to the family you have to be aware that your children may feel insecure about him, and perhaps won’t try to get near at first. There are cases when the children just won’t accept it, that can be a possibility. But on other cases with time they will end up loving each other (the process is different for every child with special needs). You may not know it, but letting your children establish bonds with a dog strengthens their social skills. Also, being in the company of a dog will provide them unconditional love, this will prove to be very important for their future.

The dog your children need can’t just be any dog: it has to be a service dog or at least one that’s friendly towards children, like the Golden Retriever, Newfoundland, Beagle and the Collie. Those are breeds that love being around kids, and will not cause any problems.

Your children need attention, and sometimes it’s difficult for you to be always there for them. Now that you have the perfect dog for him, he won’t feel alone when you’re not around. And if you’re in need of help on getting your children in shape, remember contacting Autism Soccer, they’re the best at sports. Your children need the best help you can give, with them you’ll have it.

Dogs who receive love from their owners will find comfort in the arms of their children, let them smile together.



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Thursday, February 16, 2017

Paint the Autism

Individuals with autism can sometimes develop the hability to paint beautiful pieces or art.
There are forms of expression that aren’t just said with words. Music, literature and composition are examples of this. Painting is a form of expression that requires a creative mind and deep inspirational ideas to be done. Imagine how it feels like to be recognized for what you did with your brush on hand. Painting is a way to express what you feel or think through specific techniques that differentiate between artists, and the whole process of painting until it’s done: that’s art.

Autism children have a characteristic way of being that’s very similar to the attitude of artists: they’re different, and they’re aware of that. That’s what makes them so special and unique.

Children with autism are as capable of making art as those who do not have this special condition. Since some of them find it difficult to express emotions, art shows itself as the solution for the problem. They’re highly visual, so given the chance and the practice, your children can become a true artist.

How does art affect the growth of children? Massively, just like I said: they’re visual-oriented, they can extract lots of information just by watching. And there’s more, when drawing, it also helps with their social interaction in a group, a better notion of their surroundings and awareness of what’s going on. With some practice in that area those skills can increase further, making them even better at painting.

Art has many ways of being interpreted. Autism children put all their feelings and thoughts in what they draw, making them very diverse in the art they make. Encourage your children in trying new things; get them materials to give them freedom to choose. They need you to make what they want to happen, and you have to be there and aid them in their way. If you’re in the need of support for your children, Autism Soccer will be there for you. Reach for them and rest assured that your child will be in safe hands.

Children with autism are better at processing little details, showing more drawing talents.



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Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Mozart and Autism: Sounds Of Knowledge

Therapy with music has great impact and improves their social skills, cognition and communication with peers.

Music has been in the history of mankind for a very long time, and it never ceases to evolve along with our capacities as human beings. It’s incredible how much a song can affect people’s mood: from sadness to rage, peace, calmness, joy, happiness, all from listening to music. If chosen correctly, it’s the best therapy for the mind.


Children with autism are not exceptions of its effects; kids with this special trait are very receptive to what they hear. Listening to music makes them relieve stress and also stimulates their brains when listening to songs that remind them of experiences they lived or moments associated with happiness.


Most of the children with autism find it difficult to communicate in a verbal way or understanding what’s being said to them. This makes it hard for them to express emotions properly and this can make them feel depressed and frustrated. Music opens up a path for verbal communication, as it stimulates parts of the brain that are associated with social interaction. Thus, they become more courageous when meeting new people, as they feel comfortable if the music and environment are appropriate.


Same applies with learning and cognitive processes. Studies have shown that children who were exposed to music when younger, have better learning skills and also develop a better spatial recognition. Autistic children who interacted or learned to play an instrument also have better mathematical reasoning.


If you can, try music therapy with your children. Don’t be afraid of the consequences, there are no risks in this therapy and your kid will be thankful for the opportunity and will grow exponentially in the process.


As Confucius says: “Music produces a pleasure which human nature cannot do without.” You as parents, have the responsibility to let your children experience the joys of the music. Don’t forget they need you as a guide. You’re their biggest example to follow, so you must show them how much you care. Remember you’re not alone in this, you can always count with the experts of Autism Soccer, they’ll help you raise your children in the best way possible.

Listening to instrumental music while learning or studying has proven to be more profitable than just studying in silence.



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Tuesday, February 14, 2017

They Love Books More Than You Think

They're better at processing visual-related contents, use that to your advantage. 

Kids love fantasy stories, we know that. Everyone remembers what was like to see Pinocchio’s adventures or Peter Pan flying around with his friends. The fantasy movies have magic in them that no kid can resist. The same magic is on the books, and they have a stronger effect on children. Most of the adults that used to read or being read as kids, developed better social capabilities, strong brains and a positive attitude towards reading.


It won’t be easy to make grow your special kid into the habit of reading, but once he does, you will notice the difference in the future. Let me give you some tips on how to make him fall more in love with you (and books):


  • It’s never too early to learn: Children with autism develop literacy skills at the same time as other children. Encourage them to learn by playing visual and verbal games, associate words with images, let him watch and process the information he’s receiving.
  • Don’t wait until he starts talking: They can hear you perfectly. The main reason a child starts talking is because he is listening, so communicate with him, read him stories, show him how to read by pointing the letters of the book and saying them, slowly, syllable by syllable.
  • Daily lessons: Make the routine a lesson. Put labels in things he usually sees, name them for him: The TV, the table next to his bed, most of his toys. He will associate them little by little.
  • Common  books or magazines: Don’t stay in the typical genre of books, ask him what he likes, read him books about trains or streets or even history, as long as they’re illustrated and predictable.


Books are the best way to help your children grow while also bonding together. Reading a book to your child will never be a loss, but hey, don’t forget to let him go out and see the world, and exercise with the professionals of Autism Soccer, which I’m sure will help your children to be ready for what’s out there.

Strong bonding through reading can make him fall in love with you (and the books).

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