by Kerri Stocks Prior to having children, whenever I heard the word ‘Autism’, I would automatically picture a child rocking themselves in the corner of a room, or think that their reactions to different situations and environments would be too “over the top”. I didn’t realize I possessed such a closed stereotypical view of Autism…
Category Archives: Learn About ASD
What Is Autism?
by Kerri Stocks Autism is a Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) meaning that the development of the brain in an individual with this diagnosis is impaired. Now to help you understand some of the terminology, here’s a bit of a clue… the term “the PDD group” is interchangeable with the term “the Autism Spectrum” or “the…
What is Asperger’s Syndrome?
by Kerri Stocks Asperger’s Syndrome is a developmental disorder that is included in the Autism Spectrum Continuum. It is also being discussed amongst professionals as being no different to High Functioning Autism. Individuals diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome have impairments in social interactions in that : they can have difficulty “taking turns” at conversation; they can…
What is Rett’s Syndrome?
by Kerri Stocks Rett’s Syndrome is a Neuro-Developmental Disorder. The symptoms consist of: Muscle tone loss – early on. Walking problems Crawling problems Eye contact is reduced Loss of decisive hand use as the syndrome advances and also compulsive hand movements follow soon after. Speech loss as the syndrome advances. Though Rett Syndrome appears to…
What is Fragile-X Syndrome?
by Kerri Stocks Research states that Fragile–X Syndrome is one of the most common inherited forms of mental impairment. A change in a gene on the X chromosome causes the Fragile-X syndrome. This disorder can affect the individuals’ appearance in ways of: Long face with prominent chin Enlarged ears Variety of skeletal problems Double jointed…
What is High Functioning Autism (HFA)?
by Kerri Stocks Professionals seem to be very clear in their diagnosis when an individual presents with disorders such as Rett’s Syndrome, Fragile-X Syndrome and Classic Autism. And although there are individuals that can make it through their lives on a daily basis, they still clearly demonstrate autistic behaviors. These individuals are able to laugh,…
What is PDD-NOS?
by Kerri Stocks Wow! Lots of letters – enough to confuse anyone! These letters stand for “Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified”. In layman’s terms this basically means that the individuals’ diagnosis belongs on the ‘Autistic Spectrum’ yet it does not specifically belong in any of the categories of Autism that have currently been…
Common Traits of People with Autism
by Kerri Stocks What do individuals with ASD have in common? The term “Autism Spectrum Disorder” (ASD) is a huge umbrella that covers a variety of symptoms that come with having Autism and it’s related disorders, and as we are aware, all individuals are unique in and of themselves. However, there appear to be some…
The truth about Autism
by Kerri Stocks While I have been preparing my notes to write this, I must admit that inside I am screaming……………….it is such a terrible, and narrow, way to think about individuals that have been diagnosed under the same label! So now let’s tell the truth and put some of these limited mindsets to rest…..
How Is Autism Diagnosed?
by Kerri Stocks The most commonly used diagnosis process for Autism is the DSM IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – 4th Edition, 1994) although a growing number of professionals seem to view this method of diagnosis as ‘inadequate’ or ‘impractical in terms of effective diagnosis’. Basically, medical professionals assess the individual in…
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- What Adam has to say ...
"...work such as Kerri’s is critical in modern times, particularly when the mental health industry has much to answer for in relation to the wider social implications it has created..."
"Contrived out of first hand experience, Kerri has a wealth of practical knowledge regarding the difficulties that kids face when growing up with developmental and social conditions.
Even more valuable to parents and professionals alike, her determination to express that knowledge in an easily digestible format is inspiring and commendable.
The technique she employs is simple, fun, and symbolically assimilating, especially for those without a background in behavioral sciences because the language and concepts she uses is plain enough for anyone to understand.
Practical, front-line work such as Kerri’s is critical in modern times, particularly when the mental health industry has much to answer for in relation to the wider social implications it has created.
Parents need to have resources that help them dissolve the myths about the rigid ways they have been lead to believe kids fit into contemporary society and empower them with the insight to help their children flourish, regardless of any behavioral or social deficits.
Kerri’s work aspires to provide these resources and make them easily available to parents all around the globe."
Adam J. W. Walker
BPsych (Hons)
BSocSc (Soc & Anth)
James Cook University -
