Health

How to Help Your Child if You Think They Might Have Autism

Published

2 years ago

February 3, 2023

Do you suspect your child might have autism, but you’re not sure? While only a professional diagnosis can tell you for sure, there are many ways you can support your child while you get a diagnosis and create a plan.

Here are some of the best ways to support a child you think might have autism.

Try a variety of therapies

While you’re in the process of getting a formal diagnosis, start trying different therapies with your child to see if anything resonates with your child. Every child with autism is different, so what works for one person may not work for another. There are several types of therapy you can try that are low-cost or free, including play therapy, speech therapy, floortime, ABA therapy, and more.

Although your child will need a formal Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis to get ABA therapy, it’s worth noting that once you have a diagnosis, you can get in-home therapy, which will make things easier on you and your child. Organizations like Golden Care Therapy in New Jersey will send an ABA therapist to your home to work with your child in their own environment. Getting in-home therapy will reduce the stress your child may feel from being in a new and unfamiliar place.

The more therapies you try, the better chance you have of getting a head start in supporting your child, whether or not they get diagnosed with autism.

Get your child some sensory toys

Kids with autism need to stim, which is just a fancy way of saying they need something to stimulate their senses in a way that allows them to mitigate and disburse the sensory overload they’re feeling. Without toys, kids will find ways to stim using just their bodies and their surroundings, but toys can be extremely helpful and less damaging depending on your child.

Every child is different, so it might take a bit to find toys they like. However, you can find some excellent suggestions from The Aspie World on YouTube. Some toys spin, squish, make noise, or are a series of magnets that can be reshaped. If your child is already fixated on certain types of toys, try to find something that matches their existing interest. For example, if they like soft textures, find some plush toys with a velvety-smooth texture. Try all types of toys to see if they help your child.

Seek a professional diagnosis

Getting a professional diagnosis is the best way you can support your child when you think they might have autism. Once you have a diagnosis, that opens the door to getting services that will help them immensely. Not just while they’re young, but it will help them in their adult life, too. For example, if your child moves out on their own, and they struggle with self-care and household chores, they’ll need a professional diagnosis to get in-home services from the state.

A professional diagnosis will tell you if your child is on the autism spectrum, or if they have a different disorder. Depending on the therapist you choose, they’ll likely be able to diagnose your child with any relevant comorbidities, which are common with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Learn about autism

Next to getting your child professionally diagnosed, learning about autism will help you support your child in many ways. There are many misconceptions about autism that can make it hard to spot the signs of autism. One of the best people to learn from is Tony Attwood. He’s considered the leading expert on Autism Spectrum Disorder and is extremely knowledgeable.

One of the most important things you can learn from Attwood is how to spot Autism in girls. For various reasons, it’s harder to spot autism in girls and some girls don’t get diagnosed until they’re in their 40s. Attwood gave an excellent talk about Asperger’s in girls back in 2015, and you’ll learn a lot from this speech.

Although Attwood’s speech focuses on Asperger’s, it is part of the autism spectrum. As a diagnosis, Asperger’s has been officially merged into the diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

Support your child in every way you can

When you suspect your child might have autism, it’s important to support them in every way possible. While you’re seeking a professional diagnosis, start trying simple solutions, like play therapy and toys for stimming. See how they respond. Once you get a diagnosis, your child’s therapist will suggest next steps to help your child long-term.

Health

What Sets Why Not Natural Supplements Above Other Supplements Companies in the U.S.

Published

1 month ago

November 21, 2024

Michelle Langton

Photo courtesy of Why Not Natural

By: Georgette Virgo

In an industry plagued by minimal regulation and questionable practices, Why Not Natural Supplements sets a new standard in transparency and scientific excellence. Founded by chemical engineer Kelin Marquet, this female-owned supplement company challenges the status quo with clean and effective formulations backed by rigorous research.

Why Not Natural Supplements’ outlook on supplement creation contrasts starkly with many competitors in the $50 billion U.S. dietary supplement market. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require pre-market approval for supplements, which leaves consumers vulnerable to potentially ineffective or harmful products. Why Not Natural Supplements has implemented stringent self-imposed standards that go far beyond regulatory requirements.

“We’re on a mission to educate consumers about what a supplement should look like,” says Kelin Marquet. “As a mother of three, I’m motivated by creating supplements that I feel comfortable giving to my own family.”

A Science-First Approach to Supplement Formulation

Why Not Natural Supplements’ commitment to scientific integrity begins with its founder. Marquet’s background in chemical engineering informs every aspect of the company’s product development process.

“I use my background and strong understanding of science to pore through research articles and choose active ingredients that work – not cheap substitutes you usually find in supplements,” Kelin Marquet explains.

This science-first perspective extends to the company’s use of bioavailable forms of nutrients and its emphasis on third-party testing. Why Not Natural Supplements rigorously tests every product—including their best-selling Organic Vitamin D3 Liquid Drops with K2, 4-in-1 Magnesium Complex, Liquid Vitamin A (10,000 IU) with Coconut MCT Oil, and many others—for purity and potency. This practice sets the company apart in an industry where such thorough quality control is far from standard.

Transparency and Clean Formulations

Why Not Natural Supplements’ transparency is evident in its viewpoint on ingredient selection and labeling. The company maintains a list of ingredients that will never appear in its products, including artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, and common allergens.

“It’s not just about what’s in a supplement – it’s essential what’s not in it, too,” Marquet emphasizes. This philosophy extends to the company’s use of clean, minimalist formulations that avoid unnecessary fillers and additives.

The company provides consumers with clear, accurate information about each product’s contents. This level of transparency is rare in an industry where, according to the National Institutes of Health, supplement labels may not always accurately reflect the product’s contents.

Kelin Marquet emphasizes that each product formulation undergoes rigorous scientific scrutiny, with every ingredient serving a specific, research-backed purpose. “We don’t just throw ingredients together because they’re trendy,” Marquet explains. “Every component in our formulas is there for a reason, in its most bioavailable form, and at the optimal dosage.”

Education and Consumer Empowerment

Why Not Natural Supplements’ mission extends beyond creating high-quality supplements to educating consumers about supplement quality and safety. The company uses its social media platforms and website to provide in-depth information about ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes, and the science behind its formulations.

This educational outlook is particularly crucial in light of the rapid growth of e-commerce in the supplement industry. As online sales platforms capture an increasing market share, the traditional role of natural and specialty retailers as information gatekeepers is diminishing. Why Not Natural Supplements is stepping into this gap, providing consumers with the knowledge they need to understand dietary supplements and find one that best fits their needs.

“We’re not just selling supplements,” Marquet states. “We’re empowering consumers to make informed decisions about their health by showing them exactly what goes into each formula and why.”

In an industry where regulation is minimal and quality can be inconsistent, Why Not Natural Supplements stands out as a company committed to raising the bar through its science-based method, commitment to transparency, and focus on consumer education.

“Our goal is to change how individuals see natural supplements,” Marquet concludes. “We believe that by prioritizing quality, efficacy, and transparency, we can help consumers reclaim their health and trust in their supplements.”