New Course Sheds Light on Autism Spectrum Disorders
January 26, 2009
Foster Parent College is pleased to announce it collaboration with Dr. Robert Nickel in the
production of its course, Children with Autism. Dr. Nickel, a developmental and
behavioral pediatrician, Professor of Pediatrics, author, and specialist in Autism Spectrum
Disorders (ASDs) joins a panel of foster, adoptive, and kinship providers to discuss this timely
topic. In this Foster Parent College (FPC) course, Dr. Nickel addresses the most
pressing issues facing caregivers of children with, or suspected of having, an ASD. Calling on
his 30 years of experience, Dr. Nickel discusses the characteristic behaviors of children with
ASDs, general recommendations for treatment, medical problems common to children with
ASDs, and behavioral strategies for parents and caregivers.
Once viewed as a rare disorder, the diagnosis of autism is becoming increasingly prevalent in
the general population. Currently, one out of every 150 children is believed to have some form
of autism. While the specific cause for autism is not known, the startling increase in numbers of
children diagnosed with ASDs requires that caregivers have at their disposal information and
tools that have been proven effective for dealing with this complex developmental disability.
Dr. Nickel addresses the core deficits in ASDs: impairments in both verbal and non-verbal
communication, social skills, and play. Panel members discuss their experiences with the
children in their care, and Dr. Nickel provides insight into and examples of useful strategies to
help them better understand and help their children. Even though discussions center on
potentially confusing topics such as Early Intervention, Functional Behavior Assessment,
Applied Behavior Analysis, and "sensory diets," Dr. Nickel shares his expertise in a language
and format that is parent friendly, easy to understand and jargon-free. He discusses specific
hands-on strategies including floor time and picture schedules for helping children overcome
their communication and social challenges. Also covered are the very important topics of
common health problems, medication, diet and nutrition, and the theories and risks of
alternative and complimentary therapies.
This course includes nine handouts that can be downloaded by course participants. Visit
FosterParentCollege.com for more details and a preview of this class.
For additional information about this article, please contact fpc@northwestmedia.com
To learn more about Foster Parent College, visit FosterParentCollege.com
