of twins in the UK confirm that autism has a heritablecomponent but suggest that environmental influences play a roleas well. By examining the inheritance of the disorder,researchers have shown that autism does run in families, but notin a clear-cut way. Siblings of people with autism have a 3 to 8percent chance of being diagnosed with the same disorder.(Rodier, 2000) Autism is not caused by bad parenting.(Autism Society of America) Autism is not caused by "refrigerator moms" as suggested bypsychiatrist Bruno Bettelheim in the 1950s. (Jones, 1999)TREATMENTS Sensory Integrationo Integration and interpretation of sensory stimulation fromthe environment by the brain. (Hatch-Rasmussen) Behavioral Interventionso Early, intensive behavioral interventions may improveoutcomes for children with autism and help them to achievetheir maximum potential.(Center for Disease Control) Diet3o People with autism are more susceptible to allergies andfood sensitivities than the average person. (Edelson) Themost common food sensitivity for children with autism is togluten and casein.o Special diets, as described in Karyn Seroussi's book, maybe helpful to some children. (Seroussi, 2000) Vitamin Therapyo parents have reported that they have tried B6/magnesium and/or DMG often with good or spectacular results (Rimland,1994)TEACHING TIPS FOR CHILRDEN WITH AUTISM Use visuals Avoid long strings of verbal instruction Encourage developing child's special talents Use child's fixations to motivate school work Use concrete, visual methods to teach number concepts Let child use a typewriter instead of writing Protect child from sounds that hurt their ears Place child near a window and avoid using fluorescent lights Use weighted vests to calm nervous system Interact with child while they are swinging or rolled in a mat Don't ask child to look and listen at the same time Teach with tactile learning materials (sandpaper alphabet) Use printed words and pictures on flashcard Generalize teaching(Grandin, 2001)PARENTING A CHILD WITH A DISABILITY Seek the assistance of another parent Rely on positive resources in your life (church, counselors) Take it one day at a time Learn the terminology Seek information (internet, support groups, library) Do not be intimidated Maintain a positive outlook Find programs for your child Take care of yourself Decide how to deal with others Keep daily routines as normal as possible Know that you are not alone Most importantly, keep your sense of humor(Smith, 2000)There are no known causes, no known cures and no good answers asto how to work with children with autism. However, it is important todispel some of the myths and mysteries of autism. View the enclosedPowerPoint Presentation regarding this subject. My goal is to do justthat.ReferencesAutism Society of America (2002) What is Autism? RetrievedMarch 17, 2002,from http:www.autismsociety.org/whatisautism/autism.htmlAutism Society of Wisconsin Autism Spectrum Disorders Statistics. Retrieved March17, 2002, fromhttp://www.asw4austism.org/Incidence.htmCenter for Disease Control. FAQs about Autism. RetrievedMarch 17,2002, fromhttp://www.cdc.gov/nip/vacsafe/concerns/autism/autism.htmEdelson, Stephen M. Allergies and Food Sensitivities.Retrieved March 17, 2002, fromhttp://www.autism.org/allergy.htmlEdelson, Stephen M. Autistic Savant. Retrieved March 17,2002, from http://www.autism.org/savant.htmlGrandin, Temple (2001) Teaching Tips for Children andAdults with Autism.Retrieved March 17, 2002, fromhttp://www.autism.org/temple/tips.htmlHatch-Rasmussen, Cindy Sensory Integration. RetrievedMarch 17, 2002, fromhttp://www.autism.org/si.htmlJones, Nancy (1999) About Autism: A Severe Disorder of theNervous System.Retrieved March 17, 2002, fromhttp://www.closingthegap.com/lib/pdf/1999/Oct-Nov99/jones.pdfNational Institute of Mental Health. Autism. RetrievedMarch 17, 2002, fromhttp://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/autism.cfmRimland, Bernard (1994). The Second