October 30, 2008

FosterParentCollege.com® is pleased to announce it collaboration with Dr. Robert Nickel in the production of its newest 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 newest FosterParentCollege.com® (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 press@northwestmedia.com

To learn more about FosterParentCollege.com®, visit FosterParentCollege.com®