Page 8 - Martin Downs Bulletin - July '23

Page 8, Martin Downs

KIds Corner tIp of the taIl

Storm Phobia using sound therapy and other calming techniques during
Testing Children For Autism storms if they don’t cause too much disruption in your home.
Thunderstorm Sound machines are often used for this purpose, as well as
By Jim Forgan, Ph.D., anxiety is a form calming music. Be sure to avoid punishment if your dog is
School Psychologist of noise phobia that experiencing anxiety, this can make things worse.
Autism diagnoses can occur in dogs. There are several treatment options for thunderstorm anxiety
continue to increase. It’s characterized in dogs. The most common are behavioral treatments, which can
According to results by fear and anxiety be done by your veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist.
from a recent Centers when there are loud noises like thunder, fireworks, or gunshots. Your veterinarian can help you with diagnosing a noise phobia
for Disease Control Common signs of thunderstorm anxiety include: excessive and differentiating it from other health concerns or anxieties.
and Prevention (CDC) barking or whining, hiding, destructive behavior (chewing on If no underlying medical issues can be found, your vet may
funded study, the autism furniture), and panting. prescribe medication for treating thunderstorm anxiety in dogs.
prevalence was that You may be able to prevent thunderstorm anxiety in certain These medications can help reduce stress levels during storms
one in 36 children had dogs by creating a positive association with thunderstorms. This and make them feel less anxious overall. Typically, these are used
autism. For every one can be done by exposing your dog to loud noises and storms by if behavioral treatments don’t work. One of the better treatments,
girl identified with autism, four boys were identified. playing recordings of storms in their presence. You’ll want to especially for small dogs is Sileo which works within 20 minutes.
For the first time, more African-American, Hispanic, start at a low volume to gauge their response. In conclusion, if you’re the owner of a dog that suffers
and Asian children were identified than White Dogs who experience chronic stress are more likely than from thunderstorm anxiety, it’s important to know that there
children. Researchers agree that early identification others to develop fear-related behaviors such as aggression or are steps you can take to help your pup feel better. The most
and use of evidenced-based treatments lead to the best excessive barking when they hear thunderstorms approaching important thing is to stay calm yourself and keep an eye
outcomes for children with autism. (or even after one has passed). If you know that your dog on your dog during storms. If he seems anxious or starts
We test children for autism starting at age 2. There has been through stressful events recently – such as being exhibiting unusual behavior (like hiding under furniture),
is no one test or even a medical test or blood test to left alone too often or moving into a new home – you should then it’s time to implement some changes.
diagnose autism. In our practice we utilize the gold seek professional help from a certified trainer who can teach Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center is
standard assessment called the Autism Diagnostic you how to best handle these situations so they don’t become dedicated to providing the best possible care for your pets. With
Observation Schedule or ADOS, second edition. In triggers for anxiety later down the road. focuses on compassionate care in surgery, physical therapy and
addition, we use caregiver interviews and tests of To help your dog manage his anxiety, you’ll need to create rehabilitation, preventative medicine, extensive diagnostics, and
language, attention, intelligence, and memory. a safe environment for them. One of the best ways to do emergency service, Palm City Animal Medical Center combines
Five criteria should be met for a psychologist to this is by creating a thunderstorm-proof space in your home exceptional medical care with a caring philosophy for pets and
diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder. First, the child that has minimal exposure to light and sound. If possible, their owners. For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit
must demonstrate deficits in social communication and keep them away from windows and other areas where they www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on Facebook
social interaction across settings. Second, the child could see or hear storms approaching. You can also try at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.
must display restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior,
interests, or activities, currently or by history. Third, art happenIngs
the child’s symptoms must have started early. Fourth,
there must be evidence of a significant impairment.
Fifth, the symptoms must not be caused by another Infinite Possibilities Exhibit
mental or physical condition.
If your child is diagnosed with autism, we On Tap At Court House
recommend you start with treatments identified by
the National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Cultural Center
Practice. These are 28 evidenced-based practices
that independent research documented best help By Jackie Holfelder
children with autism. Treatments include applied Members of
behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, discrete trial MartinArts have a
training, cognitive behavioral intervention, and diverse and noteworthy
social narratives. Many insurance companies pay for range of talents which
evidenced-based therapies with an official autism will be on display at
diagnosis. In addition, Florida offers the Family Court House Cultural
Empowerment Scholarship to provide you funding to Center from June 13 to
help your child. July 28 in a summertime
I co-authored the book Parent’s Quick Start Guide showcase entitled Finding Calm by Dinija Berkien
to Autism which provides a quick, but deep dive into “Infinite Possibilities.”
what to immediately do when your child is diagnosed The exhibit will showcase 59 member artists
with autism. When it comes to helping your young working in a variety of media which include acrylic,
child, time is too precious to squander. charcoal, collage, mixed media, oils, pastel, pen and ink, Sunset over the Everglades
Call to discuss your child as we test for autism, photography, watercolor and more. by Jacquelyn Roesch-
dyslexia, dysgraphia, attention-deficit hyperactivity An opening reception on Friday, June 16 from 5:30 to Sanchez
disorder (ADHD), depression, and anxiety. Visit 7 p.m. brought both exhibitors and lovers of the arts to
JimForgan.com or call (561) 625-4125. the Court House Cultural Center for an evening featuring and culture are woven into
light refreshments. Beverages were available. every aspect of life. As a
A unique fundraiser was part of the opening night regional leader, MartinArts
festivities. In addition to the pieces created for “Infinite stimulates and advances
Possibilities,” several of the participating artists have the economy of the cultural
painted 9-inch by 6-inch original canvases which were community.
available for purchase for $96 each. Proceeds from the Court House Cultural Guardian by Liliana Crespi
sale of these beautiful signature pieces will benefit arts Center is located at 80 S.E.
Answer for education programs offered by MartinArts. Ocean Blvd. in Stuart. Gallery hours are Tuesday, 10 a.m.
to 6 p.m. and Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A donation of $5 is suggested.
Crossword Puzzle The mission of MartinArts is to inspire participation For information, visit www.martinarts.org.
and passion for the arts in our community. MartinArts
envisions a vibrant and thriving community where arts Photos provided by MartinArts
Dyslexia, ADD/ADHD,

Gifted Testing

NOW OFFERING: Dr. Jim Forgan & Associates
• Jupiter & Stuart Offices Licensed School Psychologist
• Testing for Processing www.JimForgan.com
Problems, Anxiety,
Defiance (561) 625-4125
• Weekend and After
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“Helping Parents Help Children”