Physical Attributes of Autism

Many people are aware that people with autism have difficulties with communication and socialization.  However, many people on the spectrum also live with a whole smorgasbord of more physical problems that are often associated with autism.

I would like to write about some of these symptoms that affect me.

Low Muscle Tone
Starting when I was a baby, I learned how to walk late due to loose hips.  Now I have trouble with relaxing because my body tends to be tense in order to compensate for weaker core muscles.

Poor Circulation
I have mild Raynaud's which means that sometimes my fingers and less often my toes loose circulation and turn white when they get just slightly cold you can read more about that here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raynaud's_phenomenon
I also usually have trouble staying warm even on warm days and end up wearing a coat and turning on a heater when the rest of my family are wearing t-shirts.

Leaky Gut Syndrome (yes I know it sounds gross)
When I was a little kid I lived for a long time with rash on my legs that turned out to be caused by Leaky Gut Syndrome.  Luckily, after trying eliminating foods and adding supplements with limited success, I was taken to a homoeopathist and, though I still have some gut/nutrition absorption problems, I have be pretty much free form that problem ever since.

MTHFR Gene Defect
This is something I was tested for and found out that I have very recently.  It's not really a system, but it may possibly be a contributing factor to my neurological problems.  You can read more about this fascinating MTHFR thing here http://www.methyl-life.com/mthfr-and-methylation.html        

last but not least, here is a article about this topic.  It also list some other sort of categories of characteristics that I did not get around to writing about.
http://autism.lovetoknow.com/Physical_Characteristics_of_Autism

Please feel free to ask questions and thank you for reading.

The Great Grotto Grip

Hello readers,

It is summertime now, so I have some time to blog.

For the last few months, I took a math class that required me to do a lot of writing by hand.  This was causing a lot of discomfort until I found a new type of pencil grip (the Grotto Grip).  This post will show some of the pencil grips that I have tried over the year.

This is called the Grotto Grip and Fun and Function carries them here http://funandfunction.com/grotto-grip-p-346.html

I like it because not only does it have a cross over guard, but it also keeps my finger joints from binding backwards.  All in all, it allows me to write with a somewhat relaxed arm and hand.

This one is a classic.  It is called The Pencil Grip
and is better then nothing and probably works great for people who's thumb doesn't cross over.

This one is similar to the Mini Pencil Grip.  I bought them at Target and I do not remember the brand.

I really like the idea of this grip.  It is smaller and less noticeable them the other types, and therefore would be good for older kids and adults who are self conscious about needing a pencil grip.  It just doesn't have enough support for my hand.




You can find these types of grips and more at http://funandfunction.com/fine-motor-grips-c-65_70_94.html

And here is a pile of pencil grips so that you can see what they look like with out a hand in the way.  Please do not take my pictures with out permission.