Bright Star Care - April 2019

Does My Child Have Autism?

ground crewmen and 40 fighter and reconnaissance planes out of danger from enemy bombings.

In addition to saving lives on the battlefield, Smoky is also considered to be the first recorded therapy dog. She learned a number of tricks to cheer up troops and would visit injured soldiers at the hospital in New Guinea. After World War II, Smoky and Wynne visited veteran hospitals across the United States. “Corporal” Smoky lived for another 10 years after the war before dying on Feb. 21, 1957, at approximately 14 years old. Wynne would go on to write a memoir about his time with Smoky titled “Yorkie Doodle Dandy.” Almost 50 years after her death, a life-sized bronze statue of Smoky was erected at her final resting place in

RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS

While the exact numbers are difficult to track, various surveys estimate that between 1 in 40 and 1 in 59 children in the U.S. has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), more commonly referred to simply as autism. Signs of autism can be identified in children at as young as 18 months, and it never manifests in the exact same way. Some children might exhibit certain signs of autism but not have it, while others appear normal until 1 or 2 years old before they begin to show signs. The bottom line is that it is nearly impossible to tell with certainty that your child has autismwithout the help of a pediatrician or other health care professional. However, if you learn to identify some of the signs, you can get your child a professional analysis and give him or her a head start on working through any developmental issues. Symptoms of ASD vary widely, but some common signs are easy to watch for. Making limited eye contact or failing to reciprocate joyful facial expressions on a regular basis are some of the earliest signs. Infants with autismmight lack other communication skills, such as responding to their name or making noises to get your attention. They also might not make any sort of communicative gestures (waving, pointing, etc.) or shun different types of physical touch. As children with autism grow, symptoms become more diverse. Your child might exhibit unusually acute pickiness with regard to food, vehemently disliking different textures or tastes. They might also have trouble talking about feelings or prefer to be alone for extended periods of time. When they play, they might order their toys in a very specific way or become fixated on unusual objects, such as keys or wheels. These symptoms are just a few your child might experience if he or she has autism. If you think there is a chance, there is no harm having them checked out by a health care professional. Depending on what you find out, know that even though caring for children with autism comes with extra challenges, BrightStar Care has a number of caregivers on staff with experience caring for children with autism. If your child needs specialized care, or if you have questions, please give us a call.

Lakewood, Ohio. Her statue is dedicated to the bravery of all war dogs, and it is a reminder that heroes come in all shapes and sizes.

ROASTED RADISHES WITH RADISH GREENS Inspired by Food & Wine magazine

INGREDIENTS

• 3 bunches radishes with greens attached • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat oven to 500 F. While heating, trim radishes and wash greens. Pat both dry using a paper towel. 2. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat oil over high heat until shimmering. Season radishes with salt and pepper, add to skillet, and cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Transfer entire skillet to oven rack and roast for 15 minutes. 3. Once removed fromoven, return skillet to stove. Over mediumheat, stir in butter and add greens. Cook until they are wilted, about 2 minutes. 4. Finish with lemon juice and additional salt if desired. Serve immediately.

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