Planning Your Trip to South Africa - From Cape Town to Pretoria

June 14th, 2008 LisaJenkins Posted in Travel | No Comments »

South Africa is known as the “Rainbow Nation” and with a tainted past, it has emerged as one of the fastest growing and most popular vacation destinations in the world. A trip to South Africa is like no other vacation. This is mainly due to the fine weather, the diversity of the areas and the appeal of the New South Africa. There are hundreds of amazing places to visit when you come to South Africa, but there are some that stand out above the rest and must be mentioned as places you need to put on your to do list for when you travel the country.

The first place, which is on the list as one of the top cities in the world, is Cape Town. There is a lot to do here and a vast range of activities and styles to suit just about everyone. You will find the best hotels in the country in Cape Town, the top three accommodation venues being the Cape Grace Hotel (1st), the Arabella Sheraton Grand Hotel (2nd) and the Table Bay Hotel (3rd). Cape Town is a great place for relaxing or partying and from the hub of city life you can travel a mere 45 minutes to reach the peaceful seaside towns and oldest wine estates in the country at Constantia. Everything you can imagine is found in Cape Town like the stylish V&A Waterfront, Two Oceans Aquarium, Planetarium, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, museums, art galleries, theatres, night clubs, sports stadiums, zoos, farms, adventure sports, marine activities, beach activities, Cape Point, Stellenbosch, Hermanus, and much, much more. With stunning weather all year round, it is the number one choice when you decide to make trip to South Africa.

The second best place when you want an exotic African escape is the Kruger National Park. This is a world renowned park that houses all of the Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Rhinoceros, Buffalo, and Elephant), hundreds of interesting and unique bird and insect life as well as amazing resorts and luxury lodges. Most the best accommodation resorts in South Africa are located in this area just outside the park boundaries. The top 7 resorts are Singita Game Reserve for Ebony and Boulders Lodges (1st), MalaMala Game Reserve (2nd), Singita Game Reserve for the Lebombo and Sweni Lodges (3rd), Sabi Sabi Private Game Lodge (5th), Londolozi Private Game Reserve (6th), and Phinda Forest Lodge (7th).

The next place that is a must for every visitor to South Africa is Sun City and The Lost City entertainment complexes. You can relax and do everything in these complexes that are situated in the North West Province. They are close to a game reserve called Pilansburg, so you basically get the best of both worlds - luxury urban style and the African bush experience. The culmination is perhaps most evident in the top quality Gary Player Championship golf course that has live crocodiles roaming around on it. At Sun City there is a world class theater called the Super Bowl where tons of international artists perform. There is a massive casino, luxury accommodation, restaurants, shopping, fun for the kids, adventure activities, and sports. The Lost City is a Skull Island, King Kong inspired theme park and water world which is great fun for the whole family. There are interesting places to go and things to see as well as top class eateries and accommodation.

For sun, sand and amazing surf there is no better place than Durban and the other resort towns along the Sunshine Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. You can enjoy many things in this part of the country, mostly in the water sports category, but also fishing, hiking, bird watching and more. These towns are reminiscent of seaside resort towns in perhaps Spain or Italy and with a fresh and fun vibrancy; you will really have a blast when you come here. In Durban itself, there are lots of interesting places to visit and see and one of the highlights of your trip will be the regular Zulu dancers that welcome you to the city. Durban is also famous for its Marine conservation and the recently built uShaka Marine World. Here you can have fun in the water based adventure theme park and even swim up close to real Great White Sharks! This place is something you cannot miss when traveling to this part of the country.

Gauteng is the hub of South African business and considered to the best place to earn money. The gold rush in the 1800s proclaimed this area to be “Egoli” the place of gold and since then the dusty gold mines and shafts have cleared away to a large extent to reveal a mega-city. There are plenty of interesting things to see when visiting the leading city in South Africa, like the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, Gold Reef City, Soweto and the nearby capital city of Pretoria.

All of these places stand out as top destinations within South Africa and will show you the diversity and unique cultures of this land.

Your South Africa trip will be unforgettable - if you plan correctly. There’s much to see and do, from the South African wine country to Cape Town’s Table Mountain and Kruger National Park. Lisa Jenkins writes about worldwide travel and find cheap travel deals for FrugalMonkey.com.

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The Many Uses of Lavender Essential Oil

June 14th, 2008 CadenceCarlyle Posted in Wellness, Fitness and Diet | No Comments »

The versatile Lavender with its light floral soothing scent is one of the most beloved and used aromatics in the world today. Its seems that you can find just about anything with a hint of lavender added to the ingredient list, this is due to the fact that most individuals find it to be a very pleasing and appealing scent. In the aromatherapy world it is considered a must because it is considered to be easy to use and is the most useful.

Lavender essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the fresh flowering tops of the Lavandula augustifolia plant and list of therapeutic uses is indeed vast. We will however discuss a few applications to get you started.

1. Lavender essential oil is considered a must have for various skin ailments including acne, dermatitis, rashes, sunburn, eczema and psoriasis. One of the many benefits of this oil is that is it one of the few that can be applied neat, therefore to use on skin issues simply apply a few drops to a cotton ball or cotton pad and apply directly to affected area. This application also works well in treating bee or wasp stings.

2. Lavender essential oil is believed to promote hair growth. To use mix two or three drops of the oil to your favorite unscented leave on conditioner and massage into your scalp.

3. If you are suffering from a bout with the flu try adding a few drops of Lavender essential oil to your diffuser or use a steam inhalation to alleviate symptoms.

4. Adding a satchel to a closet or drawer has been done for years however adding a couple of drops to a cotton ball and placing in a strategic position will not only provide a wonderful scent but will also keep moths away from your clothes or linens.

5. Massage a couple of drops directly into your temples, or make a cold or hot compress for your head if you are suffering from a headache or migraine.

6. Lavender essential oil is also believed to help relieve insomnia and can be used as a sleep aid. There are several different applications that can be implemented including using a diffuser with three drops of oil or adding a few drops to a cotton ball or cloth and placing it into your pillow case. Another application that can be utilized is adding eight drops of oil to your bath water. It is also said that adding Lavender essential oil to your bath can also guard against nightmares.

The applications mentioned above can also be used to alleviate anxiety, depression, nervous tension or stress and to balance mood swings.

7. For respiratory issues including asthma, bronchitis, and hay fever use two or three drops in a diffuser or as a steam inhalation. Other options are to use in a bath or by adding several drops to a carrier oil and massaging directly onto the chest. A hybrid of Lavender known as Lavandin is also a great choice for respiratory issues as it has very similar benefits but is considered to be more penetrating.

8. If you experience problems with Premenstrual Symptoms or irregular menstruation then try massaging your abdominal area with a mixture of five drops of Lavender essential oil and one ounce of your favorite carrier oil.

Lavender essential oil is a wonderfully easy oil to use. It can be used neat and also mixes well with all of your other aromatherapy oils. As a beginner it is a great essential oil to start with because it can safely be used and experimented with.

Everything you want to know about essential oils, aromatherapy and pheromones. http://www.essentialoiloutlets.com

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Aromatherapy With Essential Oils

June 14th, 2008 AstridTrikowsky Posted in Wellness, Fitness and Diet | No Comments »

Aromatherapy is the art and science of using essential oils for improving or Greek, Roman, Chinese, and Indian have used aromatherapy to maintain health and beauty. All ancient civilizations - Egyptian, for their physical and mental well-being.

The term “Aromatherapy” can be misleading as it suggests that it is a form of healing that works exclusively through the sense of smell. This is not the case, as each essential oil has an individual combination of constituents that interact with the body’s chemistry in a direct manner. It is important to recognize that essential oils have three distinct modes of action with regard to how they interrelate with the human body: pharmacological, physiological and psychological.

The pharmacological effect is concerned with the chemical changes that take place when an essential oil enters the blood stream and brain and reacts with hormones and enzymes etc.; the physiological mode is the way the essential oil affects the system of the body, that is, whether they are sedated or stimulated; the psychological effect takes place in response to the smell of the essential oil with the limbic (memory/emotion) part of the brain.

For Aromatherapy to be effective, essential oils need to enter the body in one of two ways; one, physically through the skin and secondly through the olfactory system. Once the essential oils come into contact with the skin they are immediately assimilated into the circulatory system where they are carried to the various systems and organs.

When essential oils are inhaled, their unique molecules penetrate the limbic system in the brain. The limbic system, sometimes referred to as our “old” brain, is responsible for our memories and emotions. The brain, in turn, releases certain neurochemicals, causing positive changes throughout the body. It is best to use essential oils as external remedies only. This is due to the high concentration of the essential oils and the potential irritation or damage they could cause to the mucous membranes and delicate stomach lining.

Essential oils are non-oily aromatic liquids occurring naturally in various parts of plants, herbs, flowers, fruits, woods and spices. They contain the life force of the plant and have the ability to strengthen our immune system and to stimulate our bodies’ natural healing abilities.

Like herbalism, Aromatherapy draws on the healing powers of the plant world. However, instead of using the whole plant, it employs only it’s essential oil.

This potent, aromatic substance is housed in the tiny glands on the outside or deep inside the roots, woods, leaves, fruits or flowers of the plant. Most plants contain essential oils, but often in such minimal amounts that extraction would not be worth the effort or the price of the essential oil would be too high.

Essential oils are highly concentrated and in most cases must be diluted prior to use. Such concentration has some advantages. For example, essential oils don’t take up much room and can be easily transported. They can be combined with each other in a variety of ways for many different purposes.

Essential Oils:

Essential oils should be labeled “Pure Essential Oils”. There is a temptation by distillers and suppliers of essential oils to extend or stretch the essential oil. This greatly reduces or negates the therapeutic value of the essential oil, depending on what it has been extended with.

Essential oils will vary in price, depending on the amount of plant material required, the extraction process and the availability of the plant from which the essential oil is extracted. They should always be kept in dark glass bottles as they are extremely sensitive to light. The shelf life of essential oils varies.

A citrus essential oil has the shortest shelf life of approximately one year, after which it will gradually lose its therapeutic actions. Some essential oils, such as rose, sandalwood, rosewood and patchouli actually get better with age, much like fine wine.

There are hundreds of essential oils, which between them constitute an extremely effective medical system. Many of these are the active ingredient in drugs prescribed by the orthodox Western system of medicine, or the inspiration for synthetic copies. These concentrated liquids are indispensable to medicine, and to the food and cosmetic industries.

Some examples of the disinfectant properties of essential oils:

• The essential oil of cinnamon kills the Typhus bacillus at a dilution of 1:300

• The essential oil of chamomile has considerable bacteriostatic properties due to the amount of azulene contained in it. Azulene is effective at a dilution of 1:2000 against the Staphylococcus and thehemolyticbeta streptococcus (causes scarlet fever and rheumatic fever).

• Infected wounds have been healed using a dilution of 1:17000.

• The essential oil of lemon neutralizes Meningococcus , Typhus bacillus , Pneumococcus and Staphylococcus within 5 - 20 minutes.

In order to kill bacteria in the air, Professor Griffon carried out the following experiment: Mixtures of various essential oils were sprayed as mists in a room. The development capacity of the germs suspended in the air was studied before and after spraying. Before the test there were 210 germs, of which 12 were molds and 8 staphylococci. Within 30 minutes, the essential oils had destroyed all the molds and staphylococci.

True Aromatherapy Products(TAP)- From Candles, Sea Salts, Organic Teas to Essential Oils and Synergies, we only use the very best, 100% holistic healing products at TAP. WORLD WIDE SHIPPING!! Astrid Trikowsky True Aromatherapy Products, Located in Fort Langley B.C Visit Us online At TAP Store

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The Overview Of An Airline Credit Card

June 14th, 2008 TomTessin Posted in Travel | No Comments »

In recent times, many folks are getting attracted to airline credit cards, since these cards seem to be an ideal way to get free airway miles. All airline credit cards feature different ways where they accrue fee airline miles. Most of the airline cards provide cardholders with a percentage of purchase amount return on air miles. This percentage amount varies in accordance with the policies of credit card companies. Usually, the purchase amount applied to air miles on an average credit card is something between one and one and a half percent.

Matters You Need To Consider:

Before signing up for credit cards, be certain to read the terms and conditions of your credit. In addition, doing even bit of arithmetical calculation can prove to be of great use. You also need to know, that these credit cards usually have a high rate of interest than other typical credit cards. Numerous airline cards also ask you to pay some amount as annual fee for turning into an approved credit card holder.

Many airline credit cardholders find that the additional amount spent on the interest may not wrap the benefits made on free airway miles. Since several airline credit card companies charge a high rate of interest on their credit cards, at times, you find that the amount of money you spend on these credit cards is more than the sum gained from free airline miles.

If you consider applying for airline card, then you also need to consider several other related issues. Always remember that numerous airlines have upper limits on the amount of free airline mile that you can gain in a specific year. If you cross your credit limit beyond a certain limit, you will have to pay a high rate of interest without gaining any return as free airline miles.

Many airline companies make it more difficult for the airline credit cardholders to make use of their free airline miles. An airline credit cardholder, who has accumulated many free airline miles, may not use the miles in a way that he or she wishes, since blackout periods are increasingly getting common.

Overview:

One also needs to consider about the rewards given by airline credit cards. It is not only essential to look at how much air miles your card gives you directly, but also consider how much airline miles are required for your prime free flight.

Remember to ascertain whether your airline miles have any expiry date with them. Most of these may expire only after a year, while some cards never expire.

At times, your purchases can also offer you with some rewarding points. These vary from one card to another, but mostly airline credit cards give one airline mile per dollar you spend on your purchases. A few airline credit cards offer you as big as two air miles each dollar that you spent on total purchases.

The best airline credit cards let you to transfer your reward points from other things such as hotels, brand name merchandize, and car rentals as well.

Find a travel credit card and more of Tom’s work at FINDairlinecards.

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5 Tips For Being a Good Guard in Basketball

June 14th, 2008 ToddJackson Posted in Sports | No Comments »

Almost every player on the court is a guard of some sort. Guarding in basketball is one of the most important jobs. Every player should be sure to understand how best to play their position.

When playing in a guard position it is important to make sure that your mind is always on the court. Focusing is important for every position, but for a guard it is one of the top things to do because a guard who is not paying attention and not focusing is not able to do their job.

In addition to that important rule of guarding, the following five tips are things every guard should take to heart and start putting to work in their game.

1. A guard must be excellent at handling the ball.

Guards handle the ball the most on the court, so being able to handle the ball is essential. A guard must be able to keep control on the ball. They should be good at catching, passing and dribbling.

2. A guard must be quick.

Since a guard is going to be controlling and moving the ball, a guard has to be quick. He has to be able to move the ball before the other team can get to it. He has to be able to move the ball down the court into scoring position fast so the points can be earned.

3. A guard must be in a good position for every catch.

Since guards move the ball they must always be focused and ready. A guard that is not ready is a lost point. When the guard is not ready for the ball another player has to step up and possibly step out of their position to do so. This leaves the team vulnerable. If a guard is not in a good position then it is important the other team members are aware and that the situation is quickly remedied.

4. A guard should play by the sideline as much as possible.

A guard is in the best position near the sidelines. Players will be able to find the guard easier and the guard can zip through the court easier from this position.

This does not meant hat a guard has to stay on the sidelines, but it is a nice place to aim to be most of the time.

5.A guard should always move in a straight line when cutting off the forward and never in a circular pattern.

The way a guard moves is important. Guards should move in the most efficient manner possible. Wasting steps is never a good choice. Straight moves are best whenever possible.

When cutting off the guard it is best to just confront and go straight instead of trying fancy moves or going around. This may be a bit harder but it is the best option. It will allow you to get where you need to go in the fastest manner and you will end up in the best position.

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Relocating to France

June 14th, 2008 CarolynClayton Posted in Society | No Comments »

More and more people are moving abroad these days and France is one favourite destination. Its not surprising people are choosing France as the country has a style and look of its own and is steeped in history, it is also well known for its love of the arts and architecture. The country has a population of 64.1 million with 51% being catholics the other half pretty mixed. Its economy is the sixth largest in the world, the currency being Euro or French Franc and the size of the country is 674,843km2.

France has a significant English speaking expat population, which mostly consists of retired and so called inactive expats which are people below retirement age but not working.

France has plenty to offer families and singles wishing to emigrate to the country. It is an exciting place to live but not easy unless you learn the language. The French take pride in their languages and foreign languages are not commonly spoken. There are bilingual schools but even so you should really be thinking about teaching your whole family the language. There are plenty of French language schools offering courses to foreigners.

With regards to employment there are plenty of opportunities however you really will have to learn the language. The French government (Unitary Republic) are very committed to encouraging the unemployed back to work. The French state benefit is one of the most lucrative of the developed world. The jobless in France are very well compensated for when out of work. If your planning on moving to France you can be safe in the knowledge that you will be looked after by the state if you were to lose your employment in the future.

If you are looking for property in France then you will find your money will go further. Property prices are on average substantially lower than property in the UK. Location makes a large difference on pricing as does the age of a house. Newer houses are a lot more expensive than older houses and property in the city’s are a lot more expensive than those in the country side. In fact you can live a good life in France for much less than it would cost you to have a similar lifestyle in the UK. That and the lower property prices are nothing but enticing.

France has an excellent healthcare system but you will have to register with their mairie within 3 months of living permanently in the country. This is to provide evidence that you have financial resources to live there. You will also need evidence of personal medical insurance.

While France has many attractions to foreign nationals looking to relocate, there are a number of areas which need to be addressed. While there are genuine gaps in the employment market which can be exploited by overseas workers, the downside is the taxation situation.

It is easy to see why France has the most foreign visitors of any other country in Europe and why more and more people are relocating there. However relocating to France requires careful planning and an appreciation of the cultures of this beautify country.

Over

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5 Things Not to Do When Playing Basketball

June 14th, 2008 GregWilliams Posted in Sports | No Comments »

You are probably told most often what to do when playing basketball. However, highlighting some things you should not do is also important to mastering the sport. Being able to see what is wrong is a good thing because it allows you to be aware of the things that can get your team fouls or other violations on the court.

Every good player knows the rules, and they know what they can and can not do on the court. These five top things not to do on the court are something every player has to take to heart. One slip up may not be a big deal, but a player who really doesn’t know what they are doing wrong can end up making the team lose the game.

Make sure you and all your teammates understand that doing the following things can ruin the game for everyone.

1. Traveling

Traveling is a direct violation of the rules. Traveling is when you are carrying the ball or performing an illegal dribbling action. Players must recognize the rules regarding traveling and avoid doing it.

Traveling is a simple way to get your team a violation. Fortunately it is a simple thing to avoid if you are constantly aware of the ball and how you are handling it.

2. Losing eye contact

Eye contact is important in almost every team sport. You can not play as a team if you are not connected with your teammates. Eye contact allows you to know where other players are and what they are doing. You can often tell what a player is going to do through eye contact or send messages through eye contact that are subtle and not picked up by the opposing team.

Good eye contact should always be stressed by coaches because when eye contact is bad it leads to the ball being lost and players feeling disconnected from the team.

3. Knowing where the ball is at all times

Every player on the court, no matter where they are playing or if they are playing defense or offense, should always know where they ball is. Losing sight of the ball is a fatal mistake. Plays are missed, points are lost and games take wrong turns when players start to take the ball for granted.

You have to know where the ball is at all times. You have to always be watching where it is going because your goal is to either get the ball in the basket or stop the ball from getting to the basket. If you do not know where it is then you can not do either.

4. Leaving your position

There is always a reason that the coach places each player in certain positions. It is up to the players to follow the coach’s orders and play their position. Unless told otherwise or unless it is a great benefit to the team, a player should always be focused on their position.

When players start to leave their position it weakens the team and allows for mistakes and possible scoring by the other team.

5. Intentional fouls

Lastly, you want to avoid fouls at all costs. Some may be unavoidable and a simple accident. Other fouls, though, are intentional and most often due to a lack of self control. When playing a team sport things can get heated, but players must show self control. Letting your emotions get the best of you is no way to win a game.

For cool basketball hoops and goals go here. You can find indoor basketball hoops such as portable units, and you can also find inground hoops for your driveway. Shop basketball hoops now.

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Make a Hemsby Holiday Your Choice For a Summer 2008 Holiday!

June 14th, 2008 AndrewRedfern Posted in Travel | No Comments »

If you are looking for a great summer 2008 holiday this year, look no further than Hemsby. This village and resort by the sea is full of things to do and will make you wonder why you’ve never thought of a Hemsby holiday before! Hemsby has many quaint cottages along with fine hotels that are available for rent during the summer months. Whether you are looking for a place to go after a hard year at college, or a place that you can take the whole family, Hemsby has something for everyone!

One of the main reasons why people choose a Hemsby holiday is because some of the world’s most beautiful and most unusual beaches are here. On the beaches of Hemsby, not only have sand dunes been created by nature to divide the sea from the village that lies behind it but there are also many tank-blocks lining the coastline. The tank-blocks have been there ever since World War II and makes for a wonderful sight!

Hemsby is mainly divided into two different parts. The first part is Hemsby Village and the other is Hemsby Beach. Hemsby Village lies approximately one mile away from the beach and is where the many cottages are available that are perfect for your Hemsby holiday! These cottages are great ways to spend your summer 2008 holiday. The cottages are generally equipped with basic items such as television, furniture, nice d

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Three Unusual Symptoms Heartburn Can Cause

June 13th, 2008 KathrynWhittaker Posted in Wellness, Fitness and Diet | No Comments »

Although acid reflux is quite common, the range of symptoms heartburn can produce is surprisingly broad, with some symptoms that are easily recognizable, and others that are more unusual and can therefore be difficult to recognize as symptoms caused by heartburn.

If you suspect you may be suffering from symptoms heartburn may have triggered – whether they are common or unusual – it is important that you speak to your doctor for a formal diagnosis. This is to rule out any other underlying condition and to prevent any serious or long-term consequences that may result from the disorder.

GERD can cause you to suffer from reactions that can range from quite mild – almost unnoticeable – to ones that are actually life threatening. Keep in mind, the more dramatic symptoms heartburn causes are typically those that have developed over time, so if you do feel a bit of discomfort you shouldn’t panic. However, make a doctor’s appointment anyway to ensure you know the degree and type of GERD you are suffering from and what your options are.

Aside from typical symptoms heartburn presents, you may also want to watch for these less common symptoms, which can include:

Pain – though pain is one of the more common symptoms heartburn has to offer, there are forms of pain that are considered to be quite unusual. For example, the typical pain felt from GERD includes a burning sensation in the mid to upper chest region, or a burning sensation in the esophagus or lower throat area. However, more rare are pains that migrate to the shoulder blade or overall shoulder area.

Vomiting – among the more unpleasant symptoms heartburn presents is varying degrees of vomiting. This can include wet or sour burps, wet hiccups, or food coming up a bit within an hour of eating. Less common versions of this potential symptom of GERD include feelings of nausea during or soon after eating or sometimes projectile vomiting. Though not common, there have been cases where this has occurred and should be checked if you experience these symptoms and suspect GERD.

Respiratory – the respiratory system is easily impacted by GERD and therefore frequently presents with symptoms caused by heartburn. These commonly include a runny nose, bad breath, recurrent sore throat, sinus infections, upper respiratory infections, wheezing, bronchitis, asthma, a nagging dry cough, coughing at night, frequent throat clearing, labored or noisy breathing, a hoarse or deepened voice, or nodules on the vocal cords. More rarely however, GERD can develop into sleep apnea, aspiration (inhalation of stomach acids into the lungs), pneumonia, and laryngospasm (a brief spasm of the vocal cords that temporarily interrupts breathing, usually lasting up to 30 seconds).

Due to so many different kinds of symptoms – and a range of uncommon symptoms that can easily be mistaken for other illnesses, diseases, and conditions – acid reflux may not be the obvious choice as a diagnosis. Only a doctor can help you know for certain if your symptoms heartburn may be causing are indeed a result of GERD. When in doubt, it is always best to seek the advice of a medical professional. This is especially true in the case of children, who may need different remedy options than adults.

Grab your free copy of Kathryn Whittaker’s brand new Acid Reflux & GERD Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you discover more about symptoms heartburn can cause.

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Are Aspergers and High Functioning Autism the Same Thing?

June 13th, 2008 RachelEvans Posted in Wellness, Fitness and Diet | No Comments »

One of the most common mistakes made about autism is that Asperger’s Syndrome and high functioning autism are the same thing. Many parents struggle with this problem because there is so much information out there that uses the two terms interchangeably. There are many crossover symptoms between Asperger’s Syndrome and high functioning autism which can make it very challenging to tell the difference between the two. Furthermore, many doctors and scientists differ in their definitions of the two disorders.

High functioning autism is an unofficial designation for people who have autism but whose symptoms are not severe. High functioning autistic children have an average or above-average intelligence level and will generally maintain an adequate vocabulary. However their learning comprehension is typically behind other children at the same age. Furthermore, high functioning autistic children will generally not express much emotional detail in their speech, and struggle with interpreting non-verbal cues.

There is no solid line between the diagnosis of low functioning and high functioning autism. Though some doctors use an IQ score as an indicator to help with the diagnosis, the function level of autism is not based on IQ alone. There are also elements of language processing, behavioral elements, and other non-verbal details, which must be considered above and beyond measurable intelligence levels. Furthermore, standard IQ testing is typically inaccurate for autistic children as the testing itself may involve skills with which an autistic child struggles.

Whether high or low functioning, autism will typically present in around the age of two years old with a sudden regression or presentation of autistic symptoms.

On the other hand, Asperger’s Syndrome is a separate autism spectrum disorder. Children with Asperger’s Syndrome struggle with social interactions and restrictions, and tend to have intensely narrow interests in subjects and activities. However, unlike with autism – even high functioning autism – there is no cognitive development or language delay. Though language may be used atypically and motor skills may be clumsy at times, their development is normal.

Asperger’s Syndrome will typically present in children at about the age of three. Brain imaging has shown structural and functional differences within certain brain regions among children without autism spectrum disorders, children with Asperger’s Syndrome, and children who are high functioning autistics.

Children with Asperger’s Syndrome often fail to display empathy in their behaviors. It is social interaction where these children face their deepest challenges. Many struggle or fail to develop friendships, don’t take pleasure in achievements or spontaneous activities with others, lack in emotional and social reciprocity, and have diminished non-verbal communication behaviors such as facial expressions, postures, eye contact, and overall gestures.

However, children with classic autism (even those who are high functioning), Asperger’s Syndrome children will not typically withdraw from other people. In fact, even if they are awkward in their method, they will often approach others and begin a discussion. It is conversation where their struggle may occur, as a discussion for a child with Asperger’s Syndrome may simply consist of a long-winded single-sided speech about something the child truly enjoys, without any need for contribution from the other people present.

Grab your free copy of Rachel Evans’ brand new Autism Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you and your family find out about different types of autism including high functioning autism

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