My ASD Child

"What is the real difference between Asperger's Syndrome and Autism? When I tell people that my daughter has Asperger's, they usually ask me, 'What is Asperger's exactly?' And I say, 'It's a form of Autism.' But that doesn't really help them to understand Asperger's since there is supposedly a big difference between the two disorders." There is a great deal of confusion when it comes to the differences between Aspergers (high functioning autism) and Autistic Disorder. It seems that even medical professionals have difficulty determining a clear line between the two disorders. Often, it boils down to simply categorizing children according to the specific traits they exhibit, such as how they use language. However, there are some professionals who assert that Aspergers and Autism are actually the same disorder and should both fall under the heading of Autism. Click here for more information on the new criteria for Autism as desc

From A Woman's Perspective: A young lady who has participated for several years in a social group for adults with high functioning autism and Asperger’s Syndrome sponsored at our TEACCH Center in Asheville, recently remarked, “There aren’t a heck of a lot of ladies who have Asperger’s Syndrome or autism. The majority are males, and although we get along with the guys, there are some issues that they are never going to understand. I wish there was more information specifically for ladies who have autism.” Her comment prompted the initiation of the first ladies’ group at the Asheville TEACCH Center.  While talking with this lady, who is in her 20’s, I was reminded of my own early adulthood. I remember the strong support of “ladies’ consciousness-raising groups” that sprouted up on college campuses and in living rooms in the 60’s and 70’s. While struggling for and demanding equality between the sexes in the society at large, we discovered that there were important distincti

"What are the first steps parents should begin to take when they believe their child may have autism?" For many moms and dads, finding out that your youngster has ASD level 1, or High-Functioning Autism (HFA), can be a mixed blessing. On one hand, a positive diagnosis gives rise to the prospect of management and greater certainty as to the factors at play in your youngster's life. On the other, most moms and dads are unprepared for the changes having a son or daughter with the disorder invariably brings. We've compiled a list of the top 10 steps to take if you think your youngster may have an autism spectrum disorder, or if you've had your youngster diagnosed already: 1. Be honest with yourself. At times, rearing a son or daughter with HFA can cause you anger, sadness, anxiety, frustration and depression. Be open to understanding that you will, at times, feel all these feelings, and allow that authenticity to give rise to the possibility that you will ta

“It is very frustrating not being able to change or modify the rigid behaviors that my child exhibits, for example, picky eating, rudeness to others, lack of motivation …just to name a few. Is there anything that can be done to help him be more open to change and flexibility?” CLICK HERE for the answer...

"I need some advice on how to handle behavior problems in my child with Asperger syndrome, such as how to use the right discipline, dealing with his obsessions, sibling issues, sleep problems, school-related problems, and acting-out behavior in public. Thanks!" Click here for the answer...   COMMENTS: Anonymous said... Yes, I found that my son used to really freak out when young if he got in trouble, he didn't really know what was up or what he did wrong - he has very little understanding of some of his behaviors and why they are not OK at times. When he was a toddler, I discovered the strong connection between dairy products (even Goldfish crackers) and his wild behaviors, so a dietary change did a lot of good. Then as a teen, when he became extremely aggressive when his testosterone surged with puberty, and they tried many meds to help him calm down a bit. Finally Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) and a small dose (don't use larger ones, they can cause obsessions)

Your new Aspergers employee has the skills you were looking for and is dedicated to doing the job well. The challenging part for a person with Aspergers or High Functioning Autism is the less structured, more social aspects of office culture. Small talk, picking up what others are thinking, and being imaginative about solving problems are challenging for these individuals. Here are some straightforward tips to help them thrive: Be open to someone who may be a support person in the personal life of your Aspergers employee. Some moms and dads stay involved a little longer in the life of their adult Aspergers child as an advocate in the background. Until your employee initiates the conversation about bringing in his advocate, remember to build trust through messages that convey you value his work. Some young people with Aspergers want to do it on their own, while others would welcome their support person to coach or help them get independent with some of the more interpersonal

"How can parents tell if their child has ASD Level 1 rather than Level 3? Also, what therapies are available for these kids?" The main difference between ASD level 3 and ASD level 1 is that the youngster dealing with level 1 retains his/her early language skills. If you have a son or daughter that is having a greater degree of social difficulties than other kids, or has diminished communication skills and exhibits a restrictive pattern of thought and behavior, he or she may have ASD1. The peculiar symptom of level 1 is the youngster’s obsessive interest in a single object or topic to the exclusion of any other ...she wants to know ALL about this one topic.   ==>  Crucial  Research-Based  Parenting Strategies for Children and Teens with High-Functioning Autism Sometimes the child's speech patterns and vocabulary may resemble that of a little professor. Other ASD1 symptoms include the inability to interact successfully with peers, clumsy and uncoordinat

"Mark, You refer to 'meltdowns' quite frequently in your articles. Is it not similar to a tantrum... if not, what can be done to prevent them?" Click here for the answer... .  ==> My Aspergers Child: Preventing Meltdowns

"How do you suggest dealing with an autistic (high functioning) child's outbursts in public?" Emotional outbursts are very common in kids with Aspergers (AS) and High-Functioning Autism (HFA). These episodes can be frightening for the youngster as well as everyone present. They can also be embarrassing to the parent when they happen in public places.  Kids of all ages – and even adults – with AS and HFA should take precautions to help prevent reaching the state of losing complete control. There are several autism-related characteristics that can cause these emotional outbursts. To help your child control himself or herself (whether they occur in public or at home), you’ll have to discover the reasons behind them. The solution will depend on the cause(s). Possible causes: Lack of emotional awareness: Kids with the disorder do not always understand their own emotions or feelings about people, things, and situations. Sensory issues: Hyposensitivity and hyperse

Tips for Teachers with Students on the Autism Spectrum In this post, we will explore the following categories, and how teachers can effectively guide and instruct the child with Asperger's and High-Functioning Autism: 1. Social Aspects 2. Communication Difficulties 3. Clumsiness 4. Stress and the Environment 5. Intellectual Functioning 6. Obsessional Interests 7. Special Arrangements for Examinations The examination room Extra time Presentation of examination papers Use of language in question papers Prompting of the student when it is time to move on to the next question Word-processing and handwriting Oral tests ==> Click here for the full article ...

Aspergers Children and Poor Concentration Aspergers Meltdowns Aspergers Students: Tips for Teachers Aspergers Teens and Poor Academic Performance How to Prevent Meltdowns in Aspergers Children Teaching Tips for Children with Aspergers The Misunderstood Aspergers Child What is the difference between a meltdown and a tantrum?

In this post, we’re going to look at temper tantrums in children with ASD Level 1, or High-Functioning Autism (HFA). Tantrums should not be confused with meltdowns. There does seem to be a fine line between tantrums and meltdowns, so if you’re not sure which is which, view this video first: What is the difference between a meltdown and a tantrum? Temper tantrums range from whining and crying to screaming, kicking, hitting, and breath holding. HFA temperaments vary dramatically — so some kids may experience regular temper tantrums, whereas others have them rarely. They're a normal part of development and don't have to be seen as something negative. However, unlike “typical” children, HFA kids don't have the same inhibitions or control. Imagine how it feels when you're determined to program your DVD player and aren't able to do it no matter how hard you try, because you can't understand how. It's very frustrating! Do you swear, throw the manual, walk aw

1.       Allen D, Evans C, Hider A, Hawkins S, Peckett H, Morgan H (2008). "Offending behaviour in adults with Asperger syndrome". J Autism Dev Disord 38 (4): 748–58. doi : 10.1007/s10803-007-0442-9 . PMID 17805955 . 2.       American Psychiatric Association (2000). "Diagnostic criteria for 299.80 Asperger's Disorder (AD)" . Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th, text revision ( DSM-IV-TR ) ed.). ISBN 0-89042-025-4 . 3.       Arndt TL, Stodgell CJ, Rodier PM (2005). "The teratology of autism". Int J Dev Neurosci 23 (2–3): 189–99. doi : 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2004.11.001 . PMID 15749245 . 4.       Asperger H; tr. and annot. Frith U (1991) [1944]. "'Autistic psychopathy' in childhood". in Frith U. Autism and Asperger syndrome . Cambridge University Press. pp. 37–92. ISBN 0-521-38608-X . 5.       Attwood T (2003). " Frameworks for behavioral interventions ". Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N