My ASD Child

A recent study conducted at the Center for Pediatric Sleep Disorders at the University La Sapienza in Rome, Italy has led researchers to believe that sleep disorders are more common among kids with Aspergers as opposed to their typically-developing peers. Oliviero Bruni, MD authored the study which compared the sleep habits of eight kids with Aspergers, 10 kids with autism and a control group of 12 typically-developing kids. Moms and dads of kids with Aspergers filled out a sleep questionnaire and the Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale. The kids were also assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist, the industry-standard Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Kids (WISC), and were observed during an overnight sleep study (polysomnogram). The study determined that not only were kids with Aspergers reluctant to go to sleep they had difficulty falling asleep, difficulty waking up, and a general feeling of sleepiness throughout the day. As

Every teacher of Aspergers and high functioning autistic (HFA) kids can expect to witness some meltdowns. At school, there are predictable situations that can be expected to trigger meltdowns, such as transitions between activities, on the school bus, getting ready to work, interactions with other kids, directives from the teacher, group activities, answering questions in class, individual seat work, and the playground. Characteristics of Meltdowns in Aspergers and HFA Kids— All young kids from time to time will whine, complain, resist, cling, argue, hit, shout, run, and defy their teachers. Meltdowns, although normal, can become upsetting to teachers because they are embarrassing, challenging, and difficult to manage. On the other hand, meltdowns can become special problems when they occur with greater frequency, intensity, and duration than is typical for the age of the youngster.   There are nine different types of temperaments in these special needs young people:

Although these documents were prepared specifically for use during an IEP process, they will be useful to moms and dads and professionals who seek a better understanding of kids with Aspergers (high functioning autism). Sample Letter to IEP Committee from Parents— [Date] IEP Committee [name of school] [address] Re: IEP of [name of Aspergers student] Dear Members of the IEP Committee: I am writing this letter to set forth the concerns/issues that we, as [name of Aspergers student] parents, would like addressed in [name of Aspergers student] annual "individualized education program" or IEP. [Continue with some background information: the following paragraph is a sample] [name of Aspergers student] has been in a self-contained classroom for the majority of his course work since he entered middle school ([name of Aspergers student] was also in a self-contained classroom for four years of elementary school; for further information, please se

Hi everybody, my name is Matt. After reading questions and answers to Mark Hutten, I was so sad to hear all the problems parents are having. I know I’m only 10 but I decided to interview my parents what they thought about my autism and how they helped me so that I could share with you: Me: When did you first think I was different? My parents: We noticed when you were about 3 years old, when you decided to stop eating. Me: What did you do? My parents: Well we went to the pediatrician who told us this was normal, and not to force you to eat, that you would eat when you decided to. Well that was a mistake still to this day you won’t touch a lot of foods. Me: What did you think when the psychologist told you I had autism? My parents: We were torn. We were happy in a way that we finally found out why you were acting differently, but sad thinking how can we help you? Me: I don’t understand? My parents: Every parent’s first impulse is thinking “what did I