My ASD Child

Kids and teenagers with pervasive developmental disorders, including Aspergers, often are seen by pediatricians, pediatric neurologists, child psychiatrists, and other professionals as having a variety of behavioral and emotional disturbances (1–3). Aggression and self-injury are among the most common problematic behaviors that come to the attention of clinicians. In some of these kids and teenagers, these disturbing behaviors are symptoms of a comorbid psychiatric condition. However, many clinicians continue to view them as part of the underlying developmental disorder. In consideration of the long-term disability associated with the pervasive developmental disorders and the absence of specific pharmacological treatments for the core deficits of this disorder, it is of paramount importance to recognize and treat comorbid psychiatric conditions in these kids, which can substantially improve functioning (2, 3). This report summarizes a clinical case conference presented at McLean Hos

Disciplining kids displaying behavior consistent with ASD (high-functioning autism) will often require an approach which is somewhat unique compared to that of other kids. Finding the balance between understanding the needs of a youngster with ASD and discipline which is age appropriate and situationally necessary is achievable when applying some simple but effective strategies. These strategies can be implemented both at home and in more public settings.   Click here for full article...

Some youngsters throw tantrums and some never do. Youngsters throw tantrums as a way of expressing anger and frustration. If the behavior is dealt with incorrectly, the youngster may learn to use tantrums to manipulate people and to gain attention. In dealing with tantrums, the ultimate goal is to teach the youngster acceptable ways of expressing anger. Surviving the tantrum— The most important things to remember when your youngster is in the throes of a tantrum are: Don't let the disapproval of other people affect your response to the tantrum. Don't punish the youngster. Don't reward the youngster. Isolate the youngster if possible. Keep the youngster safe. Stay calm and ignore the behavior to the extent possible. When your youngster throws a tantrum, she is essentially out of control. You must make sure that you stay firmly in control. Punishing the youngster for throwing a tantrum, by yelling or spanking for example, makes the tantrum worse in the

Question I need some practical advice on how to deal with public tantrums and meltdowns and shrieking. It seems like sometimes when I try to stop the shrieking in public, it increases. I want to do what is right by my son, but I feel ignorant as he has just been diagnosed with ASD... Please help! Answer The tantrums and meltdowns caused by Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) can be very different than what most people would consider a 'temper tantrum'. They are caused by the same sort of things, but they may happen more easily, or for a much more unusual stimulus. In addition, it may not be that the youngster particularly wants something, so much as that the world has become too much, and he is simply lashing out against it.   ==> How to Prevent Meltdowns and Tantrums in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder The most important part about dealing with tantrums and meltdowns is finding out what is causing them. While a lot of what is causing them can't be a