My ASD Child

"Is there one method for teaching social skills that is better than the others? If so, what might it be?" “Video-modeling” may be one of the most effective social-skills training tools used for kids with Asperger’s (AS) and High-Functioning Autism (HFA). This technique involves the child watching a video demonstration of a behavior, and then imitating the behavior of the model. Video-modeling may be used with the child’s parents, teachers, friends – or self as a model (called “self-modeling”). Self-modeling techniques have the added advantage of providing AS and HFA youngsters with a visual representation of their own success (i.e., they can view themselves successfully engaging in a behavior or activity). Self-modeling can be used to promote skill acquisition, boost skill performance, and decrease problem behaviors. It utilizes a powerful learning medium for kids on the spectrum (i.e., visually-cued instruction) with an effective, evidence-based intervention strategy.

You have no idea how much I appreciate your emails - I am completely blessed by your good, honest, common sense approach to parenting teens.  Thanks a million! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ QUESTION: So the drama continues. I'm at a point where I want to throw in the towel. I'm not sure where else to go. My son is currently on probation for possession of xanax. I reported him to his school about it (back in Nov) and he just recently learned it was me that did it (his dad told him). He now tells me constantly that all the things related to that incident (ex. Treatment, costs, transportation) are all my fault, that I brought it on myself. His dad tells me that too. We are divorced and I take him to all group therapy sessions, counseling, court appearances. I also pay for everything as well. Dropping about $5000 so far this year. My son has a very negative attitude towards things when they don't go the way he wants. He is currently in summer school and sent me a nas

 "What is 'behavioral rehearsal' [the social skills method used for kids on the autism spectrum] and how do you use it exactly?" Behavioral rehearsal is used primarily to teach basic social skills to children with Asperger’s (AS) and High-Functioning Autism (HFA) in a way that allows for the “creative practice” of such skills. This technique involves acting-out situations and activities in a structured environment in order to repeat newly acquired skills (or previously learned skills) that the youngster is having difficulties performing. Behavioral rehearsal can be either scripted or spontaneous. In the spontaneous approach, the youngster is provided with a scenario (e.g., asking a peer to play with him), but not with the specific script. Usually, it’s best to combine scripted and unscripted elements to each rehearsal (e.g., the youngster might be provided with an opening statement or question, but the rest of the interaction would be spontaneous).  Be