My ASD Child

Kids with Asperger’s (AS) and High-Functioning Autism (HFA) are more likely to be lonely than “typical” kids. Research shows that they face considerable challenges in making and keeping friends. There are many causes that may result in loneliness for these young people. For example: Change in environment (e.g., relocation from country side to cities, relocation from joint families to nuclear families) Change in school Fear of school bullies Feeling of being invisible Feeling of being isolated Inability of making friends easily Lack of self-confidence Lack of social support Lacking of understanding from others Losing a friend Loss of a mother or father Rejection from friends Relocation of a friend Shyness Signs that your AS or HFA youngster is feeling lonely include: draws sad pictures fails to interact with peers in class never discusses or speaks with other kids never invites kids to his house plays sad tunes prefers being in his room rather than staying

In order to create an effective intervention for problem behaviors in children with Asperger’s (AS) and High-Functioning Autism (HFA), parents need to take into consideration a variety of aspects. Let’s first look at “The 4-Step Plan”: 1. Hypothesize the Function of the Behavior: Escape/Avoidance Sensory Feedback  Social Attention  Wants tangible item or activity 2. Gather Information: a. Antecedent: Does the behavior occur… Following a request to perform a difficult task? Repeatedly, in the same way, for long periods of time, even when no one is around?  When a request for an item or activity is denied?  When you are attending to other children in the room? b. Consequence: When the behavior occurs, do you… Allow your child to engage in inappropriate behavior? Attend to your child?  Leave him or her alone?  Negotiate or give the desired item/activity? 3. Plan an Intervention: a. Based on information gathered, are environmental changes neede