Below you will find the majority of symptoms associated with High-Functioning Autism (HFA), also referred to as Asperger’s. The HFA child will not usually have all of these traits. We will look at the following categories: sensory sensitivities, cognitive issues, motor clumsiness, narrow range of interests, insistence on set routines, impairments in language, and difficulty with reciprocal social interactions. Sensory Sensitivity Checklist— 1. Difficulty in visual areas: Avoids eye contact Displays discomfort/anxiety when looking at certain pictures (e.g., the child feels as if the visual experience is closing in on him) Engages in intense staring Stands too close to objects or people 2. Difficulty in auditory areas: Covers ears when certain sounds are made Displays an inability to focus when surrounded by multiple sounds (e.g., shopping mall, airport, party) Displays extreme fear when unexpected noises occur Fearful of the sounds particular objects make ...
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I was wondering if you have written anything that may address the difficulties of encountering people, teachers, etc who seem to only identify autism as someone who looks like Rainman, lower functioning, Etc? I'm constantly finding myself having to defend the diagnosis we received from Duke with professionals who "don't see the Autism" because of the subtleties of my daughter's symptoms (at least for them - it's glaringly obvious to the private therapists who work with her). I've been trying to convey to them to look at the LACK OF BEHAVIORS, as they seem to be looking for meltdowns, aggression and constantly telling us, "but she's so smart".
Thank you for all of your amazing articles!!!
I obviously wait until the meltdown is over and explain why he is responsible for his actions. I also consider all information when choosing a consequence...but he does have a consequence.
Here's some more logic for you...if an alcholic (a disease where the person has no control over their drinking), drinks and drives and harms someone, should they have consequenses? They didn't really CHOSE to drink and drive because their disease doesn't allow them control, right? a behavioral symptom is not the same as a seizure. You can use behavioral modification to modify behavioral symptoms of aspergers, you can not however use the same type of modifications for a seizure.
I have to hide them.
But I can't make them go away. They end up as bouts of depression (interior meltdown's). They'll go away- but instead of feeling sleepy- I think I get so emotionally sick that's it ain't fun.
My meltdown have never left. They just attack me from the inside.
Now I can't do anything about them.
A certain book said that meltdowns were similar to throwing up. If you were grounded for throwing up- and held it in- what would happen? Probably intense stomach cramps- my guess. Very intense.