My ASD Child

Bully-Prevention Tips for Parents of ASD Children and Teens:  Resources for parents of children and teens on the autism spectrum :   ==>  How to Prevent Meltdowns and Tantrums in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder ==>  Parenting System that Reduces Defiant Behavior in Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder ==>  Launching Adult Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Guide for Parents Who Want to Promote Self-Reliance ==>  Teaching Social-Skills and Emotion-Management to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder ==>  Parenting Children and Teens with High-Functioning Autism: Parents' Comprehensive Handbook ==>  Unraveling the Mystery Behind High-Functioning Autism: Audio Book ==>  Crucial  Research-Based  Parenting Strategies for Children and Teens with High-Functioning Autism

“Should you discipline a child with Aspergers (high functioning) in the same way you would a child without the disorder? If not, what would you do differently?” In many instances, a disciplinary technique would be the same for both the Aspergers/HFA and neurotypical child. But in a significant number of select areas, you will need to take a different approach due to the "special needs" child’s ASD-related symptoms (e.g., sensory sensitivities, mind-blindness, obsessions, etc.). Here are most of the main points to consider when disciplining a child with Aspergers or High-Functioning Autism: 1. Attend local parent support group meetings, and join online support groups. 2. Avoid being over-protective. While your youngster does need you, he also needs his own sense of self and to be able to experience life as much as he can on his own. 3. Be patient and consistent. Due to developmental delays, kids on the autism spectrum may require more exposure to discipline befor

"My son with autism (high functioning) often has very little sympathy or compassion for his younger brother, sometimes bordering on emotional abuse. Any tips or tricks that can assist in this situation would be greatly appreciated!" The lack of demonstrated empathy is possibly the most dysfunctional aspect of Aspergers and High Functioning Autism (HFA). Children, teens, and even adults with this disorder experience difficulties in basic elements of social interaction, which may include: impaired nonverbal behaviors (e.g., eye contact, facial expression, posture, gesture) lack of social or emotional reciprocity (e.g., social "games," give-and-take dynamics) failure to seek shared enjoyments or achievements with others (e.g., showing others objects of interest) failure to develop friendships Empathy is one of the foundational moral emotions. It is linked to moral action. It’s a feeling that compels individuals to act compassionately while reasoning alo

"We have recently learned that our daughter has (or might have) High-Functioning Autism, and we're wondering about what comes next. We were not prepared to hear that she is anything other than happy and healthy, and this diagnosis is particularly worrisome." You may be unsure about how to best help your youngster or confused by conflicting treatment advice. Also, you may have been told that High-Functioning Autism (HFA) is an incurable, lifelong condition, leaving you concerned that nothing you do will make a difference. While it is true that HFA is not something a child simply "grows out of," there are many treatments that can help kids learn new skills and overcome a wide variety of developmental challenges. From free government services to in-home behavioral therapy and school-based programs, assistance is available to meet your youngster's special needs. With the right treatment plan, and a lot of love and support, your youngster can learn, grow,

"How can I help my daughter (high functioning autistic) to better understand non-verbal cues such as facial expressions and body language?" “Flat affect” is a term used to describe a lack of emotional reactivity. It is manifest as a failure to express feelings – either verbally or non-verbally – especially regarding issues that would normally be expected to engage the emotions. With a flat affect, expressive gestures are rare, and there is little animation in facial expression or vocal inflection. A person with flat affect has no – or nearly no – emotional expression. He or she may not react at all to circumstances that usually evoke strong emotions in others. Many kids with Aspergers and High-Functioning Autism (HFA) have a flat affect. Their facial expressions are fixed or “artificial” in appearance instead of naturally animated. The youngster may not laugh or smile unless cued to do so in an appropriate situation, or he may appear to have a collection of reh

How the symptoms of Aspergers affect girls differently than boys: 

“What kind of treatment has had the best outcome for children with autism - high functioning? I’m new to the world of Autism Spectrum Disorders, and I want the best for my child.” The type of treatment that will have the best outcome varies from child to child depending on his or her symptoms and level of functioning. The most important factor is early intervention. Research shows that early intervention treatment can greatly improve a youngster’s development. Early intervention services help kids from birth to 3-years-old learn important skills.  Services include therapy to help the youngster talk, walk, and interact with others.  Therefore, it is important for parents to talk to their youngster’s doctor as soon as possible if they think their son or daughter has Aspergers or High-Functioning Autism (HFA). Even if the youngster has not been diagnosed with the disorder, he or she may be eligible for early intervention treatment services. The Individuals with Disabilitie

"I’m feeling very weighed down right now because my son was just diagnosed with Asperger’s, and I’m a single mom with two other children. What can I do to help my son now – and as he grows older?" After a youngster is diagnosed with Aspergers or High-Functioning Autism, the parent may feel unprepared or unable to provide the youngster with the necessary care and education. Know that there are many treatment options, social services and programs, and other resources that can help. Some tips that can help you and your son are: Contact your local health department or autism advocacy groups to learn about the special programs available in your state and local community. Keep a record of conversations, meetings with health care providers and educators, and other sources of information. This will help you remember the different treatment options and decide which would help your youngster most. Keep a record of the doctors' reports and your youngster's eval

I'm ashamed to admit that I can't stand living with my 20 yr (9-6) old son w aspergers. Everyone tells me to take him to homeless shelter, let him go. I m entitled to live a life. My son’s father has nothing to do w any of his children (narcissistic) unless he wants to hurt me. He tried to remove our son from IEP in 2007 while planning divorce (school called me)&ignored him for almost one year while favoring our daughter & keeping her from me& her brother. My ex saw him August 2010 and told him he doesn't have to listen to me when he's 18& there's nothing wrong with him, I just want to take care of him! Things got progressively worse & although psychiatrist, school helped some, it’s still like living in hell. Last summer, I moved my son to his own apt (not far from me) & he started community college. He also worked part time. I still checked on him, but things were getting better. This past march, my ex moved him out of his apt, left it for m