My ASD Child

==>  Discover the Behavior-Modification SECRETS Used by Therapists Who Work in the Field of Autism Spectrum Disorders

“How can I get my 9 y.o. son (high functioning autistic ) to obey and do as he's told? He won't do his homework and refuses to clean his room. He is defiant and talks back. When we try to discuss these problems with him in a peaceful, mature manner, he usually ends up getting angry and yells at us. And with the recent start of summer school, things have gotten much worse. What are we doing wrong?” Unfortunately, disobedience is an issue more common in High-Functioning Autism (HFA) than in the general population. It can occur for numerous reasons. For example, anxiety, low-frustration tolerance, sensory sensitivities, social skills deficits, difficulty understanding emotions and their impact on others, when rituals can’t get accomplished, when the youngster's need for order or symmetry can’t be met… just to name a few. Thus, it’s important to understand that in many cases, the child’s oppositional behavior may be a symptom of some underlying issue related to his or

A meltdown appears to most parents as a tantrum. However, a meltdown has more to do with the child's temperament, whereas a tantrum has more to do with the child's anger at not getting his or her way. There are nine different temperaments in children with Asperger's and High-Functioning Autism (HFA): 1. Poor Adaptability : This shows itself when Asperger's and HFA children resist, shut down, and become passive-aggressive when asked to change activities. Change in routine is very difficult for kids on the spectrum. 2. Negative Persistent: This is seen when the Asperger's or HFA youngster seems stuck in his or her whining and complaining. This occurs because he or she hasn't learned any other way to deal with frustration yet. 3. Negative Mood: This is found when Asperger's and HFA children appear lethargic, sad and lack the energy to perform a task. 4. Low-Sensory Threshold: This is evident when the youngster complains about tight clo

==> Relationship Skills for Couples Affected by Asperger's and High-Functioning Autism

“Dustin, my son with high functioning autism, recently turned 13. He started back to school this week (8th grade) and we are already having some issues. He still has a hard time engaging with other classmates, his personal hygiene is lacking (e.g. hates to shower or comb his hair), and he’s simply not interested in the current fads or topics of conversation among his peer-group. Now he tells us that he’s being teased by a few kids in his class. Last school year, he 'failed' socially and became completely ostracized from his peer-group and felt a sense of general isolation from everybody. It appears that we are going to have a repeat performance of these issues again this time around. He mostly just stays to himself (playing his digital piano and video games in his room). How can I help my son in this situation? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.” Due to the fact that the adolescent with High-Functioning Autism (HFA) tends to be a loner, develops odd mannerisms, and

As parents of children on the autism spectrum know, there are a multitude of symptoms:  physical (e.g., fine and gross motor skills deficits, sensory sensitivities), mental (e.g., attention difficulties), emotional (e.g., shutdowns, meltdowns, obsessions), and social (e.g., problems reading nonverbal language, difficulty understanding sarcasm). However, sometimes it becomes extremely difficult for parents to differentiate between (a) behavior problems and (b) symptoms of the disorder that "look like" behavior problems. For example, the Asperger's or high-functioning autistic child who has an allergy or food sensitivity may be cranky during periods of the day. The child who finds it difficult to transition from one activity to the next may experience a meltdown. The child who has difficulty waiting his turn may throw a tantrum. Thus, we need to learn how to adjust our parenting strategies accordingly.  Sometimes, a consequence for misbehavior is inde

We're all dealing with the coronavirus currently, but school will be back in session for most of the U.S. eventually. We have compiled a series of articles that will be especially helpful for teachers and home-schoolers who may have a student on the autism spectrum when classes resume. Here, teachers will find nearly everything they need to know to help their "special needs" students be successful - both academically and socially. "Best-of" Teaching Strategies for Students on the Autism Spectrum: Crucial Strategies for Teachers   Problems in Physical Education Classes   Anxiety-Based Absenteeism and School-Refusal Poor Academic Performance Effective Academic Accommodations   Behavior-Management in the Classroom   Capitalizing on Strengths   The Easily Discouraged Student Difficulty with Transitions Skills and Deficits Teaching Social Skills Understanding the Difficult Student Fact Sheet for Teachers How to Create an Effective Behavioral

If you have tried talking, screaming, punishing, pleading, and negotiating - but your Asperger's or HFA teenager still walks all over you… If you find yourself "walking on eggshells" around your child trying to avoid saying something that will set him off… If you are tired of struggling with a person who is disrespectful, obnoxious, or even abusive toward you in your own home… If you are frustrated and exhausted from constant arguing… Then you will find help here: Parenting System that Reduces Problematic Behavior in Children with Asperger's and High-Functioning Autism

Many parents learn that their child with ASD level 1, or High-Functioning Autism (HFA), is being teased and/or bullied by one of the other students. In some cases, school officials don’t seem to address the problem adequately, thus the “special needs” child is left to fend for himself/herself. Here’s a recent email from a very concerned mother on the matter: “My 12-year-old son has been a target of bullying since the 4th grade. He is fully mainstreamed because he is academically "high functioning". I send him to school for the socialization. However, I am questioning that, because he is only learning that his peers are "not o.k.". He hates school, and is being treated for anxiety and depression. Bullying is constant and "below the radar", being mostly relational. I feel that I send him into a war zone each day. School officials try to address targeted incidents, but are mostly ineffective. Any suggestions on how I can help my son?” Unfortunately

Children with High-Functioning Autism often exhibit different forms of challenging behavior. But, are these behaviors willful or malicious? You may be surprised! 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     More articles for parents of children and teens on the autism spectrum :   S