Promoting Self-Confidence in Young People on the Autism Spectrum

By Mark Hutten, M.A.
Early on, the youngster with High-Functioning Autism or Asperger’s begins to notice that his peers can do certain tasks easily that are very difficult for him. As a result, he may begin to feel bad about himself. He may receive frequent criticism, or at best, luck warm praise. For example:
-- “You are making progress” (with what exactly?)
-- “You are doing fine” (how fine?)
-- “You are doing better” (better than what?)

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