My ASD Child

Suicidal ideation among adolescents has emerged as a pressing public health issue, and when it comes to autistic teenagers, the gravity of the situation intensifies. Research has shown that neurodiverse individuals face distinct challenges that can significantly increase their susceptibility to mental health struggles, including suicidal thoughts and actions. For families, educators, and mental health professionals, understanding these contributing factors is vital to providing the necessary support for autistic youth. #### The Alarming Rates of Suicidal Ideation in Autistic Adolescents Evidence reveals that autistic teenagers are at a notably elevated risk for suicidal ideation compared to their neurotypical counterparts. A range of studies indicates that between 30% to 50% of autistic adolescents may wrestle with thoughts of suicide, highlighting an urgent need for mental health resources tailored specifically to their unique experiences. This statistic is particularly alarming, sugg...

Creating a comprehensive 504 Plan for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is crucial in ensuring they have access to a supportive, equitable educational experience. A 504 Plan is a legally binding document under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that mandates accommodations to eliminate barriers for students with disabilities, allowing them to participate fully in their educational journey. Below is an extensive guide detailing the components that should be included in your child’s 504 Plan. ### Understanding the Purpose of a 504 Plan The primary goal of a 504 Plan is to provide the necessary modifications and accommodations to enable students with disabilities to thrive academically and socially alongside their peers. While an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is often more structured and focuses primarily on educational goals, a 504 Plan addresses broader needs including social integration, emotional support, and health-related requirements. ### Key Component...

Question My eldest boy J___ who is now 5-years-old was diagnosed with ASD (level 1) last July. We did 6 months of intense therapy with a child psychologist and a speech therapist before we moved over to Ghana. J___ has settled in well. He has adjusted to school very well and the teachers who are also expats from England are also dealing with him extremely well. My current issue is his anger. At the moment if the situations are not done exactly his way he has a meltdown. Symptoms are: Extreme ear piercing screaming, intense crying, to falling down on the floor saying he is going to die. I have tried to tell him to breathe but his meltdown is so intense that his body just can't listen to words. I then have asked him to go to his room to calm down. He sometimes (very rarely) throws things across the room, but does not physically hurt anyone. As I have two younger boys (ages 1 and 3) I still need to be aware of their safety. I then managed to put J___ in his room...

Question "My soon to be 12 year old has ADHD. But now we are suspecting ASD level 1. We wonder if it could be one or the other - or both. Is this possible? How can we tell the difference? He and I butt heads because he will not stay on task for chores unless I stand over him, and even then can't seem to get it together. He gets angry if asked/told he needs to do chores. And no, none of them are that hard, and he will admit that after a long painful, drawn out affair." Answer Clear cut boundaries exist between ADHD and ASD level 1 (High-Functioning Autism), though the two are sometimes linked. Some members of the medical establishment see them as existing simultaneously in one person, whereas others say that is impossible. The truth is that there is no agreement on the two issues. It's true that ASD and ADHD share certain commonalities, but the causal factors are far different. For example, individuals with each may talk too loudly or too much, nei...

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