Restricted and Repetitive Interests in Kids on the Autism Spectrum

Kids with High-Functioning Autism (HFA) and Aspergers often display behavior, interests, and activities that are restricted and repetitive and are sometimes abnormally intense or focused.

==> Teaching Social Skills and Emotion Management

Why Children with Asperger's and HFA Have Trouble Empathizing with Others

Some research suggests that children on the autism spectrum do NOT lack empathy; rather, they feel other’s emotions TOO INTENSELY to cope. Thus, the “lack of empathy issue” may have more to do with “sensitivity to stimuli” than an inability to put oneself in someone else’s shoes.

==> Teaching Social Skills and Emotion Management

Why Asperger's and HFA Kids Create Their Own Rules

The Asperger's or high-functioning autistic youngster creates his own set of rules for everyday functioning in order to keep things from changing and thereby minimize his anxiety.

==> Teaching Social Skills and Emotion Management

Concrete Thinking in Children with Asperger's and High-Functioning Autism

==> Teaching Social Skills and Emotion Management

Promoting Self-Confidence in Young People on the Autism Spectrum

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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