My ASD Child

"What are some things I can do as a parent of a 6-year-old autistic son (high-functioning) to help him calm down when he has a temper tantrum (which usually results in him hurting himself or destroying something in the house)? He just started the first grade, and his teacher is already having issues with his behavior as well." In order to understand what calming techniques will work, you will first need to determine what things excite and upset your high-functioning autistic (HFA) son, and have some understanding of the context in which he is throwing a tantrum. 1. Make sure your child knows what the expectations are, and do not confuse the issue with trying to talk to him about things at a time when he is already upset. 2. Try to redirect him to an alternative activity -- something that he enjoys.  3. If this does not stop the tantrum, tell him to stop. Don't add any extras, just STOP -- calmly and directly. 4. If he still doesn't stop, provid...

 "What is 'behavioral rehearsal' [the social skills method used for kids on the autism spectrum] and how do you use it exactly?" Behavioral rehearsal is used primarily to teach basic social skills to children with Asperger’s (AS) and High-Functioning Autism (HFA) in a way that allows for the “creative practice” of such skills. This technique involves acting-out situations and activities in a structured environment in order to repeat newly acquired skills (or previously learned skills) that the youngster is having difficulties performing. Behavioral rehearsal can be either scripted or spontaneous. In the spontaneous approach, the youngster is provided with a scenario (e.g., asking a peer to play with him), but not with the specific script. Usually, it’s best to combine scripted and unscripted elements to each rehearsal (e.g., the youngster might be provided with an opening statement or question, but the rest of the interaction would be spontaneous).  Be...

Question "Mark, I have a daughter age 6 who was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder at age two. She received intensive therapy, 40 hours plus, per week utilizing various techniques. She is now 6. She is extremely friendly to even strangers, her IQ is 133… she is great with the exception of some behavioral problems. She is in first grade and is getting in trouble and being punished regularly for things such a marking on things she should not mark on, refusing to write. I need help." Answer You need to have a functional behavior assessment performed. Consider the following scenarios:    A child with ASD has a behavior meltdown, in the school hall way. He begins to scream and hit other child. A grown-up is able to redirect the child and thus eliminate the behavior. Afterward, the team meets to discuss behavioral approaches for the future and to try to find out what led to this behavioral incident.    As the team discusses potential reasons for the ...

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Aspergers; however, there are a wide variety of helpful treatments that help those with Aspergers to learn better social skills and communication cues, and to help them be able to interact socially more naturally. By focusing on learning ways to cope with the symptoms and pick up on social cues, most people with Aspergers lead fairly typical lives, with close friends and loved ones. The mainstay of management for Aspergers is behavioral therapy, focusing on specific deficits to address poor communication skills, obsessive or repetitive routines, and physical clumsiness. Most kids improve as they mature to adulthood, but social and communication difficulties may persist. Some researchers and individuals with Aspergers have advocated a shift in attitudes toward the view that it is a “difference” rather than a “disability” that must be treated or cured. Treatment for Aspergers attempts to manage distressing symptoms and to teach age-appropriat...

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by a broad spectrum of challenges that significantly influence an individual's ability to communicate, interact socially, and behave in a conventional manner.    The complexities of ASD can lead to a variety of behavioral issues, particularly in school environments where social expectations are often heightened. This article delves deeply into the behavioral challenges associated with ASD in schools, examining their nature, impacts on learning, and effective strategies for support and intervention. ### Key Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD encompasses a wide variety of symptoms that can manifest differently in each individual. Understanding these characteristics is not just crucial, but empowering for educators and peers alike, as it equips them with the knowledge to provide effective support. 1. **Difficulties in Social Communication**: Children with ASD often face significant hurdles...

Question My Aspergers son has anger problems. How can I help him understand what his real emotions are? Answer For kids with Aspergers (high functioning autism), anger can be a major challenge. Many people do not realize the strong connection between Aspergers and behavioral issues like anger, anxiety, and depression. The very characteristics of Aspergers lead to these behavioral issues. Some of these characteristics are: Gross and fine motor problems Inflexible thinking Lack of language skills, especially social language, gestures and cues Narrow interests Sensory issues Social skills weaknesses Understanding anger in Aspergers children is quite simple. Nearly all of your son’s anger stems from frustration. The characteristics of Aspergers listed above (plus others) create a confusing and uncomfortable social environment. The natural reaction is frustration, and the natural escalation of frustration is anxiety, then anger. Helping an Aspergers child un...

Question What kind of assessment tools do clinicians use when they are trying to determine whether or not a child or teen has Aspergers or Autism? Answer There are many (with new ones coming along all the time) …so I have listed the “most used” screening tools to date. These include: 1. Aspergers/High Functioning Autism (HFA) Screening Tools 2. Autism Screening Tools 3. Developmental and Behavioral Screening Tools Aspergers/HFA Screening Tools (4 years to adult) — Most Aspergers/HFA screening tools are designed for use with older kids, and are used to differentiate these disorders from other ASDs and/or other developmental disorders (e.g., mental retardation and language delays). These tools concentrate on social and behavioral impairment in kids four years of age and older (up to adulthood), who usually develop without significant language delay. Qualitatively, these tools are quite different from the early childhood screening tools, highlighting more social-conversa...