My ASD Child

"I love both of my children equally, however the younger 'typical' child has a much better temperament than his autistic brother? Their personalities are as different as night and day! Any suggestions about how I can help my special needs child to be a bit more calm and collected?" Children with ASD level 1, or High-Functioning Autism, often struggle to make sense of their surroundings and sense of their world. They exist in a body that does not always allow for accurate interpretation of their world, and they are unable to respond in a typical manner. The result of this can be challenging behavior. For parents and professionals alike, interpreting this behavior can be difficult. Developing a plan to deal with the behavior is often even more challenging as it requires consistency and routine throughout the day and life of the autistic child.   ==> Instructional Videos for Parents of Children and Teens with ASD Behavioral issues are often the result o...

Problematic emotional reactions and behaviors (e.g., aggression, meltdowns, self-injury, etc.) are common in kids and teens with Asperger’s (AS) and High Functioning Autism (HFA). In many cases, medical conditions may cause or exacerbate maladaptive behaviors. Recognition and treatment of these conditions may eliminate the need for medications (e.g., in the case of an acute onset of aggressive or self-injurious behavior, the source of pain can be identified and treated). Some of the sources of physical discomfort that may cause or exacerbate maladaptive behaviors in AS and HFA children include the following: allergic rhinitis (allergic inflammation of the nasal airways) colitis (inflammation of the inner lining of the colon) constipation dental abscess esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) fractures gastritis (inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the lining of the stomach) headaches otitis externa (inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal) otitis media (mid...

"I understand that social skills must be taught to children on the autism spectrum, but how can parents actually do this outside of a formal skills training course? Thanks in advance for your response!" The process of teaching social skills to children with Aspergers and High-Functioning Autism (HFA) involves a six-step plan: assessment of existing skills defining what skills will be taught (i.e., setting goals and objectives) planning how the skills will be taught (i.e., teaching strategies) implementing the teaching plan assessing child progress adapting the teaching strategy so that the child acquires the target skill Most social skills programs for kids with Aspergers and HFA fall into one of two theoretical frameworks: (1) behavioral and (2) developmental. 1. In a behavioral approach , the youngster’s behavior is evaluated according to (a) the presence of dysfunctional behavior (e.g., presence of abnormal behaviors, abnormal frequency of certain beh...

"Any advice for a child (high functioning) who absolutely hates change and will meltdown at the drop of a hat?! Help!!!" Research suggests that the brains of kids on the autism spectrum are quite inflexible at switching from rest to task, and this inflexibility is correlated with behaviors characteristic of spectrum disorders. This behavioral inflexibility can manifest as restricted interests (e.g., preoccupation with particular activities, objects or sounds). These behaviors impact how a youngster attends to the external world. Compared to “typical” kids, young people on the autism spectrum show reduced differentiation between brain connectivity during rest and task (called “brain inflexibility”). Also, there is a correlation between the degree of brain inflexibility shown in the fMRI scans and the severity of restrictive and repetitive behaviors in this population. Symptoms of inflexibility or behavioral rigidity are often difficult to quantify, and yet often in...

Some kids with ASD [High-Functioning Autism] develop a resistance to (or fear of) change, that then involves being rigid in their approach to their environment. Insistence on sameness, routines and rituals begin. For example: Particular silverware and plates must be used or the ASD youngster refuses to eat or drink. Objects may be stacked or lined up in a repetitive manner. Certain routes must be followed to and from familiar places. Certain items must be placed in particular places and not moved. Confusion about coping in a world that is overwhelming influences this behavior, so the youngster with ASD responds to this uncertainty by being in control of their immediate environment, the objects in that environment, and the people in it. Repetitive motor mannerisms may occur when some kids are excited, anxious, or worried. For others, sensory sensitivities and physical enjoyment may drive repetitive jumping, arm flapping, twiddling of fingers in front of their eyes and cover...

Your child has recently been diagnosed with high functioning autism (also called Asperger’s). You are relieved to know that there is a name for the odd twists and turns your child’s life has taken, yet you are also very concerned about how he or she is going to cope with this life-long disorder. Since you are new to this whole thing, you’re not sure where to start or how to best assist you child. That’s why we have created this step-by-step intervention plan below, to give you a concrete place to begin in helping your son or daughter to have the best possible outcome. Parents’ Step-by-Step Intervention Plan for Recently Diagnosed Children: 1. Take Care of Yourself-- The first step in helping your child has to be about YOU taking care of YOU. Many moms and dads of kids with high functioning autism and Asperger’s feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and sometimes defeated. They talk about difficulties in their marriage and other relationships. While there is no quick fix for resolving ...

Most young people diagnosed with Asperger’s and High-functioning Autism (HFA) have behavioral and emotional problems to one degree or another. These challenges are most often related to social skills deficits associated with the disorder (e.g., when the youngster fails to take his turn in a playground game, because he doesn't understand the social rules associated with it). Social difficulties frequently involve feelings of anxiety, loss of control, and the inability to predict outcomes. As a result, kids on the autism spectrum usually have problems connected to their inability to function in a world they see as threatening and unpredictable. ==> Parenting System that Reduces Problematic Behavior in Children with Asperger's and High-Functioning Autism  The child who feels generally fearful and confused will typically act-out these troubling emotions in rather destructive ways (e.g., tantrums, meltdowns, shutdowns, aggression, etc.). Thus, it is not uncommon for...

Disciplining children is a fundamental aspect of parenting, involving a delicate balance of guidance, correction, and nurturing. However, when it comes to children on the autism spectrum, discipline becomes a nuanced challenge that necessitates thoughtful, individualized approaches. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis; instead, it encompasses a wide range of behaviors, cognitive abilities, and emotional responses.  Thus, caregivers and educators must develop tailored disciplinary methods that respect the unique characteristics and needs of autistic children. This article provides an in-depth exploration of effective strategies for discipline, emphasizes the significance of understanding individual differences, and highlights the critical role of positive reinforcement and structured environments. ### Understanding the Diverse Characteristics of Autism To create effective disciplinary methods, it is essential to first understand the multifaceted natur...