My ASD Child

“I'd like to ask you about a very big problem for our autistic (high functioning) son - his perfectionism! Can you give me some advice on what to do about this issue, because I believe it is a major contributing factor to his never-ending anxiety, especially when doing his homework?” Although it may be hard to completely change a "special needs" youngster’s perfectionist nature, there are many things that parents can do to help their child find a better balance and not be so hard on himself. Please consider these suggestions: 1. The pressure to be perfect may stem from school (or other areas where perfectionism is exhibited) being the only place from where your son derives self-worth. Try to expand your son’s notion of his identity by finding activities for him to participate in that do not involve scoring or competition (i.e., activities that simply exist to feel good and have fun). 2. Regularly remind your son to “keep it simple” and “make it fun.”

Question I need to put drive in my 15 yr old son with ASD. When I discipline him with taking things away ... nothing seems to work unless I TOTALLY get frustrated ... then he reacts. I would like him to CARE. Answer Most teens with ASD [High-Functioning Autism] struggle with social skills, communication, and a limited diet. The causes of these struggles (e.g., social, communication and behavioral problems, sensory issues, etc.) can create the desire for isolation and a lack of motivation. Teens with ASD easily drop into a lonely state of depression, making the original problems that much worse. Behavior modification is the most popular area of concentration when treating teens on the spectrum. Social skills therapy and living skills therapy are widely available and do bring about effective progress in most cases. However, you are looking for something new to try. Motivation is the key to improving your teenager’s circumstances. Actually, motivation is a fac

Question I'm a single mother and don't know how to deal with my 13 yr old anymore. He doesn't want to go anywhere or do anything which is hard when you have to, and I am now homeschooling him due to trouble going to school. A big problem right now is sleep issues… he is so active at night and tired during the day. At the moment he is not falling asleep till about 1 or 2 am, and I've tried waking him up earlier to reset his body clock but I can't get him out of bed. I don't know how to get him back into a healthy sleep routine. Answer Studies find that approximately 73% of kids with ASD level 1 (high-functioning autism) experience sleep problems, and these problems tend to last longer in this group than they do for kids without ASD. For example, kids on the spectrum are more likely to be sluggish and disoriented after waking. Laboratory research has begun to describe the unique physiological presentation associated with sleep problems in kids with A

"Can teenagers with ASD Level 1 (high functioning autism) become so depressed that they become a risk for suicide?" Unfortunately, the answer is ‘yes’. Research reveals a 50% demonstration of what we call “suicidal ideation” (i.e., talking about killing yourself) with Asperger's and High-Functioning Autistic teens. When we look at the cases of teens on the autism spectrum who have attempted suicide or talk about committing suicide, the main issues usually revolve around self-esteem and social isolation. Thus, the parents and teachers should be as supportive as possible. Here are 25 tips to show parents how to be supportive of a suicidal teenager: 1. A teenager who you feel is “high risk” for suicide should never be left alone, if even for a moment. Keep talking to that person, and stay with him or her. 2. Ask if he/she is thinking about suicide. 3. Ask if they have a plan. If so, take them seriously and move quickly to get help. Remove anything that

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or simply autism is a condition that affects the way a person’s brain functions. It also impacts the social interaction, language, and basic communication of the affected person. Children with autism may involve repetitive behaviors.  Although there is no curable remedy for autism, the treatment is based on the individual that may involve helping the patient through their symptoms with education, self-help, skill development and socialization. Children and adults who are affected with autism may develop limited food intake or choices. Since their bodies may break down fat differently it is possible that their bodies may lack certain nutrients. This is related to selective eating, decreased gut absorption, or depletion of nutrients from chronic stress. Hence, diet changes and supplementation have proved to be very helpful methods of aiding children with autism. With enhanced food choices, you can help your autistic child better manage the daily struggles.

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