My ASD Child

"Are shutdowns actually avoidance behavior, in other words, the child is simply trying to get out of doing something uncomfortable? And how is it different than a meltdown? I'm not sure exactly where to draw the line between intentional and involuntary acts with my 10 y.o. (high-functioning) son." When it comes to dealing with a child who has High-Functioning Autism (HFA) or Asperger's (AS), there aren't too many differences between meltdowns and shutdowns. Both are extreme reactions to everyday stimuli. Both tend to be the result of long-term unresolved issues rather than the more obvious triggers, and both are almost completely out-of-the-control of the youngster rather than being used as a means to an end (which would be either a tantrum or emotional blackmail). Some kids on the autism spectrum are more prone to meltdowns while others lean more towards the shutdown reaction. It's possible to do both, but this depends greatly on the root cause of the

"Any advice for dealing with a child on the spectrum who flips into severe tantrums over the slightest change in his routine?" Some kids with Aspergers and high-functioning autism (HFA) are more likely to have temper tantrums than others. Causes that contribute to a youngster's tendency to have tantrums include: age and stage of development fatigue stress in the youngster's environment temperament whether underlying behavioral, developmental, or health conditions are present (e.g., ADHD) Also, a youngster may be more likely to have temper tantrums if moms and dads react too strongly to difficult behavior or give in to the youngster's demands. Temper tantrums are normal behavior for most kids, and there is no reason why kids with Aspergers and HFA should refrain from this stage of development. But how do you know whether or not a child's tantrums are "normal"? When tantrums escalate to the point of violence, is it still just a "t

“How do I set clear boundaries that I can enforce - and my child with high functioning autism will obey?” The key to setting effective boundaries is to involve the entire family in the process. Get everyone on the same page. This is accomplished by implementing a “family contract” in which the house rules - and the consequences for violating those rules - are clearly explained and written on an actual contract. In a family contract, parents agree to do certain things, for example: encourage the child to achieve in all areas of life hold the child accountable for the choices he makes, and ensure that he experiences privileges and unfortunate consequences that go with each choice listen, and not overreact or judge the child for things that don't make sense to her love the child for who she is make themselves available to the child whenever he or she needs them – even when they are “busy” never view the child as a failure, even when she makes mistakes provide a comforta

“Is there a link between GI problems and high-functioning autism? Our son has frequent constipation, and we’re wondering if this has something to do with the disorder.” Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders do occur in some children with High-Functioning Autism (HFA) and Asperger’s (e.g., chronic constipation, diarrhea, irritable and inflammatory bowel conditions). However, the link between GI issues and autism is up for debate. One study from the Mayo Clinic found no apparent overall link between the two, although the researchers did find that some individual GI problems are more common in kids on the autism spectrum as compared to their “typical” (i.e., non-autistic) peers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that kids on the autism spectrum are 3.5 times more likely to experience chronic diarrhea or constipation than their typical peers. Some researchers propose that toxins produced by abnormal gut bacteria may trigger or worsen the symptoms associated wit

13 year old Aspie daughter had her day in court...... 50 Positive Characteristics of Aspergers A Divine Cure for Aspergers?! A film made by young people with Aspergers Syndrom... About MyAspergersChild.com Adult Aspergers Children Who Move Back Home – or N... Adult Children With Aspergers: Tips For Parents Advocating For Your Aspergers Child Aggression in Aspergers Teens All About Aspergers Amusement Park Precautions for Aspergers and SID C... An Aspergers Teenager Talks His Experience Anger and Violence in Aspergers Children Anxiety and Sleep Problems Are Aspergers Children Too Smart For Their Own Goo... Are there any medications or techniques to address... Articles in Alphabetical Order: 2007 - 2009 ASD and School Behavior Problems Asperger Syndrome and Attention Difficulties Asperger Syndrome in Adulthood Asperger Syndrome: Epidemiology Asperger’s Synd