My ASD Child

“I’m concerned that my son is depressed (17 y.o.). Is this something that happens along with high functioning autism? If so, why? How can I know for sure if he is really struggling with depression? He has made some off-handed comments about wanting to kill himself. How seriously do I need to be taking these comments?” Depression seems to be common among teens and young adults with High-Functioning Autism (HFA) and Asperger’s (AS). Many of the same deficits that produce anxiety often unite to produce depression. The relationship between serotonin functioning and depression has been explored in detail in this population. There is good evidence that serotonin functions may be impaired in kids and teens on the autism spectrum, which suggests that depression is a common comorbid condition. In addition to impaired serotonin functioning, (a) deficits in social relationships and (b) poor coping-strategies that allow the teenager to compensate for disappointment and frustration ma

All teenagers experience depression from time to time due to the normal pressures faced during adolescents. Also, young people with ASD level 1, or High-Functioning Autism (HFA), experience depression occasionally due to dealing with the symptoms associated with the disorder. So, little wonder why a teenager WITH the disorder may have more than his fair share of depression symptoms. Depression in HFA teens is a serious condition – it affects emotions, thought and behaviors. Although adolescent depression isn't medically different from depression in grown-ups, HFA adolescents often have unique challenges and symptoms. Issues such as peer pressure, academic expectations and changing bodies can bring a lot of ups and downs for these adolescents. But for some, the lows are more than just temporary feelings — they're a sign of depression. Depression is these teens is not a weakness or something that can be overcome with willpower. Like depression in grown-ups, adolescent de

"I would like to know what to expect from a high functioning autistic child in the teenage years. My son was diagnosed 2 years ago. I know they say that they can suffer from this and that, but what is the long-term goal, what can we expect, what not to expect?" Young people with ASD level 1 or High-Functioning Autism (HFA) often have a difficult time between the ages of 13 and 19. They may be socially excluded and face rejection by their peers if they act differently from others. They want to be accepted and liked, but often don’t know how to behave and communicate appropriately. School is demanding and they long for friends. The goal for your HFA son is to make it through the teen years with the following: his self-esteem intact at least a friend or two knowledge that his family loves him a high school diploma   There are some teens that manage to navigate these years successfully because they don’t care about peer pressure and focus on a special interest of th

"Shopping is an absolute nightmare with my son (high functioning autistic). Any tips would be greatly appreciated!" Shopping with any child can be extremely hectic and more than just a little bit difficult at times. Shopping places are filled with attention-grabbing advertisements that stimulate kids - even without the challenge of ASD level 1, or High-Functioning Autism. The last thing you want is to need to overpower a screaming youngster while trying to shop. Here are some simple tips:   If possible, shop during the off hours (calmer hours), and make your behavioral expectations clear to your child before entering the store. Know exactly what you want by keeping a list -- and know where you are going while inside the store. If your son has a favorite distracting toy or gadget, try to bring it along with you. If not, you may find an inexpensive item that he is attracted to that you could buy to distract him during the shopping experience. Don’t be afraid to have

"I need some methods for helping my autistic son to accept that things change from time to time, for example, accepting the new baby that's due in August, moving to a new apartment (we need 3 bedrooms now), and other changes that seem to disrupt his comfort zone." One very common problem for young people with Asperger’s (AS) and High-Functioning Autism (HFA) is difficulty adjusting to new situations. While all of these children love new material things (e.g., toys, games, digital devices, etc.), most of them have difficulty adjusting to a new environment, new homes, different teachers at school, or any other major changes in their daily routines. Even new clothes or changes in their favorite food or drink can cause frustration and emotional outbursts. Children on the autism spectrum need a steady routine and a familiar, consistent environment because it helps them to stay organized and to know what to expect or how to act. So, they rigidly stick to old habits, a