My ASD Child

Question My 14 year old son has been diagnosed with high functioning autism and ADHD when he was 9 years old. He attended public elementary school and has been at a small private school for 7th grade and is currently in 8th grade. He suffered in elementary school due to a few kids, however, the private school has been such a positive experience for him, he could be himself and his self esteem grew. Here’s the issue: He has been suffering from a “virus” since the end of August. He remains symptomatic and has been to numerous doctors and testing, all negative. His stomach pain, fevers, pains are all real; however, a few doctors have suggested that they may be psychosomatic in nature. In September, he was not able to walk, or bear weight due to acute muscle pain in his legs. Along with Migraine headaches and Flu like symptoms. His muscle pain has just recently subsided, after months of physical therapy, Gabapentin (he’s being weaned off), acupuncture, Advil and whatever

“What do you suggest for my 4-year-old boy who has a hard time getting to sleep at bedtime, but can’t take melatonin? He has an allergic reaction to that supplement (gives him headaches). And why does it seem that so many high functioning autistic children have trouble going to sleep – even when they are exhausted?” Researchers don't know for sure why HFA kids have problems with sleep, but they have several theories. Here are the main ones: Anxiety : Stress or anxiety is a possible condition that could adversely affect sleep. HFA kids tend to test higher than other kids for anxiety. Low levels of nighttime melatonin : Melatonin normally helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. To make melatonin, the body needs an amino acid called tryptophan, which research has found to be either higher or lower than normal in kids on the spectrum. Typically, melatonin levels rise in response to darkness and dip during the daylight hours. Studies have shown that some kids with HFA don't releas

Some "Aspergers" and "high-functioning autistic" (HFA) children do not have the disorder at all, they are simply "gifted." Has your child been misdiagnosed? No one knows exactly how many gifted kids are misdiagnosed by clinicians and pediatricians who are not trained in the unique emotional difficulties of the gifted youngster. A common belief is that gifted kids do not have any particular social or emotional problems. Yet, research indicates that up to 20 % of high school dropouts test in the gifted range. Some gifted kids may not seem different than other “behaviorally-difficult” children in their behavior and emotions, but the underlying causes are different. Any youngster can become withdrawn, aggressive, depressed, anxious, or sad – or exhibit any number of other problem behaviors given the right circumstances. However, there are a many aspects of giftedness that create unique challenges. Gifted kids, many of whom are “asynchronous” (i.e

“Any advice for helping our HFA child (age 6) with sleep difficulties? She has a hard time getting to sleep, will wake up numerous times through the night. We have a real chore with trying to wake her up in the morning, and we are getting reports from her teacher that she frequently doses off during class.” Sleep disturbance is common in kids and teens with Asperger’s (AS) and High Functioning Autism (HFA) at all levels of cognitive functioning. Sleep disturbance correlates with family distress and may have significant effects on daytime functioning and quality of life for these young people. In some cases, there may be an identifiable cause (e.g., obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux). Assessment and treatment for sleep problems are guided by history and physical examination. When there is not an identifiable medical cause, behavioral interventions often are effective (e.g., sleep-hygiene measures, restriction of daytime sleep, positive bedtime routines, extinc

"We've been getting complaints from our high functioning autistic daughter's teacher that she doses off during 'study time'. It's becoming a real problem. She seems wide awake and full of energy at home though. What would you suggest?" According to studies on sleeplessness in children with ASD level 1, or High-Functioning Autism (HFA): • 50% feel un-refreshed when waking up in the morning • 50% are disinclined to go to bed • 75% fall asleep sweating • 75% have a need for a light or television in the bedroom • 87% feel sleepy during the day • 87% have difficulty getting to sleep at night • 87% have difficulty waking up in the morning The incidence of sleep difficulties in this population seems to be extremely high. Many parents of kids with HFA complain that this problem is one of the most serious they face. Unfortunately, when these young people are unable to sleep, they do not usually remain quietly in bed. They are often up and ou