My ASD Child

"What types of behavior change methods -if any- can parents use at home instead of putting their child in a formal treatment program?"   Let's look at a few ideas...   A short-term behavior modification plan can break through a cycle of bad behavior in your child with ASD level 1 [Aspergers or High-Functioning Autism]. Think of it as a learning tool to help him or her move forward to a new level of social development.    Four to six weeks on the plan is usually enough to change one or two specific behavior problems. At the very least, your youngster will have a clear understanding of your expectations for his behavior, even if he is not yet able to consistently maintain the desirable behavior. Chips or Charts? A chart system is useful when chores or homework are the issues. Use daily stars or stickers for completed tasks with weekly rewards for good performance. Weekend privileges or rewards are clearly dependent on consistently responsible behavior through the

ASD manifests in many ways that can cause difficulties on a daily basis. Here are some examples of what to look for: • Being naive and trusting • Confusion • Delayed motor milestones • Delighting in fine details such as knobs on a stereo • Difficulty in conversing • Difficulty with multitasking • Extreme shyness • Lack of dress sense • Mixing with inappropriate company • Not understanding jokes or social interaction • Quoting lists of facts • Unusual and obsessional interests One of the worst problems is that you can never really understand what is going on inside your youngster's head. This makes it so difficult for you to understand his behavior. This can leave you feeling emotionally beat-up and completely useless as a parent. You may have to cope with crisis on a daily, hourly or even minute-by-minute basis. Undiagnosed ASD— Undiagnosed ASD is an issue that concerns me because so many kids have the disorder and are struggling to mak

Understanding the implication of ASD (high-functioning autism) can bring a greater level of tolerance and acceptance for those with the condition.     Here are some traits and behavior patterns commonly seen in ASD: • A youngster can be helped if parents consistently work with him and highlight his strengths and work consistently on his weaknesses. • ASD is often detected when a youngster starts preschool. He will generally interact better with his teacher than his peers and may display silly, loud, aggressive or socially withdrawn behavior. • Kids on the autism spectrum express their feelings in unpredictable ways. Sometimes they may seem emotionless and other times they may display extreme emotion that is not appropriate to the situation. • Kids with ASD prefer routine and structure and can become irritable and distressed if the unexpected happens. • Eye contact is not understood or made use of.   ==> How to Prevent Meltdowns and Tantrums in Children with A

Children with ASD (high functioning autism) will respond quite well to specific classroom adaptations. Here are the recommended methods teachers can employ with their "special needs" students:  Implement Creative Programming - Through the student’s IEP, educators can develop class schedules which will be motivating and challenging to the student while addressing his/her needs. Intervene Early - The earlier intervention begins, the earlier children can learn the needed skills for adulthood and friendship. Obtain In-Depth Training - Learn the differences among the kids with ASD in elementary, middle school and high school. Recognize Children’ Strengths - Many children with ASD will go on to make great contributions to society. However, we must tap into their strengths and offer support so that they do not drop out of school because academic and social demands are too high. Understand How Social Impairments Impact Learning and Peer Relationships - Some children require

Resources for parents of children and teens on the autism spectrum :   ==> How to Prevent Meltdowns and Tantrums in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder ==> Parenting System that Reduces Defiant Behavior in Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder ==> Launching Adult Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Guide for Parents Who Want to Promote Self-Reliance ==> Teaching Social-Skills and Emotion-Management to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder ==> Parenting Children and Teens with High-Functioning Autism: Parents' Comprehensive Handbook ==> Unraveling the Mystery Behind High-Functioning Autism: Audio Book   More articles for parents of children and teens on the autism spectrum :   Social rejection has devastating effects in many areas of functioning. Because the ASD child tends to internalize how others treat him, rejection damages self-esteem and often causes anxiety and depression. As the child feels worse about himself and becomes more anxi