My ASD Child

"Any advice for a child (high functioning) who absolutely hates change and will meltdown at the drop of a hat?! Help!!!" Research suggests that the brains of kids on the autism spectrum are quite inflexible at switching from rest to task, and this inflexibility is correlated with behaviors characteristic of spectrum disorders. This behavioral inflexibility can manifest as restricted interests (e.g., preoccupation with particular activities, objects or sounds). These behaviors impact how a youngster attends to the external world. Compared to “typical” kids, young people on the autism spectrum show reduced differentiation between brain connectivity during rest and task (called “brain inflexibility”). Also, there is a correlation between the degree of brain inflexibility shown in the fMRI scans and the severity of restrictive and repetitive behaviors in this population. Symptoms of inflexibility or behavioral rigidity are often difficult to quantify, and yet often in

“Are there some ways to prevent some of the discipline-related problems encountered with children who have high functioning autism, specifically meltdowns associated with receiving a consequence for misbehavior? I say ‘prevent’ because it seems that once my son knows he is going to be punished, it quickly escalates into meltdown, which by then is much too late to intervene. Is there a way for us to ‘predict’ and thus prevent a potential meltdown?” Most parents of kids with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger's wait until a problem occurs, and then try to deal with it by issuing a consequence. Consequences can be positive (gaining something desirable) or negative (losing something desirable). Sometimes, consequences are discussed prior to an event, but usually in terms of a motivator: "If you do this, you will gain (or lose) that." Too often, parents use consequences in the middle of a behavior problem (e.g., "If you don't stop that, you’re not going to p

“Are there methods to prevent meltdowns associated with receiving a consequence for misbehavior? When our high functioning (autistic) daughter knows she is going to be punished, it quickly escalates into meltdown, which by then is much too late to intervene.” Yes, there are some prevention methods (emphasis on “prevent”). The first and most important consideration is to think in terms of “prevention” rather than “intervention.” Once a meltdown is underway, it usually has to run its course (i.e., it's too late to intervene at that point). So, the best approach is to educate yourself on how to put the fires out while they are still small. Here are some ideas for using prevention strategies to curb punishment-related meltdowns before that start: 1. Both home and in school, develop a daily routine so that your daughter knows what she is doing and when. Posting the schedule and reviewing it when your daughter becomes "stuck" can provide the necessary prompt to mo

                                           2007— Adult Diagnosis Aspergers and Comorbid Conditions Aspergers and Comorbid Conditions Aspergers and diet/natural supplements. Aspergers and Medication Aspergers and Stress Aspergers syndrome and High Functioning Autism Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pervasive Developmental... Books to share with your AS child. Building Social Relationships Can Aspergers be inherited? Can people with Aspergers develop normal relations... Changes in Adolescence Coping with Obsessions and Rituals Dealing with anger management (older kids). Dealing with obsessions and compulsive behaviors. Dealing with sensory problems. Developing active listening skills for effective i... Developing Daily Living Skills Developing Social Communication Skills Famous people with Aspergers and their achievement... Gender Differences Helping your child's teacher to understand your ch... Home tuition/Schooling for your Aspergers child. How can people with