My ASD Child

Autism is a brain development disorder that is characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior, all starting before a youngster is three years old. This set of signs distinguishes autism from milder Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) such as pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). Autism has a strong genetic basis, although the genetics of autism are complex and it is unclear whether Autism Spectrum Disorders is explained more by multigene interactions or by rare mutations. In rare cases, autism is strongly associated with agents that cause birth defects. Other proposed causes, such as childhood vaccines, are controversial; the vaccine hypotheses lack convincing scientific evidence. Most recent reviews estimate a prevalence of one to two cases per 1,000 individuals for autism, and about six per 1,000 for Autism Spectrum Disorders, with Autism Spectrum Disorders averaging a 4.3:1 male-to-female ratio. The

Aspergers (also called Asperger's Syndrome, Asperger's Disorder, Asperger's or AS) is the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in which there is no general delay in language or cognitive development. Like the more severe Autism Spectrum Disorders, it is characterized by difficulties in social interaction and restricted, stereotyped patterns of behavior and interests. Although not mentioned in standard diagnostic criteria for Aspergers, physical clumsiness and atypical use of language are frequently reported. Aspergers is named after Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger who, in 1944, described kids in his practice who lacked nonverbal communication skills, demonstrated limited empathy with their peers, and were physically clumsy. Fifty years later, Aspergers was standardized as a diagnosis, but questions about many aspects of Aspergers remain. For example, there is lingering doubt about the distinction between Aspergers and High-Functioning Autism (HFA); partly due to this,

" How should I begin talking to my 12 year old autistic son (high functioning) about puberty?"   Talking about sexuality with an HFA child needs to be straight forward. Autistic individuals do not pick up on social cues, therefore when talking about sexuality it is important to use concrete terms. Use real terms to describe what you are talking about. Expect that your child will be a sexual being, and understand that with a diagnosis of autism often comes an inability to control impulse behaviors. It is important to be proactive when preparing yourself and your child for puberty. Teach him that it is okay to be a sexual being, but this is also a private time. Teach him about good touch versus bad touch so that he is not vulnerable. Let him know that you are comfortable (and work at it if you are not) with this type of conversation so that he can be comfortable too. Sometimes it's difficult to accept this reality (i.e., that they are sexual beings)

"I would like some tips on how to teach a younger sibling (age 3, not in school yet due to rural location) not to pick up unwanted behaviours from his Asperger's brother." You might be concerned that your 3-year-old will pick up unwanted behaviours because he might have Asperger’s, also. Asperger’s does, indeed, have a genetic component. New research in the area of Asperger’s has shown that toddler siblings of Asperger's children are more likely to exhibit the same atypical behaviours as their brothers and sisters with the Asperger's, even when they don’t eventually develop the disorder. Andy Shih, PhD, of the Baby Sibling Research Consortium, states that this increases the importance of careful monitoring of high-risk siblings of children with Asperger’s for any signs of a disorder. If one should occur, you are well-situated for early intervention. If atypical behaviours occur, but there is no Asperger’s, you will feel relief at knowing that your second ch