My ASD Child

“Are there any medications used to treat the symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome or High Functioning Autism?” No medications directly treat the core symptoms of Asperger’s or High Functioning Autism. Although research into the effectiveness of pharmaceutical intervention for Asperger’s is limited, it is essential to diagnose and treat “comorbid” (i.e., related) conditions. Deficits in self-identifying emotions or in observing effects of one's behavior on others can make it difficult for kids with Asperger’s to see why medication may be appropriate. Medication can be effective in combination with behavioral interventions and environmental accommodations in treating comorbid symptoms (e.g., anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, inattention, aggression, etc.). Risperidone and olanzapine have been shown to reduce the associated symptoms of Asperger’s. Risperidone can reduce repetitive and self-injurious behaviors, aggressive outbursts and impulsivity, and improve stereotyp

“What would be the best therapeutic approach for a 6-year-old boy with High-Functioning Autism?” Click here for the answer... ***TEACHING SOCIAL SKILLS AND EMOTION MANAGEMENT***

“When and how do you test a child for Asperger’s Syndrome?” Moms and dads of kids with Asperger’s (AS) can typically trace differences in their kid's development to as early as 30 months of age. Developmental screening during a routine check-up by a doctor may identify signs that warrant further investigation. The diagnosis of AS is complicated by the use of several different screening instruments, including: Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Scale (ASDS) Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ; with versions for kids, teens and grown-ups) Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ)  Childhood Asperger Syndrome Test (CAST) Gilliam Asperger's Disorder Scale (GADS)  Krug Asperger's Disorder Index (KADI) Unfortunately, none have been shown to reliably differentiate between AS and other Autism Spectrum Disorders.

"Do children with Asperger’s have speech or language problems, or is this purely an issue in Autism?"   ==> Click here for the answer... 

“We are new to the world of autism spectrum disorders. Is it common for a child with high functioning autism to spend all (or certainly most) of his time doing only one thing? Our 5-year-old son would spend 24-hours-a-day telling you about dinosaurs if he didn’t have to sleep. Should we just go along with the program, or attempt to curb this appetite for dinosaur trivia?” Click here for the answer... Resources for parents of children and teens with Asperger's and High-Functioning Autism: ==>  Preventing Meltdowns and Tantrums in Asperger's Children ==>  Discipline for Defiant Asperger's Teens ==>  Teaching Social Skills and Emotion Management ==>  Launching Adult Children with Asperger's: How to Promote Self-Reliance  ==>  Everything You'll Ever Need to Know About Parenting Asperger's Children ==>  Parenting Children and Teens with High-Functioning Autism ==>  AudioBook: Unraveling The Mystery Behind Asperger’s and High-Functioni

“My son with high function autism is almost completely heartless when it comes to dealings with his younger sister. He’s rude and mean and sometimes aggressive with her. Is it common for a child with this disorder to have no empathy? Will this aggression become more violent over time?” Click here for my response...

"How can a parent explain abstract concepts of friendship and love to an 8 year old daughter with ASD?" Talking about abstract concepts with a youngster who has ASD level 1, or High Functioning Autism (HFA), can be challenging. Typically, kids with HFA have a very difficult time understanding abstract concepts, especially those that have to do with social interactions. When you talk to your daughter about friendship and love, understand that this will not be something she can grasp overnight. A great deal of the conversation depends on the age of your daughter. Younger kids, especially elementary school age, will likely be talked to about friendship many times. Keep the conversations as concrete as you can, using specific examples. If your child has a good friend, talk to her about what sorts of things she can do to nurture that friendship. She can invite her friend over for play dates. She can share her toys. She can talk to her friend, especially when her friend wa