My ASD Child

"How can I handle tantrums with my child on the autism spectrum? How should I deal with 'meltdowns'? Should the two be treated differently? If so, how does one know the difference between the two? Sorry for all the questions... but this is all new to me. My son was recently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and I want to do the right thing here! Please help. Thank you." Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), also known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs), cause severe and pervasive impairment in thinking, feeling, language, and the ability to relate to others. These disorders are usually first diagnosed in early childhood and range from a severe form, called autistic disorder, through pervasive development disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), to a much milder form, Asperger syndrome (now called "high functioning autism"). They also include two rare disorders, Rett syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder. Some ASD kids are more...

Question How do I balance out the needs of two children on the spectrum and two NT kids? Answer Parenting is hard work. Unless you have a child with Asperger’s Syndrome or Autism, you just have no idea about the true demands this adds to everyday parenting. A second child on the spectrum does not always mean more of the same because every child is affected so differently. Balancing the needs of a large family is a full time job, even without Asperger’s Syndrome! It is easy to feel overwhelmed and stretched too thin when you have so much on your parenting plate. Planning a strategy to help meet everyone’s needs is necessary. Don’t forget to take care of yourself so you’ll feel like taking care of everyone else. Taking care of yourself: Participate in support groups focused on the needs of Asperger’s families. Find respite care when you need a break. Everyone deserves to get out and relax for an hour or so. Do not ignore your hobbies. A mother with four...

General Reference— • ATTWOOD, T., Asperger's Syndrome - A Guide for Parents & Professionals, Jessica Kingsley, UK, 1998. This paperback is essential reading for those living or working with a child or adult with Asperger Syndrome. It is written in a clear and concise manner, with plenty of examples, practical suggestions and resource lists. • BARNHILL, G., Right address...wrong planet: Children with Asperger Syndrome becoming Adults, Autism Asperger Publishing Company, 2002. Written by an autism consultant, who has an adult son with Asperger Syndrome, this paperback covers a much needed area - that of adolescence and adulthood. Ms. Barnhill offers both her family perspective and practical advice for those living with/caring for an adult with Asperger Syndrome. • BASHE, P.R. & KIRBY, B.L. The OASIS Guide to Asperger Syndrome, Crown Publishers, 2002. Written by two parents, this paperback deals with the social, emotional and cognitive challenges faced by those with ...

· ABMD (Autism BioMedical Discussion)—High volume group for discussions by parents and professionals of research and biomedical interventions as they apply to the investigation and treatment of autistic spectrum disorders. To Join: Send a blank email to abmd-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or join online . · ANDI_ADI (Autism Network for Dietary Intervention) —This is an ADVANCED autism-diet discussion group moderated by ANDI, the Autism Network for Dietary Intervention. The purpose of this list is to provide a forum for discussion regarding advanced dietary treatment options such as the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), the Body Ecology Diet (BED), grain-free, sugar-free, low oxalates, supplementation, and other dietary interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders. To Join: Send a blank email to ANDI-ADI-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or join online . · Asperger —An excellent listserv for discussions of all aspects of Asperger Syndrome (AS...

"Any tips for dealing with a high functioning autistic child who flips into a rage at the most inopportune times for no apparent reason whatsoever? This erratic behavior occurs at school as well." Click here for the answer... Comment: Hello Everyone: I have been a member of this website for about a year.....my son is 5 years old and has a diagnosis of Hypoplasia of the Corpus Callosum, Aspergers and Sensory Processing Disorder. The reason I am writing all of you is because my neighbor has come to me for advice. She has a 10 year old son who has been diagnosed with ADHD and takes meds....not sure what??....anyway, she was recently told by the school that they thought her son had Aspergers and she should talk to her Pediatrician. She came to me because she knows about my son and his "issues" and she asked my opinion......it was hard but I said Yes, I too think he has Aspergers. I urged her to get an evaluation but I don't know where to start because h...