My ASD Child

Parents often have difficulty recognizing the difference between variations in “ normal behavior ” versus “ Aspergers-related behavior .” In reality, the line between ‘normal’ and ‘Aspergers behavior’ is not always clear – usually it is a matter of expectation. A fine line can often divide normal from Aspergers teen behavior , in part because what is normal depends upon the teen's level of development, which can vary among teens of the same age. Development can be uneven, too, with a teen's social development lagging behind his intellectual growth, or vice versa. In addition, normal teen behavior is in part determined by the particular situation and time, as well as by the teen's own particular family values, expectations, and cultural or social background. Understanding your Aspergers (high-functioning autistic) teen's developmental progress is necessary in order to interpret, accept or adapt his behavior (as well as your own). Remember, teens have great i

Question How is Aspergers Assessed? Answer Aspergers is a diagnosis based on the behavioral criteria set forth in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM). Because it is difficult to provide a diagnosis based on brief personal contacts, mental health professionals often rely on the reports of parents and teachers. 1. Qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following: • a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people) • failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level • lack of social or emotional reciprocity • marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction 2. Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of b

A child or teenager with Aspergers or High Functioning Autism may exhibit less eye contact with you and others than expected, and he or she may not read faces for cues about feelings or consequences. This lack of connectivity is often felt in an intangible way, especially by caregivers. We anticipate with open hearts the child who will “give back” our attention. However, in children with Aspergers, there may be very little variation in expressions of emotions and little joy in playing interactive baby games. The arrival of the youngster’s social smile may occur later and infrequently. What can moms and dads do to help their kids with Aspergers? Be understanding when we don't feel like looking - we're not being rude, just feeling insecure. Encourage "looking at my face" but don't push it - it's really uncomfortable for us. Explain how some folks need to see you looking in their direction before they think you're listening. Give your children a f