My ASD Child

Question I am a family therapist for the Anderson Center of Saint John’s. A client of mine recently reported a childhood history of difficulty learning social rules, learning problems, and rocking behaviors, which he learned to stop. He also reports social difficulties as a young adult. What is the easiest method to evaluate him to rule out Aspergers? Answer Aspergers (AS) can be quite difficult to diagnose. Individuals with this condition can function relatively well in daily life; however, they are generally socially immature and may be perceived as strange or eccentric. While the more overt symptoms of Aspergers are typically more apparent in early childhood, symptoms may only become apparent with the increasing functional and social demands of adolescence. In the teenager with Aspergers, the stress of unrecognized disability, limited achievement, and a sense of failure are often revealed by increasing contrast with siblings and peers. Family and peers may become e

Question My son has been diagnosed with Asperger's and we are now working with the middle school for their evaluation processes to approve special education help. They are specifically stating that they do not believe the diagnosis based on observations of my son interacting with other children at school and being the 'life of the party' basically for the group. I have tried to explain that this behavior is his way of coping with the lunchroom situation as a learned behavior and that he is not actually experiencing the situation the same way they are based on his comments to me at home each day about his interactions with the other students. How do I get these educated people to listen to lowly me, mom, and get him the help he needs that they seem to want to deny? Answer I’m assuming you have already started the IEP process (if not, type “IEP” in the search box above for more information). I would get a note from the doctor who diagnosed your child w

Question My Aspergers son has anger problems. How can I help him understand what his real emotions are? Answer For kids with Aspergers (high functioning autism), anger can be a major challenge. Many people do not realize the strong connection between Aspergers and behavioral issues like anger, anxiety, and depression. The very characteristics of Aspergers lead to these behavioral issues. Some of these characteristics are: Gross and fine motor problems Inflexible thinking Lack of language skills, especially social language, gestures and cues Narrow interests Sensory issues Social skills weaknesses Understanding anger in Aspergers children is quite simple. Nearly all of your son’s anger stems from frustration. The characteristics of Aspergers listed above (plus others) create a confusing and uncomfortable social environment. The natural reaction is frustration, and the natural escalation of frustration is anxiety, then anger. Helping an Aspergers child un