My ASD Child

The teenage years are the most difficult time for young people with Aspergers (AS) and High-Functioning Autism (HFA). Most experts do a great job of presenting the problems these teens face, but they offer few solutions. Below are 50 tips for parents who want to help their "special needs" teenager survive and thrive during the tough adolescent years: 1. A regular bed time at a reasonable hour is more important than ever, if you can put/keep it in place. Regular routines of all kinds—familiar foods, rituals, vacations—are reassuring when the adolescent’s body, biochemistry, and social scene are changing so fast. 2. A regular bed time for the adolescent gives you time you can count on each evening for yourself and/or your spouse. If you can build in regular respite—such as a night your adolescent spends with a grandparent once a month—go for it, and plan ahead for some relaxation, fun, or culture. (Divorced moms and dads may be able to count on a little time al

Personal/Physical— • Being "in their own world" • Can engage in tasks (sometimes mundane ones) for hours and hours • Can spend hours in the library researching • Clumsiness • Collects things • Difficulty reading body language, facial expression and tone • Doesn't always recognize faces right away (even close loved ones) • Early in life they often have a speech impediment • Eccentric personality • Excellent rote memory • Flat, or blank expression much of the time • Highly gifted in one or more areas (e.g., math, music) • Idiosyncratic attachment to inanimate objects • Intense focus on one or two subjects • Likes and dislikes can be very rigid • Limited interests • Loves learning and information • May frequently repeat what you've just said • May have difficulty staying in college despite a high level of intelligence • Non-verbal communication problems • Preoccupied with their own agenda • Repetitive routines or rituals • Sensitivity to the textu