My ASD Child

If you missed this week's show, you can listen to a recording of it here: All About Autism Spectrum Disorders - Radio Show Archive

"My son with HFA does not do well with guests (and rarely seen family members) showing up at our house on Thanksgiving. Any helpful suggestions regarding how to make things run more smoothly this year?" I'm glad you're thinking ahead. Prevention , prevention , prevention is key. If you have to intervene , it's often too late to circumvent behavioral issues. Many parents of children with Aspergers and High-Functioning Autism (HFA) experience difficulties, both with handling the sensory overload that comes with Thanksgiving events, and with understanding the deeper meanings of this special day. The challenges of kids with an autism spectrum disorder - and the behaviors that result - can be mysterious for those who have had little experience with them (e.g., other family members). Most of these behaviors arise from differences in the ways that these kids experience, understand and interact with the world. Most Aspergers and HFA children find it hard to und

The number of children being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) is growing at an alarming rate. Latest figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reaffirm that ASDs are a critical public health issue that deeply impacts the lives of millions of Americans. ASDs are present from birth (or very early in development) and affect basic human behavior (e.g., social interaction, the ability to communicate ideas and feelings, imagination, etc.). Although exact neuro-biological mechanisms have not yet been established, it is clear that ASDs reflect the functioning of a child’s developing brain. ASDs are unique in their pattern of deficits and areas of relative strengths. They generally have lifelong effects on how kids learn to be social beings, to take care of themselves, and to participate in the community. ASDs occur along with mental retardation and language disorder in many cases. Thus, educational planning must address both the needs typically ass