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

"We think our daughter may have a form of autism due to her severe shyness, excessive need to have things just so, certain rituals she has with food, major touch sensitivity, a lot of anxiety, just to name a few. What are some of the signs to look for to help us decide if an assessment is in order?"   Click here for full article...

"When dealing with my autistic child (high functioning), I'm so often kept busy 'reacting' to his bad behavior - and it's hard to find the time to be proactive. I need a reminder about the necessity of this...just wish the schools would get on board and actually 'teach' our special needs kids what they 'should' be doing! In any event, my question is: how can I deal with my son's anger and rage?" CLICK HERE for the answer...

Bully-Prevention Tips for Parents of ASD Children and Teens:  Resources for parents of children and teens on the autism spectrum :   ==>  How to Prevent Meltdowns and Tantrums in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder ==>  Parenting System that Reduces Defiant Behavior in Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder ==>  Launching Adult Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Guide for Parents Who Want to Promote Self-Reliance ==>  Teaching Social-Skills and Emotion-Management to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder ==>  Parenting Children and Teens with High-Functioning Autism: Parents' Comprehensive Handbook ==>  Unraveling the Mystery Behind High-Functioning Autism: Audio Book ==>  Crucial  Research-Based  Parenting Strategies for Children and Teens with High-Functioning Autism

“Should you discipline a child with Aspergers (high functioning) in the same way you would a child without the disorder? If not, what would you do differently?” In many instances, a disciplinary technique would be the same for both the Aspergers/HFA and neurotypical child. But in a significant number of select areas, you will need to take a different approach due to the "special needs" child’s ASD-related symptoms (e.g., sensory sensitivities, mind-blindness, obsessions, etc.). Here are most of the main points to consider when disciplining a child with Aspergers or High-Functioning Autism: 1. Attend local parent support group meetings, and join online support groups. 2. Avoid being over-protective. While your youngster does need you, he also needs his own sense of self and to be able to experience life as much as he can on his own. 3. Be patient and consistent. Due to developmental delays, kids on the autism spectrum may require more exposure to discipline befor