My ASD Child

Does your child's mood deteriorate as the days grow shorter through the winter months? If so, he or she may have seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Many young people with Asperger's and High-Functioning Autism suffer from this condition. Here's how you can determine whether or not your child has SAD, and what you can do about it: Light Therapy for Children and Teens on the Autism Spectrum More resources for parents of children and teens with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger's : ==> How To Prevent Meltdowns and Tantrums In Children With High-Functioning Autism and Asperger's ==> Parenting System that Significantly Reduces Defiant Behavior in Teens with Aspergers and High-Functioning Autism ==> Launching Adult Children with Asperger's and High-Functioning Autism: Guide for Parents Who Want to Promote Self-Reliance ==> Teaching Social Skills and Emotion Management to Children and Teens with Asperger's and High-Functioning Auti

"Has anyone heard of phototherapy for helping a depressed autistic child get through the winter months and improve his/her mood in general?" Phototherapy (also called “light therapy”), which involves exposure to artificial light, is quickly becoming a popular way to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in children on the autism spectrum. SAD is a type of depression that occurs at a certain time each year, usually in the fall or winter. During phototherapy, your child sits near a device called a light box. The box gives off bright light that mimics natural outdoor light. Phototherapy is thought to affect brain chemicals linked to mood, easing SAD symptoms. Using a light box may also help with other types of depression, sleep disorders and other conditions. You may want to try phototherapy on your child for a number of reasons: If the child is on medication for depression, it may allow him or her to take a lower dose of antidepressant It's a proven treatment for