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Developing Language Skills: Help for Children with Asperger's and HFA

Instead of delaying language development, AS and HFA impairs the subtleties of social communication. These boys and girls have difficulty understanding nuances (e.g., irony, sarcasm, fanciful or metaphoric language, etc.), and many of them take language literally (e.g., expressions like “watching paint dry” or “smart as a tack” leave these kids very confused). These kids also have difficulty interpreting and displaying non-verbal communication. Body language, facial expressions, the use of personal space, gestures and postures are often mysteries to boys and girls on the autism spectrum. This inability to instinctively comprehend unspoken communication has led some experts to suggest Asperger’s is actually a non-verbal communication disorder. In this post, we will discuss the following: Characteristic Checklist for Asperger’s and HFA  Language Disorder  Parenting Tips for Helping with Language-skills Acquisition  Click here for the full article...

Depression in Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

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“Do teenagers with Asperger syndrome and level 1 autism usually suffer from depression? If so, why? And what should parents look for if they believe their teenager is becoming depressed?” Unfortunately, depression does seem to be common among teens and adults with Asperger’s (AS) and High-Functioning Autism (HFA). Many of the same deficits that produce anxiety may work together to generate depression. Serotonin functions are impaired in many teens with ASD, which suggests that depression and ASD is more likely. Also, the basic circuitry related to frontal lobe functions in depression is affected in some teens on the spectrum.   ==> How to Prevent Meltdowns and Tantrums in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder   In addition, deficits in social relationships and responses that permit one to compensate for disappointment and frustration may fuel a vulnerability to depression. Furthermore, there is some genetic evidence suggesting that depression and social anxiety are more

The ASD Advantage: It Is Not A "Cross To Bear"

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Give children with Asperger's and High-Functioning Autism a chance, and they will show you what great things they can accomplish. 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 ==>  Videos for Parents of Children and Teens with ASD

Creating an Effective Learning Environment for ASD Students: Tips for Special Education Teachers

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Many special education teachers are encountering students with Asperger’s (AS) and High Functioning Autism (HFA) for the first time – and have expressed some anxiety about this. So in this post, we will discuss a few ideas and techniques that will help facilitate an effective learning environment for these “special needs” students. The first step would be to get acquainted with some of the associated traits. AS or HFA students may exhibit many of the characteristics listed below. These are usually not isolated ones; rather, they appear in varying degrees and amounts in most children on the autism spectrum: spontaneous in expression often can’t control emotions find it difficult, if not impossible, to stay on task for extended periods of time if not interested in the subject matter low tolerance level high frustration level poor concept of time weak or poor self-esteem coordination problems with both large and small muscle groups difficulty in following complicated dir