My ASD Child

Due to the numerous complaints I have received over the years from parents regarding the (alleged) lack of effective teaching strategies specific to students on the autism spectrum – and teachers’ general lack of knowledge in instructing this population – I’ve decided to do a series of posts on the matter. This is Part 1… Although AS and HFA differ from Autism with respect to language acquisition and early cognitive development, they do have similarities (e.g., in the areas of social impairment, impairment in reading social non-verbal language, inflexibility, and persistent preoccupation). Problematic behavior in AS and HFA students is essentially the result of (a) failure to learn necessary adaptive behaviors (e.g., how to establish satisfying personal relationships), and (b) the learning of ineffective responses (e.g., discovering that one can avoid unwanted tasks by acting-out behaviorally). AS and HFA students are impaired socially, and often do not detect social cl

"The older my teenage son gets, the more depressed he seems to be. I think something may be going on at school that he is hiding from us (perhaps not getting the acceptance from his 'friends' that he wants to like him - IDK). Any suggestions? Anyone else have a teen with ASD who seems depressed 24/7?" Teens with Asperger’s (AS) and High-Functioning Autism (HFA) are particularly vulnerable to mental health problems (e.g., depression, anxiety). One study found that 65% of their sample of patients with AS presented with symptoms of a psychiatric disorder. However, the inability of AS and HFA teens to communicate feelings of distress can also mean that it is often very difficult to diagnose depression. Likewise, because of their impairment in non-verbal expression, they may not appear to be depressed. This can mean that it is not until depression is well developed that it is recognized (e.g., in the form of aggression, alcoholism/drug abuse, increased obsessional be

Diagnosis as an adult can be a mixed blessing. Some people decide they are O.K. with being self-diagnosed and decide not to ask for a formal diagnosis. However, for those who DO want a formal diagnosis, there are a variety of benefits. 

A lot has been said about the gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet and its use to help kids on the autism spectrum. There is growing interest in the link between autism spectrum disorders and gastrointestinal ailments.     Research studies have revealed the following: autistic kids were more likely to have antibodies to gluten than typically-developing kids, which may point to immune and/or intestinal abnormalities in those kids kids on the autism spectrum were more likely to have abnormal immune responses to wheat, milk, and soy than typically-developing kids kids on the autism spectrum were 7 times more likely to have diarrhea or colitis than children with no disorder In a different study, researchers used survey information from moms and dads to conclude that the GFCF diet may improve behavior and GI symptoms in some autistic children. One theory suggests that some autistic children can’t properly digest gluten and casein, which results in the formation of pep

There are a number of reasons why kids develop autism. Genetics may play a part, but the vast majority of the causes are not genetic, which means parents can do something about them. Correcting the underlying causes of your youngster's autism  will produce significant improvement in his or her functioning. The diagnosis of autism is overwhelming and stressful for parents and other family members.  However, contrary to popular belief, with a concerted effort from parents, some of the youngster’s symptoms of autism may be reversed. A noticeable difference is often seen in a short period of time, with amazing, sometimes miraculous long-term results. One parent eliminated almost all autistic behaviors her son suffered from, and so have many thousands of other parents around the world. You can too! Note to skeptics: If you believe that reversing the symptoms of autism is an impossibility, do a Google or YouTube search for "reversing autism" and witness

Are you struggling in a relationship with someone who has Asperger's or High-Functioning Autism? Are you at your wits-end?  Have you been having thoughts of separation or divorce? Can you identify with some of the comments in this video from neurotypical (i.e., non-autistic) partners/spouses? As you can see, a lot of neurotypical partners/spouses are hurt, angry and downright resentful. But, healing can begin today. Join our support group on Facebook: Relationships With Partners On The Autism Spectrum Also, check out this eBook: Living With Aspergers: Help for Couples

Many kids with Asperger’s (AS) and High-Functioning Autism (HFA) struggle with sensory processing challenges, and some have Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). SPD is a condition in which the child’s brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses.  The symptoms of SPD include the following: Infancy— •    can’t crawl "on all fours" •    can’t hold self upright in walker, high chair for more than a few minutes •    can’t latch on, or suckle to nurse •    cries when bathed •    difficulty lifting head when on tummy •    doesn’t like baby swings, or riding in car •    doesn’t like to be cuddled, or will not let you put her down •    extremely active or extremely quiet •    frequently make fists •    may only sleep when swinging or riding in car •    must have absolute quiet to settle down/or must have certain sounds •    screams hysterically when hungry, wet, cold, or hot •    seems to never sleep, doesn’t devel