My ASD Child

Although Aspergers is at the high functioning end of the autism spectrum, the challenges parents face when disciplining a teen with Aspergers are far more difficult than they would be with an average or "typical" teen. ==> Discipline for Defiant Aspergers and High-Functioning Autistic Teens

Middle school and high school settings present new social challenges for Asperger’s (AS) and High Functioning Autistic (HFA) students. Researchers have addressed the craziness these “special needs” students encounter during classroom transitions. Passing periods are a desirable time of socializing for “typical” students. But, for AS and HFA students, passing periods are a social zoo (e.g., a lot of disruption and noise). They often want to be able to socialize and to have friends, but simply don’t because they are not sure how to have a meaningful conversation with their peers or they are unable to interact "correctly." Friendships are an incredibly important tool for avoiding anxiety, and problems making friends can create social phobia and depression. In addition to sensory overload, the passing period is prime time for many AS and HFA students to get mistreated (e.g., teased and bullied). Often it is intentional, but sometimes the bullying is by accident, w

Studies reveal that about 66 percent of AS adults contemplate suicide, and 35 percent plan or attempt suicide (very troubling statistics): 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   ----------   Resources for Neurodiverse Couples: ==

"I need some stress management techniques to use on my very anxious daughter with autism (high functioning). Thanks in advance." Children with High-Functioning Autism (HFA) are prone to greater stress in their daily lives than their “typical” peers. Social interaction – especially with more than one peer in which the HFA child has to identify, translate, and respond to social and emotional cues and cope with unexpected noise levels – inevitably increases stress to a point where his or her coping mechanisms may collapse. A “stress assessment” (based on the knowledge of HFA) will help parents and teachers determine what are the natural and distinctive stressors for the child. Subsequently, an effective stress-management program can be designed. When there are concerns about an HFA youngster’s stress level, a stress assessment can be conducted in order to better understand why the stress is occurring and to determine the most effective interventions to address it.