My ASD Child

Help for couples who are experiencing relationship difficulties related to Asperger's and High-Functioning Autism. ==> Living With Aspergers: Help for Couples

Here are a few reasons why children and teens with Asperger's and high-functioning autism do not get the acceptance they deserve: 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  

Insistence on sameness is a core feature of autism spectrum disorders, characterized by compulsive adherence to routine, and stereotyped, repetitive behaviors. This makes it hard for children on the autism spectrum to adjust to the ever-changing demands of their environment. Their preference for sameness is typically accompanied by significant distress when a preferred activity is interrupted, resulting in serious behavioral management problems. It is possible that the brain systems responsible for changing from repetitive behaviors to more flexible ones are impaired in children on the spectrum. On the other hand, these children may not recognize or respond to external cues or rewards intended to promote changes in behavior. Understanding the brain systems involved in changing behavior and their dysfunction will ultimately help guide treatment for this understudied – yet disabling aspect – of autism spectrum disorders. Young people with Asperger’s (AS) and High-Functioning

Cognitive Restructuring enables teens with Asperger’s (AS) and High-Functioning Autism (HFA) to correct distorted conceptualizations and dysfunctional beliefs. The process involves challenging their current thinking with logical evidence and ensuring the rationalization and cognitive control of their emotions. The first stage of Cognitive Restructuring is to establish the evidence for a particular belief. Teens with AS and HFA often make false assumptions of their circumstances and the intentions of others. They have a tendency to make a literal interpretation, and a casual comment may be taken out of context or may be taken to the extreme. For instance, a 14-year-old male with AS was once told his “voice was breaking.” He became extremely anxious that his voice was becoming faulty and decided to consciously alter the pitch of his voice to repair it. The result was an artificial falsetto voice that was atypical of a male teenager. Another example of literal interpreta

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: ==