My ASD Child

 Do you need some assistance in parenting your Aspergers or HFA child? Click here to use Mark Hutten, M.A. as your personal parent coach. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mark, You are a clever man. You're saving thousands of parents and their children. I just want you to know you're immensely humanitarian and I'm so very grateful to you and the Internet for finding you. After all these years I've only just discovered my son is probably Aspergers but have just thought he's always been a bit awkward and contrary. I never considered he might be wired differently to other children (though he's certainly different to my younger sons). He would hate labels in his clothes as a toddler, would fight other children causing me to avoid socialising with him, going in car seats, getting his hair cut at the barbers etc but he got through school and worked hard despite OCD tendencies and never had behavioural problems at school. He just seemed to lose all motivation a

Most teenagers with Asperger’s (AS) and High-Functioning Autism (HFA) experience frequent social failure and rejection by peers. Because social encounters are seldom reinforcing (rewarding), these young people often avoid social interaction. Over time, they may develop negative attitudes about themselves and others. The poor self-esteem that may result makes it difficult to continue attempts at social interaction. As a result, the cycle continues. Therefore, social skills interventions are greatly needed – especially in the form of fostering self-acceptance. Self-acceptance refers to a global affirmation of self. When an AS or HFA teen is self-accepting, he is able to embrace ALL facets of himself – not just the positive parts. As such, self-acceptance is unconditional, free of any qualification. The teen can recognize his weaknesses and limitations, but this awareness in no way interferes with his ability to fully accept himself. Furthermore, behavior clearly reflects fe

Kids with Asperger’s (AS) and High-Functioning Autism (HFA) are more likely to be lonely than “typical” kids. Research shows that they face considerable challenges in making and keeping friends. There are many causes that may result in loneliness for these young people. For example: Change in environment (e.g., relocation from country side to cities, relocation from joint families to nuclear families) Change in school Fear of school bullies Feeling of being invisible Feeling of being isolated Inability of making friends easily Lack of self-confidence Lack of social support Lacking of understanding from others Losing a friend Loss of a mother or father Rejection from friends Relocation of a friend Shyness Signs that your AS or HFA youngster is feeling lonely include: draws sad pictures fails to interact with peers in class never discusses or speaks with other kids never invites kids to his house plays sad tunes prefers being in his room rather than staying

In order to create an effective intervention for problem behaviors in children with Asperger’s (AS) and High-Functioning Autism (HFA), parents need to take into consideration a variety of aspects. Let’s first look at “The 4-Step Plan”: 1. Hypothesize the Function of the Behavior: Escape/Avoidance Sensory Feedback  Social Attention  Wants tangible item or activity 2. Gather Information: a. Antecedent: Does the behavior occur… Following a request to perform a difficult task? Repeatedly, in the same way, for long periods of time, even when no one is around?  When a request for an item or activity is denied?  When you are attending to other children in the room? b. Consequence: When the behavior occurs, do you… Allow your child to engage in inappropriate behavior? Attend to your child?  Leave him or her alone?  Negotiate or give the desired item/activity? 3. Plan an Intervention: a. Based on information gathered, are environmental changes neede