My ASD Child

Most difficult behaviors are triggered by an event. Just as you might suddenly feel thirsty as you walk past a lemonade stand, there are “triggers” in your youngster’s life that elicit certain behaviors. Use a diary to identify these triggers for your youngster’s most challenging behaviors. More resources for parents of children and teens with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger's : ==>  How To Prevent Meltdowns and Tantrums In Children With High-Functioning Autism and Asperger's ==>  Parenting System that Significantly Reduces Defiant Behavior in Teens with Aspergers and High-Functioning Autism ==>  Launching Adult Children with Asperger's and High-Functioning Autism: Guide for Parents Who Want to Promote Self-Reliance ==>  Teaching Social Skills and Emotion Management to Children and Teens with Asperger's and High-Functioning Autism ==>  Parenting Children and Teens with High-Functioning Autism: Comprehensive Handbook ==>  Unraveling The Mys

"Any tips for helping my depressed teenager with ASD to develop some people skills in order to find a few friends that he can relate to?" The rules of social engagement are unwritten. If an adult makes a “social mistake” (e.g., saying “thank you sir” to a woman who happens to look like a man), it may result in an awkward moment or some embarrassment. For teens though, social mistakes can have profound and disastrous consequences. If they “fail” socially, they can be ostracized from their peer-group, have difficulty making new friends, and feel a sense of general isolation from everybody. Many teens with High-Functioning Autism (HFA) and Asperger’s (AS) do not know how to engage with their friends and classmates. They are simply not interested in the current fads or topics of conversation among their peer-group. As a result, they may experience teasing, bullying, and rejection from peers – and may feel isolated to the point of experiencing anxiety and/or depression.