Posts

Hidden Meanings Behind Problematic Behaviors in Kids on the Autism Spectrum

Image
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

Poor "People Skills" in Teens on the Autism Spectrum

Image
"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.

COMMENTS & QUESTIONS [for Aug., 2016]

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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hi Mark, I read your Ebook Living with an Aspergers Partner and truly believe God used you to rescue me! I am a relatively newlywed (since November 2014) and many behaviors of my husband now start to make sense... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hi Mark: We're going through your e-book and there's a lot of helpful material here. Do you have any advice on how to help a teen accept the diagnosis? Our 14-year-old daughter, who's been struggling for about 2 years, is currently in the mental hospital for a severe self-harming compulsion, depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. She says she would rather kill herself than accept the diagnosis that she has Asperger's, which is quite recent after many professionals missed it. She has a very hard time with acceptance. Help appreciated, thanks. ~~~~~~~