My ASD Child

Autism Spectrum Disorders are often characterized by a lack of impulse control. Kids with Asperger’s (AS) and High-Functioning Autism (HFA) are sometimes labeled unmanageable or aggressive because of their impulsivity, which involves “a tendency to act on a whim, displaying behavior characterized by little or no forethought, reflection, or consideration of the consequences.” Even though HFA kids can be caring and sensitive, their good qualities are often overshadowed by their lack of impulse control; their ability to "self-regulate" is compromised. Impulse control can be a difficult skill to teach to any youngster, and is even more difficult with kids who have a neurological disorder. Many parents of these “special needs” children have reported that their youngster seems to spend his life in time-out, grounded, or in trouble for what he says and does – both at home and school – due to “acting before thinking.” Teaching self-regulation can be frustrating for parents

Parenting a youngster with Asperger’s (AS) or High-Functioning Autism (HFA) places some unexpected burdens on moms and dads – as well as siblings. The time involved in meeting the needs of a family member on the autism spectrum may leave the parent with little time for the other kids. As a result, there may be consistent tension in the household. Many siblings of an AS or HFA child experience the following stressors: Angry that no one pays attention to them (in their opinion) Being the target of aggressive behaviors from the autistic child Concern over their role in care-taking Concern regarding their parents’ anxiety Embarrassment around peers Frustration over not being able to engage or get a response from their AS or HFA sibling Guilty for negative feelings they have toward their brother/sister Guilty for not having the same problems as their sibling Jealousy regarding the amount of time and attention their mom and dad spend with their sibling Not knowing how to han