My ASD Child

To make interventions that will decrease anxiety and increase compliance in children with High-Functioning Autism (HFA) and Asperger’s, parents need to create an environment in which their youngster feels comfortable and has an understanding of the events taking place around him or her.  The environment needs to provide: Structure Routine Predictability Organization Consistency Logically explained rules Clear rewards and consequences in response to these rules When this is in place, the “special needs” youngster will begin to feel competent. Here are the 4 steps to creating an optimal environment for young people on the autism spectrum: 1. Reinforcers (i.e., things that increase desired behavior) will need to be very individualized, because kids and teens with HFA and Asperger’s often don’t respond to typical reinforcers. Parents must be well aware of what their youngster views as a reward. Points to consider: Reinforcers can cause difficulties if they are used too f

When using words and phrases to teach new behaviors to your child with High-Functioning Autism, it will be crucial to develop and write them down on a poster board or white board.    These words and phrases will be used when introducing or generalizing new behaviors to your child. By making them visual, you guarantee both greater understanding and usage of them. Strange phrases or catchy sayings are often attractive and easy to remember, but actually using the words and phrases - not simply writing them down – is what makes them effective. Also, they should be developed by you AND your youngster, which will increase the likelihood that they will be remembered. The steps to creating a list of key words and phrases: Choose the area you want to work on with your youngster. Select (or have your youngster select) a word or phrase to be used as a quick reminder for appropriate responding.  Teach your child to use the key words and/or phrases as needed. With consistent use, th