My ASD Child

Many moms and dads have difficulty recognizing the difference between a deliberate, strong-willed teenager with High-Functioning Autism (or Asperger's) and one who is simply trying to cope with the traits of the disorder. Clearly, there's a range between the usual rebellious behavior of teens versus other (comorbid) mental health issues. Here are several articles that may help parents to better understand their "special needs" teen: Behavior Problems in Teens with Aspergers and High-Functioning Autism High-Functioning Autistic Teens and Oppositional Defiance How To Discipline Rebellious Aspergers and HFA Teens Imposing Effective Consequences for Noncompliant Teens on the Autism Spectrum 40 Tips for Parenting Defiant Teens with Asperger Syndrome Parenting Difficult Teenagers on the Autism Spectrum Discipline for Defiant Aspergers & High-Functioning Autistic Teens

"Any suggestions on what to do for a 13 year old teenager with ASD (high functioning) who is perfectly content to eat pizza rolls morning, noon and night - to the exclusion of most other foods? Very frustrating!" When it comes to adolescents with ASD or High-Functioning Autism (HFA), appropriate diet and nutrition is a critical issue. Even slight worsening of moods, or additional absent-mindedness due to low blood sugar from skipping a meal, may cause these adolescents to fall into difficulties in important social situations.    Once they have created a "social storm" (e.g., a rift with a classmate, an argument with an educator), these adolescents often have more trouble than “typical” adolescents navigating the troubled waters and reaching a safe shore. In the United States, we often have too much food, and paradoxically, much of it is not healthy or nutritious. Many HFA adolescents complain about the food provided for them and may refuse to eat. Many don&#

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