My ASD Child

ASD manifests in many ways that can cause difficulties on a daily basis. Here are some examples of what to look for: • Being naive and trusting • Confusion • Delayed motor milestones • Delighting in fine details such as knobs on a stereo • Difficulty in conversing • Difficulty with multitasking • Extreme shyness • Lack of dress sense • Mixing with inappropriate company • Not understanding jokes or social interaction • Quoting lists of facts • Unusual and obsessional interests One of the worst problems is that you can never really understand what is going on inside your youngster's head. This makes it so difficult for you to understand his behavior. This can leave you feeling emotionally beat-up and completely useless as a parent. You may have to cope with crisis on a daily, hourly or even minute-by-minute basis. Undiagnosed ASD— Undiagnosed ASD is an issue that concerns me because so many kids have the disorder and are struggling to mak

 1. Are individuals with ASD more likely to be involved in criminal activities? Some individuals with ASD have found themselves before the criminal justice system for a variety of offenses that are usually related to their special interests, sensory sensitivity or strong moral code. If a person's special interest is of a dangerous nature it can sometimes lead them into unusual crimes associated with that interest. The courts are becoming increasingly aware of the nature of ASD and are responding accordingly. More often than not, individuals with the disorder are more likely to be victims than offenders. Their naivety and vulnerability make them easy targets. 2. Can ASD occur with another disorder? The simple answer to this question is YES. The symptoms of ASD have been recognized in individuals with other conditions and disorders. Once a single diagnosis of ASD is confirmed, it is wise to continue the diagnostic process to see if there is another specific medical condition. 3. Can

Understanding the implication of ASD (high-functioning autism) can bring a greater level of tolerance and acceptance for those with the condition.     Here are some traits and behavior patterns commonly seen in ASD: • A youngster can be helped if parents consistently work with him and highlight his strengths and work consistently on his weaknesses. • ASD is often detected when a youngster starts preschool. He will generally interact better with his teacher than his peers and may display silly, loud, aggressive or socially withdrawn behavior. • Kids on the autism spectrum express their feelings in unpredictable ways. Sometimes they may seem emotionless and other times they may display extreme emotion that is not appropriate to the situation. • Kids with ASD prefer routine and structure and can become irritable and distressed if the unexpected happens. • Eye contact is not understood or made use of.   ==> How to Prevent Meltdowns and Tantrums in Children with A

"Is aggression typically a trait of teens with ASD? I'm a single parent and my 17 y.o. son is becoming more verbally and physically aggressive and I do not know if this will escalate to dangerous levels."   Adolescents with ASD (high-functioning autism) are often not found to be physically aggressive unless they feel threatened in some manner.    For some young people on the spectrum, aggression may become quite common when reaching adolescence, and this may be clearly influenced by the parenting styles of the mother and/or father.    Also, if your son is on the receiving end of teasing, bullying and peer-rejection at school, then aggression and shutdowns can be expected either at home or school (or both).   One of the key factors in determining an ASD youngster's tendency to develop aggression later in life may involve the presence of a maternally sensitive woman who can balance the discipline and aggression in life. In many of today's families, it is not