PARENTING AUTISM & ASPERGER’S NEWSLETTER
August 2010        

Welcome to the August 2010 edition of “The Parenting Autism & Asperger’s Newsletter”. 

Inside this edition you will find:

1. Hot Topic of Discussion – Farm Animals Enhance Autism Therapy

2. In the News – Insurance Company’s Refusal to Pay for ABA Therapy Leads to Law Suit

3. Prominent People Linked with ASD – Child Artist, Dylan Scott Pierce

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1. Hot Topic of Discussion -  

Children have a natural attraction to animals.  Dogs, horses, dolphins, and bunnies are just a few child-friendly favorites.  These animals (and others) are often used to motivate, teach, and protect children with special needs. 

Doctors who specialize in Autism treatments are learning the benefits of using animals in therapy sessions.   Dr. Marvin Anderson of Michigan is a medical doctor currently listed as a DAN! (Defeat Autism NOW) specialist.  He uses biomedicine, nutrition, and the animals on his farm to treat his patients living with Autism.  You can read more about Dr. Anderson and some of his colleagues in this article from the Traverse City, Michigan, Record-Eagle:
http://record-eagle.com/features/x241876608/Horses-donkeys-sheep-help-with-autism.
*People mentioned as having Asperger’s Syndrome may or may not have actually have been diagnosed with an ASD.

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2.  In the News – American Insurance Company Hit with another Autism Related Class Action Lawsuit
Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Company has once again been hit will a class action lawsuit for refusing to cover ABA therapy for children with Autism.   A Michigan teacher filed the class action on July 22, 2010 due to the insurance company’s classification of Applied Behavior Analysis as an experimental treatment. 

Earlier this year, a settlement was awarded to 100 families included in a similar class action against the company.  You can read more about that victory and this new class action, by clicking the link below:
http://www.theautismnews.com/2010/07/22/another-class-action-filed-against-blue-cross-blue-shield-of-michigan-over-its-refusal-to-pay-for-applied-behavior-analysis-therapy-for-autistic-children/.
*People mentioned as having Asperger’s Syndrome may or may not have actually have been diagnosed with an ASD.
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3. Prominent People Linked with ASD – Child Artist, Dylan Scott Pierce

Dylan’s parents knew he was special from a very early age.  As a toddler, he drew incredible pictures.  By the time he was 10, he was being commissioned and was on his way to becoming a famous wildlife artist.  Now in his twenties, Dylan travels, paints, and participates in many art exhibits each year.  Dylan has high functioning Autism.  You can learn more about his remarkable talent and his selfless heart here:
http://artistshelpingthehomeless.com/cardsforlife/bargainforlife.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dylan_Scott_Pierce.

 
*The person mentioned above may or may not have Asperger’s Syndrome.
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I hope this month’s newsletter has intrigued you and provided new and useful information.

The next edition of the newsletter is due in September 2010.
      
And as always … please send in any inspirational stories, any questions that you would like our team of experts to answer, any topics that you wish to be discussed, and news stories that you want to share VIA THE BLOG.

We will publish as many as we can.

Until next month………

Best Wishes

Dave Angel

Stepping into adulthood can be a confusing and difficult time for the Asperger’s teenager.  However, it does not have to be.  Many teenagers with Asperger’s Syndrome are fairly well adjusted after years of living with the symptoms of Asperger’s and adapting to better fit into their environment.  Here are a few areas that can cause problems for the young adult with Asperger’s Syndrome.

*    Relationships and social skills

*    Post secondary education

*    Employment

*    Independent living skills

*    Self-care issues

Parents can help their Asperger’s teenager prepare for life as an adult by making sure they have the right amount of support.  Support can come from many sources.  Parents, teachers, school advisors or counselors, medical professionals, therapists, friends, and support group members cover most, if not all, of the basic areas of life.   Along with these people, your teenager can find support from published works.  The book “Asperger Download: A Guide to Help Teenage Males with Asperger Syndrome Trouble-Shoot Life’s Challenges”, by Josie and Damian Santomauro is written by a mom and her young adult son with Asperger’s Syndrome.  They cover issues that affect young men as they move into adulthood, from the Asperger’s viewpoint and from the parent’s viewpoint.

Some geographical areas offer support for the Asperger’s teenager through government agencies.  With a qualifying diagnosis, your teen may be able to receive health insurance coverage, housing assistance, various therapies, vocational training, and career counseling, just to name a few possibilities.  Check with your local government or disability services office to learn more about availability in your area.

It might help if you make a list of the skills you would like to see developing in your Asperger’s teenager.  By making this list, you will be able to see his strengths and weakness and help determine a plan for his immediate future.  Here is a sample list.

*    Basic living skills-Does he understand the importance of housekeeping, budgeting, and grocery shopping?

*    Coping skills-Can he handle the anxiety, emotions, and frustration often brought on by change?  Should he begin cognitive therapy to help with his emotions?

*    Career and college choices-Has he chosen a path based on his special interests and talents?  What colleges are grabbing his interests?  Do these schools offer disability support services?

*    Social skills and relationships-Does he have the ability to relate to others and communicate, verbally and non-verbally?  Should he continue with social skills classes or perhaps find a home program?

*    Self-care-Does he have good personal hygiene?  Does he understand the importance of regular medical care and keeping track of his medications?

Moving into adulthood does not have to be daunting for your teen with Asperger’s.  Teenagers can develop the necessary skills for college, career, and independent living with the right support.

Thanks for reading,

Dave Angel

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For children and teens with Asperger’s, social skills are necessary, but usually lacking.  Finding resources for social skills training in the educational setting may be difficult in many areas.  If your son’s school offers social skills classes, social skills therapy, or peer mentoring, he should be participating.  If not, there may be public or community based programs, or even private therapy choices available.  These programs range in cost and availability and could be unattainable.  If this is the case, there are ways to teach these skills at home with very little cost.

Because this is so important, the Asperger’s social skills connection must be addressed as early as possible and continually supplemented as the child’s ability to understand improves with age.  Similar to basic manners, here are a few of the basic social skills that should be taught to children with Asperger’s Syndrome.

*    Personal hygiene-clean body, clean teeth, clean hair, clean clothes, etc.

*    Two way conversation-greeting, speaking, appropriate subjects, listening, answering, etc.

*    Telephone manners-salutations, listening, speaking, answering questions, taking messages, etc.

*    Table manners-using utensils, using a napkin, chewing, talking, excusing oneself, etc.

*    How to act appropriately in public-following public laws, dressing appropriately, keeping bodily functions private, being mindful of others, etc.

While teaching your child with Asperger’s social skills, you can easily incorporate basic living skills.  As your child enters the teen years, it becomes increasingly important that he knows how to manage not only himself, but also a household.  Beginning to teach basic chores and household management skills at his age will help prepare your son for his college years.  Here are a few examples of basic living skills.

*    Household chores-cleaning, cooking, laundry, etc.

*    Financial-banking, paying bills, saving money, etc.

*    Maintenance-stocking groceries, changing air conditioner filters, mowing the lawn, etc.

You can teach your son with Asperger’s social skills at home by using visual and written schedules. For example, a visual aid that shows appropriate daily, weekly, and monthly hygiene will help your son keep track of what should be done, when it should be done, and how often it should be done.  You can also search the Internet of public library for books and videos to help you plan learning activities.  The video, “Manners for the Real World”, by Dan Coulter is geared towards children your son’s age.  It covers personal hygiene, table manners, telephone use, and much more.

Thanks for reading,

Dave Angel

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To watch this video go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/575.cfm

For children with Asperger’s, transition between schools will evoke a wide range of negative emotions.  Change is difficult for children with Asperger’s and when a new school year rolls around, everything changes.  New classmates, new teachers, and new schedules can cause major anxiety, which can spiral to depression. 

Dealing with the Asperger’s transition problems can also affect your child’s home life.  Anxiety brought about at school will carry over at home causing disruption.  Anger and frustration can escalate, triggering meltdowns.  While the transition at school cannot be avoided, there are things a parent can do to lessen the effects of all the change that comes with moving to a new school.   Here are some tips to help you deal with this unstable period in your child’s life.

Plan ahead

Begin planning for the Asperger’s transition phase well in advance.  Make a checklist of people to speak with and places to visit.  Your list may look like this:

* Visit current teachers and therapists and request their help. 

* Create a visual calendar that shows when the change will occur.

* Talk to my child about the changes that are coming.

* Visit the new school for a tour and then plan a visit with my child.

* Meet with the special education coordinator at the new school to discuss my child and ways this person can help with the transition.

* Schedule doctor’s appointments and therapy appointments to discuss counseling, medication, and any other available forms of help for my child’s transition.

Prepare your child

Parents must prepare their child for the Asperger’s transition period.  Talk with your child about the change that is coming long before it actually happens.  For example, near the end of this school year you can mention during your drives to school how your morning drive will be different next year.  This will most likely bring protests, and this will give you a chance to talk positively about the new school.  Keep it light and without pressure. 

Prime the school staff

The teachers and therapists at your child’s new school should know all about your child with Asperger’s.  Transition will be less difficult if the new school staff has a plan in place specifically for your child.

Put together a support program

A complete and dedicated team should be in place for your child with Asperger’s.  Transition team members may include the pediatrician, neurologist, psychologist, school counselor, teacher, and most importantly, the parents.  While the medical community may rely on medical tests, medications, and therapies, the parents can offer support at home.  Parents can find resources like books and videos to help them encourage their child.  “Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence: Practical Solutions for School Success”, by Brenda Smith Myles & Diane Adreon, is one such example. 

Thanks for reading,

Dave Angel

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Articles posted this week at The Parenting Aspergers Community

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Can you tell me about research on Amygdala and links to Aspergers?

As advances are made in the areas of medical and scientific research, specialists are learning more about possible causes and concerns related to Aspergers. Amygdala research has revealed possible connections of this section of the brain to Autism spectrum conditions. Recent research has revealed an increasing number of gene mutations in people affected by Autism, as well as actual differences in additional sections of brain matter…

To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/572.cfm

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Can I expect my son with Aspergers to ever be able to negotiate the adult world with success? He has so much trouble with social interaction. He is so much younger socially than his peers, I cannot imagine him suddenly being able to sell himself in an interview, get a date, keep his mind on his job and gain some respect from co-workers.

Older teens and young adults with Aspergers Syndrome are usually capable of handling life in the real world. On most occasions, you can expect your son with Aspergers to make his way in the world as an independent adult. However, his ways may not be conventional, and the process may look a little different from that of the typical young adult. Most likely, he will learn to adapt and find a way to do most of the things his peers are doing …

To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/571.cfm

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How to deal with children with Aspergers that have OCD for example homework, or trying something new to eat?

There is some confusion regarding the multiple Aspergers OCD diagnosis. Many people believe the symptoms of each condition are too similar to differentiate. Even though both conditions are neurologically based, they have distinctive differences. It is possible for a child to have both Aspergers Syndrome and OCD. While the repetitive behaviors of each condition appear to be exactly the same, the difference lies in the motivation. The obsessive behaviors of Aspergers tend to be a part of the individual’s personality, which is sensory in nature. The obsessions of OCD tend to be caused by fear and anxiety raised by unmanageable thought. . .

To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/570.cfm

Sometimes when life feels unbalanced, you will witness your child with Asperger’s meltdown.  These occurrences are uncomfortable for everyone involved, but none more so than for the child.   Many things can cause a meltdown.  Here are a few causes.

* Changes in routine or schedule cause stress, anxiety, and frustration.  Children with Asperger’s tend to be inflexible, needing a routine that remains constant.

* Simply transitioning from one activity to another can also cause a meltdown.  Children with Asperger’s Syndrome have difficulty with transition and should be prepared in advance for transition.

* Sensory overload can lead to meltdowns.  Hypersensitivity to sounds, lights, and smells, for example, can be a problem when the child is in this type of environment.

* Lack of social communication skills can cause a child with Asperger’s to become frustrated in a social situation, leading to a meltdown.

Meltdowns are to be expected in children with Asperger’s.  Meltdowns are a source of release for the child with Asperger’s.  Finding alternative ways to release this stress and frustration will automatically cut down on meltdowns.  The goal should be to find ways to prevent these anger problems before they appear.  Here are some tips to help you handle and prevent Asperger’s meltdowns.

* Discover the cause of your child’s meltdowns.  Each child with Asperger’s will have different triggers.  Know your child’s triggers.

* Develop a plan to prevent these meltdowns.  Avoid your child’s triggers when possible.  When avoidance is not possible, prepare your child (and yourself) for possible frustration.  Talk to your child about the situation and explain how you would like him to handle himself.

* Determine what to do when a meltdown occurs.  Make a written plan for dealing with your child’s meltdowns.  The plan can start with a verbal discussion as soon as you see the warning signs and escalate to removing your child from the situation.

* Decide to accept that meltdowns are bound to happen.  It does not matter what strangers see or think.  They have no idea what is happening.  Diffuse the situation to the best of your ability, redirect your child, or leave the situation. 

It is possible to find good resources that can help you learn the best ways to deal with Asperger’s meltdowns.  “No More Meltdowns: Positive Strategies for Managing and Preventing Out-Of-Control Behavior”, by Jed Baker, Ph.D. is a great book for parents who need help controlling behavioral problems in their children with Asperger’s. 

Thanks for reading,

Dave Angel

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Articles posted this week at The Parenting Aspergers Community

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How to get my 11 year old son with Aspergers to sleep on his own. He has a lot of bad dreams. Usually fear based, for example losing me (his mother) or being lost etc.

For children with Aspergers, sleep issues are extremely common. Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and poor quality of sleep due to bad dreams are all reasons given for Aspergers sleep problems. Sleep is necessary for growth, attention span, focus, and concentration, just to name a few obvious benefits. Without sleep, the symptoms of Aspergers Syndrome will be exaggerated and will be difficult to control…

To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/569.cfm

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My son is an adult of 38 with Aspergers. How do you really communicate how hurtful the total lack of empathy is? If I say, “Why do you only ever contact me if you want something, you want me to drop everything and help you, but you can’t give me your time”. It just does not register

The ability to empathize with our friends and loved ones is an important personality trait. Without empathy, we struggle to remain intimate due to the feelings of disconnect, hurt, and insignificance. One of the most frustrating aspects of Aspergers Syndrome is the lack of empathy often displayed by children and adults with this condition. As difficult as it is, we have to remember that displaying empathy does not come naturally for people with Aspergers Syndrome and even lots of discussion is unlikely to improve the situation…

To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/568.cfm

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How to integrate students with Aspergers into their community where they can interact with members of their community in a positive manner

It is essential to future independence that students with Aspergers Syndrome become involved with community projects, organizations, and individuals. Teens need this type of interaction in order to make a place for themselves within their community. This helps secure their future in other ways, like possible job opportunities and independent living situations . . .

To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/567.cfm

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Welcome to the July 2010 edition of “The Parenting Autism & Aspergers Newsletter”. 

Inside this edition, you will find:

1. Hot Topic of Discussion – Autism and Digestive Issues

2. In the News – Brain Activity Linked to Autism

3. Prominent People Linked with ASD – Author Jasmine Lee O’Neill

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1. Hot Topic of Discussion – Digestive Woes for Children with Autism

Recently The Enzyme Research Group and Enzymedica held an online survey directed at the parents of children on the Autism spectrum.  The purpose of this survey was to get anonymous information on digestive health issues in children with Autism.  The results of this survey show that nearly half of all participants have a variety of digestive issues on a regular basis.  You can see a more detailed report of the findings by clicking this link: 
http://www.theautismnews.com/2010/06/24/survey-most-autistic-children-suffer-digestive-woes/ .

Several months ago, US News and World Health Division reported that recent (at that time) medical studies continued to show no increase of digestive issues in children with Autism.  You can read the US News article here:  http://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/health-advice/2010/01/29/whats-the-story-about-gastrointestinal-problems-in-kids-with-autism.html .

*People mentioned as having Asperger’s Syndrome may or may not have actually have been diagnosed with an ASD.

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2.  In the News -   Brain Waves Show a Link to Autism

A new study from Swinburne University of Technology in Australia claims that individuals with Autism spectrum disorders display unusual patterns in their brain wave activity.  Using EEG scanning equipment, test subjects revealed a connection between brain activity that was directly related to functional ability and the autism quotient.  To read more about these findings, go here:
http://www.theautismnews.com/2010/06/25/brain-waves-show-signature-of-autism/.

*People mentioned as having Asperger’s Syndrome may or may not have actually have been diagnosed with an ASD.
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3. Prominent People Linked with ASD – Author Jasmine Lee O’Neill

Jasmine Lee O’Neill is a poet and published author.  She also has Autism.  Writing from the heart, she gives her readers a real and objective look into the Autism spectrum.  Ms. O’Neill has strong feelings about Autism treatments, believing that acceptance is the key.  Obviously a very private person, there is little personal information available.  Check the following links to find her publisher’s page, articles, and reviews of her book, “Through the Eyes of Aliens-A Book about Autistic People”.

http://www.bach.demon.co.uk/alas/reviews.html#aliens

http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=311967

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/author/381

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Through-Eyes-Aliens-Jasmine-ONeill/dp/1853027103/ref=cm_cr-mr-title

*The person mentioned above may or may not have Asperger’s Syndrome.
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I hope this month’s newsletter has intrigued you and provided new and useful information.

The next edition of the newsletter is due in August 2010.
      
And as always … please send in any inspirational stories, any questions that you would like our team of experts to answer, any topics that you wish to be discussed, and news stories that you want to share VIA THE BLOG.

We will publish as many as we can.

Until next month………

Best Wishes

Dave Angel

It is not uncommon for young children with Asperger’s to become aggressive.  Asperger’s Syndrome causes a child to struggle to understand how their behaviors affect other children.  The many symptoms and characteristics of Asperger’s Syndrome can cause extreme frustration.  This frustration can lead to anxiety, depression, anger, and aggressive behavior.  Here are a few specific reasons for aggressive meltdowns.

*    Social struggles-Inability to understand social cues and gestures or to make and keep friends.

*    Communication problems-Inability to recognize humor, sarcasm, or slang during conversations with peers.

*    Sensory issues-Inability to handle the discomfort in his environment due to sights, sounds, smells, or other sensory dysfunction.

*    Change of routine-Inability to handle unexpected changes in the daily schedule, such as a substitute teacher or a cancelled class period.

How can you stop your child from becoming aggressive?  Asperger’s Syndrome calls for a direct approach.  Therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, social skills training, and occupational therapy will help with levels of frustration and also touch on self-control, a necessary skill for all of us.  However, there are several things parents can do at home to lessen the impact of aggressive meltdowns.

*    Redirection can sometimes be used during the beginning stages of a meltdown to reduce the escalation.

*    Removal from the situation is necessary once a meltdown has developed.

*    Social stories are excellent for teaching young children about problem behaviors.  These should be used during quiet moments and not during any stage of aggressiveness or frustration.

*    Role-play appropriate responses to tricky situations with your child.  Role-playing is an excellent option for teaching all types of social skills to children with Asperger’s.

*    Teach child to recognize red light/green light behaviors, red being a poor choice and green being a good choice.  “The Way to A: Empowering Children with Autism Spectrum and Other Neurological Disorders to Monitor and Replace Aggression and Tantrum Behavior”, by Hunter Manasco, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a great tool for parents of young children with Asperger’s Syndrome.  This book uses the red light/green light philosophy.

Individual counseling may be beneficial if you are still struggling with aggressive Asperger’s behaviors.  Sometimes a caring professional specially trained to deal with the issues brought on by Autism spectrum disorders can make a difference.  Some schools are able to offer this counseling, but you can also find help through your doctor and your local Autism support services.

Thanks for reading,

Dave Angel

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For children with Asperger’s, transition between schools will evoke a wide range of negative emotions.  Change is difficult for children with Asperger’s and when a new school year rolls around, everything changes.  New classmates, new teachers, and new schedules can cause major anxiety, which can spiral to depression.

Dealing with the Asperger’s transition problems can also affect your child’s home life.  Anxiety brought about at school will carry over at home causing disruption.  Anger and frustration can escalate, triggering meltdowns.  While the transition at school cannot be avoided, there are things a parent can do to lessen the effects of all the change that comes with moving to a new school.   Here are some tips to help you deal with this unstable period in your child’s life.

Plan ahead

Begin planning for the Asperger’s transition phase well in advance.  Make a checklist of people to speak with and places to visit.  Your list may look like this:

*    Visit current teachers and therapists and request their help.

*    Create a visual calendar that shows when the change will occur.

*    Talk to my child about the changes that are coming.

*    Visit the new school for a tour and then plan a visit with my child.

*    Meet with the special education coordinator at the new school to discuss my child and ways this person can help with the transition.

*    Schedule doctor’s appointments and therapy appointments to discuss counseling, medication, and any other available forms of help for my child’s transition.

Prepare your child

Parents must prepare their child for the Asperger’s transition period.  Talk with your child about the change that is coming long before it actually happens.  For example, near the end of this school year you can mention during your drives to school how your morning drive will be different next year.  This will most likely bring protests, and this will give you a chance to talk positively about the new school.  Keep it light and without pressure.

Prime the school staff

The teachers and therapists at your child’s new school should know all about your child with Asperger’s.  Transition will be less difficult if the new school staff has a plan in place specifically for your child.

Put together a support program

A complete and dedicated team should be in place for your child with Asperger’s.  Transition team members may include the pediatrician, neurologist, psychologist, school counselor, teacher, and most importantly, the parents.  While the medical community may rely on medical tests, medications, and therapies, the parents can offer support at home.  Parents can find resources like books and videos to help them encourage their child.  “Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence: Practical Solutions for School Success”, by Brenda Smith Myles & Diane Adreon, is one such example.

Thanks for reading,

Dave Angel

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There are definite pros and cons when it comes to sharing your diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome with others.  Hearing about the characteristics and symptoms that can come with this diagnosis will be enough to cause some potential employers to deny you a position.  Legally, employers are supposed to base hiring strictly on the candidate’s skill set and ability to do the posted job.  However, everyone knows that a potential employer can and will allow personal prejudices to interfere in the hiring process.

If a potential employer asks up front about medical conditions (which is not legal, by the way) you must be forthright with information.  Openly lying about your condition can create mistrust later.  In addition, would you really want to work for an employer that prejudged you because of a medical condition?  At any rate, here are some possible pros and cons for disclosure of your Asperger’s Syndrome diagnosis.

Pros

*    Keeping your condition to yourself can cause additional stress and anxiety and that is something that you do not need when starting a new job.

*    Neurological and psychological conditions are on the rise.  It is likely that you are not the only person in the company or the department with a diagnosis.

*    Asperger’s Syndrome is nothing to be ashamed of, especially if your attitude towards it is ‘different ability’ rather than disability.

*    Openly talking about Asperger’s Syndrome will educate your co-workers on this condition.  Many people have the wrong perception about Autism in general.

*    Some people are able to embrace and assist others with this type of diagnosis.  They cannot help you overcome problems and issues on the job if they do not know you are having them.

Cons

*    Conditions such as Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and other neuropsychological conditions still carry a negative stigma.  Telling a potential employer may cost you the job.  If hired, your coworkers may think you are unable to perform the duties of the job.  They may antagonize you, discriminate against you, and basically make your time at work miserable.

*    If hired, disclosure could cost you future advancement.  When promotion time comes around, you may be overlooked because of your Asperger’s Syndrome characteristics.

*    Sadly, job discrimination is common among people with Asperger’s Syndrome.  Even though the laws are clear, a case of discrimination is hard to win.

*    Once you tell, everyone will know and you cannot change that.

In some instances, it will be necessary to disclose that you have Asperger’s Syndrome to a potential employer.  Weigh the pros and cons and decide what is best for your situation.

This is a sample article from the recently-released Parenting Aspergers Resource Guide Volume 3 – if you want a discounted copy there are just 48 Hours left for you to grab one… http://www.parentingaspergers.com/volume3subscribersoffer.html

Thanks,

Dave Angel

Developing independent living skills is essential for an adolescent.  Asperger’s Syndrome increases the need for the conscious teaching of independence.  Even though the most basic living and social skills may come naturally, many young people with Asperger’s will require strict guidance while becoming proficient in these much needed skills. 

There are several therapies that are geared to helping an adolescent with Asperger’s Syndrome on many levels.  Independent living skills are included.  Social skills training and/or classes will definitely touch on some of these skills, especially the ones that involve social interactions.  For example, personal hygiene and two-way conversation are two skills that are necessary for good social interaction, as well as for independent living. 

However, teaching independent living skills to an adolescent with Asperger’s can be managed very well in the home setting.  You can find books, workbooks, and full curriculum guides for independent living skills geared towards adolescents and young adults with Asperger’s Syndrome.  These books can be used successfully at home with some effort and teamwork between parent and child.  In the case of a young adult, many of these resources are self-teaching and can be used individually.  “Asperger Syndrome: An Owner’s Manual 2 For Older Adolescents and Adults: What You, Your Parents and Friends, and Your Employer, Need to Know”, Ellen S. Heller Korin, M.Ed.,  is a workbook format for teaching about relationships, living skills, employment, and much more.   

In addition to using a written guide, there are a few simple things that parents can do for their adolescent with Asperger’s.  All of the following suggestions are easy to incorporate into everyday life, making learning independent living skills an uncomplicated practice.

* Practice the basic skills with your adolescent at every opportunity.  Repetition is one of the best ways to teach skills to kids with Asperger’s.

* Living by the rules is most desirable for kids with Asperger’s.  Incorporate these living skills into your house rules.  Chores, personal hygiene, handling money, and other basic skills should be included in daily and/or weekly rules.

* Written lists, schedules, daily plans make it easier for your adolescent to learn basic skills.  Visual aids are very helpful and can help your child learn those house rules.  Organizational skills are also important, so these daily, weekly, and monthly written schedules can help your adolescent get a better grasp on time management while he is practicing those basic living skills.

Independent living skills can be successfully taught to adolescents with Asperger’s Syndrome.  With your help, your adolescent will learn these necessary skills and will be ready for true independence as he reaches adulthood.

Thanks for reading,

Dave Angel

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Articles posted this week at The Parenting Aspergers Community

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Mainstream school is not meeting my boy’s needs (he has Aspergers). His main needs are not understanding the problem in class and not believing he could achieve more– help!

Sometimes it is very difficult to figure out the exact problems that are holding back children with Asperger’s Syndrome. It is important to know your child well so you can be the advocate he needs in his educational corner. Now that you have discovered your son’s true weaknesses, you can approach his school personnel with your concerns…

To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/557.cfm

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My son is 14 and has Asperger’s. His main means of survival is lying. I can’t tell when he is telling the truth or not. Did he eat breakfast? Does he have lunch? Did he use soap in the shower? Did he do his homework? What do you recommend?

It is often said that kids with Asperger’s cannot tell lies. The truth is, they can learn, as you well know. Asperger’s Syndrome is a spectrum, and while children with Asperger’s will have the same basic characteristics, they are unique individuals with their own strengths and weaknesses. Children with Asperger’s Syndrome struggle with social communication, causing them to be very rigid thinkers. For instance, rules are rules, no exceptions. The thought of stating a falsehood does not come naturally…

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http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/556.cfm

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How can I motivate my boy with Aspergers to go out?

Sometimes it is more comforting to stay home. Home is a safe place where all of your son’s favorite things are. The people who love him are there and they accept him for who he is. When you look at it from his perspective, you can easily see why he prefers to stay in. He will not have to try to find his place among his peers if he hides out at home…

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http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/555.cfm

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