Hi everyone I’ve just got back from another nursery visit today; as my quest continues to find a nice place for my daughter. This morning’s visit was much better than last week – lovely staff, plenty of great activities, good health and safety procedures, tidy and clean BUT …

No places are available until April – Doh!! (as the “great” Homer Simpson would say).

Never mind onwards and upwards as they say. And talking of onwards I’m currently in discussion with a web designer out in California to help me design the new Aspergers site – which is going to be much, much better and more interactive than the current site! My aim is to build it into much more of a community where we can all share, learn and develop alongside one another. As well as offering much more support and help than is currently possible. So keep tuned in and like I say I am hoping this will all be ready in January.

This week’s blog post covers the following thorny question …

Question

How should a 14-year-old boy with Asperger’s explain to a neurotypical friend what Asperger’s is?

Answer

Here is a good script for a 14-year-old to follow:  (Notes might be helpful and your son should practice this with you before he talks to a friend.)
“Asperger’s is a form of autism.  When I say autism, I mean that there’s a little difference in how my brain is put together.  It’s probably been there since I was born, and it’s affecting me as I grow up.  What I have is called Asperger’s Syndrome.  The symptoms I have were first seen by a guy named Asperger.  It can affect my language, awareness of my senses, my movements, and emotions.  Asperger’s can’t be cured, but there are things like medications out there that can help me deal with it.  It doesn’t make me weird or wrong or inferior; it’s a different way of experiencing the world that most people don’t understand.”

“You might have heard me say a lot of up front things to people, and that’s one of the differences.  Kids with Asperger’s Syndrome say exactly what they mean without being aware of what can happen.  We might not be aware of the consequences of what we say.  Someone might hear me say something, and they might think I meant something else, or someone might get offended at what I say.  I don’t mean to put people off or offend them, but that’s the way the words come out, and I’m not always aware of how people will react.  On the other hand, some people will see me as being totally honest, but not offensive.  It depends on the person who I’m talking to, but I don’t mean to offend anyone.  I need help in saying things carefully so that I don’t hurt people’s feelings.”

“Another situation I have trouble dealing with is body language.  The way people move or sit can say a lot about how they feel.  Sometimes, I make mistakes when I see other people’s body language.  I can’t get a handle on facial expressions and what they mean.  If I’m talking with someone and they’re being subtle with their body language, I won’t notice it, and I don’t get what they’re saying with their body language.  It can make the other person angry or frustrated or confused, but, with time and some help, I can make myself more aware of what someone means by their body language.”

“Hey, there’s one really huge difference that I go through.  I don’t really care about being cool, and some people think I’m going against a lot of other people, but that’s not what I’m trying to do.  It might make people give me a hard time or think I’m out there, but I’m not.  I just have my own special interests.”

“When I go to a movie and the sound is loud, I don’t like it.  I don’t even want to be in a movie theatre if there’re loud noises or a lot of lights flashing, like in the sci-fi movies.  It makes me just want to go home to get away from it.  Sometimes sounds and lights are so intense that they actually hurt me.”

“But there’s one thing I hope you’ll understand.  Having Asperger’s isn’t all bad.  I’m honest, caring, and really smart.  The doctor said that there’re a lot of really successful people, like doctors, authors, and business people with Asperger’s.  If you want to ask me any questions, I’ll answer them as best I can.”

In addition to using the above script, read the book Asperger’s Download: A Guide to Help Teenage Males with Asperger’s Syndrome Trouble-Shoot Life’s Challenges by Josie and Damian Santomauro.

This book is a terrific resource for adolescents and their parents.  It discusses some of the life passages in young adulthood, and it is written in terms that teenagers find understandable.  It has relevance and authenticity based on the author’s personal experiences, and it can help your son get through his teen years with less interpersonal conflict.

Thanks for reading and enjoy your week,
Dave Angel

Hi there Dave Angel here with a quick update on Sunday. I’ve had a few emails asking me to re-post the social skills article from last month that didn’t work properly. So here it is … If you need any more articles re-posting let me know. Thanks and sorry to intrude on your Sunday, Dave.

Question

I would like to know how to advise my son on social skills, such as making friends without being insulting to others.

Answer

One of the behavioural traits seen in children with Asperger’s Syndrome is a lack of empathy. They don’t realize that other people have thoughts and interests that are different from theirs. They’ll interrupt a conversation and start churning out facts about their pet interest - which could be something like medieval history, Star Wars’ trivia, or math - even if it has nothing to do with what the other children are talking about. This and their lack of other social skills, such as looking others in the eyes when conversing, responding appropriately to greetings and questions, and understanding fads and the interests of peers makes making friends very difficult for Asperger’s children.

With some Asperger’s children, social abilities remain intact or aren’t really noticed until around age eight. It is around this time that their classmates begin perceiving them as “different.” The child is singled out for teasing. In addition, the child may be seen as oppositional because children with Asperger’s Syndrome take words and gestures very literally. Communication with Asperger’s children must be “concrete” (brief and easily understood).

Your son can be taught most of the same social skills that children without Asperger’s learn on their own. You can work with your son’s school to produce cards or posters with facial expressions that define feelings. Also, full-length mirrors can be used to make children aware of their facial expressions and overall body language. You and his teachers can role play social situations with him to help him learn appropriate responses and actions.

Speaking of schools, it is unfortunate that there are few schools fully equipped to help children with Asperger’s Syndrome. The number of schools with diagnostically appropriate services will increase when parents, doctors, and social service practitioners lobby educational institutions for assistance in teaching Asperger’s children.

Until the school provides more assistance with your son, there are a number of things that you can do at home. You can surround your son with friends and family so he will have familiar people around on a consistent basis. If your son is intimidated by a large number of people, just have one friend over at a time.

In addition to friends, you can train your son in appropriate social and perceptual skills. He can learn to perceive and interpret nonverbal behaviors, process visual and auditory information, and become aware of social/behavioural conventions. To help you with teaching your son social skills, you might want to purchase the video productions “Model Me Conversation” and “Model Me Friendship.” Click the link below to access them:

Social Skills

In addition to the above videos, there is a book titled:

Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships: Understanding and Managing Social Challenges for Those with Aspergers/Autism

written by Temple Grandin and Sean Barron. Both Grandin and Barron are diagnosed as having high-functioning autism, and they have written a book that helps people with Asperger’s Syndrome cope with daily social demands.

To help you help your son, go on the internet and look for Asperger’s Syndrome support groups. Look for a group in your area. If there is none available, there are people who stay in touch via the internet. Whether in person or over the internet, they can give you advice and support which will help you help your son.

Take Care

Dave Angel

Hi there I’ve had a busy Tuesday so far looking for a nursery for my 18 month old daughter (Honey). The first one I saw had a kitchen knife lying on the side (at toddler’s height!), some old takeaway food on plates and a filthy carpet … not exactly what I’m hoping for! The next one seemed way too happy to let me in the building without really checking my credentials – another red flag I’m afraid! So the search continues as I am less than impressed with what I’ve seen so far. Like all parents I know I’ll have to compromise some of my very high standards that I expect – but I still want something pretty good none the less. Anyway let me move swiftly on to this week’s Aspergers blog post which looks at ADHD and Aspergers:

Question

Are there any connections between ADHD children and those with Asperger’s Syndrome?  My child is diagnosed with ADHD, but he seems to cross over a bit with weak social skills and emotional behaviour.  How do you determine what is ADHD and what is Asperger’s?

Answer

The symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Asperger’s Syndrome do mimic one another, and there are some connections between ADHD and Asperger’s.  In fact, there are dual diagnoses of ADHD and Asperger’s Syndrome in many cases.  Both of these diagnoses are developmental disorders; they share many of the same behavioural features and both affect children in the areas of behaviour, communication, and social interaction.  As a result, there is often some confusion as to which disorder(s) is present.  Medical, mental health, and educational professionals need to be trained to differentiate between the disorders and diagnose the correct one.

Here is a list of the behaviors seen in Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:

Autism / Asperger’s Syndrome

Difficulty interacting with peers
Fearlessness; feelings of invincibility
Temper tantrums without provocation
Inappropriate laughter
Resistant to intimacy
Physical over-activity or lack of physical activity
Minimal eye contact
Impulsive work effort that results in mistakes
Inconsistent fine motor skills

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Disruptive with others; cannot talk or play quietly
Impatient; does not want to wait
Risk taker; willingly becomes involved in potentially dangerous activities
Exhibits severe temper tantrums
Interrupts others; talks and/or acts inappropriately
Resistant to intimacy during younger years
Constantly active
Inattentive; has difficulty listening or conversing
Avoids attending to details; makes mistakes in work activities.

Both ADHD and Asperger’s Syndrome

Problems with gross/fine motor skills
Behaviour driven by impulses
Difficulty with appropriate emotional responses.

As you may already know I’ve written a resource guide for parents of child with ADHD which is still available at www.parentingadhd.com So this knowledge of the diagnostic differences, along with the information provided in The Parenting ADHD Resource Guide, will help you differentiate between symptoms of ADHD and Asperger’s Syndrome.

That’s all for the week and have a great day,

Dave Angel

PS – Just to let you know that the new Aspergers website is progressing along well and I’ve been putting together loads more information on topics such as college aged children, the effectiveness of therapies, helping your child to choose the “right” type of friends and how to support your child to cope with varied social situations. Keep watching this space for more details…!

This is Dave Angel.  Welcome to the twenty-fourth edition
of “The Parenting Autism & Aspergers Newsletter”…

Inside this edition you will find:

1. Hot Topic of Discussion - Autism a Hot Topic in Canadian
Federal Election

2. In the News – Second Life Offers Aid for Aspergers
ABC News,  Jan 16, 2008

3. Parenting Tips - Parenting a Child with Asperger Syndrome:
200 Tips and Strategies

4. Prominent People Linked with ASD - Albert Einstein, Scientist

Thanks

Dave

————————————————————

1. Hot Topic of Discussion -

Autism a Hot Topic in Canadian Federal Election

This fall, the Canadian federal election may become a battleground for
autism funding. Many Canadian parents are furious at the lack of services
for autistic children and are demanding that legislators make changes.
A fight between parents of autistic children and Canadian provincial
governments over funding for autim therapy may be addressed in the
federal election.

Medicare for Autism Now, an activist group, has developed a campaign
called “The Two Percent Solution.” The campaign targets the reelection
of federal Minister of Health Tony Clement and other incumbents who won
seats in the last election by less than two per cent. The campaign will
demand that they support Canada Health Act coverage for autism treatment and full funding for intensive one-to-one therapies or face non-election.

Many Canadian families with autistic children struggle financially to
provide their children with therapies that are only partly funded by the
provincial governments. “The responsibility for delivering health services
in Canada rests with the provinces and territories and it is at that level
that the issue must be addressed. The Canada Health Act (CHA) requires
provinces and territories to provide coverage for medically necessary hospital and physician services. The Act does not deal with individual medical conditions. Services provided outside of hospitals, or by health professionals other than physicians, are not insured health services under the CHA. Canada’s Government has already begun to address the issues that individuals with ASD and their families are facing,” states Jean Lewis of Medicare for Autism Now.

A 2004 Ipsos-Reid poll showed that 89% of Canadians support medicare coverage for autism treatment. Some provinces like New Brunswick provide families with up to $20,000 per year in funding for autism treatment until a child is six. After that, funding falls to a maximum payment of $6,000. Autism treatment
funding varies widely in Canada; Alberta and Newfoundland pay $40,000 a year, Saskatchewan $25,000, Manitoba $6,000, New Brunswick pays up to $20,000.

The governments’ rationale for the reduction in funding when children reach school age, is that the schools receive an extra $16,000 per year for each student on the autism spectrum. Parents claim that schools do not do enough to treat the students and the responsibility for further treatment falls heavily on parents.

It will be very interesting to see what happens in the fall election regarding this issue.

To read the full article please go to: http://www.autismspot.com/news/Autism-a-Hot-Topic-Canadian-Federal-Election and http://thetyee.ca/News/2008/09/01/Autism/

People mentioned as having Asperger Syndrome may or may not have actually have been diagnosed with it.

———————————————————–

2. In the News – Second Life Offers Aid for Aspergers
ABC News, Jan 16, 2008

Young people with Aspergers syndrome, who have difficulty picking up social cues, are getting help from the virtual world “Second Life,” ABC News reports. Researchers have found that Second Life, in which users communicate with others by creating an online avatar (an online persona represented in picture form), is more effective than other therapies for helping “Aspies” learn how to handle social situations, such as asking another avatar out on a date or requesting a raise from a boss avatar.

Researchers believe that these exercises in the virtual world feel more real than when Aspies role-play with a therapist, and, for that reason, are more effective and enjoyable. It remains to be seen if Aspies, who can be inflexible, will be able to use the skills they learn online in the real world. Many Aspies love using computers, which is definitely a positive in this situation. But, a negative may be that they will feel more comfortable in the virtual world and be unwilling to use their skills in the real one.

To read the article go to: http://www.newser.com/tag/18241/1/aspergers-syndrome.html

People mentioned above as having Asperger Syndrome may or may not
have actually have been diagnosed with it.

————————————————————-

3. Parenting Tips -  We are running short on parents tips so
if you have anything you’d like to share please add them on
the blog at:

http://parentingaspergers.com/blog/parenting-tips-wanted/

I have an excellent quick homework tip from Karen in
Sydney, Australia this week:

In reference to homework - my son has been diagnosed with
Aspergers this year and is in kindergarten. Homework was a
real nightmare in the afternoons, so we now set aside some
time after a healthy breakfast. I also copy the homework
assignment so that my younger son can join in as well and
make it a family time. It seems to work because my son is
fresher in the morning. I might try adding some classical
music as well to see how it goes!

Remember you can post your tips at:

http://parentingaspergers.com/blog/parenting-tips-wanted/

————————————————————

4. Prominent People Linked with ASD - Albert Einstein,
Scientist

Albert Einstein, who was born in 1879 and died in 1955, was an American theoretical physicist often rumored to have had either autism or Aspergers Syndrome.  He was born in Germany of Jewish background and won the Nobel Prize in physics in 1921.  He made many contributions to science including the theory of relativity and held strong political opinions, but never joined a political party, even after moving to the US as an adult. Einstein had very delayed speech development as a child, narrowly-focused interests from childhood on, and ignored school subjects that did not interest him.  He would repeat sentences endlessly as a child. He was not popular with other children and disliked by teachers. However, Einstein apparently had a good sense of humor. Einstein’s first wife Mileva, a mathematician, also had a brilliant mind and together they had three children, one illegitimate daughter, one son who became an engineering professor, and another who was institutionalized as a schizophrenic. Einstein worked on the Manhattan Project which eventually developed the atom bomb, used at the end of WWII. Einstein’s brain was preserved after his death and has been carefully studied by scientists. They found that some parts of his brain were more developed than normal and others less so. They also found more glial cells (important for nerve signal transmission) in parts of his brain.
To see the full text of the articles go to: http://rarediseases.about.com/cs/aspergersyndrome/a/041003.htm,
http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/bleinstein.htm and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Einstein’s_brain

Einstein may have had Aspergers Syndrome, but was never formally diagnosed.
————————————————————-

I hope the information in this month’s newsletter was valuable
to you.

The next edition of the newsletter is due in November.

And as ever … please send in any inspirational stories
that you know of, 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

Hi it’s Dave Angel again with your Tuesday Aspergers article. First up I think I owe more humble apologies as the “Blog Gremlins” (as one reader who emailed me amusingly put it!) struck again last week.

I went to a web guy in the USA who reiterated that the problem was a “browser issue” that meant some people were not able to view the article using Internet Explorer and similar browsers. But I also double checked with another web designer that I know out in Pakistan …

I’m glad that I did … as he tells a different story! Without going into boring micro-detail the problem seems to be when I cut and paste my articles that I have written from Microsoft Word on to the blog it messes something up.

So from now on I will use Microsoft Note Pad and this SHOULD solve the problem (but please continue to be patient as this whole thing is something of an experiment!) And to be doubly safe please read the blog using a Mozilla-based browser (e.g. Firefox, Safari or Netscape) and not Internet Explorer.

But the super good news is that when we move over to the new website early next year this and other such “teething” problems should disappear for good. I cannot wait to get on with just providing useful Aspergers information on a well designed and super-easy to use website. Instead of spending hours battling technical problems that I really don’t understand!

Anyway enough of the technical chat and on to this week’s article:

Question

I would like some tips on how to teach a younger sibling (age 3, not in school yet due to rural location) not to pick up unwanted behaviours from his brother.

Answer

You might be concerned that your 3-year-old will pick up unwanted behaviours because he might have Asperger’s Syndrome, also.  Asperger’s does, indeed, have a genetic component.

New research in the area of Asperger’s has shown that toddler siblings of autistic children are more likely to exhibit the same atypical behaviours as their brothers and sisters with autism, even when they don’t eventually develop the disorder.  Andy Shih, PhD, of the Baby Sibling Research Consortium, states that this increases the importance of careful monitoring of high-risk siblings of children with autism {or Asperger’s} for any signs of a disorder.  If one should occur, you are well-situated for early intervention.  If atypical behaviours occur, but there is no Asperger’s, you will feel relief at knowing that your second child does not have it.

If you have a child with Asperger’s, the odds are 50 to 100 times greater that your second child will be diagnosed with Asperger’s.  At the age of three, it might be difficult to tell if the child has Asperger’s.  Ask yourself the following:
•    Does your younger son have age-appropriate communication skills?
•    Does he follow his brother’s exact behaviours?

•    Is he overreacting to sensory stimuli (actions, lights, sounds)?  Does he cover his eyes or ears to avoid sensory stimuli?
If you answered “No” to these questions, your son is probably just imitating his older brother, and that is very common with siblings.  He might see his older brother as a role model, or he sees his brother getting a lot of attention for these behaviours, and he is imitating him to get some of the attention.

If you answered “Yes” to the above questions, consider having a professional, such as an Intervention Specialist or special education teacher, observe your three-year- old when he interacts with his brother, and when he is alone.  You might be thinking of waiting to see if your son outgrows these behaviours; however, if he does have Asperger’s Syndrome, you should begin early intervention.  Make sure that the professional you consult is experienced in assessing autism spectrum disorders, and that his experience specifically includes Asperger’s Syndrome.

In addition to obtaining the services of a behavioural professional, read the book Siblings of Children with Autism: A Guide for Families By Sandra L. Harris.  This book discusses explaining autism to your children, helping them express their thoughts and feelings, and helping them to play cooperatively.  Ms. Harris includes ways to look at and cope with the many challenges faced by families who are raising an autistic child.  Also this book addresses ways to sustain a marriage while coping with atypical child behaviours.  The book is brief, easy to read, and comprehend.  Also, it provides “case studies,” first-hand accounts of the difficulties faced by parents and siblings.

Your awareness of the sibling relationship, along with the help of a professional, and the book mentioned above will give you information and assistance to help with your three-year-old, if he, too, is diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome.  Stay in touch with the professional involved and re-read the book so that you can provide a comprehensive level of care for both your children.

Have a great Tuesday,
Dave Angel

Hello and welcome to this week’s Aspergers article. I’ve been burning the midnight oil a little of late and getting some information together for the new big project, specifically for parents of girls with Aspergers. The stat’s have Aspergers pegged largely as a male issue but I know from the survey I carried out a while ago there are a number of you with Aspie girls to look after. This is an area that I have probably neglected in the past so I’m working hard to make up for lost time! Here’s this week’s question:

Question

I would like to know the long-term side effects of Seroquel and Concerta medications.

Answer

Just as a precursor to this question (as it covers medication) I need to point out that I am not a doctor or medically trained individual and any information in this article is for information purposes only. You must seek appropriate medical advice from an approved health care practitioner for medical diagnosis and treatment. OK boring legal jargon out of the way let’s get on with the article …

Seroquel is an antipsychotic medication that changes the chemical activity within the brain. It treats the symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic depression), which are psychotic disorders.

Be aware that the following is a comprehensive list of possible reactions to Seroquel. It is rare that most or all of these symptoms will occur.

As with most other medications, there are side effects when taking Seroquel. This medication might cause high blood sugar, diabetes, and suicidal thoughts. Also, Seroquel might cause impairment of thoughts or reactions to external events, and it is not recommended to take Seroquel if you are going to operate a motor vehicle. Another side effect of Seroquel includes adverse reactions if alcohol is consumed.

Please be careful if you are also taking medicine for colds/allergies, sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, or antidepressants. You can become sleepy if Seroquel interacts with these medications.

You will need to contact an emergency medical facility if the following reactions occur: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worse symptoms such as: mood or behaviour changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.

Concerta is widely known to be a medication that treats Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). While Concerta offers a number of advantages over pre-existing ADHD medications, it has side effects that you should know about.

Concerta is taken once a day because it is a timed-release medication. It comes in capsule form, and it has an outer coating of medication that quickly dissolves when swallowed. The medicinal effect of Concerta lasts twelve hours, and the following need to be considered when taking this medication:

It should be taken in the morning hours. If a dose is skipped, wait until the following day; otherwise, your sleep/wake cycle will be affected.

A dose of Concerta cannot be adjusted. Any change in milligrams must be done with a new prescription. Also, a Concerta capsule cannot be mixed with food; this will prevent the proper release of the medication.

Concerta is not recommended for people with digestive problems.

A comprehensive list of Concerta side effects includes: abdominal pain aggravation, aggression, anxiety, depression, hostility, insomnia and prolonged sleepiness, loss of appetite, increased coughing, nervousness, sadness, drug dependence, dizziness, headache, tics, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection, vomiting, allergic reactions, increased blood pressure, and psychosis.

Concerta is not recommended for children under the age of six or pregnant women.

Also, Concerta may be habit forming.

Enjoy your day.

Dave Angel.

Hi there and hope you’re having a happy Sunday. It’s 2pm here in the UK so I guess for many of my American readers you may still be in bed! I wish I was – the weather here is “raining cats and dogs” as they say, and I really don’t like it!

It’s strange to be doing the weekly article on a Sunday but that’s because of the problems and late delivery of the September newsletter last week. It appears I resolved the blog posting problem (which was a miracle in itself!) but a number of people are still struggling to read the full articles due to the information on the right hand side merging with the article.

I spoke to a friend in the States who’s been a web designer and general internet “know it all” for 15 years and he said that these problems are browser problems and nothing to do with the website. He said that it cannot be cured 100% but that his advise would be for you to use Mozilla Based Browsers (such as Netscape, Firefox or Safari) and NOT Internet Explorer.

But this should only be an issue for several more months before I can get the new website up and running. Talking of which it’s getting quite exciting for me, as I’m finally getting chance to start creating some great new information for this new site. Last week I was researching and writing on topics such as helping teenagers to make friends, understanding new behaviors in your child, social cues and boy/girl relationships for young people with Aspergers.

Anyway after that longer than normal intro. here’s this week’s article:

Question

I would like ideas on how to deal with my son’s frustrations. He will either dig his heels in and refuse to do what he is supposed to do, or he shuts down and then we have a time away so he can get himself together to discuss the problem. It seems he works himself up over things that are not that big a deal.

Answer

People with Aspergers overreact to crowds, confusing situations, sensory stimuli, and situations in which they are asked to do things they don’t want to do. Situations or problems that seem minor to most of us are a “big deal” to those with Asperger’s because they don’t know how to handle them. Removing your son from a stressful situation and giving him time to calm down is an excellent idea. Then if he is willing to discuss the problem, you may be able to help him learn how to handle a similar situation in the future. His frustration and stubbornness are due to the anxiety he feels and his inability to handle situations; he can’t help those feelings.

Generally, there are two therapeutic approaches to working with the anxiety disorders seen in Asperger’s Syndrome children. The first is cognitive psychology, which is an approach that focuses on the client’s mental processes, such as problem solving, memory, and language. A cognitive psychologist will want to know how your son perceives and solves his problems.

A cognitive psychologist will be able to help your son figure out exactly what triggers his anger. The psychologist will help him change the negative environment that fuels his anger and develop various age-appropriate techniques for coping with anxiety.

The psychologist’s recommendations might be simple, like lowering lights and sound levels, or it could be more complex, and therapy might become long term.

In addition to cognitive psychology, medication may be recommended for your son. A psychiatrist can prescribe medications that will help reduce your son’s frustrations and reduce his anxieties. Please note that antidepressants like Zoloft and Prozac have been prescribed for Asperger’s children, but they have also been known to cause serious problems. Ask the psychiatrist to explain all of the behavioral changes and discuss the possible side effects of any medication that is prescribed.

The second approach for helping your son and one of the most frequently recommended interventions for children with Asperger’s Syndrome is for you, as a parent, to make his life structured and consistent. If he has chores to do around the house, they can be done on a certain day and at a specified time. You didn’t state your son’s age, but, assuming that he is (or will be) in school, he can leave for school at the same time every day, and he be expected to return home at a certain time every day, also.

Structure can be built into his life for recreational activities, in addition to his school obligations and household chores. If he enjoys video games, a time can be set aside that is predictable for the both of you. He can complete school homework and chores while looking forward to the recreational time that he knows will occur at the same time every day.

Your son is becoming easily frustrated over things that he perceives as too challenging. You can provide a “wraparound” treatment for him by surrounding him with a psychologist that he can talk to, medication he can use to reduce anxiety, and a predictable home environment each day.

That’s all for this week and enjoy your day

Dave Angel

PS – The majority of people contacting me said that they would like both a blog post and text-based email each week, to ensure that they got the article one way or another. So after much deliberating (as I don’t want to fill your in-box with stuff each week), I have come up with a plan. I will email you the details on the blog post every Tuesday as usual, and then on a Thursday I will send the text version.

I will always put the headline for the text version as “Text version of this week’s Aspergers article”. That way if you want to read it you can, and if you don’t you can just delete it without needing to actually waste time opening it. No doubt this may not please everybody (that’s impossible to do!) but it’s the best plan I can think of. But for this article as it’s out of sync with the normal pattern; I’ll send it by text later today and then the new routine will start from Tuesday.