Hi there and welcome to this week’s Aspergers blog …

Here’s the article …

Question

What are the best options for post high school education?

Answer

The future is looking brighter than ever for children with Asperger’s Syndrome.  As you know, children with Asperger’s are usually very intelligent, but suffer from a lack of social skills, communication abilities, and sensory issues.  The recent surge of information, education, and treatment options are starting at younger ages, increasing the chances and the choices for post high school education.

There are several secondary education options to investigate for your child with Asperger’s.  Here are several choices to research.

*    Technical or vocational schools-These schools offer career training in a relatively short amount of time, with the added benefit of being close to home.  If your child is thinking of a career in computer repair, air conditioning and heating repair, general office duties, or computer technology, a vocational school is worth a look.  Check your local schools for the programs available in your area.  Many of these schools offer federal financial aid, as well as state or local aid.

*    Community college-If your child is interested in earning an Associates degree, the local community college may be the solution.  These schools are close to home, yet offer the ‘real’ college experience.  For kids who are uncomfortable with the thought of going away to college, this alternative can give them that big school experience at a more manageable volume.

*    Specialty schools-Single concentration schools are popping up everywhere.  These schools cater to one certain specialty.  For the child with Asperger’s, special interests can mean sure success when it comes to choosing a career path.  Why not concentrate fully on that special interest after high school?  Some examples of specialty careers are culinary arts, cosmetology, graphic arts, fashion design, and animation.

*    Colleges and Universities-It is no longer unusual to find children with Asperger’s going away to a college or university in search of a higher-level degree.  These schools are starting to make necessary accommodations for students with Asperger’s, offering more assistance on campus.  Teens with Asperger’s are demonstrating their capabilities by adapting to college life quite well, as long as the preparation has been in place during high school.  Possibilities for financing their education are numerous with federal and state financial aid and scholarships.

Choosing the right school can guarantee success.  “Colleges that Change Lives: 40 schools you should know about even if you’re not a straight-A student” by Loren Pope, Director of the College Placement Bureau and author of Looking Beyond the Ivy League is a book that lists a group of colleges that have shown a proven ability to develop potential in exceptional students.  This book is necessary for anyone faced with planning a child’s post secondary education.

Preparing your child early by working on social skills, organizational skills, and living skills will ensure a successful adjustment from high school and home life to the college experience.  Finding the right post high school opportunity for your child with Asperger’s Syndrome is not only possible, it is promising.

Have a great week,

Dave Angel

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Articles posted this week at The Parenting Aspergers Community

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I have a 14-year-old granddaughter who has Asperger’s syndrome. She is very intelligent and capable but hates school. She also has ADD (not hyperactivity). Her last year helper was terrible and made things so much worse. She did really well on her yearly achievement test but the teacher read the questions to her. My question is: What is the responsibility of the school? I just don’t think they are helping her in the ways she needs help. What should her parents do?

Your granddaughter struggles with Asperger’s as well as ADD and the combination of these two factors can make school a difficult place for her to function well. Her parents need to meet with the school administration and her teachers and come up with a plan of accommodations for your granddaughter that can help her succeed in the classroom. Children with Asperger’s typically will have …To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/295.cfm

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I just have started to work with adults with ASD, I work in a private home setting for an agency in my area. I would like to ask a few questions on handling situations with behaviors. Why at any given moment will they have a behavior, for no apparent reason, lashing out at a staff or another autistic person that lives there with them?

It is difficult to answer your question because there are so many reasons a person with Asperger’s could lash out at another person. Individuals with Asperger’s are all different and have different behavioral triggers, just as people without Asperger’s do. People with Asperger’s tend to have trouble in settings where there is … To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/294.cfm

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Keeping him off sugars and dairy, and too much wheat, that cause Aspergers symptoms and nightly upsets in the middle of sleep periods. Can you advise?

Restricting your child’s diet can have positive effects on his overall behavior as well as his sleep habits. Most people who have children with Asperger’s Syndrome experiment with a gluten free casein free diet, which eliminates many of the grains, including wheat, and dairy from a child’s diet. There is some scientific evidence, although not conclusive, that children on the Autism Spectrum have …To read this article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/293.cfm
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PARENTING ASPERGERS AND AUTISM NEWSLETTER
VOLUME 33       
July 2009        

Hi,

This is Dave Angel.  Welcome to the thirty-third edition  of “The Parenting Autism & Asperger’s Newsletter”

Inside this edition you will find:

1. Hot Topic of Discussion – Asperger’s Syndrome and Anorexia

2. In the News – Teenage Boy with Asperger’s Syndrome Nominated for Big Skill Award 

3. Prominent People Linked with ASD – Dr. Temple Grandin, Best-selling Author and Livestock Industry Consultant

Also a quick reminder that my review of “The Total Transformation Program” is online to read at http://parentingaspergers.com/blog/total-transformation-review/ if you haven’t yet seen it, and are interested.

Thanks

Dave
————————————————————
1. Hot Topic of Discussion –Asperger’s Syndrome And Anorexia

In recent studies, scientists have found that people with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa have a higher possibility of being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders such as Asperger’s Syndrome. It is already known that symptoms between the two disorders are common but it is only recently that researchers suggest that both Asperger’s syndrome and anorexia may share the same neurobiological basis. 

According to psychiatry professor Janet Treasure and Asperger’s syndrome expert Tony Attwood, 20% of patients with anorexia meet the diagnostic criteria for Asperger’s syndrome. Symptoms that are common to both Asperger’s Syndrome and anorexia are as follows:
* Attention to small details 
* Easily distracted
* Obsessive/Compulsive behavior
* Inability to multitask
* Presence of anxiety or mood disorders
* Abnormal eating behaviors

People with Asperger’s syndrome are usually unable to tolerate different kinds of food and may often times feel nauseated on the smell, taste, presentation and texture of food. This behavior may result to excessive loss of weight and eventually may lead to eating disorders such as anorexia.

 To read the full article, go to: http://autismaspergerssyndrome.suite101.com/article.cfm/aspergers_syndrome_and_anorexia

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

————————————————————-
2.  In the News – Teenage Boy with Asperger’s Syndrome Nominated For Big Skill Award 
Jack Bainbridge, a sixteen year old boy who has been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, is nominated for BBC East/Learning and Skills Council’s 2009 Big Skill Award. Jack discovered his talent when he first started painting people’s facial expressions. Those who are affected with Asperger’s syndrome usually have a hard time identifying the different facial expressions and Jack found a way to overcome his difficulties through art.
Since Jack’s discovery of his talent, he has done several works of art including a sculpture that is currently displayed outside of his school and he also has submitted his own design of a commemorative coin for the 2012 Olympics. 
Aside from art, Jack is also a skilled rugby player and is one of the top players for Cambridgeshire.
To read the full article, go to:
http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/Award-nomination-for-Jack39s-stunning.5362734.jp

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

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3. Prominent People Linked with ASD – Dr. Temple Grandin, Best-selling Author and Livestock Industry Consultant
Dr. Temple Grandin was born in August 29, 1947 in Boston, Massachusetts. At two years old, Dr. Grandin was diagnosed with brain damage and in the 1950s, she was diagnosed with autism.

In 1970, Dr. Grandin received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and she received her Doctorate in Animal Science in 1975. Grandin is a well known best selling author and a consultant in the livestock industry. She is also an active advocate for Autism and Asperger’s syndrome and a leader in animal welfare.

Dr. Temple Grandin has published several books and articles and has appeared in numerous television programs such as Larry King Live and The Today Show. She is also the subject of an HBO Film currently titled, Temple Grandin Thinking in Pictures.

To see the full text of the article go to:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_Grandin

People mentioned above may have Asperger’s Syndrome, but were never formally diagnosed.
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The next edition of the newsletter is due in August, 2009.     

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

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Articles posted this week at The Parenting Aspergers Community

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I have a question regarding Neurotherapy for Asperger’s kids.  It is helpful?  What is its success rate?

Upon learning that a child has Asperger’s Syndrome, most parents will begin to research treatments. There are several places you can get information about treatments. However, getting involved with other people affected by this diagnosis is the best way to find out about the different options you have for treatment and learning about what works and why. You do have to remember that kids with the Asperger’s are all …

To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/292.cfm

============================================================

My daughter is 17 years old.  She wants to drive but I worry that she will go into ‘Asperger’s mode’ and zone out while driving.  When we talk about driving I explain to her that she needs to be paying attention at all times.  Her response is “I don’t know if I can do that.”  Any suggestions?

One of the first, most obvious life transitions for a teen is reaching the legal driving age. That driver’s license screams adulthood and independence. Every teen dreams of the day they can jump into a car and drive away, alone and unsupervised. Yikes! Teens with Asperger’s are no different from their peers when it comes to meeting these life transitions. With a little extra preparation, your teen can …

To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/291.cfm

============================================================

My 10 year old son with Asperger’s has suddenly started sitting upside down on his chair and swinging his legs in the air during class.  He also rolls around on the floor during ‘mat time’ at school.  Nothing else has changed.  He is in a mainstream school and his teacher is at a loss.  Any ideas?

Children with Asperger’s Syndrome deal with several different issues. Some of these actually make life better, and others can cause problems in certain situations. Children with Asperger’s have normal to above-normal …

To read this article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/290.cfm

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Review of CD 1 – Why Does My Child Act This Way

The first thing to say about the Total Transformation program is that the quality of the recording and presentation is very high. It consists of a series of interviews on each disk involving James Lehman and several of his colleagues. The sound quality is excellent and it’s a slick recording studio effort. James himself has worked for over 3 decades with children who have difficult behaviors and their families in a variety of settings in New England, USA.

On CD1 James looks at what he calls “The Real Causes of Obnoxious and Abusive Behavior”. He goes through an extensive list of 16 categories that explain why children may behave in certain difficult and challenging ways. This is a really helpful starting point for looking at where your child may be at and each category is explored in depth. The categories make good common sense and are easy to follow.

With regard to Aspergers James clearly states that his approach will work for children with neurological impairment, learning disability etc. when there are behavioral issues to be addressed. For example he outlines a case that he worked on with a child with ADHD who was “hiding behind” that diagnosis and avoiding responsibility for his behaviors and actions. Now I know for a fact that for many children with Aspergers this type of scenario goes on to, so clearly the information can transfer.

So the verdict … so far so good. There is some excellent material put together in an easy-to-understand fashion with a work book (that includes actual activities that you can do). My only criticism is that James refers to “the kid” all the time when talking about what to do with your child – which seems a bit impersonal and not my favourite way of referring to a child or young person. But James does say in his accompanying workbook that he uses the term “kid” as a catch-all phrase and apologies for any offense this may cause – so I guess I shouldn’t be too picky!

To learn more about The Total Transformation Program go to http://tinyurl.com/643fs3

Review of CD 2 – Why won’t my Child Listen To Me

This CD concentrates on what James calls “ineffective parenting roles”. On CD 1 he begins the program by looking at the child; on CD 2 he turns his attention to the parents. He classifies 7 types of ineffective parenting which include “the screamer”, “the over negotiator” and “the martyr”. Again James uses very clear terms such as these which you can already begin to guess as to what they are about.

One of the great points that James makes is about parenting styles over time. He says that when he grew up in the 1960’s he was actually being parented by his parents in a style from the 1930’s (i.e. when they grew up) and things clearly change! He makes this point in relation to parents in the 2000’s and that we should be careful not to parent from the 1960’s or 1970’s (i.e. when many of us grew up).  Which makes so much sense as the modern world is so different now for children. Think about the internet, cable TV, new child care legislation, the huge prevalence of cars, differences in schooling etc. and how this compares to the 1970’s. Clearly we all as parents (me included) need to have a modern take on how we parent our kids as that’s the society they live in each day.

Another  concept that I really liked was the idea of parenting your actual child and not your ideal child. We all of visions of our “ideal child” in our head and this can never truly match the reality of how your child actually is. For a child with Aspergers this issue may be even more pronounced and this is an area that many parents do need to do some work on.

To learn more about The Total Transformation Program go to http://tinyurl.com/643fs3

Review of CD 3 – Breaking Through

In CD 3 James continues on from CD 2 and talks about parenting roles that lead to accountability. He breaks these down in to 3 roles:

1.    Training & Coaching Role – Such as teaching by example, and providing strategic help and solutions.
2.    Problem-solving role – Such as encouraging exploration and experimentation, and participating in mutual decision-making.
3.    Limit-setting role – Such as demanding compliance with rules and viewing behaviors as a performance issue rather than a moral issue.

I really like a number of these roles and think they’re essential for positive parenting. For example James talks of setting clear rules that stop eventual “show downs” further down the road. He says that if a child has had a number of cookies instead of the parent asking “can you not have so many cookies?” be much clearer and state “stop eating the cookies now please”. This way things are 100% clear for the child and they are far less likely to eat more cookies, and this can save a later dispute on the same subject.

James also talks about being consistent with boundaries for example if you agree your son needs to be in at 6pm that’s when he should be in, which is another good basic principle. But James then goes on to say that even if your son calls to say that the sports teacher has asked him to stay behind a further 30 minutes to practice with the team, that your son should still be told to be back at 6pm. I disagree with this and think it’s a little too rigid. Instead I would suggest that you insist to speak to the teacher and if it’s a valid and worthwhile exercise then the time can be pushed back to 6:30pm. But other than this criticism I found CD 3 to be another excellent parenting resource.

To learn more about The Total Transformation Program go to http://tinyurl.com/643fs3

Review of CD 4 – Transformation Tools

In CD 4 the focus is back on to the child again when James outlines 27 Tools to Change Your Child’s Behavior Now. One great point that he makes on this CD is that parents should stop comparing the inside of their family (i.e. all the arguments, rows and fights that go on) with the outside of other families (i.e. what seems to be a perfectly nice and happy family across the road but probably have many of the same problems as you but you just cannot see them). This is a pressure that so many parents could really do without, and it’s a totally artificial pressure that can be avoided.

Also another strategy that I really like from the extensive list of  27 is what James calls “re-direct interest”. This is the basic and common sense view that changing activity or conversation can help to reduce difficult behaviors almost immediately. This is also described as motion changing emotion. So for example if during a huge argument you were to get yourself and your son to hop 5  times on each foot immediately then this would know doubt change how he feels and acts in this second. I have heard this approach used before by Tony Robbins (the world famous self-help guru from the USA) and really like it myself. And would urge you to give it a go – in many ways the more silly and bizarre action that you and your child do the better it may reduce any difficult behaviors.

To learn more about The Total Transformation Program go to http://tinyurl.com/643fs3

Review of  CD 5 – Understanding faulty thinking

This CD investigates the 14 types of Faulty Thinking – which are all considered to be blocks to successful problem solving for parents and their children. The full list of 14 are …

• Assuming
• All or Nothing Thinking
• Personalizing
• Hypodermic Focus
• Embracing Negativity
• Emotionalizing
• Projections
• The Blame Game
• Rule Deflation
• Uniqueness
• Minimization
• Awfulizing
• False self-perceptions
• Sincere self-delusion

Each one of these blocks is really interesting and so true when it comes to parenting. For example “The Blame Game” looks at how parents blaming the children really doesn’t help change behavior. But a subtle shift to giving children the responsibility for their own behavior gives a much better chance of them behaving better next time.

Another quick example from the 14 blocks is “Personalizing” which teaches parents not to take things personally when they go wrong. So for example if your son gets into trouble at school –  REMEMBER: he is not doing this to hurt you. And if you take it personally this way you will respond emotionally, rather than in a more objective and measured way.

At the end of this CD is an excellent section aimed at helping parents who are divorced, to continue to care for their children. There are some great practical tips to ensure that they can minimise the impact on the children. One of them relates to the age old problem of when one partner from the marriage refuses to be consistent and provide the correct support for the child. James gives helpful and clear guidance as to what the other main consistent parent must do to counteract this for the child’s welfare.

To learn more about The Total Transformation Program go to http://tinyurl.com/643fs3

Review of CD6 – What to do after your child acts out

In this CD James Lehman begins by discussing how to set achievable goals with children; as opposed to wishes. This distinction he believes is hugely significant when it comes to helping a child’s behaviour.

He then talks about an 8 step model called The Alternative Response which he describe as a “problem-solving process to challenge and confront inappropriate behaviour and develop an alternative behaviour for the next time …”

These 8 steps are:

Investigate

Confront

Identify

Challenge

Declare

Probe

Choose

Consequences and amendments

I like this model and it is effective in working with children’s behaviours. Just to give you an idea, Step 6 is entitled “Probe”. In this step you work with your child to make them identify what they could do differently in future for a different outcome.  Which helps give the child more of a sense of responsibility in their future behaviours and so gives them the chance to act differently next time.

James also raises an interesting point about “time outs” which should be used genuinely to give a child 5 or 10 minutes out of the situation in order to calm down from the stressors. But many parents use “time outs” as a punishment which confuses matters and is not an effective approach.

To learn more about The Total Transformation Program go to http://tinyurl.com/643fs3

Review of CD 7 – How to Stop It Before It Starts; The Trigger Management Process

Now at the start of this CD James is quite controversial in asserting that “there is no such thing as an anger management problem”. He views it as trigger management or thought management problem. His basic idea is spot on in my view – he feels that children just need to manage their thoughts and triggers better. This means that they ARE in control and can change their behaviours – rather than being  a victim of some mysterious thing called “anger”, over which they have no control.

There are 8 steps to James’ Trigger management Process which are pretty self-explanatory on the whole …

Diminish The Potential

Manage The Situation

Identify The Trigger Thought

Constructive Self-Talk

Simple Plan

Communicate

Implement

Move On

But one criticism here of James and this CD is that he uses the word “retardation” several times in reference to children with learning/development disabilities. I really don’t like that term and was disappointed to hear it being used on what is on the whole an excellent parental resource.

To learn more about The Total Transformation Program go to http://tinyurl.com/643fs3

Review of  Bonus CD “10 Ways to Turn Around Your Child’s Attitude in One Minute Or Less”

The bonus CD is a handy quick-fire resource with 10 great techniques to use straight away when your having problems with your child.

The 10 Strategies are:

1. Assume Control

2. Disconnect

3. Script it for the next time

4. No speeches

5. Focus on the behaviour

6. Halt over-stimulation

7. Use strategic recognition and affection

8. Self-disclosure to the child

9. Do, not say

10. Accept bad moods and bad days

The idea for most of the 10 is pretty self-explanatory from the title and they can all be helpful with a child with Aspergers. Just to give you an example is the “Do, not say” approach. Which basically teaches that we need to role model for our children as they learn and copy so much from us. So for example when you are talking to your child about calming down –  you must be displaying calm behaviors and body language when doing so. If you are angry and uptight and yet trying to tell your son “calm down don’t get angry” it’s simply not going to work.

To learn more about The Total Transformation Program go to http://tinyurl.com/643fs3

That’s all for the review of this program. As well as all of the above audio CD’s there are 2 further DVD’s included that I haven’t even had chance to watch. They are the “Jump Start” DVD which you begin with and “The Parents Workshop” Live DVD. And if they are anything like the quality of the CD’s then I am sure they’ll also be a great source of parental information too.

Have  a great day,

Dave Angel

Hi there and welcome to this week’s Aspergers blog post.

I am working now on the “Back to School” ebook covering a whole variety of questions on the topic of school and education and aim to have this complete by mid-August; when I am led to believe many schools in the USA return. I’ll keep you posted on that …

Here’s this week’s article -

Question

How can I explain Asperger’s to my child and her siblings?

Answer

Children with Asperger’s Syndrome are intelligent and inquisitive individuals.  Their struggles are obvious to them, yet they may not be able to actually pinpoint the areas of weakness.  If asked, kids with Asperger’s will tell you that they are different from their peers and siblings.  The peers and siblings of children with Asperger’s also notice the differences.  It can be difficult to live with and understand a child with Asperger’s.  It can be tough for all involved.

You should be completely honest with your children about Asperger’s.  The child who has Asperger’s needs to understand the condition in age-appropriate context.  Your other children need to know about Asperger’s so that they will be able to support their sibling as much as possible.

Educate yourself on Asperger’s so you can share the details with your children.  Contact your local Autism society chapter and ask for information on the condition and also about the events in your area that they sponsor.  Ask about support group sessions and educational events for siblings.

Speak with the special education teachers at your children’s school about resources that can assist in explaining Asperger’s to your child and his siblings, as well as information that will help you discuss Asperger’s with your family.

You can find a lot of information on the Internet.  The Autism Society and other Autism support organizations have websites chock-full of information and materials for families affected by Asperger’s.  Other websites offer testimonials and products produced by individuals with Asperger’s, families affected by Asperger’s, and professionals trained to treat the challenges associated with Asperger’s.

Books and materials that will help you explain things to all of your children are available on the Internet.  One such program is called “That’s What’s Different About Me! Helping Children Understand Autism Spectrum Disorders” by Heather McCracken.

This program is a puppet program that can be used to teach all children about kids with Asperger’s and what it is that makes them different.  The DVD included showcases the puppet show, along with parent/teacher information and helpful tips. A program manual with instructions on implementing the program at home or at school is included.  A children’s story and coloring book adapted from the puppet show rounds out the kit.

Your children will be more comfortable when they know exactly what having Asperger’s means.  They will see that while there are challenges to overcome, there are also strengths associated with Asperger’s Syndrome.

Have a great day,

Dave Angel

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Articles posted this week at The Parenting Aspergers Community

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I have a question regarding Neurotherapy for Asperger’s kids.  It is helpful?  What is its success rate?

Upon learning that a child has Asperger’s Syndrome, most parents will begin to research treatments. There are several places you can get information about treatments. However, getting involved with other people affected by this diagnosis is the best way to find out about the different options you have for treatment and learning about what works and why. You do have to remember that kids with the Asperger’s are all …

To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/292.cfm

============================================================

My daughter is 17 years old.  She wants to drive but I worry that she will go into ‘Asperger’s mode’ and zone out while driving.  When we talk about driving I explain to her that she needs to be paying attention at all times.  Her response is “I don’t know if I can do that.”  Any suggestions?

One of the first, most obvious life transitions for a teen is reaching the legal driving age. That driver’s license screams adulthood and independence. Every teen dreams of the day they can jump into a car and drive away, alone and unsupervised. Yikes! Teens with Asperger’s are no different from their peers when it comes to meeting these life transitions. With a little extra preparation, your teen can …

To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/291.cfm

============================================================

My 10 year old son with Asperger’s has suddenly started sitting upside down on his chair and swinging his legs in the air during class.  He also rolls around on the floor during ‘mat time’ at school.  Nothing else has changed.  He is in a mainstream school and his teacher is at a loss.  Any ideas?

Children with Asperger’s Syndrome deal with several different issues. Some of these actually make life better, and others can cause problems in certain situations. Children with Asperger’s have normal to above-normal …

To read this article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/290.cfm

============================================================

Hello there and welcome to this week’s Aspergers article.

Thanks to all of you who have sent in suggestions for the “Back to School” survey – I will get writing that resource pretty soon.

Here’s this week’s article …

Question

How to balance out the needs of two children on the spectrum and two NT kids?

Answer

Parenting is hard work.  Unless you have a child with Asperger’s Syndrome or Autism, you just have no idea about the true demands this adds to everyday parenting.  A second child on the spectrum does not always mean more of the same because every child is affected so differently.  Balancing the needs of a large family is a full time job, even without Asperger’s Syndrome!

It is easy to feel overwhelmed and stretched too thin when you have so much on your parenting plate.  Planning a strategy to help meet everyone’s needs is necessary.  Don’t forget to take care of yourself so you’ll feel like taking care of everyone else.

Taking care of yourself

.    Participate in support groups focused on the needs of Asperger’s families.

.    Find respite care when you need a break.  Everyone deserves to get out and relax for an hour or so.

.    Do not ignore your hobbies.  A mother with four kids is going to have to schedule time for hobbies, but it is important to do things you enjoy for relaxation and personal growth.

.    Keep in touch with your friends.  You need this form of support.  Your friends know you and know how to lift your spirits and keep you motivated.

Taking care of your kids

.    Spend one-on-one time with each child.  Focus a little time each week on each child.  They all enjoy the special attention and it gives you a chance to teach each one something new or enjoy a favorite-shared activity.

.    Keep in touch with each child’s teacher.  The children spend a big chunk of time at school.  Knowing what is going on at school will help you be a more effective parent and advocate for your children.

.    Look for ways to make life fun and ‘normal’ for your family.  “Top Ten Tips: A Survival Guide for Families with Children on the Autism Spectrum” by Teresa A. Cardon, M.A., CCC-SLP; foreword by Kristi Sakai is a book that lists practical tips for living with Asperger’s and how to blend all of your family into everyday life situations.  Suggestions cover life at home, at school, and in the community.  Read about this book at

.    Listen to each of your children.  Sometimes moms of many can get so busy that they forget to stop and listen.  A few minutes of listening to each child can clarify the causes of problem behavior or illuminate special moments.

Finding balance is a goal for which to aim.  With a little investigation and preparation, you will find what works for each of your children and your family as a whole.

That’s all for this week, so have a great week.

Thanks

Dave Angel

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Articles posted this week at The Parenting Aspergers Community

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How can I find out the proper treatment/therapy options for Asperger’s?

Treatment for Asperger’s Syndrome strives to increase communication skills, social skills, and to modify certain behaviors. Treatment options for your child with Asperger’s will be an individual program designed by your child’s physician, behavioural therapist, and yourself. Many children with Asperger’s Syndrome have coexisting conditions that can complicate the diagnostic process for your child. Children may …

To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/288.cfm

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I want to help my son to have a life as he has no confidence due to severe school bullying. Although has amazing high school exam results and has completed a novice triathlon, he is very depressed.

Children with Asperger’s can often have a difficult time in school. School bullies often target their behaviors. A student with Asperger’s is often a loner who might have trouble talking with people and interacting in groups. Sometimes, a child with Asperger’s has some trouble with physical coordination. In the classroom, a child with Asperger’s might not understand which questions are appropriate to ask and which are not. All these behaviour are …

To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/287.cfm

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How can I help my son to understand what others truly mean?

For children with Asperger’s, understanding social interactions can be truly puzzling and confusing. The difficulties of reading verbal cues and facial cues can be overwhelming for some and not noticed by others. Whether there is too much social information to be decoded or social information is just not noticed, your child with Asperger’s is going to need some help learning how to interact with people. One way to help your son understand social cues is to …

To read this article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/286.cfm

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Hi there and welcome to this week’s blog post from an internet cafe in deepest, darkest South Wales a day early!

Here’s the article …

Question

My son only wants specific foods.  How do I ensure a healthy diet for him?

Answer

Children with Asperger’s commonly have difficulty when it comes to eating a variety of foods.  Textures and smells play a part due to the sensory issues they experience.  In addition, having too many choices goes against what is comfortable for these kids. Finding a balance will take work and special accommodation.

Kids with Asperger’s have sensory issues that may prevent him from registering the feelings of hunger.  Therefore, you can’t rely on your child’s hunger to motivate him to eat.  Eliminating the foods he loves will create a true battle.

When you begin your attempts to alter your child’s diet, do so quietly.  The less fuss, the less likely it will become a bigger deal than it already is.  And keep trying.  Success may come slowly, but the ultimate goal is improving your child’s diet.  Every little victory will bring you one step closer to the desired result.

The most common trick to entice your child with Asperger’s to eat is to change the presentation.  Altering the form of a food may work.  If your child likes the flavor of strawberries, for instance, but cannot handle the texture, you could toss them in the blender with some yogurt and try giving him a strawberry smoothie.

Another trick you can try is the element of disguise.  Many vegetables can be pureed and added to favorites without changing the taste of the texture of the food.  One example is adding pureed vegetables to meatloaf or spaghetti sauce.  The taste is overpowered by the favored food and the puree blends in undetected.  This is sneaky, but a great way to meet the goal of a healthy, balanced diet.

Finally, create a meal/snack routine or schedule.  This will appeal to your child’s need for order and structure.  Eventually you’ll be able to introduce new foods without being sneaky.  He’ll know that mealtime is approaching and he will be expected to try the foods you have prepared.

“Just Take a Bite” by Lori Ernsperger and Tania Stegen-Hanson is a great book that can help you understand the whys behind the limited diet preferred by children with Asperger’s Syndrome.  It describes how the child’s environment, physical needs and sensory problems interfere with eating and offers a plan to correct the situation.

New articles this week at Parenting Aspergers Community…

A lot of people tell me I need to be more consistent in my parenting to my son with ASD.  What does this really mean?  Can you advise how I can become better at this?

Being the parent of a child on the Autism spectrum can be a tough job at times.  There is nothing more demanding than the need to rediscover what it means to parent a child.  There are some . . .

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/285.cfm

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What are some of the classic ways that parents miscommunicate with their children who have Asperger’s — and how can this be improved?

Children with Asperger’s Syndrome usually have well developed speech and articulation. However, there is much more to communication than having the ability to speak. These children struggle with the physical side of communication. Eye contact, personal space limitations, body language, facial expression, and social and vocal cues are additional elements that make up true communication. These areas are most likely the cause for miscommunication. To improve communication between parents and children with Asperger’s Syndrome, the parents will need to …

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/284.cfm

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Aspergers News Desk

This is a cartoon style news broadcast about the basics and fundamentals of Aspergers An excellent video for showing people who are new to the diagnosis as it packs lots of helpful information and tips into under 2 minutes footage. So a helpful educational tool for family members, friends or school educators. Running Time 1 Minute 57 Seconds . . .
http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/283.cfm

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Have a great day,

Dave Angel

Hi there -

Just a quick update post for you …

Tomorrow (Saturday 3rd July) – I am taking the younger part of my family away to a self-catering farm cottage in Wales for a week (the 18 year old is staying home alone for the first time – scarey stuff!)

For those who don’t know Wales – it’s part of the UK and apparently rains a lot there!!

So it should be fun – but as my 2 year old has quite an obsession with farm animals I am sure it will work out just fine!

Anyway the point of me telling you this is that I may be slower in replying to any email or support issues that arise over the next 7 days.

I plan to find a local internet cafe and pop in there a few times on my break – but just a pre-warning that it may take up to 2-3 days for me to reply to stuff.

Next week’s blog post will still be online on Tuesday as always – and I have already added this week’s new articles and videos at www.ParentingAspergersCommunity.com for those who are members (see below for the links) – I will then add more content to the site when I return the following Sunday/Monday.

New articles at Parenting Aspergers Community…

A lot of people tell me I need to be more consistent in my parenting to my son with ASD.  What does this really mean?  Can you advise how I can become better at this?

Being the parent of a child on the Autism spectrum can be a tough job at times.  There is nothing more demanding than the need to rediscover what it means to parent a child.  There are some . . .

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/285.cfm

———————————————————————————

What are some of the classic ways that parents miscommunicate with their children who have Asperger’s — and how can this be improved?
Children with Asperger’s Syndrome usually have well developed speech and articulation. However, there is much more to communication than having the ability to speak. These children struggle with the physical side of communication. Eye contact, personal space limitations, body language, facial expression, and social and vocal cues are additional elements that make up true communication. These areas are most likely the cause for miscommunication. To improve communication between parents and children with Asperger’s Syndrome, the parents will need to …

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/284.cfm

———————————————————————————

Aspergers News Desk

This is a cartoon style news broadcast about the basics and fundamentals of Aspergers An excellent video for showing people who are new to the diagnosis as it packs lots of helpful information and tips into under 2 minutes footage. So a helpful educational tool for family members, friends or school educators. Running Time 1 Minute 57 Seconds . . .
http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/283.cfm

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OK that’s the update over – have  a great weekend.

Dave Angel