Hi there and welcome to this week’s blog post which looks at children with Aspergers and physical illnesses.

Just one quick note before the article – If you have a question that you wanted answered about Aspergers on the blog in 2010 please go to the following web page and submit it to me …

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3Q27SH3

OK now on to this week’s question:

Question

How do children with Asperger’s cope with physical illnesses?

Answer

There is no one specific way that children with Asperger’s react or deal with physical illnesses. Some children with Asperger’s tend not to be very in tune with their bodies or they don’t know how to express what they are feeling. If a boy has a sore throat, he may either not notice this or he may not understand that this is a physical symptom that should be reported to a parent. Some children with Asperger’s respond to illness with anxiety. They become upset if they are sick.

Most children with Asperger’s tend to find illness upsetting not only because they feel bad but also because it can disrupt their daily routine. If they have a stomach flu, not only are they physically uncomfortable, but they can also be kept home from school. These disruptions can be disturbing for a child with Asperger’s who thrives on order and routine.

Dealing with doctors and hospitals can be unsettling for children with Asperger’s Syndrome. Doctor’s offices and hospitals are designed to be efficient places and often nurses or doctors are not aware of a child with Asperger’s special needs. In her book entitled “Prescription for Success: Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Medical Environment,” Jill Hudson, M.S., CCLS, looks at ways to make the medical experience easier for children with Asperger’s and their families. This book contains information that medical staff, parents, and educators can use to better interact with children with Autism spectrum disorders. The book contains a CD with printable forms and worksheets, which can be distributed to the people who work with your child.

It is a good idea to talk through some different medical scenarios with your child, before he or she gets sick. Children might not understand what would happen to them if they broke a bone or if they fell off their bike and needed stitches. Exposing them to these ideas before they become a reality can be very helpful should an emergency situation arise.

It can also be helpful to a child with Asperger’s if you talk to him about his own body and how it feels and how it should or shouldn’t feel. Sometimes, children with Asperger’s don’t know if some body part feels wrong or funny, and they don’t know that they should mention it to a parent. Talking through these options with your child can help raise his awareness.

Thanks

Dave Angel

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Articles posted this week at The Parenting Aspergers Community

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We want to get a family dog but not sure if that’s a good idea as our son with ASD is often timid of dogs. Can you offer a suggestion as to a particular breed of dog that may be OK?

There are many dogs that are considered to be good with children. When you are looking at the different breeds of dogs, be sure to look at the needs of your entire family. If your son with Asperger’s is a bit afraid of dogs, keep that in mind. If both adults in the house work, that should be a factor in what type of dog you would want to get. If there are other children or other pets already in the home, be sure to think about that as well … To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/389.cfm

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My grandson is five and a half years old and is in the process of diagnosis for Asperger’s Syndrome. There are real issues at present with his toilet behaviour. He is unable to wipe himself after using the toilet and although this is dealt with at home and during his first year in primary school, now he is in year one the staff are refusing to accommodate his need for support in this area. Where does my daughter stand legally with this issue please? Afterall does the school not have a ‘duty of care’ and encourage progress in this area. They appear to have no understanding whatsoever of the issues surrounding this condition and I know my daughter is embarking upon a long and arduous struggle in order that my grandson has a happy experience throughout his school day.

Even today, many schools are unprepared to deal with issues presented by children with Asperger’s Syndrome and other autism spectrum disorders. Much of this comes from the schools and teachers not being educated about the special needs of children with Asperger’s Syndrome … To read this article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/388.cfm

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I am having a rough time right now with my 12 son with AS. He started puberty in the 4th grade and since I am his only parent…he asks/tells me everything! So with all these hormones raging and the characteristics of AS, my son is a bit out of control. He has, what I guess you would call, anger management issues. Not like a “normal” teen would have. No matter what I say, as or do is right. He gets very defensive when asked something as trivial as did you brush your teeth! Can you give me any ideas. His medications were recently changed because of this and he hasn’t been on it long enough to see if it is going to work. Do you have any information on Abilify? He is much taller than me; I can still handle him when necessary, but I am the only person that can get him out of a true AS Meltdown. Can you help?

Adolescence is a traumatic time for all teenagers, but for teens with Asperger’s Syndrome it can be a very challenging period. It can be a very difficult period of time for their parents as well! Adolescence is a time where the social demands on teens can become overwhelming. Teens with Asperger’s can struggle with social frustrations, depression and loneliness, and anxiety. Add hormonal issues on top of all this, and life with a teen becomes nearly impossible! . . .

To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/387.cfm
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PARENTING AUTISM & ASPERGER’S NEWSLETTER VOLUME 28     
December 2009        

Welcome to the 28th edition of “The Parenting Autism & Asperger’s Newsletter”

Inside this edition you will find:

1. Hot Topic of Discussion – The Effectiveness of Early Intervention programs

2. In the News – US Food and Drug Administration approves Abilify® for ASD use.

3. Prominent People Linked with ASD – Actress Daryl Hannah

Thanks

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1. Hot Topic of Discussion – Is Early Intervention the Answer?

Thanks to the recent advances in the areas of research and awareness, children are being diagnosed with ASD at increasingly younger ages.  In the past, a child with Asperger’s Syndrome would easily go undiagnosed until the second year of school, or even later.  Pediatricians are now using guidelines for developmental milestones, along with parental checklists, to question whether young children need to be tested for ASD.  Because of these efforts, children as young as 15-18 months of age are receiving the Autism diagnosis, allowing for early treatment options.

Early Intervention programs are state-run government programs that offer testing, evaluation, and treatments to children from birth to age three, with medical needs and/or developmental delays.  These programs are funded by state and federal government agencies and are offered to families at no cost beyond health insurance coverage.  In most cases, testing is done in the child’s home and therapies are offered within the home if possible.

Recent studies are showing that these Early Intervention programs are making a significant difference in the lives and abilities of children with Autism.  The University of Washington in Seattle has published a paper on one such study.  This five-year study involved US toddlers who had been diagnosed with Autism. You can read more about the effectiveness of Early Intervention as found in the study at the University of Washington by clicking this link:   http://www.medilexicon.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=172495 

*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 – Is Abilify® Safe for Children with Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurobiological condition that cannot be cured.  Although medications do not fully alleviate the symptoms, it is common for physicians to prescribe a variety of medications to help improve a child with Autism’s outlook and circumstances.

Anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and drugs for hyperactivity are all commonly used to lessen the effects of social anxiety, depression, fear, sensory issues, and additional emotional distresses that can cause problems for children with ASD.

With trial and error, the correct medication course and dosage can make all the difference in the life of a child with Autism or ASD.  Medication, while not appropriate for all children with Autism, can change the course for some children, allowing for a life of independence. 

Researchers are working to find medications that can be used to treat the symptoms of ASD in children.  Some medications can serve dual purposes, like an anti-seizure medication that also happens to be a mood stabilizer.  Finding safe medication choices for citizens is a job that the US Food and Drug Administration takes very seriously. 

Researchers, physicians, parents, and patients can feel relatively certain that when a drug is approved by the FDA for pediatric use, it is safe to use in that capacity.  Recently, the FDA approved the drug Abilify® to treat irritability in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  You can read the official announcement from Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and the FDA here:  http://www.medilexicon.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=172339
*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 – Actress Daryl Hannah
Daryl Hannah, a very successful American motion picture actress, is said to have been diagnosed with “borderline Autism” as a child.   Born in December 1960, the 49 year old actress is best known for her roles in Splash, Wall Street, Roxanne, and Kill Bill. 

One source sites her sister as remembering Daryl as having trouble sleeping and being a day dreamer who enjoyed her privacy.  This is proof, once again, that a diagnosis of Autism or ASD does not necessarily indicate a poor outcome.

You can read more about Daryl Hannah by clicking these links: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daryl_Hannah

http://www.moono.com/html/daryl-hannah/daryl-hannah-pictures.cfm

*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 January, 2010.
      
And as ever … 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

Well it’s hard to believe that 2009 is now almost a memory and the holidays are well and truly upon us.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a happy festive season and a prosperous new year.

I would also like to thank all of you who read the blog, contribute comments, support one another and me – you all really help to keep the website and community alive.

With that said this week’s blog post is just coming up (also watch out for December’s newsletter which I aim to complete in the next few days).

Here’s the article …

Question

How do I equip my teenaged son for future intimate relationships?

Answer

The teen years are such a jumble of drama, hormones, new experiences, and did I say drama?  One minute your son is acting like your wonderful baby boy and the next he’s morphing into someone you’ve never met.  Now add Asperger’s Syndrome to the mix.  This combination is enough to send any mother running into the sunset!  Calm down and take a deep breath.  It really will be okay.

Puberty brings about an incredible amount of changes.  If you two haven’t talked about these changes, you should plan a discussion soon.  He’ll need to know about the transformation he is undergoing.  Prepare him with facts and precise information.  Treat the topics as serious, technical discussion; he will appreciate the detail.   Prepare him for the feelings he’ll soon experience so he can respond and react appropriately.

Topics of Importance

•    Personal hygiene-body changes will bring about the need for a new cleanliness routine

•    Emotions-guidance to deal with his feelings about dating and relationships

•    Sex Education-guidelines on what is appropriate behavior, when and where

Tools of Importance

•    School personnel-for help with an educational plan and therapies provided during the school day

•    Medical personnel-to treat any health problems that may be ongoing or new ones that crop up

•    Mental Health personnel-to help deal with all of the changes, to provide therapies in addition to school offerings

•    Family-emotional support that promotes a healthy self-image and assistance in all areas of life

To-Dos of Importance

•    Self-Help resources-encourage him to read books and find support groups that are directed to the individual with Asperger’s for personalized help

•    Resources-find books that you can read and support groups to help prepare yourself to help him make this transition

•    Research-studies, articles, videos, age-appropriate social stories,  and other real examples of assistance for both of you

To get you started, “Adolescence on the Autism Spectrum:  A Parent’s Guide to Cognitive, Social, Physical, and Transition Needs of Teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders” by Chantal Sicile-Kira is an excellent resource for the conversations you are planning to have with your son.   This guide offers strategies for you, as the parent, to help prepare your teenager for adulthood.

Approach this time in your son’s life as you would any other-another stepping stone to adulthood.  The foundation you build for your son now will help enable him to transition to independence fully equipped to live life as a normal functioning adult with healthy, intimate relationships.

Take Care

Dave Angel

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Hi there,

Welcome to this week’s blog post about social skills training, therapy and Aspergers; here it is …

Question

What therapy is available for a child with Aspergers on social skills training?

Answer

We take social skills for granted.  We just assume that everyone learns to handle socialization in the same way, on the same level, and at the same timeframe.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  We’re all different, live in different environments, and learn different skills according to our surroundings.  When we come across an individual with poor social skills we assume that person has had no home training, has been isolated or worse, neglected by the family.  Sometimes there are real reasons for the lack of social skills.  One of those reasons is Asperger’s Syndrome.

People with Asperger’s Syndrome have trouble with social interaction.  They have to be taught social skills like most people learn the alphabet-exposure and rote drill.  One of the most common ways to teach social skills to people with Asperger’s is social skills therapy.

If you search for information on social skills therapy, you will find that there are several different approaches available.  Group therapy, individual therapy, school therapy, and home therapy are a few avenues to explore.

Group therapy is often conducted with a small number of people with Asperger’s.  The therapist will help lead a group discussion and allow time for practicing one-on-one conversation starters.

Individual therapy can be performed by an occupational therapist, psychologist or social worker who has developed insight into the needs of people with Asperger’s.  The therapist will assist the client in areas of weakness which could be as basic as eye contact in the beginning.

School therapy is usually similar to any other group social skills therapy.  The students are grouped according to age and ability and utilize games to help with playing together and basic social conversation, among other goals.

Home therapy is a program put together by the family, for the family.  Everyone participates and helps teach (and learn) social skills together.   There are books and videos that a family can use to create a home therapy program.

“Social Skills Activities for Special Children” by Darlene Mannix is a book that can be used in a home therapy program or other social skills therapy environments.   There are 142 lesson opportunities that will help teach basic social skills in real-life situations.  The hands-on activities included will allow the child to work through and practice the skills being taught.  Using humor, the stories will draw the child in and allow for real, practical learning to take place.

Social skills are necessary for a person to function in the world.  Choose a program that is comfortable for you and your child.  Your goal is to give your child the skills he needs for independence.  Basic social skills therapy is a great place to start.

Thanks,

Dave Angel

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Hi and welcome to this week’s blog post which looks at how having a child with Aspergers can affect your family situation.

Before the article a quick reminder to grab a copy of my latest ebook “How To Help Your Child with Aspergers during the Christmas Holiday Season” for free over the next 6 days.

Go to the following web page now for the details …

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/public/373.cfm

Here’s this week’s article –

Question

I have a son with Aspergers and am in denial about my family situation but I want to start to take some control back where should I start?

Answer

The feelings you are experiencing are completely normal.  A diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome brings with it a mourning process.  Every parent faced with a life-changing situation will need time (some more than others will) to sort out the emotions.

Denial is natural.  Even if the diagnosis has been a long time coming, you still feel like someone ripped the rug from beneath your feet.  Your first reaction, not my child, is not just common but expected.  Be aware that there are several steps in the mourning process.  Anger and depression are other steps of mourning that can come at any time.

The fact that you sense the need to take control shows that you are moving through the process.  You are reaching acceptance.  Your child needs you and you want to offer him the very best support possible.  Here are some ideas you can use to regain control of your home life.

*    Finding support is crucial.  Autism support groups are a great place to connect with other parents.  You do not have to go through this trial alone.  Gathering with others living with Asperger’s can give you the strength you need to find acceptance.

*    Arm yourself with information on Asperger’s Syndrome. Read books, consult specialists, and contact research organizations. Knowledge equals power.  When you know what to expect, your situation becomes smaller than you are, allowing you to conquer what once seemed too big.

*    Work together as a family to change your circumstances.  Do the things you have been avoiding because of the diagnosis.  Get out of the house together, enjoy each other, and don’t worry about what other people think or say.

*    Consider going to a counselor.  Sometimes we need a neutral, caring professional to talk with about our situation.  Couples counseling can also help.  Having a special needs child can be tough on a marriage.  Group therapy for the family can get everyone on the same page, united and ready to move forward.

*    Now you can get down to the business of treatment.  Children with Asperger’s usually do very well with a little assistance.  Discuss treatment options with your child’s physician, psychologist, and school special education team.

You will find that taking action, even if you have to start out with baby steps, will help you get out of that hole called denial and have you moving along toward a brighter future.

Have a great week,

Dave Angel

PS – Don’t forget to check out the current 6 day special offer deal for my latest ebook “How To Help Your Child with Aspergers during the Christmas Holiday Season” at –
http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/public/373.cfm

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http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/376.cfm
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Hi there and welcome to this week’s article that asks “When do you tell a child they have Aspergers?”

First up my big news; we had a baby girl last Friday called Phoebe – weighing in at a tiny 5 lbs!

She is well and home but not doing much besides drinking milk and sleeping (which sounds juts great to me!)

This week’s article was actually written very kindly by Nansi Readman (the mother of Matthew Readman a young man who himself contributes articles to the blog and Parenting Aspergers Community). So here’s her great article …

“Dear Parents of kids with Aspergers:

My Name is Nansi Readman, and I am the mother of Matthew Readman who writes articles for Dave Angel.  I am writing you today to answer a question many parents are asking Matthew.  How or when do you tell a child he/she has aspergers?

Since all children with aspergers are different, I can only tell you how I told Matthew, and leave the judgment call up to you.  We found out Matthew had aspergers when he was 5.   We decided to tell him as early as possible so we could, hoping he would embrace it instead of completely rejecting the idea.

My husband and I then research different parts of this spectrum and when we were ready,  sat  Matt down and begin to tell him.   We started out by telling him that everybody is born with a gift.  Some are born to be athletes, some with great music talents.  We stated he was born with the gift of aspergers.  When then stated that aspergers give him the ability to see life differently (out of the box).  If all people see the world the same then we would not have great inventions.  That people who look outside of this box can view the world in a whole different way.

We also gave him names of famous people who had aspergers, to put his mind at ease. I also found that giving him this list gives him hope that he could change the world one day.  (Please see the next page to help your child identify with these people.)  We also used television personalities so Matt can see even people on television show have it. For example:  Lisa Simpson, Spock, House, Gissom form CSI and now Sheldon from the Big Bang theory

We have found using this strategy that Matt has not only accepted his diagnoses but now have become proud of it. That this was his gift.

Hope this helps

Nansi Readman

PS There is a great article all about famous people with Aspergers at http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/article_2086.shtml”

Have a great week,

Dave Angel

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