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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for reading,

Dave Angel

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Articles posted this week at The Parenting Aspergers Community

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

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

To read the full article go to: -

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

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

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

To read the full article go to: -

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

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

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

To read the full article go to: -

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

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

Inside this edition, you will find:

1. Hot Topic of Discussion – Autism and Digestive Issues

2. In the News – Brain Activity Linked to Autism

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We will publish as many as we can.

Until next month………

Best Wishes

Dave Angel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for reading,

Dave Angel

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

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

Plan ahead

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

*    Visit current teachers and therapists and request their help.

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

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

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

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

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

Prepare your child

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

Prime the school staff

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

Put together a support program

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

Thanks for reading,

Dave Angel

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

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

Pros

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

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

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

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

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

Cons

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks,

Dave Angel