Question

I need more information on helping young adults who have got a late diagnosis of Aspergers syndrome

Answer

Many older teens and adults are now being diagnosed with Asperger’s.  Late diagnosis is increasing due to raised awareness and specialized training within the medical and educational fields.  For these young adults, a diagnosis usually gives them the answer for what they have known all along; they are different.  Although these increased diagnoses are a good thing, the missed benefits of early diagnosis and treatment can be disappointing.

Parents of young adults are placed in an awkward position once their child is given the diagnosis of Asperger’s.  Late diagnosis may cause parents to feel they have not done enough, or that they have somehow failed their child.  The truth is, many of the therapies and treatments used for Asperger’s are ideas and concepts that good parents plan to teach their children anyway.  The only difference is that some of these concepts are difficult for a child with Asperger’s Syndrome to apply.  For example, most parents will naturally teach their two-four year old about sharing, taking turns, following simple directions, and showing appropriate emotions.  With years to practice, many young adults with Asperger’s are able to make some sense out of these concepts.

For those young adults with Asperger’s, late diagnosis may have slowed their progress, but they are definitely not a lost cause.  Parents can still find ways to help their adult children with the difficulties that remain.  Understanding the diagnosis is a parent’s first step. In “Right Address…Wrong Planet: Children With Asperger Syndrome Becoming Adults,” Gena P. Barnhill, the parent of an adult son with Asperger’s and also a professional in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders, writes about her family’s experiences trying to attain a diagnosis.  This book focuses on the experiences of older children and adults with Asperger’s Syndrome who were diagnosed later that childhood. 

Once the parents of a young adult with Asperger’s late diagnosis understands what they are facing, they can form a plan.  The following concepts are necessary for independent living.

* Self care-personal hygiene, regular medical and dental care, counseling appointments, medication information, and taking advantage of government disability services.

* Basic living skills-household chores, budgeting, and driving

* Education and career planning-choosing post-secondary education like college or trade school, job placement or career counseling, living on-campus, and utilizing available special needs resources.

* Social skills and relationships-practicing appropriate social communication skills, emotions, empathy, friendships, and dating.

Thanks for reading,

Dave Angel

PS – There’s still time in 2010 to join The Parenting Aspergers Community for just $1 ( a 14 day trial) – http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/public/639.cfm

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Question

How do I explain Aspergers to my 13 year old child?

Answer

More than likely, there is little need to explain Asperger’s to your teenager with Asperger’s Syndrome.  If you read accounts by teens and adults with Asperger’s Syndrome, they usually say that they knew they were different long before they knew they had Asperger’s.  Most report being relieved to learn about their diagnosis because it explained so much about the differences.

Some parents choose to explain Asperger’s as soon as the diagnosis is received, keeping the child involved from the start.  Even though the child may not be able to comprehend the full definition, there is that feeling of being different.  Other parents choose to explain Asperger’s much later, after the child has grown and is able to understand exactly what it means.  Either way is acceptable, depending on how you wish to do things in your family.

When it comes time to explain Asperger’s to a teenager, be mindful that he may become overwhelmed or even angry when he learns that his differences have a name, and that name is part of the Autism spectrum.  Here are a few suggestions to help you explain the diagnosis.

*    Autism is a spectrum disorder and Asperger’s is on the higher end of ability.  Most teens will know someone at school who has classic Autism and may become distraught over the idea that he shares that condition.  Make special note of the specific differences.

*    Be prepared to list the characteristics of Asperger’s Syndrome.  Some of these characteristics are definitely strengths.  Asperger’s is definitely not all negative!

*    Explain Asperger’s as a difference in manner of thinking versus a true disability. While it is true that some people with Asperger’s Syndrome qualify for government disability services, there are so many positives within the diagnosis on which you can choose to focus.

After you explain Asperger’s Syndrome to your teen, you should be prepared for any questions and concerns he may have.  Encourage him to talk to you about his feelings.  Books, websites, and other publications are available to help you through this process.  For example, “My Strange and Terrible Malady”, by Catherine Bristow, is an audio book based on a teenaged character who is newly diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome.  This book is geared towards preteens, teens, parents, counselors, and educators who are affected in some way by Asperger’s.   For further assistance, your teen’s doctor and a psychological counselor are great outside sources of support.

Thanks for reading,

Dave Angel

PS – If you are worried or have a question relating to Christmas and the Holiday Season this year please let me know at this webpage http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/public/360.cfm

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Hi and welcome to this week’s Aspergers article (which looks at Aspergers and Sensory problems) – from a very, very snowy Portsmouth, England.

In the 13 years or so I have lived down here on the South Coast of England there has never been snow like it – I can’t wait to get out with my 2 and a half year old daughter tomorrow morning for some serious snow ball action!

Just a quick reminder if for some reason you didn’t get my email yesterday:

I am running a January Sale where all of my Aspergers Resources are significantly discounted – and there are now just 6 days left.

To find out more go to the following web page:

http://www.parentingaspergers.com/januarysale.html

And finally here’s this week’s article …

Question

How to cope with my son with Aspergers’ sensory problems?

Answer

Having a child with sensory integration issues can be a challenge for a parent. Sensory integration dysfunction is a neurological disorder where a person has difficulty processing sensory information. This difficulty can be on one of the five senses – hearing, sight, smell, touch, or taste – or in a combination of senses. Sensory integration dysfunction (SID) can include hypersensitivity as well as a hyposensitivity.

Children with SID have a difficult time navigating the world. Many children have a hypersensitivity to sounds. The vacuum cleaner will be too loud, or the hair dryer. Socks won’t feel right or they won’t wear shirts unless you cut the tags out. Many children with SID will only eat certain foods.

If you have a child who you feel has SID issues, the first step in coping with them is to get a proper diagnosis. The diagnosis can help you understand the depth and breadth of the issues. Consult your physician about treatment for the issues.

When you are coping with sensory issues at home, you’ll need to be patient and understanding of your child’s needs. It’s important to remember that your child is truly affected by sounds and smells and tastes that may seem perfectly normal to you. Learn to understand what situations cause a problem for your child. It is advisable to try to avoid those situations with your child, and if you do have to encounter them, work with your therapist to teach your child how to better cope with the situation.

Often, a child with SID, especially when he is very young, will react badly in a situation by doing something such as throwing a tantrum. When this happens, you’ll need to try to figure out what triggered the reaction. You’ll need to trace back the steps and try to discover the sound or the smell or the taste that set your child off.

Often, children with sensory issues have trouble adapting to school. The classrooms can be too loud or the cafeteria smells can be overpowering. Sometimes it can be the proximity of the other children that will upset a SID child. Work with your occupational therapist to come up with behavioral techniques to help teach your child how to better deal with these situations. Your occupational therapist will likely put your child on a sensory diet that will incorporate movement, sound and smells. In a safe environment, your child will be exposed to different sensory experiences.

A book entitled “Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast, Too Tight: What to Do If You Are Sensory Defensive in an Over Stimulating World,” by Sharon Heller, PhD, discusses how difficult life can be for people dealing with sensory issues.  The book contains two main parts – discussion of the issue and treatment options. Reading this book will provide you with some great information on how to cope with sensory integrations issues in your child.

Thanks for reading,

Dave Angel

PS – Don’t forget The Parenting Aspergers January Sale at …

http://www.parentingaspergers.com/januarysale.html

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Welcome to this week’s Aspergers article about Aspergers Medication.

Two quick announcements –

1. My wife is due to have a new baby any time in the next few weeks; so if you find a delay in my email responses or one of my future articles over the next couple of weeks you’ll know why!

2. In amongst this I hope to finish the Christmas/Holiday Season ebook in time for early December; so look out for that.

Here’s this week’s article:

Question

Where can I find the right medication to help his Asperger’s, not cure it?

Answer

Asperger’s Syndrome is not something with a cure. There are no medications that can make Asperger’s go away. Many children with Asperger’s benefit from social skills training and cognitive behavioural therapy. In addition, many children can benefit from medications for symptoms related to the syndrome. Many children with Asperger’s suffer from anxiety or depression. Some suffer from hyper-activity or attention deficit disorder. Some children with Asperger’s suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Medications designed to alleviate those symptoms are available for children with Asperger’s. Working with your doctor to understand the symptoms your child suffers from is the first step. Once those symptoms are understood, it is important to then talk with your doctor about which medications might be available to treat those symptoms in your child.

A variety of medications are often available for some of the symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome. For example, many different drugs are available for ADD. If your child suffers from ADD, your doctor will decide which medication and what dose is right for your child. Your child will need to try the medication to see how it affects him. During that trial period, you’ll need to watch your child carefully to see how he reacts. If he reacts well and tolerates the medicine, and the medicine alleviates the symptoms, your child will continue on with the medication.

If your child tries a medicine and suffers from side affects or if the medicine doesn’t help alleviate the symptoms, you’ll need to consult the doctor about changing the medication. This process could be a long one. It is not unheard of to try three or four different medications and dosages to find the medication that is right for your child.

Be sure that you understand the benefits and the possible drawbacks and side affects of any medications you give your child. Also, try to understand how the medicine can work in concert with behavioral therapy in helping your child manage the symptoms of Asperger’s. Be sure to tell the doctor about any herbal medicines or other supplements your child might be taking. Supplements can often have harmful interactions with medicines, or they can render the medicines ineffective.

Consulting a book such as Luke Tsai’s “Taking the Mystery Out of Medications in Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome” can help empower you with knowledge of the medications used in treating Asperger’s symptoms. This book pulls together twenty years of experience in working with people with Asperger’s and autism. It describes many scientific theories and practices that are effective in Asperger’s treatment.

Thanks

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

Thanks so much to those of you who have provided questions in the last 24 hours for me to plan my new Aspergers ebooks around.

If you haven’t sent in a question yet there’s still time at …

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/public/313.cfm

Here’s this week’s article …

Question

How do I get my husband and in-laws to acknowledge the diagnosis and help care for the child?

Answer

Sometimes Asperger’s Syndrome is hard to see if you do not live with it every day.  And sometimes people are simply in denial.  Either way, the truth must come out.  Acknowledging the presence of Asperger’s Syndrome will lead to the best possible support and treatment available for the child.  Family support is practically necessary.  Yes, you can survive handling everything on your own.  However, life will be much more pleasant for the whole family when everyone is working together to care for the child.

Some people will choose to stand on the outside; you cannot do much about that.  Nevertheless, you can equip them with facts and information so they can make a choice regarding the position they plan to take.  Here are some ideas.

*    Perhaps your family needs to hear the truth from a professional.  Official paperwork containing your child’s diagnosis is available from your physician, neurologist, and/or psychologist.  You can request copies of any Early Intervention assessments, private therapy evaluations, and school system evaluations.  Explain to the family that these people are professionals who see Asperger’s Syndrome every day.  You might also mention that the assessments and evaluations rely on much more than your input, taking the attention off any possibility that you are ‘making this up’.

*    Most of your child’s therapists will offer parent training sessions regularly.  These sessions allow you to ask questions about your child’s programs and his progress, while also educating you on his new goals and coaching you on how to meet these goals.  Invite your family members to attend the parent training.  They can ask questions that will help them understand your child’s Asperger’s.

*    Contact your local Autism support groups.  Without family support, it is dire that you find encouragement elsewhere.  Tell your family about community events or group meetings so they have a chance to be informed and involved.

*    Network with other families living with Asperger‘s.  Listening to the stories of families who are ahead of you in the journey can give you and your family insight into the condition.

*    Find books, videos, and other media sources that you can share with your family members. “Voices From the Spectrum: Parents, Grandparents, Siblings, People with Autism, and Professionals Share Their Wisdom” by Cindy N. Ariel and Robert A Naseef is a great example of one such resource.  This is a book of powerful essays written by family members and people on the Autism spectrum about their life experiences.

Find the support you need to help yourself and your child and try not to worry about your family.  Encourage their participation always, but concentrate on your child’s needs, the significant issue at hand.

Have a great week,

Dave Angel

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Making Your Kitchen Gluten & Casein-Free in Seven Easy Steps

As you make your transition to your new gluten and casein-free lifestyle, one of your first jobs will be to make significant changes in your kitchen. Of course, you can predict the importance of having the right ingredients, but let’s take a step back even further than that … To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/311.cfm

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Aspergers and Depression by Matthew Readman

I just came back from my yearly physical.  The Doctor informed my mom and I, that I was just entering the first part of puberty.  Puberty I yelled but I’m only 10.  I don’t turn 11 until later this year.  The Doctor stated that nowadays kids begin puberty early and this is normal.  I asked the Doctor does this mean I’m going to get weirder. The Doctor laughed and stated …

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8 year old with Aspergers tells jokes

This video features an 8 year old boy called Hayden from Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas; who has a diagnosis of Aspergers.He is filmed at home by his dad telling jokes as he wants to be a comedian one day.The video quality is excellent and Hayden’s jokes are good too.He shows some “out takes” at the end, including a joke about “undercoat” that he really had to persevere with to get right.He is interviewed at the end which is really interesting and he shares both his dreams and his frustrations. Running Time 3 Minutes 49 Seconds …

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Hi there I am sure many of you have been reading the latest news (probably with some horror) as to what is happening with Gary McKinnon who stands accused of being a hacker by the US military (although Gary himself maintains he was looking for information on UFO’s)

I will outline more below for those who don’t know much about this case involving a young man with Aspergers from the UK. But the point of this article is to try and add a little more awareness and help Gary if at all possible.

So there are three things that I would ask you to do when you’ve read this article ..

1. Click the blue link at the bottom of this article that says “Bookmark It” and then use one of the little social bookmarking buttons (such as Yahoo, FaceBook etc.) to bookmark this article. This means that the article will be seen by more people who in turn can help to raise awareness.

2. Write a quick message of support for Gary in the comments section on the blog.

3. Go to the website http://freegary.org.uk/ and write a message of support for Gary.

All these three things shouldn’t take more than a minute so please try to help if you can.

Anyway here’s the article …

In 2001 and 2002, Gary Mckinnon made a name for himself by hacking into the U.S. military computer system and wrecking havoc.  The incidents caused the military and NASA computer systems to fail periodically and led to a reported $700,000.00 repair bill.  The timing of these incidents could not have been more perilous since the events of 9/11 revealed the country’s vulnerability in regards to terrorist threats.

For the past four years, Gary’s family and legal team have been fighting to keep him from being extradited from the United Kingdom, where he lives, to the United States.  Gary has openly admitted that he hacked into these computer systems, but without terrorist or malicious intentions.  He was simply searching for information on extraterrestrial life, an intense personal interest.  This is not an attempt to avoid the issue, but a plea for his case to be heard in his home country for medical reasons.

Gary Mckinnon has Asperger’s Syndrome.  Asperger’s Syndrome is an Autism Spectrum Disorder.  People with Asperger’s Syndrome may exhibit the following symptoms or characteristics in any combination and in differing degrees:

*    Inability to pick up on social cues, or lack of social skills:  trouble reading body language, starting and maintaining conversation.

*    Struggles with changes in routines.  Needs routine and order to function.

*    Engages in repetitive movements and behaviors.

*    Appears to lack empathy.  Very blunt and literal, regardless of how he affects others.

*    Uses formal speech.  Often called “professor speech”, naturally uses proper wording over slang.

*    Avoids eye contact and exhibits unusual facial expressions or postures.

*    Has obsessive interests.  It is common to be preoccupied and extremely knowledgeable about one special interest.

*    Struggles with anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and/or self-isolation.

*    Talks a lot, especially about the obsessive interest. It is common for him to have one-sided conversations or to think aloud.

*    Shows signs of delayed motor development. He may be late in learning to ride a bike or play ball. His walk may appear awkward or clumsy.  Handwriting is often a problem with heavy pressure and uneven spacing.

*    Has issues with the sensory system.  Often becomes overwhelmed by noises, lights, tastes or touch.   Can be hypersensitive or hyposensitive, or a combination within the senses.

Parents of children with Asperger’s Syndrome in the United States and the United Kingdom are cringing as they watch this case unfold.  Having struggled through bouts of isolation and depression, many of these parents can easily see their own children in a similar situation.  Gary’s actions are classic behavior for a person with Asperger’s Syndrome.  His medical needs should be researched and noted as the real reason behind the events of 2001, and the possibilities for increased medical peril due to his condition should be seriously considered during his legal contest.

Thanks for reading and don’t forget to …

1. Click the blue link at the bottom of this article that says “Bookmark It” and then use one of the little social bookmarking buttons (such as Yahoo, FaceBook etc.) to bookmark this article. This means that the article will be seen by more people who in turn can help to raise awareness.

2. Write a quick message for Gary in the comments section on the blog.

3. Go to the website http://freegary.org.uk/ and write a message of support for Gary.

Dave Angel

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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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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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

Just another quick reminder that the special offer for getting your free copy of “Surviving the Summer Holidays” ebook runs out in less than 24 hours.

So if you are interested in taking advantage of this offer please go to …
http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/public/267.cfm NOW!

Anyway here’s this week’s article:

Question

How do I help my 12 year old son to come to terms with his diagnosis and help him to understand that it is not the end of the world?

Answer

So many times in life, we focus on the negative.  It’s raining, getting up early, taking a test, and spilling a glass of milk are things that happen all the time.  None of these are true negatives, but our perspective makes them worse than reality.  You can turn each of these examples into a positive with a shift of thinking:  thick green grass, seeing the sun rise, showing off skills, and a floor that needed a good mopping anyway are all positive outcomes to the same situations.

Asperger’s Syndrome is definitely not the worst thing in the world.  There are many positive qualities to be found in a child with Asperger’s.  They’re smart, so knowledgeable, and have an amazing memory.   Children with Asperger’s have an intense sense of right and wrong and desire to follow the rules.  In the same sense, they are extremely honest.  And although they may have problems focusing on things like reading, spelling, or chores, they have an incredible ability to focus on a subject of interest until they know all there is to know about that subject.

Sit down with your son and make a list of his positive qualities.  I’ve probably listed several here to get you started.   Keep in mind that he may attempt to phrase something as a negative.  Help him see the positive in as many qualities as possible.  His list may look like this:

* Very intelligent
* Remembers everyone’s birthday and phone number
* Can talk about fun things that happened when he was 3 years old
* Almost never breaks the rules
* Almost always tells the truth
* Knows everything there is to know about ___________________(special interest)
* Tries to make sure everyone else follows the rules
Talk to your son about any weaknesses he specifically brings up.  Remind him that none of us are perfect.  We all have weaknesses, but we also have the ability to seek help to control those weaknesses.  Explain to him that the extra help and therapies he receives at school are to help him gain more control over his weaknesses.

Share a few printed resources with your son.  He is old enough to read books and magazines written by and for kids his age.  “Jay Grows an Alien” by Caroline Levine is a good example.  This novel is written for the child with Asperger’s, as well as his peers and shows kids that all of us have differences and are unique and special in our own way.

Finally, let your son know that he is the person he was intended to be and that he is loved just the way he is.  He has Asperger’s Syndrome, but he is not Asperger’s Syndrome.  He is an intelligent, unique, and special twelve year old boy.

Have a great week,

Dave Angel

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Why is my son’s world always so “black and white?” He is ALWAYS RIGHT!

Children with Asperger’s Syndrome have a particular way of viewing the world. Children with Asperger’s typically have a lack of understanding of the different levels of social interaction. They lack social imagination, and they tend to have some sort of difficulty with communication. These three traits lead to …

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My Brain by Matthew Readman

Many people, who do not understand me, always ask how my brain works.  When I was 6, I had an assessment done because I acted differently.  The psychologist used all these terms to describe me, but eventually she came out with, I had Aspergers Syndrome.  She told my parents that I was very bright but when it came to social, my score was below average.  I rock while sitting, I see things black and white, and I am a visual person. How do I see my brain?  I have …

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Living with Aspergers

This is an excellent video set in the UK at City College in Norwich. It features students with Aspergers as well as their lecturers and learning support assistants. Several students give their experiences of college. This is followed by a lecturer and learning support assistant giving feedback on their students. The main feature of the video is the “rug room” which is an amazing space to help students to cope better with college and was designed by a young person with Aspergers. It features PlayStations, computers, color changing booths (which you can set to match mood), seating arrangements to facilitate social interaction and much more. At the end several students elaborated on the question “What do you find difficult at college” which was very enlightening. This is a high quality video with some great insight into what all colleges/schools should be aiming for with pupils who have Aspergers. Running Time 5 Minutes 17 Seconds . . .

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Hello and welcome to this week’s Aspergers blog article …

Question

How do I help my 12 year old son to come to terms with his diagnosis and help him understand that it is not the end of the world?

Answer

Asperger’s Syndrome is a form of autism;  those who have it experience various symptoms, exhibiting a range of behaviors.  People with Aspergers have a different way of thinking, concentrating on special interests.  Many people with Aspergers can speak eloquently and have extraordinary abilities in engineering, computer science, and systematic thinking, yet have serious difficulties with social interaction and functioning in the world.  However, Asperger’s is not the end of world; it is treatable.   It is very normal for your son (and you) to react with sadness, self pity, anger, or depression when you receive the diagnosis.  You are mourning the life you thought you were going to have.  But that does not mean that you won’t have a good life; it will just be different. 

If your son is willing, discuss with him his diagnosis and your plans to help him.  Reassure him that he will do fine.  If he cannot get over his sadness and anger, get him into counselling.  Once properly diagnosed, reassured, and treated, he will feel much happier and more optimistic.  

Start now to educate yourself and your son.  There are tons of books available for adults, children, and teens that explain Asperger’s and provide information and help. Read a book and discuss it together.  Then, get online and start researching Asperger’s symptoms and treatments.  There is a wealth of information on this site!

Become involved in the forum on this site. Also  find a support group in your area.  Other parents will provide moral support and comfort.  Your son may enjoy talking with other children with Aspergers online.  Be sure to monitor the sites he visits to make sure they are appropriate for him.

I want your son to know that having Asperger’s is not the end of the world.  It creates difficulties in the social sphere, yes.  But special interests can lead to career skills, and, in some cases, to career success.  Good social skills can be learned over time.  With reinforcement and guidance from loving people; progress is possible.  With knowledge and support from parents, teachers, mentors, medical professionals, and peers, the inner strengths of these special people shine, adding uniqueness to our world.  

That’s all for now

Dave Angel

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Articles posted this week at The Parenting Aspergers Community

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How do you teach social behavior in a humorous manner?

This is a wonderful goal, but I do have some cautions for you. Some children with Asperger’s have difficulty understanding humour/teasing, so you have to be careful how you do this. You don’t want a child to feel …To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/244.cfm
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How do I understand the difference between an Asperger’s related behaviour and a true ADHD one? My son’s school can’t tell the difference, and my son’s doctors tell us that he doesn’t have ADHD; his poor attention is just his Asperger’s and medication will not help!

Hmmm…this is a difficult question because ADHD is often diagnosed before a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome is made later in a person’s life. It’s not just parents and school personnel who have difficulty telling the two apart, so do doctors! My first suggestion is …

To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/245.cfm
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Where can I get easy-to-understand explanations about medications?

There are a number of excellent sites for this information. Log on to …

To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/login.cfm?hpage=242.cfm
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Welcome to this week’s Aspergers blog post.

Just a quick reminder that I recently extended the current introductory offer at The Parenting Aspergers Community and it now has just 24 hours to run.

So if you want to find out more or join now please head over to:

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/public/10.cfm

OK let’s get into this week’s article …

Question

Is it common for a child with Asperger’s to have a split personality?  My son is a really good kid at school, but then a complete monster at home. Is this normal?

Answer

Asperger’s Syndrome is known to manifest itself differently with different children.  Also, children with Asperger’s Syndrome may react differently to various situations depending on their individual personalities.  Your child may feel more comfortable with the familiar surroundings at home, and feel freer to act out more at home than in public, where he is surrounded by strangers and in a less familiar environment. The stress of school may be relieved by a “meltdown” or other difficult behaviour at home.  This is a common occurrence.

Dr. Tony Attwood, a clinical psychologist, is a world renowned expert on Asperger’s Syndrome.  Here is what he says about split personality and Asperger’s.  “Quite a few children with Asperger’s Syndrome are Dr. Jeckylls and Mr. Hydes.  They are saints at school, but they soak up the anguish, then squeeze it out on their brothers and sisters when they get home.  We do not know why this happens…”  This quote may be found at:  http://www.awares.org/pkgs_files/librarydoc_134.doc .

Asperger’s is treated in two ways, and both of them help manage the anxiety that accompanies this illness.  The first is cognitive psychology, and the second is prescription medication.  The first thing you need to do in order to help your son is to find a psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in Asperger’s Syndrome.  This specialist will be able to help your son.  He or she will help you and your son discover the reasons behind his behavioral changes. 

In addition, a specialist will help you do two things:

1. Modify the situation or the environment in which he lives to reduce difficult behaviour;

2. Create interventions for handling your son’s anxiety.

Please don’t be intimidated.  Changes don’t have to be complex or unmanageable.  The changes you need to make might just involve changing lighting to a lower level, adjusting sound levels in your home, or creating a new schedule.

If initial interventions do not help, a psychiatrist can prescribe medications which will provide your son with the help he needs.  It’s important to note that psychotropic (mood-altering) drugs like Zoloft or Prozac can help children, but they can also cause serious problems for children.  If the psychiatrist prescribes medication, ask about dosage levels and, more importantly, side effects.  Just about all drugs have side effects, and it’s important for you to know about them so you know what to expect.  You know your son better than anyone else; ask yourself if he can handle side effects like nausea, hypersensitivity, or prolonged sleepiness.  These are all possible, depending on the medication prescribed.

You can obtain additional information about this subject in the book  A Parent’s Guide to Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism: How to Meet the Challenges and Help Your Child Thrive by Sally Ozonoff, Geraldine Dawson, and James McPartla. 

This book was written to help parents of children with Asperger’s Syndrome or High-Functioning Autism (AS/HFA).  The book contains common terms and strategies for by AS/HFA.  You can use this book as a reference during your child’s developmental years.  The book advocates capitalizing on your son’s strengths and the challenges he will face on a daily basis.  One of the highlights of this book is that it will help you to distinguish between your son’s adolescent issues and the effects of autism/Asperger’s.

That’s it for this article and don’t forget if you want to get in on the current special offer at Parenting Aspergers Community head over now to …

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/public/10.cfm

Take care

Dave Angel

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