PARENTING AUTISM & ASPERGER’S NEWSLETTER
August 2010        

Welcome to the August 2010 edition of “The Parenting Autism & Asperger’s Newsletter”. 

Inside this edition you will find:

1. Hot Topic of Discussion – Farm Animals Enhance Autism Therapy

2. In the News – Insurance Company’s Refusal to Pay for ABA Therapy Leads to Law Suit

3. Prominent People Linked with ASD – Child Artist, Dylan Scott Pierce

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1. Hot Topic of Discussion -  

Children have a natural attraction to animals.  Dogs, horses, dolphins, and bunnies are just a few child-friendly favorites.  These animals (and others) are often used to motivate, teach, and protect children with special needs. 

Doctors who specialize in Autism treatments are learning the benefits of using animals in therapy sessions.   Dr. Marvin Anderson of Michigan is a medical doctor currently listed as a DAN! (Defeat Autism NOW) specialist.  He uses biomedicine, nutrition, and the animals on his farm to treat his patients living with Autism.  You can read more about Dr. Anderson and some of his colleagues in this article from the Traverse City, Michigan, Record-Eagle:
http://record-eagle.com/features/x241876608/Horses-donkeys-sheep-help-with-autism.
*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 – American Insurance Company Hit with another Autism Related Class Action Lawsuit
Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Company has once again been hit will a class action lawsuit for refusing to cover ABA therapy for children with Autism.   A Michigan teacher filed the class action on July 22, 2010 due to the insurance company’s classification of Applied Behavior Analysis as an experimental treatment. 

Earlier this year, a settlement was awarded to 100 families included in a similar class action against the company.  You can read more about that victory and this new class action, by clicking the link below:
http://www.theautismnews.com/2010/07/22/another-class-action-filed-against-blue-cross-blue-shield-of-michigan-over-its-refusal-to-pay-for-applied-behavior-analysis-therapy-for-autistic-children/.
*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 – Child Artist, Dylan Scott Pierce

Dylan’s parents knew he was special from a very early age.  As a toddler, he drew incredible pictures.  By the time he was 10, he was being commissioned and was on his way to becoming a famous wildlife artist.  Now in his twenties, Dylan travels, paints, and participates in many art exhibits each year.  Dylan has high functioning Autism.  You can learn more about his remarkable talent and his selfless heart here:
http://artistshelpingthehomeless.com/cardsforlife/bargainforlife.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dylan_Scott_Pierce.

 
*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 September 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

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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Articles posted this week at The Parenting Aspergers Community

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Can you tell me about research on Amygdala and links to Aspergers?

As advances are made in the areas of medical and scientific research, specialists are learning more about possible causes and concerns related to Aspergers. Amygdala research has revealed possible connections of this section of the brain to Autism spectrum conditions. Recent research has revealed an increasing number of gene mutations in people affected by Autism, as well as actual differences in additional sections of brain matter…

To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/572.cfm

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Can I expect my son with Aspergers to ever be able to negotiate the adult world with success? He has so much trouble with social interaction. He is so much younger socially than his peers, I cannot imagine him suddenly being able to sell himself in an interview, get a date, keep his mind on his job and gain some respect from co-workers.

Older teens and young adults with Aspergers Syndrome are usually capable of handling life in the real world. On most occasions, you can expect your son with Aspergers to make his way in the world as an independent adult. However, his ways may not be conventional, and the process may look a little different from that of the typical young adult. Most likely, he will learn to adapt and find a way to do most of the things his peers are doing …

To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/571.cfm

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How to deal with children with Aspergers that have OCD for example homework, or trying something new to eat?

There is some confusion regarding the multiple Aspergers OCD diagnosis. Many people believe the symptoms of each condition are too similar to differentiate. Even though both conditions are neurologically based, they have distinctive differences. It is possible for a child to have both Aspergers Syndrome and OCD. While the repetitive behaviors of each condition appear to be exactly the same, the difference lies in the motivation. The obsessive behaviors of Aspergers tend to be a part of the individual’s personality, which is sensory in nature. The obsessions of OCD tend to be caused by fear and anxiety raised by unmanageable thought. . .

To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/570.cfm

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

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

PARENTING AUTISM & ASPERGER’S NEWSLETTER
June 2010        

Welcome to the June 2010 edition of “The Parenting Autism & Asperger’s Newsletter”. 

Inside this edition you will find:

1. Hot Topic of Discussion – Autism/Asperger’s on Prime Time TV!

2. In the News – The High Cost of Autism

3. Prominent People Linked with ASD -  English actress, Lizzy Clark

4. New Parenting Aspergers Resource

5. Aspergers Research

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1. Hot Topic of Discussion -   Asperger’s Syndrome Featured on Prime Time Television
The American television network, NBC, has recently released a prime time comedy-drama called, Parenthood.  The show is about the interactions of an extended family, including one child’s diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome.   The cast and crew of this show take great pride in their attempts of portray Asperger’s Syndrome as accurately as possible.  The show consults with many specialists involved in Autism Spectrum Disorders and has a behavioral therapist available to work with the actor playing the role of Max Braverman.

Many people feel that any time the general public is given a chance to see an accurate portrayal of Asperger’s Syndrome; it is a step in the right direction.  You can read more about NBC’s commitment to shining a positive and proper light on Asperger’s Syndrome in the following links:

http://www.theautismnews.com/2010/05/26/prime-time-television-tackles-autism/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parenthood_(2010_TV_series

*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 -   The High Cost of Autism Treatment

As more children receive the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, the media is finally noticing the story many families have to tell about the high cost of Autism.  Most health insurance plans do not cover Autism treatments or even the testing it takes to receive the diagnosis. 

These medical appointments are very expensive and behavioral therapies used to treat children with Autism can easily cost more than $70,000.00 a year.  Most Autism specialists recommend many hours of therapy spanning several years.  In addition, many families dealing with Autism choose to try additional treatments, none of which are covered by insurance.  These families are beginning to demand attention.   Read more at http://www.theautismnews.com/2010/05/25/cost-of-treating-autism-shocking/.

 *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 -  English actress, Lizzy Clark

Lizzy Clark became a professional actress in 2008 with the release of the BBC film, Dustbin Baby.  In the film, Lizzy plays the part of Poppy, a girl with Asperger’s Syndrome.  The filmmakers searched for an actress with Asperger’s Syndrome to play this part and it is believed to be the first instance of a person with Asperger’s Syndrome playing the part of a character with the condition.  You can learn more about Lizzy Clark and her movie by clicking the following links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lizzy_Clark#cite_note-BBC-0

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3240009/resume

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dustbin_Baby_(film)
*The person mentioned above may or may not have Asperger’s Syndrome.
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4. New Parenting Aspergers Resource

Just a quick heads up that I have nearly finished completing my latest Aspergers resource “The Parenting Aspergers Resource Guide Volume 3”. I hope to have it available by the end of the month. And without giving too much away yet – it covers a lot of topics that aren’t normally written about. So keep an eye out on your email at the end of the month for more details…

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5. Aspergers Research

I got an email recently by a researcher at Birmingham University in the UK asking for any experiences that people had of young people with Aspergers in the Criminal Justice System. If you are able to help her out please respond to her directly. Below is the email from her:

“I am a researcher currently conducting a study at Birmingham City University specific to offenders with Asperger’s syndrome and high functioning autism.

The working title of which is:
 
‘Young Offenders with Aspergers Syndrome:To what extent can the criminal
justice response be considered appropriate?’
 
As you will be aware, autism and Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) remain subject to societal misperceptions. Numerous academic authorities express concern that those working within the various sectors of the criminal justice system lack the requisite understanding of this disorder necessary for the fair and
appropriate management of those with AS at various stages of the criminal
justice processes. Yet despite suggestions in academic texts that those
with Autistic Spectrum Disorders including AS are potentially
over-represented within both the adult and youth penal systems, there is a
dearth of literature pertinent to the experiences of those with AS who
entered the criminal justice system prior to the age of 18.
 
My research will examine the views and experiences of such young people and will, as the title explains, consider the degree to which the criminal
justice response to young people with Asperger’s syndrome is appropriate- an issue which the current literature reveals, has to date been afforded
inadequate attention by social researchers. The research aims are to:
 
• Critically examine the criminal justice response towards young AS
offenders and the implications that current youth justice policy presents
for issues of discretion in arrest and sentencing practices.

• Evaluate the degree to which that response might be considered appropriate for those affected by AS, placing particular emphasis upon issues of children’s rights.

This will be a qualitative interview-based study and I very much hope to
include the views of parents, carers and practitioners with regard to how
affected individuals cope in their encounters with the various criminal
justice agencies.
 
I am currently seeking participants for this study and would like to hear
from those with AS who have came into contact with the criminal justice
system prior to the age of eighteen (regardless of their current age). Where
appropriate and/or possible I am also interested to hear the views of their
parents/carers/partners and maybe an associated practitioner/professional
who has an understanding of any difficulties which may have arisen. I must
stress that anyone who chooses to contact me will not be placed under any
pressure to become involved, nor to involve others in the interview process.
Indeed, if anyone is uncomfortable with the idea of taking part in an
interview and would prefer to contact me by email or post to describe their
experiences their participation will be welcomed. Given that there is
currently very little research specific to the experiences of young people
with AS/ASDs who enter the criminal justice system, this research presents a
valuable opportunity for a representation of the views of affected
individuals.
 
The participant criterion is that the individuals must have a diagnosis of
Asperger’s Syndrome or autism and regardless of their current age, will have
encountered the criminal justice system (not necessarily custody, their
contact may be as minor as a police warning) prior to the age of 18.
 
Any information supplied by the research participants will be confidential
and handled in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998, furthermore the recommendations and requirements of the university ethics committee and that of the British Society of Criminology will be adhered to. All participant identities will be fully protected.
 
My supervisor Laura Caulfield can be contacted at Laura.Caulfield@bcu.ac. or through the faculty office on 0121 331 5116. I have recently been awarded
a funded PHD studentship which commences in October 2010 to further develop this research under the supervision of Dr. Joanne Aldridge
J.Aldridge@lboro.ac.uk. Do not hesitate to contact either Laura at BCU or
Jo at Loughborough University to confirm any details.
 
I can be contacted via the university address at the top of this letter and
my contact details may be passed on to interested parties. Please feel free
to circulate the details of this study amongst partnership agencies to which
you feel it may be of interest.

I very much hope that you are willing to assist me in the identification of
potential participants.
 
I look forward to your response.
Kind regards,
Ann L. Browning.
Mob: 079 574 11139
Email: annbrowning2@hotmail.com. or ann.browning@students.bcu.ac.uk.
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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 July 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

For teens with Asperger’s, dating can be too complicated to comprehend.  Some teens with Asperger’s may choose not to date at all, while others may put little thought into it at all, dating without rhyme or reason.  It helps if you can prepare your teen for the dating world beforehand.

There are several common problems for teens with Asperger’s.  Dating requires social skills, emotional attachment, interruption of routine, flexible thinking, and can often assault the sensory systems.  Advising your son on dating should include information on ways to handle these disruptions that will go against his personal make-up.

Adaptation to your son’s weakness and special attention to his strengths can help him overcome his unique Asperger’s dating issues.  For example, your son will need to practice flexible thinking.  Dating can mean changing plans and disagreements on activities.  Your son should be prepared for those times when he has to negotiate.  Here are a few other examples.

*    He needs to practice basic social skills.  Once he has gotten someone’s attention, he will need to be able to notice non-verbal communication, cues and gestures, personal space, etc.

*    He needs to practice emotion identification.  Dating and relationships are highly emotional.  He should be able to identify the emotions in a given situation and respond accordingly.

*    He needs to practice self-control.  Dating is disruptive to his usual routine and orderly life.  He should be able to accept change without it affecting his well-being.

*    He needs to be aware of his sensory weaknesses.  He should be mindful of atmosphere and physical touch when dating.

Be factual when talking with your son about Asperger’s and dating.  You should supply him with detailed information on acceptable age-appropriate behavior.  Make your son aware of the negatives like rejection and abuse.  Discuss with your son the benefits of dating someone who is like-minded when it comes to personal interests and personal beliefs.  Find resources that can guide you during this time.  “The Guide to Dating for Teenagers with Asperger Syndrome”, by Jennifer Uhlenkamp is a question and answer-style book on the challenges of dating and relationships.

Do not hesitate to enlist outside assistance if needed while managing the Asperger’s dating issue.  Social skills classes, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and psychological counseling are usually available to those with Asperger’s Syndrome and can be a great help.

Thanks for reading,

Dave Angel

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Adolescence can be a very confusing and difficult time for children with Asperger’s.  Adolescence is complicated for all of us, especially for families who are unprepared for this time period.  You are very wise to plan ahead for your family’s journey into adolescence.  While planning ahead may not make the situation unfold painlessly, it will improve your chances for a smooth transition.

For children with Asperger’s, adolescence transition means much more than it does for typically developing children.  Areas of concern include:

*    Social skills like communication, personal space, basic personal hygiene, etc.

*    Developing a healthy self-image.

*    Education issues like special considerations and allowances due to specific weakness and strengths.

*    Appropriate knowledge of dating and sexuality.

*    Participation in all treatment options like classes, groups, therapy sessions, medications, etc.

It is especially important that you plan for all the issues that affect your child with Asperger’s during adolescence.  There are several treatment options that you can investigate.  However, the family environment can be extremely effective with or without additional outside therapies.  Here are some treatments you may choose to examine.

*    Social skills training-for non-verbal communication, social cues and gestures, etc.

*    Cognitive-behavioral therapy-for dealing with the feeling, emotion, and behavior connections.

*    Individual psychological counseling-for talking through issues and making plans.

*    Career counseling-to find the right career path for your child’s strengths and personality.

*    Medication-to help with depression, anxiety, and/or hyperactivity.

As another option for your child with Asperger’s, adolescence transition can be handled by caring parents in the home environment.  Here are a few suggestions.

*    Daily living skills-personal hygiene, home management, money skills, etc.

*    Organizational skills-time management.

*    Social development-making and keeping friends, keeping a job, etc.

*    Sex education-dating and sexuality knowledge.

*    College and career planning-choosing a career, planning for college, trade school, technical school, etc.

For children with Asperger’s, adolescence does not have to be especially difficult.  Using a published guide, you can cover all of these transition areas and more.  For example, “Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A Parent’s Guide to Cognitive, Social, Physical, and Transition Needs of Teenagers with Autism Spectrum’, by Chantal Sicile-Kira would be a good choice. Family support can make for a smooth transition from childhood into adulthood.

Thanks for reading,

Dave Angel

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Articles and Video posted this week at The Parenting Aspergers Community

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Aspergers Video – “Aspergers and Me”

A young man named JJ and his mom talk about what it was like as they struggled to find the right diagnosis for JJ as a child. Finally diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at the age of 17, JJ talks about his desire to find more information about teens and young adults living with Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome. JJ talks about his anger issues and his obsession with the film industry. It is JJ’s hope that by making this short Asperger’s awareness video, he will find more support for himself and others like him. Running time: 7 minutes, 50 seconds . . .

To watch this video go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/543.cfm

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How can I prepare my 16-year-old son with Aspergers for work experience?

One of the best things you can do for your 16-year-old is to talk with him about what having a job would mean in his life. Spend some time asking him about what sort of job he would be interested in. If he has a special interest or a hobby, perhaps he could pursue that interest. If he has an interest in movies, he could find a job in a movie theatre or video store. If he has an interest in video games, perhaps he could find work in a video game store. Encouraging him to pursue his interests will enable him to feel more confident when looking for a job …

To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/542.cfm

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Our son was finally diagnosed with Aspergers apx. 1 year ago (he is 37). He needs immediate and urgent help with coping with his loneliness which has lead to the addiction of inappropriate contact (computer, texting & cell phone only; no personal contact) with females who are much younger than himself; although he thought they were 18 or older when communicating with them. It has gotten him into trouble with the law and looks as though it will continue to do so. He is begging for help and I don’t where to get help for him. Do you have any suggestions?

It would seem that your son has a high ability to function if he was diagnosed with Asperger’s one year ago. As a thirty-seven year old who now has had trouble with the law, he is going to need to make some changes in his life. He will need help making those changes …

To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/541.cfm

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PARENTING AUTISM & ASPERGER’S NEWSLETTER
VOLUME
May 2010

Welcome to the May 2010 edition of “The Parenting Autism & Asperger’s Newsletter”.

Inside this edition you will find:

1. Dave Angel Published in Autism Aspergers Digest

2. Surviving The Summer Holidays

3. Hot Topic of Discussion – Child Abductions/Missing Child Reports and Autism

4. In the News – The Death of Stanley Greenspan

5. Prominent People Linked with ASD -  Musician Nick Drake

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1. Dave Angel Published in Autism Aspergers Digest – Hi there just thought I would share that I was lucky enough to have an article published in the May/June edition of the prestigious Autism/Aspergers Digest Magazine. The article is entitled “Stress Reduction Techniques for People Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders”.

Unfortunately under the publishing contract I cannot share it with you now (but hope to maybe in a month or so). You can discover more about the magazine at http://www.autismdigest.com/

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2. Surviving The Summer Holidays – I have just completed the 2010 update of my “Surviving The Summer Holidays” resource. Which will help you, your child and the rest of the family to survive and prosper in the school summer holidays. Look out for an email from me tomorrow to tell you where you can get your own copy.

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3. Hot Topic of Discussion -  Child Abductions/Missing Child Reports and Autism-An Increasing Problem

Every day there are missing child alerts in the media.  It is always devastating to hear or read about another missing child, ripped from his or her home and family, never to be seen or heard from again.  Thankfully, law enforcement officers are often able to trace the kidnapper steps and locate the child in good health.   It is wonderful to see the reunited family.  We can only hope that the child can move past the horror of this tragic event.

Recently it seems that more of these missing child reports contain a reference to Autism.  It can be difficult to prepare a child with Autism for dangerous situations.  Here is a story about an attempted abduction that has a positive ending.
http://www.theautismnews.com/2010/04/29/autistic-girl-escapes-abduction/

Unfortunately, some of these stories do not end well.  So it is so important to be vigilant.

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

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4.  In the News -   The Autism Cause Loses a Prominent Member-the Death of Stanley Greenspan

In the 1970’s, the search for information on the causes of Autism and possible treatments was at an all-time high.  For years people believed that the symptoms of pervasive developmental disorders were brought on by cold and uncaring mothers.

Stanley Greenspan began studying early childhood development and became an expert on the subject.  He went on to write several books on child development and on Autism.  In the late 1980’s, Dr. Greenspan wrote about how engaging young children in child-led play activities enhances development.  That finding later became known as “Floortime”, a widely used play therapy for children on the spectrum.
The loss of Stanley Greenspan will be widely felt by the growing Autism community.  You can see his obituary information and more details on his career at
http://www.theautismnews.com/2010/04/29/stanley-i-greenspan-68-expert-on-infant-development/.

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

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5. Prominent People Linked with ASD -  Musician Nick Drake

Nick Drake, an English musician, was born in 1948 and passed away after a drug overdose in 1974.  He began playing the piano and composing his own music at a very early age.  He also played the guitar, clarinet, and saxophone.  A natural musical talent, he became a recording artist at age 20, and although he was not a huge success, his music gained much notice and appreciation after his death.   You can read more about the life and eccentricities of Nick Drake at http://www.neurodiversity.com/bio_drake.html . He is considered to have shown the sign of Aspergers.

*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 June 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

Can you help me teach my son with Aspergers Organizational Skills?

For people with Asperger’s, organizational skills are a mystery.  We all need strong organizational skills.  Teaching these skills starts very young and continues through childhood, as they increase in difficulty.  Children with Asperger’s lack these natural skills and must be taught these skills if they desire to be productive adults.

When you think about teaching kids with Asperger’s organizational skills, you automatically think of lists, schedules, and daily planners.  While these are an important part of organizational skills, they are only a tip of the iceberg.  Organizational skills are also known as executive functions.  The executive functions affect abstract thinking, memory, task oriented goal creation, and mental adaptation in a wide range of situations.
Beginning at a very young age, we should teach our children with Asperger’s organization skills that are age-appropriate, such as, paying attention, understanding time, cooperation, memory work, basic research, basic planning.  As our children get older, these executive functions become more complex as they learn to manage projects, set goals, remember the small details, and organizing and planning assignments.

To begin teaching your son with Asperger’s organizational skills, you should first assess his weaknesses.  You can do this by following the ten steps in “Strategies for Organization”, by Michelle Garcia Winner.  This DVD focuses on steps and strategies that will help with homework assignments, but in reality, these are the very same skills needed to manage all life situations. 

In the meantime, you can help your son by working on time management and organization.  These are two of the most important skills needed for success in school and in life.  Here are some suggestions that may help.

Time management

* Visual timers help kids see how much time is left, which will do a greater job at teaching the concept of time in minutes or hours.  These timers usually have a number display as well as a red line that gets smaller as time runs out.

* Breaking assignments down into manageable pieces is a very practical skill to teach.  For example, if your son has to read a book and write a report, the manageable pieces would be to locate the desired book, read the book, write down the basic book report information, and summarize the book in writing.  At the same time, you will teach him to assign a period of time for each piece so he can learn how to plan his assignments.

* Speaking of planning and timing assignments, planning is essential to time management.  Every opportunity should be used to encourage planning.  If you are going on an outing, have your son plan what he expects to happen during that outing.  For example, if you are going to the zoo, have your son make a list of what exhibit he wants to visit first, second, third, and so on. 

Organization

* Visual schedules, either written or picture schedules are a valuable tool for your son.  Since he has Asperger’s Syndrome, he prefers a routine.  Having a visual schedule to refer to will make him more aware of his routine and help him cope with changes when they occur.

* Encourage your son to make written lists.  Having a list will help him stay on task.  It will also help his memory skills.

* Find a simple daily planner or agenda book and have him write down everything each day.  Homework assignments, favorite television shows, anything that is important to him can go in his daily planner. 

* Desktop organization and decluttering should take place regularly.  When your son’s workspace becomes disorganized, he will lose his ability to concentrate on the task at hand.  Setting a time for him to put things away, make notes in his planner, and clean up his workspace.

Executive functions are complex.  These are just a few tips to get you started.  Once your son has gained strength in these basic organizational areas, he will be able to function better at school and at home.

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Articles posted this week at The Parenting Aspergers Community

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My 10-year-old son with Asperger’s seems to be struggling to read the signs of when he needs to go to the toilet and often comes home from school smelling of urine. Is this normal, can I do anything to help?

Children with Asperger’s can have trouble understanding and recognizing the signs of when they need to use the bathroom. Some children with Asperger’s have trouble recognizing what is going on with their own body, or they can become so absorbed in something else that they just can’t focus on both things at once …

To read this article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/518.cfm

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My 14-year-old son is on the autistic spectrum, probably with Asperger’s Syndrome. Most of his less attractive “differences” are tolerable, manageable and are being improved with a daily social skills programme, but sometimes everything can be undermined by his insistence that he is always right. This is a real problem at school where teachers and fellow pupils find it everything from personal arrogance to a trigger for class disruption. In trying to suggest to him that he’s not always right, his reply is understandably that he’s always indisputably right.Is this a feature of AS or have we got a secondary problem – and particularly how do we deal with it, as it is leading to increasing social isolation at school, where social integration with an AS child is tough enough in the first place?

One tendency people with Asperger’s have is to see things as either black or white. This can include being able to see things from only one perspective — your own. In your son’s case, it sounds as though he has trouble seeing shades of grey and his belief that he is always right is creating problems at home and at school …

To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/517.cfm

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I have a 16-year-old son who has Asperger’s. He still can’t read! It’s driving me nuts. He is in a private school for people like him in the spectrum. Most of them can read on their own. The school tells me that they are trying to help him but it seems that he just doesn’t want to learn it. We don’t have the means to pay someone else to teach him. I’m thinking that maybe he needs something “out of the box”, for him to get motivated and actually understand and enjoy it. If you have ANY ideas, please let me know.

Most children want to learn. They want to please the teacher and they want to do well and be praised for their efforts. When dealing with children with Asperger’s Syndrome, this is not always the case. Motivating a child with Asperger’s can be complicated and sometimes frustrating. While it might be frustrating for a teacher to try to find a motivation for your son, encourage them to keep at it. It might appear that your son doesn’t want to read, but it would be surprising if that truly were the case. Your son might need to be approached differently …

To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/516.cfm

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