Hi there and welcome to this week’s blog post which is all about Aspergers and OCD. I am a day early with the article this week as I’m taking my 2 year old daughter camping tomorrow, and they don’t seem to have internet access in fields yet!

Thanks again for all the great questions and feedback that have poured in over the past week to help inform my future Aspergers ebooks. I am still sorting through them now so there’s still just time to add a question to my ever-growing list if you would like at … http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/public/313.cfm

This week’s question is -

Question

My son has Aspergers and OCD and he will have hand tremors that he is not aware of. I am trying a more holistic approach but this is not covered by insurance. I wish I knew which ones were beneficial and which ones are not beneficial.

Answer

Traditional treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder involves a combination of medication and behavioral therapy techniques. The traditional medicines used in this process are SSRI’s, or serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors.

Many parents do not want to treat their children suffering from OCD with these traditional methods, but turn to holistic methods of treatment. Because holistic therapies are designed to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms of a disease or disorder, holistic approaches appeal to many people. Holistic therapies can be added to traditional medical approaches, or can be tried by themselves.

Holistic practices often take into consideration lifestyle factors and address physical aspects of treatment, nutritional aspects, environmental, and social and spiritual elements. In seeking alternative treatments, take into consideration your beliefs and practices.

Holistic therapies for OCD are designed to relieve mental anguish. Many people find yoga and meditation to be effective in calming the mind and the body and strengthening the connection between the two. Aromatherapy can help a person reach a more peaceful and harmonious place. Hypnotherapy and acupuncture have also been found to be successful in treating various disorders. Behavioral therapies are often effective in conjunction with some of these alternative treatments.

In her book, “Freeing Your Child from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder,” Tamar E. Chansky has created a step-by-step program designed to help parents work with children to free them from the cycle of OCD. This program was created with the goal of helping the child take back control of his life using these techniques. The techniques are designed to work with children who are either on or off medication. This method can be very effective in helping a child break free of this debilitating disorder.

It is difficult to say which holistic methods will work best with your child. Speak with your child’s physician and gain his help in creating a treatment plan for you child. Also solicit advice from trusted holistic practitioners who can suggest a holistic course of treatment.

Thanks and have a great week,

Dave Angel

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Articles posted this week at The Parenting Aspergers Community

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Fears of suicide for the child with Asperger’s

Children who have Asperger’s Syndrome are more susceptible to mental health issues (including thoughts of suicide) than the general population, especially during adolescence. Because of their difficulty with decoding social cues and information and their problems translating the world in a way they can understand, children with Asperger’s tend to feel isolated and alone. These feelings can be exacerbated by …

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What techniques should I be teaching my son with Aspergers to help him maintain his self-esteem throughout his adult years?

Helping your son develop his sense of self esteem throughout his developing years will give him a very strong foundation on which to create his adult self image. Because you have nurtured and supported him throughout his childhood, your son will be entering adulthood with a healthy sense of self-esteem. Establishing yourself as an adult can be a difficult time for any person. Making the transition from student to a functioning adult with a job and responsibilities can be challenging. Encourage your son to …

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My son is a full time college student and doing well with that. But he has an obsession with smoking cigarettes and cannabis — what should I do?

Celebrate the fact that your son is in college full time and doing well! That is a great accomplishment and one that you are surely proud of. Take this to mean that you have helped your son become independent and successful in his pursuits. The challenge for any parent, not just the parent of a child with Asperger’s is how to …

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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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Articles posted this week at The Parenting Aspergers Community

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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 …

To watch this video go to: -

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Hi there and welcome to this weeks blog post.

A big thanks to everyone who signed up as new members at www.ParentingAspergersCommunity.com this week and I hope you’re enjoying the materials that I’ve provided for you.

This week’s article is …

Question

How can I get help in obtaining services that are supposedly out there and available?  My son’s ISSP (IEP) looks fantastic on paper, but in reality, most of the services are not obtainable due to extremely long wait lists or shortage of workers to completely fill the positions.

Answer

Developing a relationship with your son’s school and creating an acceptable IEP, or Individual Education Plan, is very important.  “How Well Does Your IEP Measure Up?” by Diane Twachtman-Cullen and Jennifer Twachtman-Reilly is a book that can help you grow to be a valuable member of your son’s IEP team, giving you insight into the IEP process.  You’ll learn about often-neglected areas that should be addressed during the IEP meeting.

Your son’s school has obviously been cooperative, working with you and acknowledging his disabilities.  However, without follow-through, all you have is a stack of papers. By law, your son is entitled to FAPE or a free, appropriate public education due to his diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome.  His IEP is a legal document.  Your son’s school is legally responsible to uphold the contents of his IEP.  There are procedures in place to protect all parties involved in the education plan.  However, someone has to initiate these procedures.

At the time of your son’s IEP meeting, his IEP team leader should have reviewed your state’s laws and your rights as a parent of a child with special needs.  You should have been given a copy of your state’s FAPE procedures and parent’s rights handbook.  Now is the time to review this handbook and determine your first step.

You must initiate a legal procedure called due process.  Once you file due process, you will have the opportunity to show proof that the school system is not fulfilling your son’s services as set in his IEP.  Your parent handbook will outline the steps you must take to begin due process in your state.  You, as the parent, are responsible for holding the school system accountable.

Preserving your relationship with your son’s school is very important.  Even if you file for due process, your son will remain in their care until the process is resolved.  You will want to be comfortable with this arrangement.  Remember to maintain neutral communication.  While this is a personal matter in your life, this is not a personal attack.  Moreover, it doesn’t have to become one.

Contact your state’s special education advocacy support group.  This group is in place to support the families of special needs kids by offering information and advocacy training services at no charge.  This group can guide you through the legal process of receiving FAPE for your son.

Have a great week,

Dave Angel

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Articles posted this week at The Parenting Aspergers Community

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My child has a dual diagnosis of Aspergers and Downs Syndrome — can you tell me what similarities there are and give me some helpful hints to help him better at school and home.

Asperger’s Syndrome and Downs Syndrome are two separate entities that do not share many similarities. Downs Syndrome is caused by the presence of an additional chromosome in a fetus. It can cause learning disabilities. Downs Syndrome has many special distinguishing physical characteristics, such as a small head, a small mouth, and upward slanting eyes. People with Downs Syndrome typically have trouble with physical coordination and are likely to suffer gastrointestinal problems as well as heart problems. Children with Asperger’s Syndrome suffer from … To read the full article go to: -

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We have one main concern with our child with Aspergers. Eye contact is very important to me and the people around me. And as I have read before, eye contact is something that is hard for a child with aspergers to do. We cannot get my son to look anyone in the eyes. If he does then it is only for a split second before he looks away again. sometimes he will say he is looking at us but his eyes are diverted elsewhere. Is there an exercise we can do with him to help get his attention on our eyes better?

It can be very difficult for children with Asperger’s to engage in eye contact with people they are speaking to. Many people are uncomfortable talking with someone who can’t look them in the eye. There are several things you can work on with your son concerning eye contact … To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/306.cfm

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Could you please send me a list of calming music to help 12 year old boy with Aspergers to sleep? And can you suggest other techniques too?

During the course of the day, there are several things you can do to help your son get sleepy at bedtime. First of all, monitor his diet. Try to avoid as much sugar as you possibly can, as well as caffeine. He should have no soda or sugary snacks after lunchtime, if he must have them then. Sugar and caffeine can cause the body to be alert at bedtime. Try to encourage your son to …

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Hi there and welcome to this weeks’ Aspergers blog which has a definite education theme this week …

First up let me remind you that you can get a free copy of my latest ebook entitled “Back To School” which covers all sorts of questions that you may have about your child’s education …

To find out more go to –

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/public/299.cfm

… but don’t forget this special offer is only available for the next 6 days.

This week’s educational-themed article is …

Question

Can you offer tips for completing assignments?

Answer

Children with Asperger’s Syndrome have the same motivational needs as other kids.  Sometimes less and other times, a lot more motivation is needed to accomplish the same assignment.  However, Children with Asperger’s will always have the need for a little extra help due to the weaknesses created by the syndrome. 

Because Asperger’s affects functional skills in socialization and communication, teachers and parents will need to get creative in order to find ways to help these kids succeed.  Here are a few tips to help with school assignments.

* Children with Asperger’s crave order, structure and routine.  These desires can be utilized to help with assignment completion.  Classroom time for the child with Asperger’s must be an organized and structured environment.   Consistent structure will provide comfort, allowing the child to make progress on his assignments.

* Use visual schedules for children with Asperger’s Syndrome.  They need a balanced schedule that will alternate core subjects with chances to de-stress, usually with structured down time.  For example, the student may be scheduled for an hour of math, thirty minutes for lunch, and then an hour of music.  Assuming that music is a class he thoroughly enjoys, that hour would be his time to de-stress. 

* Allowing further breakdown of assignments into mini-assignments will also help ensure successful completion. This breakdown will appeal to the child’s sense of order as he sees each step is simply written and manageable.

* The breakdown of assignments into steps leads to another suggestion.  Additional time is useful when assigning work to a student with Asperger’s. Children with Asperger’s may find additional time helpful to complete their assignments.  Meeting a deadline on an assignment can create stress that causes the child to become completely overwhelmed, wiping out any chance of completing the assignment.

* Teachers of children with Asperger’s should also keep in mind the need to use straightforward instructions stated simply and clearly.  Language is difficult for kids with Asperger’s Syndrome.  Sarcasm and slang go right over their heads.  Remember that they need to know what, when, and how.  Basic instruction goes a long way.

Finally, praise the student for the work that is completed.  Praise from his teacher will motivate the child with Asperger’s and the typical child alike.  Teachers should always praise their students if possible.  Children with Asperger’s may have weaknesses to battle, but praise is a weapon that can be used successfully in the classroom.

And don’t forget to get loads more educational tips, tricks and techniques for free go to …

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/public/299.cfm

Have a great day,

Dave Angel

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Articles posted this week at The Parenting Aspergers Community

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EEG therapy and Asperger’s

EEG therapy is also known as EEG Biofeedback, Neurotraining and Neurotherapy. This treatment is essentially a way to exercise the brain and to strengthen it. According to Autism Home, EEG therapy also calms the brain and improves its stability. Neurofeedback uses computerized technology to …

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Biomedical therapies and Asperger’s

While there are many conventional medical treatments for symptoms related to Asperger’s Syndrome, there are also alternative biomedical treatments that many people turn to in order to try to help alleviate some of the most common symptoms. While many biomedical therapies are possible for Asperger’s symptoms, there are some that are most common. Many people begin a more holistic treatment for Asperger’s symptoms by beginning a …

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How can I find treatment options for older children with ASD, that may actually help and that won’t leave a parent financially strapped

As children with Asperger’s age, treatment options become more limited. As your child finishes high school or college, you’ll want to be looking for living situations for your older child. Many young adults with Asperger’s function well in society. They are able to hold jobs, but will continue to need …

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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

Hi and welcome to this week’s Aspergers article …

Just as a quick update I am still working on the “Back To School” ebook which should be completed in the next 2-3 weeks.

I also hope to put out an extra article later this week about Gary McKinnon – the young man with Aspergers who is due to be extradicted to the USA from the UK on some very serious hacking charges.

So stay tuned; here’s today’s article …

Question

Tips on teaching black-and-white kids labels for different emotions would be invaluable. With our nine-year-old, everyone is either happy, sad, frustrated or mad. His difficulty labeling emotions compounds problems because by not being able to adequately express what he’s feeling and be understood. This frustration usually ends with a day full of sitting on the couch with his head down, not talking to anyone because he’s so upset. How can I help him better express himself?

Answer

It can be very difficult for some children with Asperger’s Syndrome to understand their own emotions. They have a very hard time reading the emotions of others as well. This can be a very frustrating place for a child to be and helping him to learn how to identify these emotions can be very beneficial for your child.

Understand that it will be difficult for your child to learn how to identify emotions. He’ll first need to have a frame of reference. In her book, “What’s That Look on Your Face? All About Faces and Feelings,” Catherine S. Snodgrass has created a set of pictures of exaggerated facial expressions. These pictures are accompanied by poems that further reinforce the emotion shown in the face to help reinforce the connection in the child’s mind. This is a great way to begin to teach your child how to read and identify emotions.

You can also create activities for you and your child to participate in, depending on the age of your child and his desire to participate. You can photograph yourself and your child making faces that portray different emotions. You can have pictures of happy faces, sad faces, frustrated faces, and mad faces – all sorts of faces. Take a picture of you and take a picture of your child making the same face. You can take those photographs and turn them into flash cards so your child can practice identifying emotions.

Once he has a language and a frame of reference, then you can begin to help your child learn to identify how he is feeling. This can be a time consuming process, but a very important process. When you see your son is happy, have him stop what he’s doing and talk about what it feels like to be happy. He will begin to equate the feeling he’s having with the word. You can do this with many emotions, such as anger and frustration. Once your son begins to connect words with the emotions he is having, he’ll be able to correctly identify the emotions. This will help greatly when you are trying to help him modify some of his behaviors that may surround some of his emotions, especially around anger and frustration issues.

Be patient with your son and try to understand how frustrating and confusing this can be for him. If he begins to understand that you are trying to help him understand this confusing issue, he will be better able to open up to you.

Have a great week,

Dave Angel

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Articles posted this week at The Parenting Aspergers Community

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When and how to explain Asperger’s to him?

Speaking to your child about Asperger’s is a very personal decision. There truly is no right and wrong way to approach this. You’ll need to keep several things in mind when you make the decision to talk to your child about Asperger’s …To read the full article go to: -

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Can you give me information of natural products or holistic medicine?

While there is no specific treatment or cure for Asperger’s, people tend to treat symptoms of disorders associated with Asperger’s Syndrome. Typically, a child with Asperger’s might suffer from anxiety or depression, or he might have issues concerning attention. He might be overly aggressive and be diagnosed with Oppositional Defiance Disorder. All of these disorders are typically treated with medication. The point of doing this is to … To read the full article go to: -

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How can I help my son’s identity crisis and lack of confidence?

Adolescence is a time of experimentation and change and many people find this to be one of the most difficult periods of time in their lives emotionally. Navigating social relationships and creating an identity take a great deal of emotional effort. This period of time can be especially challenging for a child with Asperger’s syndrome. When most adolescents are struggling with the question of who they want to be, children with Asperger’s are struggling with decoding the world as well as … To read this article go to: -

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

Here’s the article …

Question

What are the best options for post high school education?

Answer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a great week,

Dave Angel

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Articles posted this week at The Parenting Aspergers Community

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

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

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

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

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

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

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PARENTING ASPERGERS AND AUTISM NEWSLETTER
VOLUME 33       
July 2009        

Hi,

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

Inside this edition you will find:

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

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

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

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

Thanks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And as ever … please send in any inspirational stories that you know of, any questions that you would like our team of experts to answer, any topics that you wish to be discussed, and news stories that you want to share VIA THE BLOG.

We will publish as many as we can.

Until next month………

Best Wishes

Dave Angel

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Articles posted this week at The Parenting Aspergers Community

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

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

To read the full article go to: -

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

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

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

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

To read the full article go to: -

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

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

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

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

To read this article go to: -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Review of CD 3 – Breaking Through

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

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

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

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

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

Review of CD 4 – Transformation Tools

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

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

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

Review of  CD 5 – Understanding faulty thinking

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

These 8 steps are:

Investigate

Confront

Identify

Challenge

Declare

Probe

Choose

Consequences and amendments

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

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

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

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

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

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

Diminish The Potential

Manage The Situation

Identify The Trigger Thought

Constructive Self-Talk

Simple Plan

Communicate

Implement

Move On

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

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

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

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

The 10 Strategies are:

1. Assume Control

2. Disconnect

3. Script it for the next time

4. No speeches

5. Focus on the behaviour

6. Halt over-stimulation

7. Use strategic recognition and affection

8. Self-disclosure to the child

9. Do, not say

10. Accept bad moods and bad days

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

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

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

Have  a great day,

Dave Angel

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

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

Here’s this week’s article -

Question

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

Answer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a great day,

Dave Angel

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Articles posted this week at The Parenting Aspergers Community

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

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

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

To read the full article go to: -

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

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

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

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

To read the full article go to: -

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

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

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

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

To read this article go to: -

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

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