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

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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

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

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

To read the full article go to: -

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

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

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

To read this article go to: -

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

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