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Asperger's Support Groups and Organizations


  1. Aspergers Support Groups - Here you will find contact information for Aspergers and Autism support groups in locations around the world. 
  2. ACTION for ASD - Offering advice, information, support, social events and training -- 2001 awarded almost £280,000 by UK funders -- Community Fund to develop our services at a professional level across Lancashire UK. 
  3. Advocates for Individuals with High Functioning Autism - Asperger's Syndrome and other Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Corp., Long Island, New York -- Parent group whose primary purpose is to support one another as we advocate for the unique needs of children and adults with High Functioning Autism, Asperger's Syndrome and other Pervasive Developmental Disorders. 
  4. AHA/AS/PDD - The Advocates for Individuals with High Functioning Autism, Asperger's Syndrome and other Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Corp., Long Island, New York -- Parent group whose primary purpose is to support one another as they advocate for the unique needs of children and adults with High Functioning Autism, Asperger's Syndrome and other Pervasive Developmental Disorders. 
  5. Aromacaring - Health issues including complementary therapies for special needs 
  6. Asociacion Asperger Granada - Pagina web de la asociacion asperger de Granada España 
  7. Asperger Advocates - Asperger Advocates is a support group for families of children with Asperger's Syndrome. This group serves the York County area of Pennsylvania. 
  8. Asperger Friends - Asperger's Friends in Hunterdon County NJ is the chance to meet with new friends that have Asperger Syndrome. 
  9. Asperger Help - The mission of Asperger Help is to be a center for people seeking answers, sharing knowledge, understanding the process, and educating others about several disorders on the spectrum such as Autism, Aspergers, ADHD, Tourettes, and more. 
  10. asperger solution - Adolescence represents the most dangerous time for our children . They are at their most vulnerable and the education system is at its most demanding .The health system is not geared up to deal with the fall-out: The incidence of Depression is high. Prevention is the only show in town. 
  11. Asperger Syndrome Coalition of the U.S. (ASC-US) - We are a national non-profit organization committed to providing the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on Asperger Syndrome and related conditions, including: Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) High Functioning Autism (HFA) Nonverbal 
  12. Asperger Syndrome Education Network, Inc. (ASPEN®) - ASPEN ® is a regionally-based non-profit organization headquartered in New Jersey, with 12 local chapters, providing families and those individuals affected with Asperger Syndrome, PDD-NOS, High Functioning Autism, and related disorders. 
  13. Aspergers Syndrome Support Group, Western Australia - Support group based in Western Australia for the Parents/carers of those with Aspergers Syndrome. Site provides contact details for the group. The group has a resource library with books, CD's, tapes related to Aspergers Syndrome. 
  14. ASPIE of Texas - Asperger's Syndrome support group for the greater Houston area. Meets the 2nd Thursday of the month at Williams Trace Baptist Church in Sugar Land. Speakers and great information each month. 
  15. Autism Asperger Associates of Michigan - Social skill training, recreation groups, therapy services and family workshops. 
  16. Berkshire Autistic Society - UK -- Berkshire Autistic Society (BAS) is a support and action group for the parents and carers of children and adults with autism, autism related problems, Asperger Syndrome or challenging behaviour. 
  17. Cloud 9 Children's Foundation - Asperger Syndrome Foundation. New Zealand 
  18. Families for Early Autism Treatment - North Texas - (FEAT-NT) Bedford, Texas -- A non-profit organization of parents and concerned professionals dedicated to providing world-class Education, Advocacy, and Support for children with autism and their families. 
  19. Families of Adults Afflicted with Asperger's Syndrome - FAAAS, Inc., Centerville, MA -- Chapter information, calendar, mailing list and resources lists. 
  20. FEDERACIÓN ASPERGER ESPAÑA - Official website of the FEDERACIÓN ASPERGER ESPAÑA 
  21. Geneva Centre for Autism - Toronto, Canada -- Resources, support and training for Autism/PDD. Committed to collaborative partnerships with families and professionals to ensure services meet individual needs, the Centre mission is to empower individuals with autism and other related disorders, and their families, to fully participate in their communities. 
  22. GRASP Southeast Iowa Network (Iowa City/Coralville) - A support group for adults on the autistic spectrum. We meet monthly to support each other through discussion, information, and advocacy. We are a local network of the Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership (GRASP). 
  23. International Parents of Aspergers Syndrom Support Group - Online Message Board to Discuss Aspergers 
  24. K12academics.com - An Education and Disability Resource Center for Teachers, Schools, Parents & Students throughout the U.S. 
  25. Kiss My Asperger's - A Yahoo Group dedicating to bringing together adults with Asperger's Syndrome. 
  26. New Zealand Aspergers Chat Community - An online or email discussion group for New zealanders to chat about aspergers Syndrome and related issues. 
  27. Online Asperger Syndrome Information & Support (tm) – OASIS -- O.A.S.I.S. is a very extensive, award winning site containing news, message boards, resources, and links. 
  28. Richard Howlin, Ph.D. - Chelsea Center for Learning Disorders, Chelsea, Michigan -- Areas of Diagnostic Expertise include Asperger Syndrome, Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Disorders 
  29. Tantra, Intimacy and Asperger's Syndrome Project - Educational programs in sexuality, tantra and intimate relationships. 
  30. The Autism Treatment Center of America - The Son-Rise Program is a highly effective method for helping children with Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and related developmental challenges that has been achieving dramatic results for over 25 years. 
  31. The Friendship Club - This social group is for teens and young adults 13 year of age and older in Oakland County, Michigan. 
  32. University Students With Autism And Asperger's Syndrome - Cambridge, UK -- First person accounts, FAQ and Books, The University-Students-With-Autism-And-Asperger's-Syndrome Mailing List, Getting A Diagnosis, Associated Conditions, Study Skills For Students With HFA/AS, Surviving the University Environment, How To Be An Advocate In Your Spare Time. 
  33. WAAS - Western Australia Autism Support Group - We are a group of West Australian parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. 
  34. Wallingford, CT Aspergers Support Group - A support group that meets monthly in Wallingford, CT for adults with Asperger's Syndrome 
  35. West Hills Montessori School - Special Education - We have montessori, special education, summer camps and more. Check our website or call for details. 
  36. Westchester County, NY Asperger E-mail Support - This group is moderated by a Certified School Psychologist who has done an extensive amount of work with children who have been diagnosed with Asperger/Autistic/PDD. There is also a Licenced/Certified Speech Language Pathologist with the group. It is a wonderful place for parents, educators, and anyone who works with children with these Autism Spectrum Disorders or with children who have some symptoms but are not diagnosed.
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Asperger’s “Meltdowns” – First Hand Experience

Let me tell you about a “meltdown” that my son experienced. It’s the worst that I’ve ever seen, and it took us both days to recuperate. For some reason, he freaked out. He said it was because he didn’t have any red crayons, while all the while there were red crayons all around the house. Why red? It is his favorite color.

Anyway, to make a long story short, he laid on his bed for over an hour, crying and shouting that no one cared that he didn’t have any red crayons. I tried reasoning with him to no avail. I pointed out all of the red crayons in his room while he lay on his bed, tears streaming down his face, saying he had no red crayons. I was at my wits end and left him alone to see if he would be able to gain control of his emotions. I checked on him several times, but didn’t interfere. I know that the overwhelming emotions have to be played out for him to gain control.

I knew that his “meltdown” had nothing to do with red crayons. There was some underlying factor. It may have been something that happened at school that day, or it might have been something that happened a week or month previously. One never knows exactly what sparks an Asperger’s “meltdown”.

Finally, I voiced my opinion: “This is not about red crayons,” I told him. “What exactly is it about?” To my surprise he lifted his head off the bed and told me that he had been teased at school earlier in the day. I felt a thrill go through my body from head to toe. My son had actually identified what had caused the “meltdown.” This is something that Asperger’s kids have trouble doing -- and if they do know, they don’t know how to communicate their feelings.

I told him that it was excellent that he had told me what was causing his problem and offered to help him solve it in a positive way. He listened carefully as I told him what we would do to correct the actions of the child who had teased him. He accepted my solution and then fell asleep exhausted. There was no recurring “meltdowns” from this incident.


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 COMMENTS:

•    Anonymous said... I've had the same experience with my, now 14 year old daughter. She would get fixated on something and say that was what she was upset about. Eventually I would find it always had to do with her frustations with children at school. I had a wake up call this summer when she was misbehaving... I asked how she could be so good at school and fall apart at home. She said, do you know how hard it is for me to hold it together at school?" I said no honey, I don't.
•    Anonymous said... luckily we now know how to bring her out of one.ADELE, she hears her voice and she smiles and starts singing.
•    Anonymous said... My 11 yo son has these types of melt downs the reasons have changed as he has gotten older. This summer it seems to be he is sorry he is not a good big brother and they always happen at work, it's so hard to reason with the inconsolable.
•    Anonymous said... Thank you for sharing this. Somehow, it makes me feel understood. My 9 year old Aspie has similar meltdowns
•    Anonymous said... thank you, I have shared this.
•    Anonymous said... Thank you. Ive experienced this with my little one. Triggers recently have been all the changes that come with summer.

Please post your comment below..

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It’s HFA! How do you share the news?

"How do we tell others about our daughter's recent diagnosis of autism (high functioning)? Who needs to know - and who doesn't?"

Finding out that one’s child has been diagnosed with this disorder can be traumatic. Some parents naturally feel guilty, even though there isn’t anything yet known that could have prevented it. Through all of this comes the need for telling others about this issue and how it affects the child.

Click here for the full article... 

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Toilet Training Your Child With Autism

"Any tips for toilet training my little guy with high-functioning autism?"

Even for the "typical" child, toilet training is often a difficult skill to master. For the autistic child, there are additional factors that may inhibit toilet training. The things that would encourage the typical child may not be effective with the autistic child.

Social motivation is a critical factor in determining "readiness" for toilet training. An autistic child may not be motivated by the opportunity to wear "big boy pants," or "big girl pants. The autistic child may not understand what is expected of him. Following all the steps necessary for toilet training may be difficult for the autistic child. Changes in the child's routine may also be a challenge. An autistic child may not be aware of the need to use the toilet.

The first step in toilet training your autistic child will be to determine their level of readiness.

Assessment-

* Establish a positive and meaningful routine around toileting and collect data about your autistic child's readiness for schedule training or for independent toileting.

* Use a simple chart to collect the data needed about the child's readiness. On a routine basis, the child is taken to the bathroom for a "quick check" every 30 minutes and data is recorded on each occasion.

* Over a period of 1 or 2 weeks, patterns of data begin to emerge.
  1. Is the child dry for significant periods of time?
  2. Is there some regularity in his wetting/soiling?
  3. Does the child show any indication that he/she is aware of being wet/soiled?
  4. Does the child pause while wetting/soiling?

* If the answer to all of these questions is no, it may not be time to toilet train the child.

* During this trial period, assess other aspects of the process of toilet training.
  1. Is the child beginning to pick up on the routine involved?
  2. Does the child have dressing skills?
  3. Are there any fears associated with the process of toileting?
  4. What is the child's attention span?

It may be beneficial to develop a task analysis of the steps of toileting. This can provide a picture of all the skills needed, and also let us you see where specific trouble areas may be. The task analysis can be very general or very specific, including everything from entering the bathroom, to flushing the toilet and leaving the bathroom.

Physical Environment-

When beginning the toilet training of a child with autism, you want to help the child learn that this set of behaviors (elimination) is associated with a particular place (the toilet). Moving all changing, cleaning, and toileting-related dressing to this setting helps the child realize the purpose of this room.

A second goal for creating clear physical structure to assist in toilet training is to create an environment that is secure and not over-stimulating. The child will be calmer and more responsive with good physical support for his body. Think about adding foot support, side rails, or other physical supports. Think also about the plumbing noises and echoes of many bathrooms. Many children appreciate soft music playing or the addition sound-absorbent materials.

Using Visual Supports-

For the autistic child, it may be helpful to provide pictures to demonstrate the sequence of events that occur surrounding toilet training. At the most basic level, a transition object may be used to let the child know that the toilet routine is beginning. An object that is associated with toileting may be given to the child to serve as the transition object that takes the child to the correct location. Once the transition to the toilet area has been made, it is important to continue to visually support each step of the toileting routine. We need to let the child know each step he is to accomplish, when the sequence will be finished, and what will happen when the sequence is finished. Again, using an object sequence, a picture sequence, or a written list are all ways to communicate this information to the child.

Trouble Shooting-

Once you have begun the process, you may notice areas that are more challenging. Below are some common solutions.

If you child resists sitting on the toilet:
  • allow them to sit on the toilet without removing clothes
  • allow to sit with toilet covered (cardboard under the seat, gradually cutting larger hole, or towel under the seat, gradually removed)
  • use potty seat on the floor rather than up high
  • take turns sitting, or use doll for model
  • sit together
  • add physical support
  • help him understand how long to sit (sing potty song, length of 1 song on tape player, set timer 1 minute, etc.)
  • as he gradually begins to tolerate sitting, provide with entertainment

If your child is afraid of flushing:
  • don't flush until there is something to flush
  • start flush with child away from toilet
  • give advance warning of flush
  • allow him to flush

Only want to flush:
  • physically cover toilet handle to remove from sight
  • give something else to hold and keep them busy
  • use visual sequence to show when to flush (after replacing clothing, for example)
  • when time to flush, give child a sticker that matches to a sticker on toilet handle

Plays in the water:
  • give him a toy as distraction
  • use a padded lap desk while seated
  • cover the seat until ready to use
  • put a visual cue of where to stand

Plays with toilet paper:
  • remove it
  • roll out amount ahead of time
  • give visual cue for how much

Resists being cleaned:
  • try different materials (wet wipes, cloth, sponge)
  • consider temperature of above material
  • take turns with doll

Bad aim:
  • supply a "target" in the water, such as a Cheerio
  • larger target as toilet insert (contact papered or laminated cardboard with target drawn on it), gradually moved down
  • add food coloring in the water to draw attention


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Dealing with Self-Stimulation Behaviors

"What can be done about  an autistic child (high functioning) who does things repeatedly like rocking back and forth, spinning and flipping objects, making strange vocal noises over and over again? This constant non-stop behavior can be so annoying (and embarrassing) at times."
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