My ASD Child

Aspergers is a developmental disorder on the Autism spectrum. It affects verbal and non-verbal communication (body language) social interaction, a dislike of change, an aversion to noise, inflexibility of thought and, quite often, an obsession with a certain interest. Kids with Aspergers (Aspies) usually have excellent memories, especially in the area of facts, figures, dates, times and statistics. Math and science are subjects of interest and kids usually excel in these areas. There is a large range of severity of symptoms with Aspergers. Kids who have very mild symptoms often go undiagnosed for years. It is not unusual for kids with medium severity to go undiagnosed until they start school, at which time the disorder is seen in behavior problems and lack of social skills. Although females do sometimes suffer from the disorder, it is far more prevalent in males. Aspergers Traits— Kids who have Aspergers have trouble interacting with their peers, but can carry on an i...

Question How much assistance should moms and dads offer when it comes to helping their Aspergers child with his/her homework? Answer School can be a complex situation for kids with Aspergers (high functioning autism). Homework can be a real struggle, especially after spending an entire day forced to sit in the classroom. Truthfully, moms and dads of kids without Aspergers also struggle with how to handle the homework problem. Should you push, hover, beg, and plead – or should you gently remind your youngster about his assignments and then let her face the consequences? The answer lies somewhere in the middle. There are several reasons why homework can be such an issue for Aspergers kids. Homework interferes with free time, which is better spent on that special interest. Homework is hard because of the distractions of home. The main problems that interfere with homework are: Anxiety caused by frustration. Teach your youngster relaxation techniques he can...

Thanksgiving is especially difficult for kids who have Aspergers (high functioning autism). They are easily over-stimulated, and their emotions overwhelm them. So it is up to the family members around them to make life a bit easier for these kids. Remember, they are not social people. Crowds and noise overwhelm them. They do not cope well with the hustle and bustle of family get-togethers. Some Aspergers kids may not want to join in when the family sits down to eat. They may be checking out the “goings-on” in the kitchen, trying to figure out how people cook, or they may sit in a corner participating in one of their obsessive hobbies. Let them be! If you pressure them to join in, they may become overwhelmed and go into a meltdown. Surviving Thanksgiving: Tips for Parents with Aspergers Children— Following these simple guidelines should lead to a much more positive experience for everyone, and will provide your Aspergers youngster with the love, support and confidence to...

Click ==> Living with an Aspergers Partner: Relationship Skills for Couples Affected by Aspergers

The special needs of the siblings without Aspergers (high functioning autism) can be classified into four categories. These children need: 1. help dealing with peer and community reactions 2. information 3. to have expectations clarified 4. to have their feelings validated Having a child with any type of developmental disability can be very stressful for the parents and the siblings of that child. Siblings without Aspergers may be drawn into care-taking roles (e.g., teachers, co-parents). Many children find these roles difficult to fulfill because it takes away much of their own childhood and sets aside their own needs. For most siblings without Aspergers, having an Aspergers brother or sister becomes a central experience in their lives. They may see their Aspergers sibling as having the spotlight (not an easy situation for any kid). Thus, it is very important for parents to be aware of how the Aspergers child – and the sibling without Aspergers – may need to be nur...

Welcome to MyAspergersChild.com !  We have joined with Online Parent Support, LLC to create a single resource for children, parents, teachers, mental health professionals, and others who deal with the challenges of Asperger's Syndrome, High-Functioning Autism, and other Autistic Spectrum Disorders. This site provides articles, conference information, educational resources, links to local/national/international support groups, lists of camps/schools, moderated support message boards, recommended reading, sources of professional help, and online parent-coaching. We strongly believe that everyone faced with challenges associated with Autistic Spectrum Disorders should have the right to - and deserve - support and understanding, inclusion, and appropriate education so they and their families can experience the greatest quality of life possible.

Folks with Aspergers often live in their own little world. Intimate relationships with someone identified as having Aspergers is difficult simply because they have a problem with communication and empathy (abilities healthy relationships rely on). Getting into a romantic relationship with an ‘Aspie’ will require you to change your expectation of "normal" behaviors. In exchange, however, you might find yourself part of a lasting and satisfying relationship. Here are some tips for those who may be in a romantic relationship with an ‘Aspie’: 1. Accept the fact your Aspergers partner views you as an NT or "Neurotypical" (i.e., someone without Aspergers). ‘Aspies’ created this term. They use it to specify men and women without any of the ASD diagnoses. Social-skill training for Aspergers individuals consists of learning how to communicate in the “Neurotypical” style. NTs should try to come to terms with this particular view of their behavior at the start of ...