My ASD Child

“We are wanting to get our child (high functioning) into some form of therapy. What things should we look for so we can find the best fit for her specific needs?” The following are positive program specifications to be kept in mind when deciding on an appropriate program for children with High-Functioning Autism (HFA). These may not be applicable to every child; however, they are optimal conditions to keep in mind when dealing with program specifications. Ideally, the program will include the following: 1.  Opportunities for social interaction and facilitation of social relationships in fairly structured and supervised activities. 2.  Relatively small setting with ample opportunity for individual attention, individualized approach, and small work groups. 3.  The availability of a communication specialist with a specific interest in pragmatics and social skills training who can (a) be available for individual and small group work, and (b) make a commu...

The best treatment for Asperger's and high-functioning autistic children and teens is definitely “social skills training.” Social skills training is a form of behavior therapy used by therapists to help these "special needs" young people who have difficulties relating to other people. But, parents can teach social skills as well. It's especially easy to do so with the help of social skills DVDs and CDs. Here are our top 12 picks:

“I have an autistic student (level 1, high functioning) in my 5th grade class this year and was needing to know if there are any communication impairments associated with the condition that I should be aware of. Thanks in advance.” Although significant problems with speech are not typical of High-Functioning Autism (HFA), there are at least 4 features of these students’ communication skills that should be understood. 1. Though inflection and intonation are not be as rigid and monotonic as in classic autism, speech is often marked by poor prosody (i.e., patterns of stress and intonation). Young people with HFA often have an odd manner of speaking (e.g., words enunciated precisely and formally; the speed, volume and rhythm may be strange). Problem areas to look out for include talking loudly, odd rhythms of speech, stilted or formal speech, monotonous sound, little or no inflection, and difficulties in coordinating speaking and breathing. 2.  Speech is often vague...

"How does one tell the difference between meltdowns and temper tantrums in a child with ASD level 1? I certainly do not want to punish my son for something he cannot control."  ASD level 1 or High-Functioning Autism is a neurological condition. The brain is wired differently, making this disorder a lifelong condition. It affects communication, social interaction and sensory issues. ASD is often referred to as the "invisible syndrome" because of the internal struggles these kids have without outwardly demonstrating any real noticeable symptoms. Thus, difficultly assessing someone with the disorder is even more impacted. Kids with this disorder struggle with a problem and internalize their feelings until their emotions boil over, leading to a complete meltdown. These outbursts are not a typical temper tantrum. For children on the autism spectrum (and for their parents), these episodes are much worse. Many of these kids may appear under-receptive or over-r...

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"Is it common for children with high-functioning autism to have problems relating to their friends and classmates - and be somewhat of a ‘loner’?" Although the social criteria for High-Functioning Autism (HFA) and classic autism are somewhat similar, the former disorder involves fewer symptoms and has a different presentation than does the latter. Kids with HFA are often socially isolated, but are aware of the presence of others, even though their approaches may be inappropriate and odd (e.g., they may engage the listener in one-sided conversation using long-winded, pedantic speech about a favorite and narrow topic). Although some kids with HFA are often self-described "loners," they often express an interest in making friends. These wishes are often hindered by their strange approaches and insensitivity to the other person's feelings, intentions, and nonliteral and implied communications (e.g., need for privacy, signs of boredom, desire to leave,...

"My husband and I believe that Ryan, our 6-year-old son, may have the milder form of autism. Is it ever too early to get a child diagnosed? How does one go about seeking a diagnosis? And, what are our treatment options?" If you are noticing some of the early symptoms of High-Functioning Autism (or Asperger's), then it is not too early to seek a diagnosis regardless of the child’s age. Early symptoms usually include problems with social interaction. For example: a significant lack of empathy can become very upset if someone touches their things, moves furniture or toys around demonstrate an extreme aversion or tantrums during transitions  difficulties with social skills display a very narrow or an unusual range of interests, with elaborate or unusual play-based behaviors do not notice if a peer or playmate loses interest, or even wanders away  find interpreting social comments, facial expressions, tone of voice, or body language as difficult as trying to in...