The Basics of Asperger's Syndrome

John is an eight year old male who enters my office and is engrossed in Angry Birds on his Kindle Fire. His mom asks him for the device and he mumbles and it is obvious he is not ready to give it up. The mother proceeds to take it from him and he screams at the top of his lungs. He runs to one of my chairs and climbs in with his backside to me. He says he is not going to talk that he wants to play Angry Birds. I tell him in here, this is his special time and that he can say and do almost anything he likes.

You see, I am a child therapist and I work with children with many kinds of problems. As we proceed with the session, he climbs under the chair, kicking his shoes off in the process and climbs on to the bottom shelf of my book shelf and bangs his head. You may be wondering at this point, what is wrong with John. Is he just being oppositional? Actually, John has what is commonly termed Asperger's Syndrome. There are several symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome. They may include all or some of these characteristics:

· Problems reading social cues

· Dislikes changes in routines

· May appear to lack empathy

· May be unable to recognize subtle differences in speech tones

· May avoid eye contact with others

· May have unusual facial expressions

· May be preoccupied with one or more things

· May have one-sided conversations

· Delayed motor development

· Have high sensitivity to noise

This list is not all-inclusive. These are typical behaviors seen in children. John does not like a change in routine, so when he came into counseling, this was totally new and different. His way of coping was to try to make me go away with his behaviors. John sees me the same time each week now. He comes in and asks how long he has until he can leave. He pulls out a game and we play. When you ask him questions his answers reflect his stuffed animal or something else he finds comforting. You cannot have a long drawn out conversation with what he did with his friends. He has no friends according to him because he is so different. I read him a story of a cat that is different then all his friends and ask him if he feels like that. He cannot answer. He has no vocabulary for feelings and has difficulty relating to other things or other people.

Asperger's Syndrome is considered to be an autism spectrum disorder. There are questions as to whether it really exists and whether it is a form of high functioning autism. Asperger's Syndrome was named after a pediatrician Hans Asperger, MD who noted strange behaviors in some of his patients. Specifically they had poor non-verbal skills, demonstrated limited empathy towards others, and where physically clumsy. There is no exact cause of the syndrome and there is no single treatment. Typically, cognitive behavioral therapy interventions are used to teach appropriate social skills. Despite this, social and communication skill deficits may be present. There is no cure.

John likes to talk about Egypt. So we talk about Egypt. He tells me of this cartoon movie that takes place in Egypt and he takes everything it says about Egypt literally. I read him a book about what makes him worry. He says losing his stuffed animal. He has a specific name for it and losing his cats. I ask him if he gets worried can he count to five and take a deep breath and we practice belly breathing. Does it carry over to other things in his daily life, I don't know. I just know he had a bad day at school, refused to do his work because it involved writing and he can't write. He then proceeded to climb underneath the desk and tear up his work book.

My place of employment is near the fire department and when the alarm goes off, John jumps up and says what's that and wants me to make it stop. I tell him that they are testing the fire sirens. He quiets down, as they are now over. He will ask me how much time we have left and when I tell him it is time to clean up and he says "good" and runs out of my office, into the waiting room, and tells his mom it is time to go.

Every week we run through a roller coaster of emotions with Asperger's kids. We go slowly one step at a time and savor the awesomeness that the experience can bring.

Carolyn L. Nelson is a licensed clinical social worker who has been in the field over 20 years. She writes for her Blog at http://blog.therapistscornerblog.com

She also can be reached at her website at http://www.therapistscornerblog.com

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Asperger's Syndrome Behavior Tips: How Can I Effectively Discipline My Asperger's Child?

Asperger's syndrome behavior in a child can often be challenging. You've tried everything to discipline your Asperger's child. What do you do now?

1. Make positive reinforcement the rule of the land.

It is important to understand that kids with Asperger's syndrome will not always understand when they have done something wrong, and they will often not connect that incident to any punishment that occurs later.

This makes them more upset and makes their behavior worse. Imagine getting your favorite toys or favorite activities taken away without having any idea why. This is why positive reinforcement usually works much better.

When you see your child talking to their brother or sister calmly, or sharing their toys, say in a calm, even voice, "Kevin, you are doing such a good job sharing your toys." If you see him being calm in other situations, verbally reward him. Praise can be a powerful motivator, and this way you are reinforcing the behaviors that you want to see.

2. Use a point system of some kind to reward good behavior

Many parents have used a point or sticker system to motivate good behavior.

Write out a list of positive behaviors you'd like to see in your child. Include household chores, behavioral expectations, and things like school work and being nice to your siblings. When your child does these things, they get a pre-determined amount of points or stickers.

Your child may not be able to understand why he should do these things at this point in his life, but if you motivate him with something he wants, he will learn eventually and do it anyway in the meantime. Points can be redeemed for prizes that have meaning to your child.

3. Find the trigger

It is important to remember that most challenging behaviors for kids with Asperger's have a specific trigger to them. You should try to find the trigger and modify the situation that caused the behavior. A behavior diary that records what happened just before an outburst can be helpful.

4. Is any punishment appropriate?

The most important thing to do in the event of a tantrum or meltdown is to remove your child from the situation and give him a chance to calm down. Remove him to a room that is quiet and distraction free. Do not try to bargain or reason with your child when he is in this state; it will only make him more hysterical. Wait until he is calm to do it.

Some parents will use the removal of favored activities or possessions for punishment, but as a general rule this should be done as little as possible and only when absolutely necessary.

A much better solution is to take away points on your point system or to remind the child of how many points they could be getting if they (insert desired behavior here).

By using some of these tips, you should see a much happier and better behaved child. And once we understand how a child with Asperger's thinks, and understand what motivates them, we can devise successful methods and training to help them cope with an ever-changing world. Many treatments allow those with Asperger's to succeed and thrive. Hopefully the right approach can make life a little easier especially for those with Asperger's and the people who love them. There are many other tips and suggestions that can help your loved one live a fulfilling and happy life. A great site to find information to help both children and adults with Asperger's syndrome is the web site www.AspergersSociety.org. There you will be able to sign up for the FREE Asperger's Syndrome Newsletter as well as get additional information to help your loved one be happy and succeed in life.

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Teaching Communication Skills to a Child Diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome

Asperger's Syndrome is a milder variant of Autistic Disorder. In Asperger's Disorder, affected individuals are characterized by social isolation and eccentric behavior in childhood. Though grammatical, their speech is peculiar due to abnormalities of inflection and a repetitive pattern. They usually have a circumscribed area of interest which usually leaves no space for more age appropriate, common interests. Some examples are cars, trains, door knobs, hinges. The name "Asperger" comes from Hans Asperger, an Austrian physician who first described the syndrome in 1944.

If a child is showing symptoms of Asperger's Disorder because highly visual thinking is interfering with the ability to generate language fluently then we may have child who is suffering from a very trainable communication disorder rather than a psychiatric disease.

Children who are highly visual with communication problems can have as many as 50 symptoms that are very similar and predictable. I call these children Maverick Minds.

To begin working on improving language and communication, we start with teaching visual attention skills.

In my consulting practice I teach parents methods for improving attention, memory and communication skills to replace many of the off-target behaviors they have. Before we begin teaching attention we do an evaluation to determine if the child is naturally turning to visual attention and memory skills rather than the auditory-verbal counterparts.

When I build exercises to teach attention I use the natural strengths of each child so that each exercise is easy, fun, and successful because it is critical that emerging communication abilities feel natural and flow fluently. To see my examples of children learning to become symptom-free go to my ebrainlabs website and watch the videos in our video viewing studio. You will see parents y using a pace and methods that result in success. The goals of the exercises are to help your child improve daily and achieve at least 80% success consistently.

We evaluate the "just-right" difficulty level to begin the exercise so that we understand how your child learns best. There are only two rules for the pace of learning:

You and your child should be having lots of fun.

Your child should always be 80% correct or better.

In our seminars, we discuss how we build the visual attention system first because it is the stronger system and is often shutting down verbal development. For this reason we begin our training with very little talking, which is one step toward stopping the antagonism between the visual and verbal systems and initiate a supportive relationship. Thus, we want you to minimize your talking during the exercises. As a result, your child will be able to isolate the visual attention system and begin to load visual memory. The more you talk, the more you reduce visual memory capacity. So by talking during this training, you could reduce your child's capacity from 200 data bytes to 25.

As you work, you'll establish a tri-level sequencer. The sequencer is another important brain function that is the engine of the verbal thinking pathway and the most underused component of verbal biology. The sequencer is often very painful for autistic children so initially you teach it as a "treat," or what feels like a reward.

The parts of the sequencer are:

Continuous - After every correct answer, ping a penny into a cup. Feedback that occurs after every correct answer facilitates rapid learning.

Fixed-ratio - After every three pennies, give your child a treat such as a sticker, a raisin, or a chocolate chip. Fixed-ratio sequencers begin the process of self control.

Variable - At the end of your session, go on a treasure hunt with your child. Hide clues around the house that lead to a surprise under the pillow. Varying the elements of the treasure hunt helps your child transfer learning and generalize it to daily life.

As you work, you'll begin to vary your sequencers to increase the flexibility of this component of training. After you have used pennies, raisins and a treasure hunt, for example, you might change to printing out a picture of a desired toy and cutting it into pieces. Then, you can have your child earn pennies, stickers, and then a piece of the puzzle. Tape the piece on the wall. When the picture is complete, go to the store to buy the toy.

You can also vary the elements of each part of the sequencer, depending on your child's needs. For example, you could change the Continuous to macaroni, marbles, poker chips, or small post-it notes. You could change the Fixed Ratio to tickles, chocolate chips, pretzels, stickers, or nickels. Or you might change the Variable to coupons for privileges. The goal is to keep your child interested and challenged, and to have lots of fun.

Dr. Cheri Florance is a brain scientist with training and clinical experience in how to teach the brain to replace symptoms of communication and language disorders. In her books, Maverick Mind, (www.penquinputnam.com ) and A Boy Beyond Reach (www.simonschuster.com ), she describes how she taught her own autistic son, Whitney to replace disability with ability and become symptom-free. To learn more about her own personal journey and successful methods visit her complimentary Learning Library at http://www.ebrainlabs.com

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From Asperger's to Autism: Modern Maladies and Treatments

The public consciousness is a double-edged sword. Every malady gets its fifteen minutes of fame these day, just as Warhol used to say; but when the curtains are down, we have nothing more than a vague impression to hold onto, let alone genuine understanding or an informed and sympathetic perspective.

The vast majority of us have come across the autism spectrum and Asperger's syndrome by now. Implicit in many media reports is an ill-informed assumption that the two differ only in degree and not in kind, like a thin end of a wedge into the brain.

As far as we can tell, autism is a neurological disorder which restricts our innate ability to communicate. Normally, children develops these means in accordance to the instruction in their genetic make-up: even if their sensory organs are severely impaired, as in the case of Helen Keller, a deafblind lecturer, it is still possible for them to get their message across by proxy. For autistic children, however, the assembly directions are probably too garbled for their neurons to establish the proper networks in the first place.

Asperger's syndrome is controversially described as being on the benign end of the autistic spectrum, due to the relative preservation of both linguistic and cognitive functions. Their condition are chiefly characterized by an impaired sense of social interaction, along with repetitive and sometimes restricted behaviour and interests. Stereotypical traits such as physical clumsiness and atypical use of language are neither necessary nor sufficient for a diagnosis.

In general, parents with autistic children are braced for a daunting future compared with the case of Asperger's. But on one hand, there are sporadic reports of so-called "high-functioning autism", of which Dr Temple Grandin is afflicted with; on the other hand, some children are completely debilitated by Asperger's because severe social interaction disabilities are only ever addressed by behavioural therapy and never cured by it.

While there's no elixir to be sought in the annals of science - there may never be one - parents can seek solace in complementary medicine. We use the term because there are vast areas of possible treatments which researchers would have loved to explore if they had more resources. Behavioural, pharmaceutical and dietary changes are all possible candidates.

For instance, two America researchers, Patrick and Salik, recently performed a study on autistic spectrum disorders by prescribing a sizeable daily dosage of fish oils and borage oils to their patients for three months straight. (Borage, aka starflower, is an annual plant originating in Syria.) They didn't really know what to expect, but at the end of the trial, those on the fish oil group displayed demonstrable improvements in both language use and learning abilities.

Wide-ranging effects are seldom good news to statisticians, since their results are compromised by too many factors to reach any definitive conclusions. But if you are still in the dark about what your child is actually afflicted with, it's the best remedy you can get. So give it a shot now, and leave the research to the professionals.

If you're interested in reading more about the health benefits of omega 3s and fish oil supplements, feel free to visit my website where I discuss the truth about omega 3 fish oil and what I personally use to stay healthy and in shape.

You can view my website now by clicking this link: http://www.omega-3-supplement.com

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Is Asperger Syndrome Similar to Autism?

Asperger syndrome is a pervasive developmental disorder listed amongst those of the autism spectrum disorders. It is often closely compared with high functioning autism and some arguments dictate that it should be negated altogether and simply classified with high functioning autism. This syndrome is classified by a pattern of symptoms instead of just one symptom, such as impairment in social interaction, restricted patterns of behavior, activities and interests, there is no delay really in cognitive development however a significant delay in language is present. Those diagnosed with Asperger display an intense preoccupation or interest with particular subjects. They display a habit of excessive language defined as one-sided. They however also display a tendency towards restricted rhythms in their speech patterns. Sometimes those with Asperger can be physically clumsy and prone to accidents.

Life with this syndrome can be difficult but not impossible. In fact, there are those of a certain mind that consider any form of disorder from the autism spectrum to be a difference, not a disability. These of this persuasion advocate the necessity of treating such people as having mere differences, believing that both sides should simply take steps at accepting the other and working towards an easy cohabitation. Children born with this disorder or any other of this nature are not sick. They were born and began developing differences in their neural make up. Their brains began developing at a different rate as their bodies progressed steadily at the norm. These children are faced with altered factors in life, but this in no way makes them negatively different. Yes, children with Asperger and other such disorders will develop differently from other children. They will learn things differently, see things differently, and react to outside stimuli in a different manner. Still, these children, while living with a neuro-developmental disorder should not be considered a stigma.

It is important for any parent or caregiver of an Asperger child to know that these feelings of anxiety, fear, depression and anger towards the unfairness of it, are normal and that a diagnosis of Asperger is in no way a reflection on the parent(s) themselves. To help matters there are a variety of support groups and educational materials available to the public regarding this disorder and those like can look it up. Finding someone to talk to, a therapist, close friend, or the parent of another Asperger child is essential and can help with piece of mind. In fact, finding a support group made of parents for children with developmental disorders such as this can be beneficial to the parent and the child, as well as the siblings.

While there is no cure so to speak for Asperger syndrome, there are therapies that can be administered to alleviate the major difficulties a child will have functioning in normal life. Integrating them into a learning situation with others like then will help. And working at compromise throughout their daily schedules can be of great importance. It can be stressful for caregivers at times, but it is stressful for those with Asperger as well. Patience and a nurturing attitude will help all around.

For the latest videos and training information on child development as well as books and curricula on Autism please visit childdevelopmentmedia.com.

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Understanding Asperger Autism

By medical definition, Asperger Autism is a disorder of the Autism "spectrum" which is characterized by repetitive and restrictive behavior and interest patterns as well as significant difficulties with the ability to interact socially. According to Wikipedia, "it differs from other Autism spectrum disorders by [virtue of] its relative preservation of cognitive and linguistic development." The atypical use of language and physical clumsiness are oftentimes reported as characteristics although they are not required for diagnosis.

A child may display numerous symptoms of Asperger Autism, or they may only exhibit a few. Additionally, the severity of these symptoms may range from mild to extremely severe in nature. However, the key characteristic of this form of Autism is that the child will have a significant amount of difficulty when it comes to interacting with others in social situations. As a result of this unpredictable variance, no two children who are suffering with Asperger Autism are ever alike.

Childhood symptoms

Typically, a parent will first notice the following signs of Asperger Autism when the child first enters preschool and starts interacting with other children:

- changes in their routines appear to upset them

- lights, loud noises, or strong tastes and textures tend to over-stimulate them due to a heightened sensitivities

- preoccupation with only a single or a limited number of interests but they have considerable knowledge of the subject(s)

- the ability to pick up on certain social clues inborn social skills are lacking

- the inability to distinguish minor or subtle differences in others' accent, pitch, and tone of speech which can alter its meaning

- their motor development is oftentimes delayed

- their style of speech is well advanced for their age

- they display unusual body posture or facial expressions

- they lack the ability to be empathetic

- they sometimes avoid eye contact while at other times stare endlessly at others

- they will hold one-sided conversations, talk a lot about a favorite subject, or verbalize their most internal thoughts

Despite the above and the numerous similarities to Autism, Asperger syndrome is normally characterized intellectual development and normal language.

Adolescent and teen year's symptoms

The symptoms of Asperger Autism typically linger well into the child's teen years they may begin learning those social skills they are lacking in. However, the ability to communicate effectively remains difficult. Additionally, the difficulty encountered with reading the behavior patterns of others remains a significant issue as well. Teens suffering with the disorder want to make friends but they may feel intimidated or shy when approaching other teens because they feel "different" from other individuals.

Symptoms evident during adulthood

The adult with the disorder typically has a much better realization and understanding of their personal flaws including their strengths and weaknesses. They are more capable of learning social skills and reading the social cues of those around them. In fact, many individuals with Asperger Autism get married and eventually have children. Despite the fact that improvements are occasionally seen and the disorder tends to stabilize over time, Asperger Autism is a condition that lasts a lifetime.

For the latest videos and training information on child development as well as books and curricula on ADHD children please visit childdevelopmentmedia.com.

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Faces of Asperger Syndrome

Asperger Syndrome (AS) has recently made a very visible jump in the American public's consciousness. Recently two TV reality shows have had contestants with this high functioning form of autism. Check out the stories of Heather Kuzmich a model that was catapulted to the top ranks of American popularity on America's Next Top Model and of Zev Glassenberg a contestant on the Amazing Race. Neither Kuzmich or Glassenberg was a winner on their respective show, however the country as a whole was given a glimpse of the challenges these patients face.

Asperger Syndrome is a developmental disorder that falls within the autistic spectrum affecting social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and a reluctance to accept change. If a patient has a mild case it may go undiagnosed and the patient will be labeled as odd or eccentric. Some sources indicate that many famous successful people such as Albert Einstein, Leonardo DaVinci, Henry Ford and Bill Gates exhibit symptoms of AS.

The disorder is named after Hans Asperger a Viennese pediatrician. In 1940 he described a behavior pattern that was demonstrated in some of his patients. He noted that these patients had normal intelligence and language development but impaired social skills. He noted that this was more prevalent in boys than girls.

Symptoms of Asperger Syndrome include high intelligence, high level of vocabulary, repetitive routines or rituals, socially and emotionally inappropriate behavior, problems with non-verbal communication and clumsy and uncoordinated motor movements. The onset of AS is later than what is typical for classic autism. Most kids are diagnosed between the ages of 5 and 9.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that somewhere between 1 in 100 to 1 in 300 children in the United States have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD's occur in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups, but are four times more likely in boys than girls. The causes of ASD's are unknown. According to the CDC most scientists agree that genetic material is a risk factor for any ASD. Children who have a sibling or parent with an ASD are at a higher risk of also having an ASD.

Diagnosing AS can be difficult since there is no medical test such as a blood test to diagnose the disorders. Physicians must look at the child's behavior, development and parent responses to make a diagnosis. There is no cure for AS but early intervention treatment services can improve a child's development and socialization.

Persons with Asperger's rely heavily on rigid internal rules and struggle with the unwritten social cues and social interaction. Reality TV stars Kuzmich and Glassenberg both survived in very high stress, competitive, and social environments. They both had some missteps but overall there presence on the national scene allowed the rest of us to have a glimpse of their private world.

Alicia Verity brings 20 years of experience in the healthcare field, along with a Master's Degree in Public Health, both of which uniquely positions her to help guide Healthagen's content and user experience. Diagnose medical symptoms and find appropriate medical care with Healthagen's free healthcare app called iTriage.

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Signs That Your Child Might Have Asperger Syndrome

We love our kids no matter how annoying and irritating they can be. But we all know that at the end of the day, they still bring us immeasurable joy. But what if your child is somewhat different? What your child displays behavior that is out of the ordinary?

As a parent, it is heartbreaking to know that your child might be special. You are worried for him because he might not survive the real world when he grows up. That is why as early as possible a parent should have the child diagnosed so as to be given a proper treatment early. The parents should be observant on the way their child behaves and if there is something that seems unusual or odd about the child's behavior, they should consult with their pediatrician. This is not to say that the parents should be paranoid about anything that the child does. Being observant is different from being paranoid.

One of the disorders that parents should concern themselves about is the Asperger syndrome. Asperger syndrome belongs to a group of conditions called autism spectrum disorders. Autism is also included in this spectrum for this group refers to developmental disabilities and other disorders that display similar characteristics.

Symptoms in spectrum disorders, such as Asperger and autism, can appear in different combinations. The degree of severity in every diagnosed patient is different. Let us say that two kids are diagnosed with the same disorder but their skills and abilities will differ. Because of this, they physicians have developed general terms to describe children who have similar behaviors within the spectrum. Some of these terms are "low-functioning," "high-functioning," "autistic tendencies," and "pervasive developmental disorder". Children who have been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome have a lot of symptoms in common with "high-functioning autism".

However, it is difficult to differentiate Asperger from other behavioral problems and it is not uncommon for them to be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD at first before finally diagnosing it as Asperger syndrome. Therefore, it is best to let a health professional evaluate the symptoms.

These symptoms are:

Minimal social interactions - They have difficulty in fostering or developing friendships but they do not shy away from people unlike those children diagnosed with autism.

Most conversations are about self than others - When a child with Asperger approaches someone, tendency is that child will talk more usually about a certain topic and will voice out his or her personal opinions disregarding the other person.

Repetitive speech - Children with Asperger tend to have scripted or robotic speech.

Does not have "common sense"

Have difficulties with math, writing skills or reading

Has obsession with complex topics - Children with Asperger are usually interested in anything that has patterns. They sometimes make a pattern of their own, too. Some are inclined to music

Cognitive abilities - nonverbal cognitive abilities are average to below average but verbal cognitive abilities are mostly average to above average

Behaviors - Children with Asperger will display some odd behaviors or mannerisms. These will be labeled weird by some people

When these signs are present, bring your child to your doctor so he can be diagnosed properly and can be provided with the proper care and guidance.

Ralph J. Greene enjoys writing for Uniformhaven.com which sells landau scrubs and landau 8555 as well as a host of additional products.

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How to Manage Autism Symptoms in Children - A Parent's Guide

Children, in one way or another, have to some extent deficiencies in their social skills and may even exhibit odd behaviors different from their playmates. While these tendencies are quite normal circumstances for some children, repetitive actions may be more likely linked to a developmental disorder. This is what medical science calls autism. Children with autism suffer from lagging development in their behavior, social skills, and communication. Almost all symptoms of autism revolve around communication difficulties. Autistic children may display developmental delays most especially in language and learning. They oftentimes show out-of-order learning sequences like being able to understand complex ideas first before understanding the simple ones. An autistic child may also have poor, social interaction. The child may become withdrawn from people, even from his own parents and siblings. The child may act as if he is in his own world, like preferring to play all by himself. His verbal and nonverbal communication is also affected. One hallmark symptom of a child with autism is doing repetitive movements like spinning, hand flapping, and rocking. He may even exhibit aggressive behavior once frustrated. Understanding these symptoms can help the parents and caregivers to find ways on how to intervene and handle a child with autism.

An autistic child lacks social interaction skills; thus, frequently establishing a conversation may help. At the start, initiating a conversation with an autistic child may seem not easy. An autistic child will either give short replies or no response at all. Make frequent conversations with the child even though the child won't answer back. Show the child that you are patient enough to wait for him. Patience is highly needed when working with children with autism. Set a physical distance if the child seemed agitated by your presence. Give him some space before slowly approaching. When talking to the child, do not tower over him. Sit down and talk because sometimes the adult's height may intimidate an autistic child. Children with autism may develop a lack of trust with other people. Minimize the chances of the child isolating himself. Take him somewhere where he can play with others like the park or playground. Sometimes ungranted wishes may lead to temper tantrums and even aggression. Be consistent with the child. Provide positive reinforcement or rewards like toys when the child shows desired behaviors. Medications like Risperidone are also helpful in managing irritability and aggressiveness. In instances when the child displays bizarre and repetitive actions like head banging, provide safety like letting him wear a helmet to protect himself from undue injury.

Consequently, an autistic child may display odd behaviors and temper tantrums most of the time. It is important that the parents have a lot of knowledge about their child's condition including its symptoms and severity. It is also advisable that the parents seek medical advice regarding their child's health status and be actively involved in giving care to the child. Show him the unconditional love a child deserves to have from his parents. Reward him with hugs and kisses to show he is loved and secure. Foremost, treat the child with autism as a whole being. Do not let the child's condition hinder you from realizing he is a young child with a unique personality.

For more information on Different Types of Diseases, Symptoms and Diagnoses, Please visit: Autism Diagnosis and Symptoms of Autism.

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Does Your Child Have Asperger Autism?

Has your child been diagnosed with Asperger Autism? There are many children who have this disorder and although it may be rough in the beginning it is possible to live with it from now on. Asperger autism is a developmental disorder that can make it hard for your child to interact with people including yourself. When a child is socializing, they may feel out of place and awkward, sort of like you do when you are put on the spot. This is just one of the symptoms of Asperger autism. Other symptoms include a routine that your child does not want changed and socialization skills.

Asperger autism is a disorder that lasts a lifetime. When a child with Asperger becomes an adult they may have more of an understanding about what they are feeling and what they need to do in order to function in the society. They may not be able to handle crowds of people to socialize but they may be able to socialize in a small group. They will also have a better time at communication. A child with Asperger can still talk after the age of two.

Symptoms of Asperger Autism include not relating to others, no interest in others, cannot make eye contact when speaking, loves to have a routine with no changing it, speaks with no high or low pitch in their voice, may be clumsy, display poor body gestures, and may have trouble riding their bike or balancing a certain way.

You will first notice a change in your child's behavior at an early age. You need to make an appointment to talk with your child's doctor first. He may order some tests that will help them understand the symptoms further and help come to a diagnosis of autism.

If your child is diagnosed with this particular autism, you will need to take a few classes as a family to help your child function as normally as possible and to help your family understand what Asperger is. Classes are forming all the time and your doctor's office can also help you locate them.

The autism doesn't have to control your family - you can control it. You need to figure out a routine that your child will be happy with and one that is interchangeable but he or she is still comfortable with. Don't allow them to control the family. Always provide a secure feeling in your home. Let them know that they are loved and they will feel accepted. Love is a large part of security and an integral part of the family life.

Asperger autism is similar to other forms of autism called the spectrum of autism. It includes Retts Syndrome. Each disorder or syndrome has their own sets of symptoms however one thing is the same, there is no cure. You have to learn to live with the syndromes and learn to function as best as you can. You are not alone as you deal with your child's Asperger's autism.

For the latest videos and training information on child development as well as books and curricula please visit www.childdevelopmentmedia.com

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Diagnosing Asperger's

If you feel that your child might suffer from Asperger's syndrome, there are many different ways to diagnose it. Most doctors will recommend a full battery of tests that check many different aspects of the child's development. There is no one definitive test that can tell a parent if their child suffers from Asperger's, so an entire group of tests are usually performed for diagnosing Asperger's.

The first step for most kids in getting a proper Asperger's diagnosis is undergoing screening at the doctor's that measures things like cognitive development.

As any mother can tell you, these screenings are completely normal and every child goes through them. It is usually at these screenings that a doctor can tell if there is a problem or not and whether a referral should be made to a specialist.

The second step is actually when your child would be assessed in order to make a diagnosis. This can be carried out by more than one health professional, so it may involve a number of appointments who would want to see your child and also speak in detail to you about their behavior.

The team of doctors that the child will interact with is wide-ranging. It usually includes a speech therapist to determine if the child's language skills are developing correctly, a psychiatrist to help analyze the mental development of the child, a neurologist to look for any problems in the child's nervous system and any other doctors that the child's pediatrician feels is necessary to properly diagnose the child.

The team of doctors and analysts will submit a neurological assessment of the patient, as well as a genetic assessment to see if things like autism of Asperger's runs in the family. The child will also undergo I.Q. tests, tests to judge his psychomotor development, and a complete evaluation of communication skills as well as the ability to maintain eye contact and to understand verbal cues that a healthy child at the same age would react to.

Once all the testing is complete, the test results will be combined with any symptoms that the child is showing and also take the child's developmental history into consideration before making a determination. At this point, a decision is usually made one way or the other.

Asperger's disorder can change the way you and your child live your life, and while it is not nearly as debilitating as a diagnosis of autism, it will impact almost all aspects of your child's life, depending on the severity. He or she can still go on to live a full, enriching and rewarding life, but things socially may be very awkward as years go on.

For more information about symptoms and the various treatments for Asperger's Syndrome sign up for the free newsletter below.

While there is no conclusive proof, it is thought that people such as Albert Einstein and even Sir Isaac Newton might have had Asperger's syndrome. So, diagnosing Asperger's is far from a social death sentence for any child, it just means living your life in a different way than you might have originally imagined.

Sign up for Rachel Evans free Asperger's syndrome newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you discover more about Diagnosing Asperger’s. In the newsletter you'll receive regular information like this article on overcoming Asperger's Syndrome along with additional natural treatments to help alleviate symptoms.

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Asperger's Syndrome - Defining Asperger's Syndrome Versus Autism and Pervasive Development Disorders

Your child may have just been diagnosed or he is showing symptoms of an autism spectrum disorders and you now wonder, What is Asperger's Syndrome? With a recent - or anticipated - diagnosis you are wondering where to turn. Perhaps you are trying to figure out what this will mean for your child and your family's future. Here you can find an overview on what Asperger's Syndrome is and what to expect in the future.

First of all, Asperger's is an autism spectrum disorder. Autism is a developmental disorder than affects the way a child...or adult...interacts with, perceives and interprets the world. A spectrum means that there are many different forms of autism, ranging from very severe to very mild. Those on the more high functioning side usually get a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome.

Many children as well as adults may be misdiagnosed...this is unfortunately all too common. Many are initially diagnosed with ADHD or OCD or some other condition before a proper diagnosis is reached. This is unfortunate because it delays the start of effective training and treatments that can help someone with Asperger's syndrome.

So what does this mean?

Social Aspects of Asperger's Syndrome

Asperger's Syndrome is primarily a syndrome that has to do with deficits in social functioning. Someone with Asperger's will have often have trouble both understanding language and using language in a proper way. They often have a pedantic style of talking, and are often referred to as "walking dictionaries." People with Asperger's are often very smart, and can talk about facts very easily, but have a lot of trouble with small talk or really any social connections at all, at least when they're younger.

People with Asperger's syndrome don't tend to understand sarcasm or jokes, and take everything you say very literally...even when they are adults. They have very concrete thinking, and are very rule oriented. Those with Asperger's often depend on routines to get through the day, and can be very upset if their routines are interrupted; children may have meltdowns while adults may get angry or autocratic. They are prone to emotional upset if something does not go right.

Due to their deficits in social skills, children and adults with Asperger's syndrome often have trouble making friends. When they are kids, they will not understand the concept of playing with others. They will often do something called "parallel play" where they might play next to, but not with, another kid. They have to be taught to share toys and be flexible enough to play with another child. Adults can become very isolated after years of not being able to establish long-lasting friendships.

Obsessive Interests

The interests of children and adults often deviate from their peers, especially when they are older. Those with Asperger's are often obsessive about specific subjects, such as geology, a particular sports team, or trains, and their peers find this uninteresting. This constant focus on one topic and lack of interest in topics that others bring up tends to isolate them further.

Obsessive interests are a main fabric of the cloth of Aspergers syndrome. Most kids with Asperger's have something that they are very interested in and talk about it endlessly. One child might be obsessive about cars. Another "Thomas the Train". A third with volcanoes. And so forth.

Because they are unable to truly show interest in a wide range of subjects that are of interest to their peers, they become social outcasts. This all contributes to the social isolation that is so common in kids with Asperger's especially when kids start school. While their friends are talking about baseball or video games, the Aspergers child may exclusively talk about volcanoes. It doesn't take long before his or her peers in school loose interest in both the subject of volcanoes AND in the child.

In an adult, the inability to show interests in general office politics or to chit-chat about sports or the latest TV shows can isolate a person from his or her colleagues. This lack of social integration may make the person with Asperger's seem like an "odd duck" or just "not fitting in" which can lead to lay offs and lack of promotions.

Sensory Issues Are A Common Symptom Of Asperger's Syndrome

People with Asperger's syndrome often have a lot of difficulty with sensory processing. The typical person can usually tune out extraneous noise, smells and visual stimuli, among others. They do it without even thinking about it, because that's the way their brain is set up.

People with Asperger's syndrome, however, lack a "barrier" between their brain and the sensory onslaught of the world. They are far, far more sensitive to loud noises - or even soft ones no one else notices; to smells of all kinds...from what comes from your kitchen to the perfume of a passerby on the sidewalk. They often have trouble with the feeling and texture of clothing; with how tight or loose it is, and with the tags on the back. Visual stimuli can also be quite distracting. These sensory concerns need to be minimized for a child with Asperger's to function in his or her environment, and their concerns need to be taken seriously. Many adults have difficulty holding a job because of the noise, distractions and overall sensory overload of a "cubicle farm" in which they must work. A co-worker tapping a pencil or bright fluorescent lights can overwhelm an adult with Asperger's.

Fixation On Routine Is A Common Symptom Of Asperger's Syndrome

Aspies (as those with Asperger's syndrome are affectionately called) often fixated on a routine. Following a set routine is extremely common. And any change in routine may cause a meltdown. Yet stubbornly sticking to routine helps those with Asperger's feel safe and grounded. Yet family, friends, and co-workers can feel that this fixation with routine is extreme. With kids, even small change in routine, like sitting in a different chair around the dinner table, can cause a meltdown.

A lot of children with Aspergers need to know exactly what will happen in order not to feel completely overwhelmed. A good tip is to ensure that you tell your child, in advance, if there will be any change in his or her routine (such as an upcoming vacation). A good strategy is to write down what you will do, where you will go, who will be there etc. Paint a picture in your loved one's mind so that he or she can turn the future vacation into a routine before it occurs. The more your child understand what will happen and when, the more accepting he will be of the changes and the easier he will be able to handle the new experience.

Most adults learn to handle changes in routine...if for no other reason than the world around them is never predictable and they must learn in order to survive. Nevertheless, most adults with Asperger's still feel much more comfortable following a routine. This lack of spontaneity can cause challenges in relationships...how many girlfriends want their boyfriend to always take them to the same restaurant? And once there to order the same diner time after time.

Good Things About Asperger's Syndrome

While not a comprehensive list, these are the main and most common features of Asperger's syndrome. Not to fear, though, not everything about having Asperger's is negative. People with Asperger's are often more likely to be unfailingly honest, loyal, and hard working. They are often very intelligent and can make great contributions...especially in fields that they are passionate about...when they are older. They have a unique way of looking at the world that can benefit all those around them.

Bill Gates, Albert Einstein, and some of the great thinkers of the world are suspected to have or have had Asperger's. While many aspects of Asperger's Syndrome will always remain a challenge, and while there is no question your child will have a more difficult path through the world than many others, always remember there is often benefit to thinking a little bit differently. When you think about a diagnosis of Asperger's and its associated symptoms and wonder "What is Asperger's" remember you have a choice about the way you look at it.

Once we understand how a child or adult with Asperger's thinks, and understand that sensory issues as well as the need for routine motivate their actions, we can devise treatments and training to help them cope with an ever-changing world. Many treatments allow those with Asperger's to succeed and thrive. Hopefully treatments can make life a little easier especially for those with Asperger's and the people who love them. There are many other tips and suggestions that can help your loved one live a fulfilling and happy life. A great site to find information to help both children and adults with Asperger's syndrome is the web site www.AspergersSociety.org. There you will be able to sign up for the FREE Asperger's Syndrome Newsletter as well as get additional information to help your loved one be happy and succeed in life.

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Asperger Syndrome & High Functioning Autism - The Hidden Disabilities

As a therapist, I often refer to High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome as "Hidden Disabilities". Many myths exist about people who have High Functioning Autism or Asperger Syndrome. People will often refer to them as "Rain Man", or make comments to them such as, "Wow, that is so cool, can he or she count cards." This can leave parents in a place of frustration...frustration over the hidden challenges associated with High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome.

Little do people know who are not around children with High Functioning Autism or Asperger Syndrome that there is a hidden disability associated with these two labels. Many challenges exist with High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome, challenges that are "hidden" to most people on the street.

Children who have High Functioning Autism or Asperger Syndrome look like typical kids. Looking back, we can probably all identify with somebody from our school years that possibly has High Functioning Autism or Asperger Syndrome. They were probably in our regular classrooms because they typically have average or above average IQ, however, they were the children who had always appeared somewhat "quirky".

Kids with High Functioning Autism or Asperger Syndrome have many areas of strengths such as ability to remember things, ability to pay attention to details, and ability to follow rules. Even though they have many positive strengths, they also deal with issues that are not always apparent to others they are around. They struggle with social skills, they get bullied, and they have a difficult time clearly communicating their desires. So, they will often get tagged in school as "quirky" or "defiant".

Another struggle that parents face is that diagnosing High Functioning Autism or Asperger Syndrome is challenging. The symptoms are very subtle and can sometimes only be seen by people who are around them a lot or by a good clinician who has had a lot of experience with High Functioning Autism or Asperger Syndrome. These two labels are typically diagnosed later in life (over age 5), so parents struggle before then in identifying with the challenges their children are facing.

Also, parents have difficulty explaining these two diagnoses to others. If you have not been around children with High Functioning Autism or Asperger Syndrome, it is difficult to pick up on the subtle differences. However, these subtle differences can present mountains of challenges for some families.

Lastly, families who have children with High Functioning Autism or Asperger Syndrome do not get the support they need, financially or emotionally. Many state programs do not cover services for these children because they do not have "mental retardation". Many people do not know how to emotionally support families with these children because it is such a "hidden disability".

In summary, High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome are "hidden disabilities". Families need more support and understanding from state programs, school programs, and community programs.

For more information on High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome, you should download our Free Special Report on High Functioning Autism and Aspergers. This highly popular, jam-packed resource guide is available for download right now at http://www.highfunctioningautism.org/signup/

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Coping With Overwhelm As a Parent of a Child With Autism

Your son with Asperger's is refusing to go to school.

Your sensory sensitive daughter is constantly testing your patience when it comes to mealtime.

Your six year old with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is throwing tantrums like clockwork.

Your four-year-old child with PDD is not responding positively to potty training.

Is there anything about these scenarios that you can relate to?

There are bound to be certain times for any parent when everything feels overwhelming and being the parent of a child on the Autism spectrum brings yet another set of challenges with it. On occasions such as these you may wonder how you are going to carry on and make it to the next day.

If you are facing a situation that makes you feel as if you are moving through quicksand, I have three words for you - it will pass. There are times during these challenging years that may seem never ending but in retrospect, you may someday find yourself asking, "Where did all the time go?" In the big scheme of things, the very active parenting years do fly by so how can one manage to take advantage of every precious minute despite the stressful and overwhelming feelings they may generate?

Here are some ideas to help ease your stress level, build your confidence and experience your parenting years to the fullest:

Stop, breathe and reflect: When you feel as if things are falling down around you and you find it difficult to enjoy your parenting try to put a halt on all of your thoughts and bring yourself fully to the present moment, even if just for ten seconds. Stand still, take a deep breath and allow yourself to focus on your feelings and the feelings of your child then ask yourself what is really important. By bringing your full attention to the situation and tuning into your inner voice you will open yourself up to new insights that have the potential to transfer a difficult situation into a more positive one.

Keep your expectations in check: Be mindful of the expectations you have for your child with Autism and consider if they are in her best interest. Ask yourself if they are developmentally appropriate and within her physical, cognitive, social, and emotional ability to cope. Unrealistic expectations do not work in anyone's favor - they only add to everyone's stress level and are counter-productive to creating positive interactions.

Be proactive and write your own movie: Don't allow the stress of certain situations to sweep you away into a scene that doesn't follow the script you have for your family. If you find it difficult to be fully present in every moment, spend time thinking ahead of how you would like your day to evolve. Then ask yourself what sort of intention you need to set in order to produce the movie you desire. In the process, identify and prepare yourself for possible obstacles, then contemplate how you might direct the scene around them in order to achieve the results you want.

Maintain a diary: Keeping a diary of sorts will help you replay the memories that might escape you in the future when you do look back and question, "Where DID all that time go?" The act of writing things down also helps you gain a perspective that might not have occurred to you in the moment. Your entries do not have to be lengthy and can be simple notations that jog your memory for details when reviewed. Consider using your appointment book or calendar to enter positive tidbits about daily happenings. Then use it to review and compile a list of memories, achievements and occurrences to share with each child on their birthday - a wonderful activity that creates memorable keepsakes.

Never let up on your self-care: Your children function best when you are at the top of your game. When mom and dad are physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually nourished everyone benefits! Getting adequate rest, maintaining social ties, addressing emotions and feeding your spirit are great protective factors. Maintaining your self-care will boost your ability to manage those overwhelming and chaotic periods. Parents are more likely to be happy and enjoy their parenting when they attend to their own well-being.

As a parent of any child, it is unrealistic to expect a lingering state of peace, regardless of your child's abilities. Always remind yourself to focus on the positive and appreciate the little things. Notice and savor the small moments of household harmony - as fleeting as they might be, they add up to something substantial in the end. If you do this on a daily basis it is bound to lift your spirits and get you through the tough times until they pass.

Connie Hammer, MSW, parent educator, consultant and coach, guides parents of young children recently diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder to uncover abilities and change possibilities. Visit her website http://www.parentcoachingforautism.com to get your FREE resources - a parenting ecourse, Parenting a Child with Autism - 3 Secrets to Thrive and a weekly parenting tip newsletter, The Spectrum.

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Autistic Disorder - One Term, Many Meanings

Though autistic disorder is often thought of as a single condition, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in fact refers to five different kinds of autism. When most people think about autism, they're only thinking about one type - the kind they saw in the movie Rainman - and don't realize that this is only a fifth of the disorders to which autism truly refers.

The first type of autism is called Classic Autism. It's also known as Kanner's autism, or Kanner's disorder after a doctor who researched the condition in the 1930s through the 1940s. Classic autism is one of the lower functioning forms in the spectrum, and is identified by its high level of social and communication issues. Children with the classic autistic disorder rarely interact with the majority of people. They often suffer from poor motor skills and frequently repeat actions and motions. They are also generally reluctant to make eye contact and may display temper tantrums when they experience a change in their usual routine or environment. Though some individuals with classic autism are completely verbal, many struggle to communicate through speech, and others cannot speak at all.

The second form of autism is referred to as Rett's Syndrome. This type off autistic disorder is another low-functioning one. Rett's is exclusive to females and often occurs in conjunction with mental retardation. Rett's girls are typically impaired in their movements and will rarely communicate verbally. Studies have concluded that Rett's is passed on genetically, though no hypothesis has yet to be proven regarding the reason that it occurs only in girls when all other types of autism occur in boys 75 percent of the time.

The third kind of autistic disorder is Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Children with this form of autism often develop normally, or are diagnosed with Classic Autism or Rett's Syndrome. However, the diagnosis changes with the speech and motor skill problems that accelerate. Regression occurs between the ages of two and four for an unknown reason, though it is suspected that it may be brought about by illness or types of surgery. This hypothesis has yet to be proven.

The fourth form of autistic disorder is Asperger's Syndrome. It is easy to misdiagnose children with this disorder as they generally have better social and communication skills than other autistic children, but they still face limitations. It typically isn't until these children begin school that these limitations start to become obvious. Children with Asperger's often do very well with behavioral treatments and are able to exist quite well within a normal lifestyle when they begin these therapies as early as possible.

The last form of autistic disorder is also the most vague. It is called PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified) and is the diagnosis given to children who are believed to have autism but whose condition does not fit the typical definition of the other four types of autistic disorder. These children may have some symptoms that match some of the autism forms, but do not have a specific kind of autism that can be diagnosed.

Part of the understanding of autism comes along with the knowledge of where the disorder may have come from and what can worsen the symptoms. There are many different theories, including the impact that allergies can have on an autistic child.

For some autistic people and relatives of those on the spectrum the autism disorder classifications are two broad and there is a belief that effective treatments are unlikely to be discovered until the spectrum is broken down further. A common phrase within the autism arena goes like this...'when you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism'. This phrase highlights the diversity of symptoms and abilities of people grouped together under the spectrum umbrella and confirms the complexity of this disorder.

Grab your free copy of Rachel Evans' brand new Autism Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you discover effective methods for maximizing the potenital of a loved one with autistic disorder. And for information on the different types of autism please visit The Essential Guide To Autism blog.

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Autism Spectrum Disorders - What Does the Term "Autism Spectrum Disorder" (ASD) Mean?

Medical professionals often use the term Autism Spectrum Disorders (or ASD for short) to explain the large variety of symptoms, signs and characteristics associated with a diagnosis of Autism.

As we all know, more and more children are getting diagnosed with Autism everyday. According to the Center for Disease Control, Autism now occurs in one out of every 150 individuals. Some researchers account for the increase in Autism due to us better understanding the entire Autism spectrum.

The Autism spectrum, however, is sometimes difficult for parents to understand. Some parents say things like: "My child has Autism, but he does not do that!" or they will ask "My child will interact with other kids, does he still have Autism?" The answer is simply that Autism is a spectrum, but what exactly does this mean?

A spectrum means that there are children with Autism symptoms on one side, the other side, and everywhere in between. For example, let's take a look at communication and the Autism spectrum. You might have one child on one end of the spectrum that is non-verbal and will only use gestures to tell his or her needs. Then, you might have a child on the other end of the spectrum that can tell you every small detail and then some about his favorite dinosaurs. Both of these children have Autism, but they are on opposite ends of the Autism spectrum for their communication skills.

All of the fundamental deficits of Autism are a spectrum: communication, social skills, and behavior. Each child with Autism has skills that vary on each of the spectrums. Also, all of the types of autistic disorders make up this "Autism spectrum". The different types of autistic disorders include: Autism, Asperger Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).

For more information on Autism Spectrum Disorders including signs, symptoms and treatment options, you should download our Free Special Report on Autism. This popular, jam-packed resource guide is available for download right now at http://www.AutismSymptomsChecklist.org

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Understanding The Differences Between Aspergers and Autism

Autistic Disorder or Autism is a developmental disability that has a crucial impact on the normal development of the brain. It affects the cognitive portions that are significant for social integration and everyday living skills. People who suffer with Autism have deficits in the areas of social interactions and communication skills.

Children and adults alike who are diagnosed with Autism typically have difficulty with normal verbal or non-verbal communication such as eye-to-eye contact, facial expressions, body postures and general gestures associated with simple interactions.

Basically, normal peer relationships are diminished due to the lack of social skills. People with Autism tend to migrate toward exclusive activities. Unfortunately, this disease also affects self-help daily living skills. It affects toileting, feeding, dressing and/or brushing teeth, etc. Moreover, one person with Autism may experience very different symptoms and behaviors than the next.

Due to this broad range of symptoms, Autism has been called the "Spectrum" Disorder. Specifically, a person that is suffering with mild autistic symptoms is at one end of the spectrum. A person with severe autistic symptoms is at the other end of the spectrum. Autism is now often referred to as the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). One of the conditions of ASD is the Asperger's Syndrome.

Asperger's Syndrome is a form of the Autistic Disorder where people have relatively fewer developmental delays. Asperger's Syndrome is actually said to be hereditary by researchers as it has been simultaneously diagnosed with depression and bipolar diseases. Asperger's Syndrome is applied to identify the mildest and highest functioning end of Autism spectrum. It is a high functioning form of Autism. Therefore, it is at the mild spectrum of Autism. There is no prescribed regimen of treatment for this disease; however adults may live productive, independent lives.

Three basic aspects of development are affected by Aspersers. They are the use of language for communicative purposes and certain behaviors with stylistic characteristics, social relatedness and social skills, and a limited, but intense range of interest.

Interestingly enough, the language is lucid before age four. Although speech is sometimes repetitive, the grammar is usually very good. Their voices tend to be flat and emotionless. Individuals with Aspergers are obsessed with complex topics and are often described as eccentric. Ironically, they are in the above-average range in verbal agility, yet many have dyslexia, writing problems as well as difficulty with mathematics. The Autism Asperger individual is socially aware, however displays inappropriate reciprocal interaction. Their movements may be clumsy or awkward and they present odd forms of self-stimulatory behavior.

The main characteristic of Aspergers Syndrome that makes its children unique and fascinating is their peculiar areas of "special interest". This is very different from typical Autism in that those children's interests are more likely to be objects or parts of objects.

The Asperger's Syndrome children are fascinated with the intellectual dynamics of subjects. Even prior to attending school, these children will display an obsessive interest in areas such as math, science, reading or even some aspect of history or geography.

Another major characteristic that identifies Autism Aspergers from the typical Autism is the socialization deficit. In most cases, children with AS express a desire to fit in socially. Typical Autism victims suggest complete exclusion and seclusion. In fact, AS individuals tend to become frustrated because they aren't able to interact appropriately.

Lastly, the use of language skills is can be used to determine if a child should be diagnosed with the Autistic Disorder or Asperger's Syndrome. AS children have language skills that are very strong and tends to be very concrete. AS children have difficulty dealing with humor; tendency not to get jokes or laughing at odd times because they have difficulty with give or take with conversations, since their conversations tend to be self-oriented. Thus, these are differences that identify each disease as separate afflictions as they are very difficult to diagnose.

For more insights and additional information about Autism and Aspergers please visit our web site at http://www.autism-explained.com

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Autism Treatment for Toddlers - Why Is My Toddler With Autism So Agitated?

If you've just received a diagnosis of autism in your child, then you know that autism treatment for toddlers is of the utmost importance. You are also most likely plenty scared about what will follow, and what you can do to help your child. Don't worry, that is a natural reaction. There are plenty of therapists, doctors and other parents that will be able to help you along your journey.

Sensory Integration Therapy

One kind of therapy that can be very useful in the treatment of autism in toddlers is sensory integration therapy. You see, most kids with autism have sensory issues - they will scream in agony if something is too loud, tastes bad, has an unpleasant texture, or is too busy or uncomfortable visually. We use the 5 senses to take in all our information about the world.

Toddlers with autism, however, receive sensory information 100 times stronger than we do. Everything is magnified for them. This is one reason that your autistic toddler can often seem so agitated.

Avoid Sensory Overwhelm

So what can you do? Well, for starters, try to avoid crowded places if you can. Don't take your toddler with autism to movies, plays or restaurants, as the noise and commotion will most likely be too much for them. Be aware if they have a tantrum, it might be something sensory related, like their shirt is too scratchy, their clothing is too tight, or something your baby hears is too loud for them.

Music that you are playing in the room may be a source of agitation, or even the sound of a piece of paper in ripping in two can set some toddlers with sensitive hearing on edge. Wearing perfume or fragranced products can be an assault on the sensory system of your autistic toddler. It is a good idea to wash their clothes with unscented detergent and use unscented soaps for bath time.

When you live with a toddler with autism, you need to be aware of their sensory needs, among other things. Autism treatment for toddlers can be a tricky business, but it is not impossible.

Many parents worry, many times needlessly, about their toddlers and young children crying and having meltdowns. They do not realize that the solution is often straight forward and simple. Ensure that you focus on the sensory issues that surround your toddler. Ignoring this simple rule can make the difference between a happy and content child and one who is irritable and always upset.

Parents should learn as much as you can about sensory issues. Tips from other parents and professionals can be extremely helpful. A great site that has tips and suggestions for additional treatments is the AmericanAutismSociety.org. There you can sign up for their FREE newsletter with tips and info on autism.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Craig_Kendall

Is There an Updated Approach For Helping Autistic Children That Is Simple?

I have learned the best way in helping autistic children is to keep it simple. By keeping it simple, it creates an updated approach. How is this accomplished?

I know you are probably thinking, you as a parent(s), caregiver(s), do not know how to keep it simple. How can you help your autistic child, who is different with his or her own range of the severity, that autism causes? This can be frustrating.

In addition, each child who has autism, expresses unique personalities with their various symptoms that are challenging.

Every family who has a child with autism makes an impact on that family. For this reason, you want an updated approach that is simple which can help your child and family.

Children with autism will determine how you, your family and other siblings within your family live their lives.

Back to the question. Is there an updated approach for helping autistic children, that is simple?

The simple methods that I have used in helping my brother are in the following suggestions:

* Give positive support and positive reinforcement.

* I tried to improve the quality of life, for my brother and his surroundings.

* Allow your child to do things that would normally be of interest to him or her. For instance, Mix the new things with the old things, that is familiar to your child.

* By taking advantage of the approach, mixing new things with old things, you are adding positive reinforcement. Your child will gain more confidence to accept challenges and grow. In addition, you are keeping it simple. It will help your child and you.

I had to take an approach that I felt was updated for helping my brother who was autistic.

We were going to the Minnesota State Fair and my brother usually rode in a family car. That day, we had to take another car, that was different. It did not belong to us, and there was a new person driving the vehicle that he did not know.

I knew there might be some confusion regarding the change of a different car and driver. Therefore, I talked to my brother about the new way we were going to travel to the Minnesota State Fair, but we would still be traveling by a car.

I also told my brother, we would be enjoying a new way, but we were able to continue to enjoy the scenery he loved so much, with a new driver and sit back and relax as we did by going in our car, the old way. I kept it simple.

The approach I made by explaining to my brother about the change from the new to the old, was an updated way of helping my brother who was autistic.

I have experienced, by keeping things simple, your approach can be updated.

Using things your autistic child cares about, is interested in, loves the most, you might be able to encourage him or her to interact with new and challenging experiences. He or she will become more confident and gain more awareness.

Are you willing to take the new things and add to the old things? This approach can be updated and it is simple.

Bonita Darula invites you to visit and click on>>> http://www.autismintoawareness.com to learn what can be done about an updated approach for helping autistic children. Go to her web sight and take action now. Receive you FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER with new links added to order your E-Books.

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8 Ways to Survive (and Maybe Even Enjoy) A Family Holiday With a Child With Autism

Work has become tedious. The walls of your home seem to be closing in. You NEED a vacation. But the thought of traveling with your children, especially your child with autism, is less than enticing.

Families need vacations: time to escape the regular chores, schedules and routines of home and family. Holidays mean a chance to break away from routine, a change of pace, new setting, food, people and activities; not exactly autism friendly! Traveling with children is always more challenging, but planning a vacation with a child with autism can seem downright daunting.

There are ways to alleviate some of the stress and create a getaway that is enjoyable for every member of the family. Some simple guidelines and smart planning will make a big difference!

1. Start small

Children with autism do best with small steps. If your child has never had time away from home it is wise to take a "mini vacation" for a few hours, build up to a whole day and soon after that a night away. The more familiar a child is with a new activity the less anxiety they will experience. A few hours spent in an activity close to home that is similar to what you plan to do on vacation, will be worth the time and energy. You may choose to visit a local beach, shop, sight - see in your town or spend some time on a boat. The closer the "mini holiday" matches the real thing, the better.

2. Take time to preview

Our anxiety levels typically increase when we have no clue what to expect about an upcoming event. Many people have a difficult time with the "unknown." This is particularly true of kids with autism! As adults, we may choose to browse a travel guide, read rating scales and look at photo galleries of places where we plan to visit in order to preview where we are going and what we can expect. Our children who live with autism will benefit from these activities as well. Browse the Internet, peruse travel brochures and maybe even visit a bookstore and/or library to allow your child to read about a specific place that you plan to visit. There are numerous books about traveling on an airplane, visiting grandparents, ocean life or life in big cities. Whatever you decide to do with your family, reading about it is an awesome way to acquaint your children with the idea.

3. Pack a map

Individuals with autism gain a sense of calm from predictability and familiarity. When planning a trip, highlight the route on a map and if you know where you plan to stop, mark those spots on the map. Maps are often appealing to children with autism and they provide a visual tool that the child can hold and manipulate as they travel. For children that can read you may consider providing a list of some of the towns or cities through which you will travel. Children can check them off as they go or just use them as a reference when they want to know, where they are. Maps and trip itineraries are useful tools to reduce anxiety because they provide a tangible reference point and predictability. Route changes can also be made quickly on the map or just written on a piece of paper.

4. Pack a calendar with Velcro

Not knowing how days will be filled and what will happen next is unnerving for individuals who live with autism (and for many non autistic people)! Many of us rely on electronic gadgets or day planners to keep us feeling directed, calm and in control. When planning your family trip, bring along a calendar or a day planner of some sort. Attach a strip of Velcro on each day of the trip and bring along pictures of activities or places.

Photographs, brochure cut outs, or homemade pictures will work. If the child is able to read, then writing on the calendar may be just as useful. By attaching events and activities to specific days we give our children the opportunity to see what is coming and to organize the time in their minds. The Velcro gives us the flexibility of changing plans if necessary. It also demonstrates to our kids that events are not always fixed; plans change. The key is to teach the child to refer to the calendar when they are feeling uneasy. Reward them when they do so. The alternative is to listen to a constant barrage of questions.

5. Plan time fairly

Each person needs to know that their needs will be met. Children with autism need time away from the hustle of holidays. Holidays by nature, tend to be very social, unpredictable and novel. If we want to set up the experience to be enjoyable we need to try to create "downtime" for the child with autism. This may mean allowing that child to participate in a favorite activity for a portion of time; whatever activity the child truly enjoys doing that helps him to unwind. It may mean that the child spins, jumps, twirls a sensory toy or just sits in a chair.

Watching the history channel while the family is down at the beach may be just what the teen with autism needs. The activity is driven by the child and NOT the parent. Using a timer or visual clock helps to set parameters around the activity. Using cell phones or Walkie Talkies allow parents and kids to communicate when they are not in direct contact.

6. Avoid over planning

Choose a few favorite activities rather than trying to cram everything into the day. A trip to Disneyland can be a sensory nightmare for a child with autism. Limiting the amount of activity that is done in a day will go a long way to making the trip more pleasant for the whole family. Do you really have to visit all of the theme parks? Is it necessary to shop in every mall? Must you participate in all of the resort activities? Your child with autism may not be capable of managing the sensory, emotional and social stimulation that more typical children are able to cope with.

7 Plan for unstructured time

Children with autism may not be able to entertain themselves and parents shouldn't have to be entertainment directors. Some simple tools will make unstructured times like travel time and waiting for flights much more bearable. Start with a written or picture menu of all of the available items to play with. Be sure to show only the choices that ARE available! Fidget toys, digital toys, magnetic travel games, iPods, handheld games, a whiteboard with markers and magnetic puzzles are invaluable when down time is non negotiable. "Wait cards" and "Unavailable cards" are invaluable when we need to let a child know that an activity or item is either delayed or not available. These cards must be part of the child's daily life before the vacation so that they are tolerable for the child during the holiday.

8. Don't leave home without the Visuals

Visual supports are an absolute necessity when traveling with children that have autism...even if you are away from home for a day! Pictures, calendars, maps, brochures, photos and short scripts provide individuals with autism a priceless gift of predictability and order. Holidays can be filled with distractions, changes of plans, new events and unknown people. Sensory stimulation, emotions and expectations are on overload and the potential for meltdowns is high. Visual supports can act as an anxiety reducer and a welcome relief. A social script can be quickly written on paper or a whiteboard before the child is expected to participate in an unfamiliar social situation.

For example, the rules of hanging out on the beach could be written as a social script and reviewed each time a child goes to the beach:

People like to play on the beach and some people like to lie down on the beach.

We are careful not to kick sand on people when we walk in the sand.

We can lay our towels next to each other in the family.

We can lay our towels 1 or 2 big steps away from someone that we do not know.

When we lift our towels we are careful not to shake sand on other people.

The beach is fun.

The most important item to make sure you bring along on a vacation is the expectation to enjoy it. Our thoughts control much of what we experience so it is worthwhile to affirm in your own mind that this time away will be fun. Remind yourself to really watch your children as they experience new things; smile, breathe deeply and laugh often. When plans don't quite work remind yourself that "it is what it is" and your reaction to a situation is really what determines the outcome. Choose to be cheerful and positive and your mood will likely rub off on the rest of your family.

Plopping your children in a car, driving for six hours and telling them to stop whining will not likely result in a great vacation! Planning ahead will play a huge role in creating a holiday that is fun filled. There are little things that we take for granted about traveling that we must be aware of so that we can create a great vacation. You need it. Your family needs it. Go ahead and have fun!

Jennifer Krumins is a full time teacher in Ontario, Canada with 19 years of experience in special education and the regular classroom. A mother of three (one of which has autism), she is currently teaching severely challenged teenagers with autism. She is the author of two books:

Been There. Done That. Finally Getting it Right. A Guide to Educational Planning for Students with Autism: Lessons from a Mother and Teacher.

and

One Step at a Time: ABA and Autism in the Classroom; Practical Strategies for Implementing Applied Behaviour Analysis for Student with Autism

Please feel free to visit Jennifer's website at http://www.autismaspirations.com or email her at krumins@autismaspirations.com

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