I hired someone with Asperger’s – now what?
Last January after a fresh snowstorm, my 9-year-old son asked me to help him build a snowman. I told him that I would be out to help shortly. A couple of minutes later he came running back yelling, “Dad, it’s melting!” That got my attention. It was sub-30 outside, soContinue Reading
Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder
Social Communication Disorder is marked by difficulties with pragmatics—aka practical everyday use—or the social use of language and communication. Therefore, SCD is concerned with an individual’s use of verbal and nonverbal social communication in everyday life. The condition is of particular interest to individuals with Aspergers or HFA. In the DSM-V, itContinue Reading
Using the Chill Zone to De-Stress
Do you have a place in your life that you retreat to when you are feeling the stressors of the world come down on you? For some, it might be as simple as your home. For others, it might be in a specific location such as sitting on a benchContinue Reading
Growing into the Diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome
As a mother of a son with Autism and founder of Aspergers101, I’m approached daily with questions. Some I consult with experts to respond and others, I know from living the role of a parent of a child with special needs. Recently, the question was asked of me “Can youContinue Reading
Q&A With Lisa: How do I get my child qualified for special ed?
24 Q: Dear Lisa, “I suspect my child has autism or some related disability. He is in the early elementary years. How do I get my child qualified for Special Education services in public school and what do they offer?” -Confused and Concerned in Texas A: Dear Confused and ConcernedContinue Reading
Coming to Love the New “Normal” of Autism and Childhood
We went on an extended road trip with kids. hmmm? Not bad. Better than I expected and better than it has been in the past, but kids on the spectrum are not really spur of the moment, go with the flow types of kids. They need to know what is comingContinue Reading
Incorporating Asperger Students’ Intense Interests in the Classroom
In a previous blog, we discussed the power of choice in increasing student academic success. In one of the examples, we discussed that students can be given several topics to choose from to complete an assignment. Another layer to add to the element of choice is the integration of a highly preferredContinue Reading
Overcoming Isolation: One of an Aspie’s Most Terrible Realities
A life with Asperger’s in a neurotypical world is, not surprisingly, difficult. Aspies must overcome countless necessary challenges that have to do with three big categories of stimuli: environments, the brain, and relationships. Unfortunately, aspies too often face unnecessary challenges; terrible burdens on their already heavy shoulders. Any kind of imbalanceContinue Reading
What Happens to Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome? (Kids Grow Up)
Adults with Asperger’s find that the accommodations and supports available for kids aren’t there for them. It’s increasingly recognized that children have sensory issues and supports are often made in schools to support social issues and social anxiety. Some accommodations are made for emotional reactivity and problems with becoming overwhelmed.Continue Reading
Punishment in ABA for Individuals with ASD
While the word “punish” often conjures up bad thoughts for parents and professionals, punishment and reinforcement are key when looking at behavior change through ABA. Punishment in ABA decreases the chances that a particular behavior will occur again, as opposed to reinforcement which increases the likelihood of behavior. Let’s lookContinue Reading
Use This Visual Strategy to Reinforce Good Behavior: The Flip Card
A flip card is a quick and easy visual strategy that highlights one behavior, and clarifies through graphics and words when certain behaviors are acceptable, and when they are not. Place a visual that indicates that it is O.K. to engage in the target behavior on one side of theContinue Reading
The Journey of Parenting a Child with Asperger’s with Powerful Successes
When you raise children on the spectrum (and with other challenges) life is full of unknowns and uncertainties. Our son, Daniel, was not officially diagnosed until the 5th grade. We knew the way he reacted to situations and approached learning in school was not typical. Every year, as he movedContinue Reading
