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The Lighter Side of the Spectrum: A Mom’s View – Angels
As a mother of an autistic boy, I’ve been fortunate enough to meet all kinds of extraordinary people who have touched our lives. In addition to the beautiful network of supportive teachers, family, and friends, I’ve encountered many people – sometimes strangers – who share their compassion...
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Support for Parents in Teaching Emotional Regulation Skills
In addition to the defining features of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), many individuals with Asperger syndrome (AS) and high functioning autism (HFA) also have difficulty with both awareness of their own emotions and their ability to regulate emotional expression. They may overreact in a...
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Focus on Video Modeling Techniques for Inexpensive, Fast and Customized Solutions for Improving Social Skills
When my sister and I began Social Skill Builder in 1999, we were looking for a way to bridge the social language gap to help kids with ASD, Asperger’s and other learning disabilities achieve success in social situations. Social Skill Builder has created a series of learning tools that use videos...
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The Unique Legal Issues That Affect Children and Adults with High Functioning Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome
Over the last several years in our Special Needs Planning and Special Needs Advocacy practices, we have seen a significant increase in clients having a family member with high functioning Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome. Although not exhaustive, this article is intended to provide an overview of...
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Early Motor Experiences Give Infants a Social Jump Start – Study Indicates Infants at Risk for Autism Could Benefit from Motor Training
In a new study published on September 9, 2011 in the journal Developmental Science (Epub ahead of print), researchers from the Kennedy Krieger Institute and Vanderbilt University found that early motor experiences can shape infants’ preferences for objects and faces. The study findings...
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To Be or Not to Be (Autistic) – The New Generation of Kids Who Are Almost Autistic, But Not Quite
Parents of children diagnosed on the high functioning side of the Spectrum confront the quandary of whether concealing their kids’ diagnoses in avoidance of discrimination, or disclosing them to educate others on the many layers of the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). There is, however, a...
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Helpful Hints From the Trenches: What to Expect in College
The first day of college can be a little scary just like any first day in a new school or a new grade. I would like to share with you some of my experiences and offer some helpful tips so you too can survive college and have a successful and positive experience. What was very helpful for me in...
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Emergencies Happen – You Must Plan Ahead
At the time of this article’s publication, many of us will have been affected by Hurricane Irene. In light of this weather emergency we can look at this event and learn some valuable lessons. For those of us raising children with autism, high functioning autism or Asperger’s the challenges...
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Do Parents and Teachers Get Children with AS/HFA? These Children Lack the Insight or Social Skills to Explain Themselves
Many teachers and parents miss the connection between the diagnosis of children with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) or high functioning autism (HFA) (and nonverbal learning disabilities) and the behaviors of the child in day-to-day life. When adults don’t get this connection, they can’t communicate...
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The Impact of Bullying on Individuals with High Functioning Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome
Individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) and high functioning autism (HFA) often report being bullied at some point in their lives. Many describe in great detail the experience of being bullied, and some appear traumatized by the experience. In my clinical experience, individuals with AS and HFA...
