Emotional Regulation

Many individuals who are experiencing autism or Asperger’s struggle with emotional regulation issues. Depression, anxiety, and anger are common problems. Medications and counseling can be a tremendous help, but the best treatment is to provide the support that these individuals need in the first place. Public schools are growing in their understanding of these children’s unique needs, but what happens to these individuals when they reach adulthood?

The Successful IEP Meeting

Since my son has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, I have spoken to many parents of special needs children.  A common theme of dissatisfaction has emerged from these conversations.  Most parents express frustration with the lack of appropriate services provided for their children by the school.  Because of this (and other factors), I [...]

Medications

Medications can be a life saver, but nobody wants to experiment with their own child. And most of these medications have not been approved for pediatric use by the FDA.

Book Review-This is Your Brain on Joy, Dr. Henslin

Dr. Henslin has had extensive experience using SPECT brain imaging to help people who weren’t making progress through psychotherapy.

When to help the strugglers

Every spring my kids and I incubate and hatch chicken eggs. It is our Easter tradition. When I first started hatching eggs, a farmer told me that it is very important that the chicks break out of the shells completely on their own. It strengthens them to peck their way out and prepares them for survival. This was a good warning our first year, because it took over twenty-four hours for a few of the chicks to finally make it out of the shell!

Support through peer training

My personal prayer is that my own willingness to give and to adapt will come back to me now (a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over…Luke 6:38) as I prepare to put my own special needs child into a regular education classroom.

What to do about bullies?

So what do we do about the bullying? How do we protect children with Asperger’s Syndrome from experiencing abuse each and every school day?

The “Individualized Education Plan”

I am nervous about my child’s upcoming IEP meeting. I am an important member of this team of people that will create a plan to hopefully support my son in school so that he can function more successfully.

Pathways to Diagnosis

Tony Attwood describes different pathways to diagnosis that individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome often must take to arrive at a correct diagnosis in his book, The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome.

Autism and Family History

A few years ago my husband surveyed my close circle of friends and acquaintances and said, “You have a heart for the misfit. You befriend people that others would not take the time to get to know.” As I pondered his observation, I decided that sometimes people that have difficulty making friends have the most to offer once you get to know them.