There is a national dialogue occurring following the horrific tragedy in Newtown about violence, autism spectrum disorders (including Asperger’s Syndrome) and mental illness. I don’t know what the outcome will be of this discussion, but I do know one thing for sure. Children and teens with Asperger’s Syndrome or other autism spectrum disorders are teased, [...]
Dear readers: This is the first draft of the preface for the e-book I am writing. Let me know your opinions and comments! Preface Do you want to learn methods to help your high functioning* autism spectrum child flourish? You have come to the right place! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I [...]
Once someone has landed a job interview (see Part 1 for steps to take to get to this point), then we want to look at ways to successfully get through the interview and land the job. Disclosing the diagnosis One thing to determine prior to an interview is whether the job seeker wants to [...]
Some job seekers are negotiating this completely on their own, others are getting help from parents, and others have the services of a job coach or other types of assistance from Vocational Rehabilitation. I will not describe Voc Rehab in detail, but if you are in the U.S. and might qualify for their assistance with [...]
This post is a paper written by a wonderful young woman, Katy Heyborne, who happens to have Asperger’s Syndrome. She has graciously shared it with me, and given me permission to share it with others. High functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders Shouldn’t Be Cured, Rather the Positive Aspects of them should Be Considered. Autism Spectrum disorders [...]
I live and work in Utah, where family reunions are big annual events. So many of the families I know are bringing their ASD child to a family reunion and hoping for the best. I suggest planning for the best, rather than hoping for the best, and recommend bringing a survival kit of helpful supplies. [...]
In my Father’s Day post I told you about some of the strengths I have seen in my Aspie Dad. Naturally, people on the spectrum have many strengths that have nothing to do with having an autistic brain, but there are some characteristics that are commonly seen due to that autistic brain. I think that [...]
I think it’s fascinating to research or speculate about who some of the people throughout history are that may be on the autism spectrum. There is a page in Wikipedia devoted to a list of these speculations, and who made them. Some of the people that have been considered are: Michelangelo, Thomas Jefferson, Charles Darwin, [...]
My father is turning ninety this fall. Despite his age and mine, I must admit I still find it hard at times to accept him for who he is. But, since today is Father’s Day, it seems fitting to focus on his strengths. Since my blog is about the autism spectrum, I will focus on [...]