Ask an Expert
APRIL TOPIC: Supporting Children & Young Adults on the Spectrum
Anita Lesko
Autism Advocate, Medical Professional & Author Photo Credit: Heather Black |
OUR EXPERT:
Anita Lesko was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (now under the umbrella diagnosis Autism Spectrum Disorder) at the age of fifty. She graduated from Columbia University in New York City with a Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia in 1988. As a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, she specializes in anesthesia for neurosurgery, organ transplants and orthopedic joint replacement surgery. Anita is an internationally-recognized autism advocate and a member of Autism Society of American’s Panel of Autistic Advisers. Anita has been a speaker at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City for World Autism Awareness Day (2017) and at the Federal Communications Commission in Washington, D.C. She is the author of several books, including The Complete Guide to Autism & Healthcare (Future Horizons - excerpted in Sanctuary HERE), which was awarded the prestigious Temple Grandin Literary Award from the Autism Society of America, making its way into medical schools as part of required reading for fourth year medical students. She is also the author of Becoming an Autism Success Story (Future Horizons). Find an excerpt HERE. Anita is also a Certified Life Coach with several areas of expertise, including Autism Life Skills Coaching, Integrated Health & Wellness Coaching, Health Care Professional Coaching and Executive/Corporate Coaching. |
“What are some strategies for helping my child on the spectrum understand and navigate the puberty journey?” ~ Anonymous (NH)
When any child begins the journey through puberty, they begin experiencing changes in their body, become focused on their peers and trying to fit in, and start to experience sexuality and romantic attractions. These events are magnified for those on the autism spectrum.
During puberty, a child on the spectrum begins to recognize that he/she is different. Social difficulties multiply. Body perception is at the forefront, which may lead to low self-esteem, eating disorders, and other serious problems. Wanting to fit in with peers can be all-consuming. Personal safety becomes a critical issue as well.
Children on the spectrum thrive on routine, and these changes are anything but routine. I would strongly recommend that parents begin to have conversations about this topic well before the changes begin.
Puberty and Sexuality
Children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) have delays in social maturity. Therefore, parents should:
Some Special Issues for Girls:
Some Special Issues for Boys:
Many individuals with ASD have anxiety and stress before puberty, but puberty can surely be a time of increased anxiety. Hormonal swings can cause increased anxiety which can manifest in numerous physical symptoms, such as increased heart rate, dizziness, sweating, shortness of breath, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, even shaking. A child with ASD may not be able to express their anxiety, but instead they might start having sleep difficulties and increases in behaviors already present, such as obsessive-compulsive behaviors or self-injurious behaviors.
To help decrease anxiety:
Self-Esteem
Many children on the spectrum are fantastic at recall but struggle with abstract concepts. So be aware that, during puberty, school will be difficult (watch for signs of bullying, etc.), and problems with peers can lead to poor self-esteem.
Internet use: Parents should limit computer time to one hour a day on weekdays and two hours on weekends. Computer and cell phone use should be supervised. Use parental controls for both internet and cell phones. Be aware that chat rooms can be dangerous for any child, but especially for those on the spectrum.
Communication is Paramount
No topic is taboo, and a matter-of-fact approach is best. Encourage your child to express what he/she is feeling. Learn to rephrase questions several times until your child ‘gets it.’
Approach this time in your child’s life as an opportunity to grow closer to him/her. Talk to your child every day. This is the key to helping your child navigate their journey through puberty and into adulthood.
I recommend the following books on this subject:
Taking Care of Myself: A Hygiene, Puberty, and Personal Curriculum for Young People with Autism, by Mary Wrobel
Awkward: The Social Dos and Don’ts of Being a Young Adult, by Carlos Torres and Katie Saint.
S.T.A.R.S. A social Skills Training Guide for Tracking Assertiveness, Relationship Skills, and Sexual Awareness, by Susan Heighway
Girls Growing up on the Autism Spectrum, by Shana Nichols, Ph.D.
The Growing Up Book for Boys, by Davida Hartman
“What are some ways I can support my nine-year-old son with autism on an upcoming big transition, such as moving to a new home?” ~ Anonymous (NH)
Consider all that’s involved: Is the move to a different home in the same town, a different town, a different state, or perhaps even a different country? Are you moving to a colder or warmer climate? Will you be traveling on a plane for the first time? Any new transition can be overwhelming to someone with autism, no matter what the age, but especially for a child.
Explain why you’re moving and that all of his belongings are going to the new home as well. As soon as possible, show him photos of the new home - repetition is a must.
Familiarize him with the events that will occur during the move. Here are some suggestions:
Safety Concerns
Any child, but especially a child on the autism spectrum, can wander away from home into unfamiliar surroundings. Consider installing door chimes to alert you each time a door is opened. A GPS tracking device for the child is also a consideration.
Each individual is different, so the length of time it takes to adjust will vary. The best thing you can do is be there for your child, love him, and never try to rush him. And don’t forget to find time for fun, such as taking him out for ice cream.
“My daughter is obsessed with having a boyfriend in her life. She gets asked out frequently, but she tends to jump in too fast and gets too clingy early on in the relationship. How can a young woman on the spectrum learn to ease into a relationship and wait until trust is earned when the desire for having someone in her life is all-consuming?” ~ Elizabeth (VA)
While it is normal for your daughter to want someone in her life, she can easily turn it into an all-consuming special interest. This is a very common. It is very difficult for those on the spectrum to read social cues or interpret the intent of others. Becoming clingy early on in a relationship can be perceived as stalking. In adulthood, there can be legal consequences.
Individuals with ASD may not have friends or be accepted by their peers, so they may live isolated lives. When someone does give them attention, it’s natural for them to instantly become clingy, which will typically scare off a potential partner.
Signs that her interest has become obsessive:
Your daughter knows what she feels, but is often unaware of what others think or feel. Young people are greatly influenced by visual information on TV and on social media, and a desire for instant gratification has become a norm. Therefore, understanding the complexities of dating - and especially how to stay safe - can be especially confusing for a young female (or male) on the spectrum.
Safety
If an ASD female jumps right into a relationship and becomes clingy, the following can happen:
Suggest dating people with common interests (someone she might meet while volunteering or attending an art class, for example).
Some tips to share with her about dating:
Communicate with your daughter on a daily basis about maintaining focus on her studies, career, and activities that she enjoys. These activities will continue to build her life skills, social skills, and self-esteem. Stress that she will eventually meet that special person who will enhance her life, not become her life.
In my latest book, Becoming an Autism Success Story, I talk about “helicopter parents,” and how people on the spectrum actually need helicopter patents. Even as adults, those with ASD still need their parents for guidance.
Additional Information:
Listen to my presentation at United Nations Headquarters in New York City for World Autism Awareness Day (2017) by clicking on the video link from my home page.
I encourage you to read Tony Attwood’s comments in Autism Parenting Magazine concerning this issue.
“How can parents help their autistic child to better identify and understand when they are experiencing unusual medical issues or illness that could be serious? Oftentimes, either due to sensory or processing issues, autistic children don’t recognize the symptoms of an illness that may be debilitating or emergent.” ~ Colleen (NY)
Children with autism typically have sensory processing disorders which create difficulties organizing and interpreting information from their senses. This means they can misinterpret information from their five senses: sight, smell, hearing, taste and touch.
Just as there are receptors in your muscles and joints, there are also receptors inside your organs, including your skin. These receptors send information about the inside of your body to your brain. This helps regulate vital functions like body temperature, hunger, thirst, digestion and heart rate. This is called interoception (a lesser-known sense that helps you understand and feel what's going on inside your body).
In children with sensory processing disorders, the brain has trouble figuring out the information it is receiving. This includes whether or not they are feeling any pain or if something is wrong in their body. A child (or ASD adult) might not be able to tell if they are having pain. The sensation might show up as having an itch. Individuals may be hypersensitive (reacting excessively to even the lightest touch or smallest discomfort) or hyposensitive (symptoms of major problems go unnoticed).
When behaviors change in a child on the spectrum, finding the reasons why can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. They may not be able to verbally explain what is going on. Things to watch for include:
In his book The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome, Dr. Tony Attwood, a renowned autism expert, writes, ‘The child or adult with Asperger’s Syndrome may appear very stoic and may not flinch or show distress in response to levels of pain that others would consider unbearable. One of the most worrying aspects for parents is how to detect when the child is in chronic pain and needs medical help.’
This may help you. I don’t experience anything like a ‘neurotypical’ does. I live in Florida, and when it’s 98 degrees with 100% humidity, I can walk around in long-sleeve, flannel shirts, fleece-lined sweat pants and a vest. Back in 2009, I got thrown off a horse and fractured my left hip in two places and my left shoulder in three places. I got up from where I landed out in the field and walked about a mile and a half back home. Once in the house, I struggled a bit to get my boots off, but then walked down the hall to my bed.
Finally, no one knows your child better than you. So, trust your instincts and seek medical help if you sense something’s wrong.
Additional Information:
My book The Complete Guide to Autism & Healthcare includes a chapter about pain perception in the autistic child.
I also highly recommend reading this article by Dr. Manuel Casanova.
“Is there improvement on the horizon in terms of better access to mental health for children on the spectrum? Any breakthrough research currently being conducted? ~ Colleen (NY)
Access to healthcare varies from state to state and is also dependent on the insurance carrier, the child’s age and any special needs a child has. Follow this link which shows each individual state.
The biggest stride that has been made in autism research is the inclusion of individuals with autism actively participating in the studies as part of the actual research team. Having autistic voices involved is imperative.
As an adult with autism who was diagnosed at the age of 50, I never had any special interventions - no IEPs, no visits to therapists, psychologists, or ABA specialists. I didn’t talk until I was three, and I had severe coordination issues. I was a total misfit kid who barely made it through elementary school and junior high. There was one thing I had - a mom who loved me, believed in me, and did endless things with me to enable me to grow.
In addition to other therapies and supports, I encourage parents to find quiet, quality time (with no distractions) with their child. For example, take your child to a park on a beautiful day and discover the bark on a tree or the veins on leaves. Bring your child to the zoo…throw stones in the water to watch the ripple effect. These experiences that stimulate your child’s senses in a safe environment are priceless.
It is typical that individuals on the autism spectrum have a great affinity for animals. I’ve known numerous people whose autistic child began to talk while on the back of a horse or when a family pet was introduced. Keep this in mind as an alternative therapy.
Don’t focus on what your child can’t do; instead focus on what he can do.
Additional Information to Check Out:
Governor Ralph Northam (VA) signed bills to remove the age cap for autism treatment coverage. See here.
There are tremendous amounts of research studies being conducted. Take a look into the following:
Autism Research Center
Fred Volkmar, M.D. at Yale School of Medicine (Find links from here to his lectures and informational links.)
When any child begins the journey through puberty, they begin experiencing changes in their body, become focused on their peers and trying to fit in, and start to experience sexuality and romantic attractions. These events are magnified for those on the autism spectrum.
During puberty, a child on the spectrum begins to recognize that he/she is different. Social difficulties multiply. Body perception is at the forefront, which may lead to low self-esteem, eating disorders, and other serious problems. Wanting to fit in with peers can be all-consuming. Personal safety becomes a critical issue as well.
Children on the spectrum thrive on routine, and these changes are anything but routine. I would strongly recommend that parents begin to have conversations about this topic well before the changes begin.
Puberty and Sexuality
Children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) have delays in social maturity. Therefore, parents should:
- Start using proper terminology for body parts early on.
- Explain appropriate public behavior: do not expose yourself or do anything sexual in public.
- Children with ASD are extremely naïve, so parents need to repeatedly explain that genitals are private and no one should touch them (except a doctor in an examination room). Report to mom/dad if anyone does touch them in these areas.
- Tell their child to report to mom/dad if a peer tries to do something sexual (or something that feels wrong).
Some Special Issues for Girls:
- Shaving: She may have sensory issues to the electric shaver or razor. Be patient. Go slow. You may need to repeat everything over and over.
- Body changes: Explain breast growth. Be aware that wearing a bra is a change, and she might not be as receptive to this change as a neurotypical might be.
- Birth control: Discuss why this is important very early and repeatedly.
Some Special Issues for Boys:
- Bed wetting: This can occur for years. However, sexual dreams will also begin to occur, and your son might think that he wet the bed. Explain the difference between urine vs. ejaculation.
- Shaving: Be aware of sensory issues. Whether using an electric shaver or razor with shaving cream, take it slow. Tip: Leave the cap on over the blades until your son can fully display he can maneuver it over the contours of his face.
- Erections: Explain that erections are normal. Masturbation: Explain this is a conscious activity, and it can only be done privately and in his bedroom. Those on the spectrum are literal, so I wouldn’t recommend adding that the bathroom is also a private place because public bathrooms are not. Designate the bedroom as the ONLY private place.
Many individuals with ASD have anxiety and stress before puberty, but puberty can surely be a time of increased anxiety. Hormonal swings can cause increased anxiety which can manifest in numerous physical symptoms, such as increased heart rate, dizziness, sweating, shortness of breath, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, even shaking. A child with ASD may not be able to express their anxiety, but instead they might start having sleep difficulties and increases in behaviors already present, such as obsessive-compulsive behaviors or self-injurious behaviors.
To help decrease anxiety:
- Physical activity: a sport he/she loves, Tai Chi, yoga, etc.
- Volunteer experience: road clean-up, soup kitchen – teaches empathy, social skills.
- Pets: They provide comfort for an ASD child.
Self-Esteem
Many children on the spectrum are fantastic at recall but struggle with abstract concepts. So be aware that, during puberty, school will be difficult (watch for signs of bullying, etc.), and problems with peers can lead to poor self-esteem.
Internet use: Parents should limit computer time to one hour a day on weekdays and two hours on weekends. Computer and cell phone use should be supervised. Use parental controls for both internet and cell phones. Be aware that chat rooms can be dangerous for any child, but especially for those on the spectrum.
Communication is Paramount
No topic is taboo, and a matter-of-fact approach is best. Encourage your child to express what he/she is feeling. Learn to rephrase questions several times until your child ‘gets it.’
Approach this time in your child’s life as an opportunity to grow closer to him/her. Talk to your child every day. This is the key to helping your child navigate their journey through puberty and into adulthood.
I recommend the following books on this subject:
Taking Care of Myself: A Hygiene, Puberty, and Personal Curriculum for Young People with Autism, by Mary Wrobel
Awkward: The Social Dos and Don’ts of Being a Young Adult, by Carlos Torres and Katie Saint.
S.T.A.R.S. A social Skills Training Guide for Tracking Assertiveness, Relationship Skills, and Sexual Awareness, by Susan Heighway
Girls Growing up on the Autism Spectrum, by Shana Nichols, Ph.D.
The Growing Up Book for Boys, by Davida Hartman
“What are some ways I can support my nine-year-old son with autism on an upcoming big transition, such as moving to a new home?” ~ Anonymous (NH)
Consider all that’s involved: Is the move to a different home in the same town, a different town, a different state, or perhaps even a different country? Are you moving to a colder or warmer climate? Will you be traveling on a plane for the first time? Any new transition can be overwhelming to someone with autism, no matter what the age, but especially for a child.
Explain why you’re moving and that all of his belongings are going to the new home as well. As soon as possible, show him photos of the new home - repetition is a must.
Familiarize him with the events that will occur during the move. Here are some suggestions:
- Packing: This is a major change in routine and the interior of the home will begin changing, too. Involve him in the process – labeling, taping. Explain that the movers will arrive on a certain day to load everything into the moving truck which will transport it all to the new home to be unpacked and set up in a similar way.
- Show him photos of a moving truck and the hotel if you need to stop overnight. If you are flying, show a picture of an airplane.
- If possible, visit the new home. Take video footage so he can watch it later as often as he’d like. Showing video footage before taking him to see the home in person is even better. Point out his bedroom. Ask for his help in deciding how to place the furniture. He will probably like it set up just like it was in his previous home. The more you can do to recreate familiar surroundings, the better he will feel.
- Moving Day: Find something he can do to help out. By keeping him involved, he will be focused on the task, instead of just building up anxiety. Be sure your child’s ‘comforter’ (a familiar toy or stuffed animal, etc.) is with him during the whole transition period.
- Medical concerns: While on the move, be sure to administer any medications on the same schedule. Contact the area’s local autism chapter which will provide helpful information about doctors, therapists, and other allied healthcare providers. Then, have his records sent to doctors/therapists in the new location.
- Pets: Decide together where the food/water bowls will go and where the pet will be sleeping. Be aware that moving preparations may upset the animal as well, making them more inclined to become agitated.
- Explore the new neighborhood. Look for all potential dangers: neighbors with pools, ponds or lakes, a park, woods, a busy road or highway, etc. Discuss all potential dangers and continue the conversation about strangers.
- New school: Get photos of the new school where he will be going to start showing him that too. Visit the new school in person. Make an appointment to meet the new teachers, transfer your child’s IEP, etc.
Safety Concerns
Any child, but especially a child on the autism spectrum, can wander away from home into unfamiliar surroundings. Consider installing door chimes to alert you each time a door is opened. A GPS tracking device for the child is also a consideration.
Each individual is different, so the length of time it takes to adjust will vary. The best thing you can do is be there for your child, love him, and never try to rush him. And don’t forget to find time for fun, such as taking him out for ice cream.
“My daughter is obsessed with having a boyfriend in her life. She gets asked out frequently, but she tends to jump in too fast and gets too clingy early on in the relationship. How can a young woman on the spectrum learn to ease into a relationship and wait until trust is earned when the desire for having someone in her life is all-consuming?” ~ Elizabeth (VA)
While it is normal for your daughter to want someone in her life, she can easily turn it into an all-consuming special interest. This is a very common. It is very difficult for those on the spectrum to read social cues or interpret the intent of others. Becoming clingy early on in a relationship can be perceived as stalking. In adulthood, there can be legal consequences.
Individuals with ASD may not have friends or be accepted by their peers, so they may live isolated lives. When someone does give them attention, it’s natural for them to instantly become clingy, which will typically scare off a potential partner.
Signs that her interest has become obsessive:
- Finding every opportunity to be where she knows her new ‘friend’ will be.
- Sending text messages multiple times a day, even if she doesn’t get a response.
- Constantly checking the person’s social media pages.
- Canceling other activities in order to make herself available, including canceling family gatherings/activities or plans with other friends.
- Stating that she is “in love” with the person when she barely knows him.
- Obsessively rehashing every detail of every conversation and trying to analyze every text message from him.
Your daughter knows what she feels, but is often unaware of what others think or feel. Young people are greatly influenced by visual information on TV and on social media, and a desire for instant gratification has become a norm. Therefore, understanding the complexities of dating - and especially how to stay safe - can be especially confusing for a young female (or male) on the spectrum.
Safety
If an ASD female jumps right into a relationship and becomes clingy, the following can happen:
- Object of affection gets scared off.
- Object of affection sees this as an opportunity to become sexually active right away.
- She can be more susceptible to developing a sexually transmitted disease.
- She can face an increased chance of being abducted or greatly harmed - predators look for naïve, trusting women.
Suggest dating people with common interests (someone she might meet while volunteering or attending an art class, for example).
Some tips to share with her about dating:
- Dress nicely, but don’t wear provocative clothing.
- Focus on being your authentic self. Don’t try to be something you’re not. This is dishonest, exhausting, and the date will eventually realize the contrary.
- Always maintain good personal hygiene - daily showers, good dental hygiene, using deodorant, etc.
- Always demonstrate good table manners.
- Don’t go off on pedantic talk about yourself. Instead, ask your date lots of questions and be a good listener.
- I wouldn’t recommend sharing that you are on the spectrum on a first date. If there are repeat dates, it can be broached casually. Ask him if he knows anyone else on the spectrum. He may already suspect you are on the autism spectrum but has opted against asking.
- Become friends for a while. Get to know the person, meet his family, and bring him to meet your family.
- Avoid appearing desperate and needy. Let things happen naturally.
Communicate with your daughter on a daily basis about maintaining focus on her studies, career, and activities that she enjoys. These activities will continue to build her life skills, social skills, and self-esteem. Stress that she will eventually meet that special person who will enhance her life, not become her life.
In my latest book, Becoming an Autism Success Story, I talk about “helicopter parents,” and how people on the spectrum actually need helicopter patents. Even as adults, those with ASD still need their parents for guidance.
Additional Information:
Listen to my presentation at United Nations Headquarters in New York City for World Autism Awareness Day (2017) by clicking on the video link from my home page.
I encourage you to read Tony Attwood’s comments in Autism Parenting Magazine concerning this issue.
“How can parents help their autistic child to better identify and understand when they are experiencing unusual medical issues or illness that could be serious? Oftentimes, either due to sensory or processing issues, autistic children don’t recognize the symptoms of an illness that may be debilitating or emergent.” ~ Colleen (NY)
Children with autism typically have sensory processing disorders which create difficulties organizing and interpreting information from their senses. This means they can misinterpret information from their five senses: sight, smell, hearing, taste and touch.
Just as there are receptors in your muscles and joints, there are also receptors inside your organs, including your skin. These receptors send information about the inside of your body to your brain. This helps regulate vital functions like body temperature, hunger, thirst, digestion and heart rate. This is called interoception (a lesser-known sense that helps you understand and feel what's going on inside your body).
In children with sensory processing disorders, the brain has trouble figuring out the information it is receiving. This includes whether or not they are feeling any pain or if something is wrong in their body. A child (or ASD adult) might not be able to tell if they are having pain. The sensation might show up as having an itch. Individuals may be hypersensitive (reacting excessively to even the lightest touch or smallest discomfort) or hyposensitive (symptoms of major problems go unnoticed).
When behaviors change in a child on the spectrum, finding the reasons why can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. They may not be able to verbally explain what is going on. Things to watch for include:
- Facial expressions: Frowning, grimacing, distorted expression, rapid blinking.
- Verbalizations/vocalizations: Sighing, moaning, calling out, asking for help, etc.
- Body movements: Rigidity, tension, guarding, fidgeting, increased pacing/rocking, and mobility changes (such as inactivity or motor restlessness).
In his book The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome, Dr. Tony Attwood, a renowned autism expert, writes, ‘The child or adult with Asperger’s Syndrome may appear very stoic and may not flinch or show distress in response to levels of pain that others would consider unbearable. One of the most worrying aspects for parents is how to detect when the child is in chronic pain and needs medical help.’
This may help you. I don’t experience anything like a ‘neurotypical’ does. I live in Florida, and when it’s 98 degrees with 100% humidity, I can walk around in long-sleeve, flannel shirts, fleece-lined sweat pants and a vest. Back in 2009, I got thrown off a horse and fractured my left hip in two places and my left shoulder in three places. I got up from where I landed out in the field and walked about a mile and a half back home. Once in the house, I struggled a bit to get my boots off, but then walked down the hall to my bed.
Finally, no one knows your child better than you. So, trust your instincts and seek medical help if you sense something’s wrong.
Additional Information:
My book The Complete Guide to Autism & Healthcare includes a chapter about pain perception in the autistic child.
I also highly recommend reading this article by Dr. Manuel Casanova.
“Is there improvement on the horizon in terms of better access to mental health for children on the spectrum? Any breakthrough research currently being conducted? ~ Colleen (NY)
Access to healthcare varies from state to state and is also dependent on the insurance carrier, the child’s age and any special needs a child has. Follow this link which shows each individual state.
The biggest stride that has been made in autism research is the inclusion of individuals with autism actively participating in the studies as part of the actual research team. Having autistic voices involved is imperative.
As an adult with autism who was diagnosed at the age of 50, I never had any special interventions - no IEPs, no visits to therapists, psychologists, or ABA specialists. I didn’t talk until I was three, and I had severe coordination issues. I was a total misfit kid who barely made it through elementary school and junior high. There was one thing I had - a mom who loved me, believed in me, and did endless things with me to enable me to grow.
In addition to other therapies and supports, I encourage parents to find quiet, quality time (with no distractions) with their child. For example, take your child to a park on a beautiful day and discover the bark on a tree or the veins on leaves. Bring your child to the zoo…throw stones in the water to watch the ripple effect. These experiences that stimulate your child’s senses in a safe environment are priceless.
It is typical that individuals on the autism spectrum have a great affinity for animals. I’ve known numerous people whose autistic child began to talk while on the back of a horse or when a family pet was introduced. Keep this in mind as an alternative therapy.
Don’t focus on what your child can’t do; instead focus on what he can do.
Additional Information to Check Out:
Governor Ralph Northam (VA) signed bills to remove the age cap for autism treatment coverage. See here.
There are tremendous amounts of research studies being conducted. Take a look into the following:
Autism Research Center
Fred Volkmar, M.D. at Yale School of Medicine (Find links from here to his lectures and informational links.)
FOR ALL PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS OF THOSE ON THE SPECTRUM:
Parents, caregivers and educators can find support, resources and current information from the award-winning Autism Asperger's Sensory Digest which was created to meet the needs of teachers, therapists, and family members who face the challenge of autism. This publication is geared to bring you the most current information possible to assist in that challenge. (Creative Child's “Best Magazine of the Year (2018) for Parents!”)
Parents, caregivers and educators can find support, resources and current information from the award-winning Autism Asperger's Sensory Digest which was created to meet the needs of teachers, therapists, and family members who face the challenge of autism. This publication is geared to bring you the most current information possible to assist in that challenge. (Creative Child's “Best Magazine of the Year (2018) for Parents!”)
