Depression and anxiety are both major problems in America. Teenagers are hit especially hard with both as they are going through physical, mental, and emotional changes that come with puberty. It is important to be able to at least recognize some of the symptoms of depression and anxiety so as to know when to speak to a professional health care...[ read more ]

The Teen with Autism Spectrum Disorder Most experts do a great job of presenting the problems children with Autism Spectrum Disorder face during their adolescent years. Unfortunately, they offer few solutions. This two-part article presents problems teens face (Part 1) and gives suggestions that have worked for parents of teens with ASD (Part 2). Click here for Part 1 –...[ read more ]

Planning and Preparation Turning your kitchen into a haven of good nutrition and better eating habits may feel like a monumental task, but it is entirely manageable if broken down into smaller tasks. Go through the refrigerator and pantry gradually removing unhealthy foods. These include foods filled with sugar (i.e. the first ingredient on the label), artificial ingredients, preservatives, and...[ read more ]

You can provide this loving environment at home through the animal world of affectionate pets, and also by coaching your family and others in your home. Unconditional love and non-verbal communication practice with animals. If your family can add a pet or two, or already has one, dogs and cats make excellent, loving non-verbal communication coaches. Keeping a pet is...[ read more ]

Kennedy, Diane with Rebecca Banks. The ADHD Autism Connection (Colorado Springs, CO: Waterbrook Press) 2002. When Diane Kennedy’s third son received a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), his mother already knew the drill. Her first two sons had the same issues. The family spent years caught in a maze of medical interventions, behavioral modification training, holistic remedies, and sessions...[ read more ]

Asperger’s Hits the Big Screen Three new movies scheduled for release within the next year that feature characters living with Asperger’s Syndrome (a form of high functioning autism) hold promise for expanding public awareness of this misunderstood autism spectrum disorder more... Camping with Confidence Helping Your Child with Aspergers Feel at Home in the Wild Children and teens with Asperger’s...[ read more ]

On the Road Again The experts at Talisman Programs have some helpful advice to share with parents planning a family road trip with a child with ADHD, Asperger’s, and other special needs this summer. more... Traveling with Your Child with Asperger's As summer approaches, parents of children with Asperger’s may dread the upcoming vacations other parents anticipate with pleasure. There...[ read more ]

Hans Asperger published in 1944 the first description of what has become known as "Asperger's Syndrome." He described a pattern of behavior known as "autistic psychopathy" that included a difficulty feeling empathy, forming friendships, one-sided conversation, a tendency to become obsessively interested in a subject or interest, and some clumsiness of movement. Asperger called the children with these behaviors "little...[ read more ]

Asperger's Hits the Big Screen By Staff Writer To lots of people, the phrase “Asperger’s Syndrome” is still a bit of a mystery. But this little-known and frequently misunderstood disorder will quickly grow in recognition and understanding if the media has any say in the matter. Three new movies are scheduled for release within the next year that feature characters...[ read more ]

Most children with Asperger Syndrome do not receive that diagnosis until after age 6. Usually, they are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder as toddlers. Part of the reason is that doctors routinely screen children for ADD but not for autism. Another reason is that an Aspie's social impairment becomes more evident once he hits school. Finally, doctors are reluctant to...[ read more ]