By Staff Writer Adolescence is a critical time for social development. Not all teens develop social skills at the same pace. Those with Asperger's Syndrome or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may have deficits that need to be addressed in order to enjoy the normal experiences of adolescence. One-way parents can help their teens develop important social skills is by...[ 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 ]

By Meghan Vivo Children with special needs like Asperger’s are supposed to get appropriate services and accommodations to help them succeed in public schools. Unfortunately, it often ends up being the parents’ responsibility to advocate and recognize if a school is under-serving their child.  In extreme conditions, this may mean suing their school district to get their child’s needs met....[ read more ]

Paradoxically, it is cheaper and easier to get outdoor exercise which is better and more relaxing for children and teens having difficulties with more organized after school programs. But it may not be easy – at first – because it involves a change in lifestyle. The main ingredient for success is not money but will power. The following steps require...[ read more ]

Just a decade ago, few students with Asperger’s syndrome (a high-functioning form of autism) considered college as an option. In fact, few people even knew about Asperger’s. Today, students with Asperger’s are pursuing their dreams of a college education and professional career. As more high school and college admission counselors learn about the specific needs and abilities of these students,...[ read more ]

Learning and improving non-verbal communication skills are difficult for children with Asperger’s. By providing an multidimensional approach, your child will have more opportunities to learn and succeed. The following approach has three important components: 1) building bodily self-awareness and a relaxed, comfortable body sense; 2) learning non-verbal social interaction as a science and practicing non-verbal interactions while making scientific observations,...[ 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 ]

Talisman Academy - School for Asperger's Students Talisman Academy is a residential academic alternative for adolescents and young adults ages 12 to 20 with Asperger's Syndrome, high-functioning autism, and similar spectrum disorders. We focus on improving social awareness and interaction, independence, and academic self-motivation. In addition to specialized classroom time, our small learning groups (8 or 10 students and 2...[ 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 ]