My son has aspbergers a form of autism??

Question

He is 12 years old and gets very hung up on things. Its getting worse since he started to go through puberty--he refuses to change he clothes throw out shoes it does not matter if the shoes have holes in them I honestly am having a very difficult time I have gone to a neurologist they are doing a complete workout--are there any suggestions??

Answer 1

You mentioned that you are working with a neurologist. I would suggest continueing to follow their recommendations, if they discover any issues that need their help.

I agree with the person who wrote about setting out an outfit for the next day at night (and putting the dirty clothes in a laundry hamper) to give the child a visual cue that he needs to wear different clothes each day. I would think that they child could help with this process...that way he would get to learn the responsibility of picking up his clothes and he would get to choose what he wears. If this is a struggle, you might try a "chore chart," where he gets points for doing his chores, then is rewarded each day or each week (however long you think he can wait) with a fun prize or activity for completing the chores.

A schedule can be a great idea, but be careful about using them because not everything in life can be scheduled. It can be upsetting to a child if something on their schedule changes. If you make a schedule you might try leaving space between all of the items in the schedule, in case you need to add something. Just make sure you show the child the change and talk with your child about the event that you are adding as soon as possible before doing it.

Here are some other resources about Asperger's Syndrome/Autism that may help you. I wish you all the best!

Websites:

"Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew" by Ellen Notbohm - http://www.southflorida.com/sfparenting/sfe-sfp-autism,0,6196233.story

"The Discovery of "Aspie" Criteria" ~ What if Asperger’s Syndrome was defined by its strengths? - http://www.thegraycenter.org/sectionsdetails.cfm?id=38

Website of Paula Kluth, Ph.D. - http://www.paulakluth.com/autism.html

Positively Autism (free online magazine) - http://www.positivelyautism.com

Teaching Tips for Children and Adults with Autism by Temple Grandin, Ph.D. - http://www.autism.org/temple/tips.html


Books:

"Your Life is Not a Label: A Guide to Living Fully with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome" by Jerry Newport

"You're Going to Love This Kid!: Teaching Students With Autism in the Inclusive Classroom" By Paula Kluth

"Not Even Wrong: Adventures in Autism" By Paul Collins

Any book by Temple Grandin

Answer 2

First of all, it is Asperger's Syndrome -- a High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder.

I am a Long term Single Parent of TWO disabled Children (now adults!) and I can say that with the one with Asperger's Syndrome -- here are my suggestions for clothing:

First: When the child is asleep -- go through the clothes -- all of them including the shoes. Throw out what is too used or has holes -- but do it a little at a time.

Second: Take the Asperger's Child with you when you go shopping for clothing. And ALWAYS have them FEEL the clothing on the rack -- pet it -- rub it up and down - and try EVERYTHING on -- yes, the Asperger's Child will HATE this -- but if you do a couple of shirts at a time, a set of pants the next week -- and do this on a REGULAR Schedule -- then you won't have as many problems with the clothing as you have now.

As far as shoes -- have them try them on -- I used (for the most part) Velcro Closures on shoes -- tying shoelaces was very difficult for my Asperger's Syndrome child to do -- so velcro was the best choice.

Third: BUILD a schedule for the child -- and by all means -- STICK to that schedule every day without ANY Changes if at all possible. Bath at the same time every day. Dress at the same time every day. Change clothes at same time every day.

Fourth: Put out when the child is sleeping an Outfit for the NEXT Day -- and hook the hangers over the bed if you have to. This way, the child KNOWS every day that you want them to change clothes -- and DO pick up their used clothes EVERY night after they go to sleep -- that way they will NOT have the option of putting that dirty outfit back on.

Answer 3

My son is a high functioning autistic. What has helped us with the hang ups is giving him outlets for the behaviors. Like a bucket of marbles to roll around on the floor (11 years old and still a favorite activity). After school he gets at least 30 minutes down time to roll marbles or flip through his yu gi oh card collection, or jump on the trampoline. Then he has structured time on martial arts practice, golf or the other things that we have gotten him into over the years. A key phrase is to say "it is time to..." it is time to put on clean clothes, it is time to get new shoes. Feet are very sensitive to sensation, so new shoes might be something he has learned to dread - rubbing on new spots on his feet, etc. The best way is to try to find out WHY he is reluctant to do something, and try to make it more comfortable. It requires a lot of detective work and empathy, but gets easier in time.

Answer 4

My son is Aspergers. He's twenty now and still has trouble with a lot of things. They don't like change. They have their rituals.
Try to make his life as structured as possible. They sometimes have OCD and meds and therapy are needed for those things as well as counseling. You have to be very choosey about the counselor. My son was diagnosed at 12 and that's very late to be diagnosed. They younger they are when diagnosed, the easier it will be. Do you have a center for Autism where you live? They can give you a lot of help. I hope your school is helping your son as well. Some things you just have to live with until they move on. Who is doing your workup? They should have suggestions for you as far as therapy. If you need help, contact me and I'll try to answer questions you might have.

Answer 5

My son has Asperger's syndrome as well and constant reassuring and structure is very important. My son takes meds and is in counseling to help him. He is also ADHD and Bipolar and has seizures. You should look for help from your school board. My son's school has provided him a full time aide to help him with social situations and any other area he requires help in. His aide will be with him up until twelfth grade. Puberty is a tough time for a child with Asperger's due to all of the social changes that they are experiencing. Try to find you a strong support system, you are going to need it.

Answer 6

I have Asperger's. It was really bad when I was a kid, but as I hit my teenage years it was getting better. I still have signs of OCD and hypersensitive senses, but I've gotten better with dealing with society.

What has helped me through was participating in activities (I was active in the high school drama club). Does your son have any talents? If so, get him involved in it. It may help him dealing with hang ups and certainly cheaper than going to a doctor.

Best of luck.

Answer 7

i do no longer understand if i can rather help, even with the incontrovertible fact that i will objective ... i'm answering to furnish an ear and shoulder in case you will have an interest, I truthfully have a youthful person son with aspergers additionally.

Answer 8

I have a step son -20- who has downs syndrome. He speaks very little and hard to understand. you just do your best and repeat, repeat, repeat, lessons. When you get frustrated think what life would be without him and count your blessings.

Answer 9

Have you tried Behavior Therapy?, it will help reduce his behavior.or try Medication, there is very few meds out there for kids with Autism.

Answer 10

if your son has an iep, and depending what is in it, the school cannot do what they want with him. you have a case, get your son some help, then, get a lawyer. even if he cannot go to his regular school, they have to pay for him to go to one he can!