Asperger's Syndrome: A Guide to Helping Your Child Thrive at Home and at School Book

Introduction 1

1 A Mother's Longing to Understand Her Son 5

2 Diagnostic Challenges in Asperger's Syndrome 15

3 Comorbid Disorders: Isn't Having Just Asperger's Syndrome Enough? 31

4 The Parents' Guide to Recognizing and Diagnosing Asperger's Syndrome 39

5 The Next Steps 45

6 Repetitive Thoughts and Behaviors: When Your Child Can't Stop Thinking about Vacuums or Similar Objects 55

7 Theory of Mind: How to Walk in My Shoes 69

8 ADHD and Executive Function: Putting Your Thoughts in Order 79

9 Communication: The Door to Friendships, Independence, and Knowledge 89

10 Anxiety and Depression: Worries and Sadness 105

11 Sensory Needs or Avoidance: Itchy Clothes, Smelly Foods, Noisy Rooms 115

12 Behavior as Communication: I Will Make You Understand Even If My Words Don't Make Sense 127

13 Current Research in Neuroimaging 145

Appendix: Forms and Templates 151

Student Information Sheet 153

Team Meeting Notes 167

Autistic Spectrum Disorder Intake Form 174

Behavior Tally Sheet 181

Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence Data Sheet 188

Behavior Support Plan 195

Index 209