AboutCatherine Ridenour Expertise I can answer your questions about parenting your High Functioning Autisic or Asperger`s Syndrome child. In particular, questions about family life, discipline, siblings, finding resources, and working with (sometimes opposing) the educational system are welcome.
Experience I am the parent of an Asperger's Syndrome child who is now 22 years old. She went undiagnosed for 14 years of her life, so I have done extensive reading and Internet research into the possible cause of her difficulties. Even a short 8 years ago, A.S. was practically unheard of by the public educational system.
We fumbled our way through her childhood and early adolescence without any effective outside support. In some ways, that may have been a blessing as we were focused on her abilities rather than a label for her disability. However, I can think of many times when knowing WHY would have been comforting.
Had we known very early on, some social skills interventions might have made her life in school easier. At this point, I like her for who she is so I do not regret how things have turned out. More importantly, she likes herself.
Education/Credentials I have a Bachelor of Science in Education.
I have worked to educate myself about Autism in general and HFA/AS in particular.
NOTE:
Please note that I have no control over the "sponsored links" at the bottom of this page. I do not endorse these web sites or their products or opinions. Use your own best judgment in evaluating any claim made. As with all things, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Question My 27 month old at times speaks quite clearly in 5 or 6 word sentences - but
the next thing you know, it sounds like she is speaking in a foreign language
for quite a long time. She seems to intermingle an English sentence with her
own crazy language for a few sentences. She also totally zones out everyone
quite often, and won't answer or even respond to her name or an instruction
- you would think she has hearing problems, except 1/2 the time she
responds to her name quite well. She seems "obsessed" with certain things
like doing dishes (loves the running water), or going to the park, or staying
glued to a tv program, and she throws real tantrums - lots of screaming if
she doesn't get to do what she has on her mind. Do I have anything to worry
about?
Answer Hi Janice,
The best answer is maybe.
Two year old people live in their own world part of the time. It can be quite normal to have fixed interests, zone out and throw tantrums. It can also signal a spectrum disorder.
My advice is to watch and wait. Since she can talk in sentences, will play in ways that mimic adults and does respond to instructions sometimes, there is probably nothing wrong.
She sounds like a strong-willed child. So, here is my advice regarding tantrums: NEVER be manipulated by a tantrum.
If you are at home, leave the room and let her scream. You will find she jumps up and follows you so she can have an audience. Try not to laugh. When she calms down, tell her you can't understand screaming, only talking.
If you are in the grocery store, be willing to leave the cart and head for the car. Under no circumstance should a parent buy a toy or candy to shut a child up. I have even arranged for a friend to swoop in and take the child home while I shopped in peace. Once was all it took.
If tantrums escalate to breaking her toys, make sure she does not get a replacement item. Be empathetic, "How sad, you broke your doll. I know you will miss her." An older child could be expected to earn the money for a new one, but she's too young for that. This is called logical consequences. If you want more information on this style of parenting, go to <www.loveandlogic.com>.
Should she develop clearer signs of a spectrum disorder, don't hesitate to ask her doctor for an evaluation. For instance, if her speech development stops or loses ground, this is a red flag.
I think you can relax, though. Play, sing, run, climb, enjoy! She won't be little for long.
