Preparing the Autistic Driver for the Road: A Look at Motor Skills
Aspergers101 asks the experts about driving safely with Autism. In this blog we focus especially on preparing to drive with motor skill challenges. Dr. Berenice de la Cruz, Training and Research Director at the Autism Community Network, offers a great overview into the differences of the Autistic brain and how those differences affect the skills it takes to drive. Dr. Berenice de laContinue Reading
Respecting Neurological Differences and Decreasing Stress for the ASD Student in Class
Perhaps most relevant to a student in the classroom: when you are stressed you are less likely to embrace difficult tasks. On your most stressful day, you will probably put the complex tax form in the “to do” box and leave it for a better day. For our students, neurological stress can be the major underlying factor contributing to difficulties inContinue Reading
Preventing Meltdowns
Although we have addressed the topic of meltdowns previously, it is a topic that needs to be revisited often, given the intense nature of the meltdown. “People with autism, new research suggests, may have an unusually large and overactive amygdala. This may be one reason why people with autism are easily overstimulated and have a hard time understanding and managingContinue Reading
Free 4 You: Driving With Autism webinar kicks off Thursday
by Lynette Vega, SBG San Antonio Monday, November 18th 2019 SAN ANTONIO — An initiative in Texas is creating safer interactions between law enforcement and those on the autism spectrum. It’s called the Texas Driving With Autism Initiative and a free webinar will be held for the public to learn more about it. To register for the free webinar, CLICK HERE.Continue Reading
Interests can serve as calming mechanisms for the brain with Aspergers
The fact that special interests can serve as calming mechanisms is largely true for neuro-typical persons as well. Think of your favorite interests outside of your job and your family. What do you enjoy doing when left to your own devices? Some common interests include the following: Reading Gardening Sports Movies Music Photography Exercising Shopping Traveling Collecting Items Whatever yourContinue Reading
Support For Off-Campus Travel for College Students with ASD
Welcome to the holiday season! The season is one of change, for a variety of reasons. The arrival of the holidays announces the coming of cooler weather for most of the U.S., begins a time of travel, and signals the end of the calendar year. The holidays are a time of change for college students, too. Most students who have been living full-time on campusContinue Reading
WEBINAR: Driving with Autism Texas Initiative
Sign Up Here For November 21st Webinar sharing all components of this trail-blazing initiative. Oh…it’s free! Register Online Now for the Texas Driving with Autism Webinar! The Driving with Autism initiative is a first-of-its-kind program out of Texas that is improving interactions between law enforcement and drivers diagnosed with a communication challenge. Now we want to share the entire initiative withContinue Reading
Q & A with Dwayne Dixon at VSW Productions
Artist, Writer, Director and college student Dwayne Dixon possess the talents of many diagnosed with Aspergers. Though Dwayne does not have Aspergers, he is a strong example of utilizing what talents/intense interests you do have into a passionate living! He and his production team from New York are always on the scout for voice talent (see contact info at endContinue Reading
For College Students with Aspergers: The Importance of Follow-Up With Your Professors
One of the most challenging aspects of supporting college students diagnosed with Asperger’s Disorder is the need for follow-up with professors, college staff, and others. Follow-up is important to ensure deadlines are met and that assignments are turned in according to each syllabus. The fast pace of college, combined with the severe anxiety and executive dysfunction common to the spectrum,Continue Reading
Teaching Happiness: Supporting Children into Adulthood
This week was huge in our household. After moving Daniel into an apartment last month, we moved Nathan off to college for his Sophomore year last weekend. We are officially empty nesters. Our oldest, Thomas, gets married in October, which only solidifies the notion that we have adult “children”. The house is quiet. We are wondering what to do withContinue Reading
The Sibling(s): Born Into An ASD World
Meet Charlie Allen While growing up as the sibling of someone with autism may progress without a hitch, many harbor feelings of loneliness and resentment. As someone who falls somewhere in-between the above examples, I offer you my son, Charlie Allen. Not until the writing of this blog has Charlie, our youngest, granted me my long desire to write aboutContinue Reading
Aspergers101 presents: Dr. Temple Grandin Tips for Interviewing Success
The :30 “WOW” Statistically, 75% of persons diagnosed with High Functioning Autism / Asperger Syndrome are either under or unemployed. This is a travesty for them, their families, society and businesses. These staggering numbers cannot be ignored! There are various reasons for unemployment mainly the challenges that come with autism such as sensory sensitivities and workplace social expectations. However, alongsideContinue Reading