Resources for Families
(Local & Pennsylvania)

Know the:
The Red Flags
Of
Autism Related Disorders
 

The differences in kids with Executive Functioning deficits are not always easy to detect.  This term refers to a higher order and/or control of how our brains process information and how this process guides our behavior and responses in our internal and external environments.

Confused?  You are not alone.

One of the difficulties in defining Executive Functioning is that we are able to test levels of cognition, but not necessarily the process or how the coordination occurs or  if it will occur in a given situation.

A child might exhibit disorganized actions and daily task strategies , but appear to perform normally when tested on cognitive functioning such as memory, learning, reasoning and language.

In Kids with ASDs there is already a social impairment so this might be an area where we see more obvious evidence of Executive Functioning deficits or differences.

The kid who is confused by social cues.  Kids who are high functioning display normal to high intelligence and perform well in school, but are at a loss in having a reciprocal conversation with a peer.

These kids may or may not desire to be social with their peers.  I know kids who have no desire to interact with their peers at all while others are emotionally upset because they desire friends.  They have the desire but do not know the first thing about how to start a friendship or maintain it.

I really feel for both of these kids because the first may not desire the interaction, but needs these basic life skills to live and interact in society.  The other touches my heart because of the potential for isolation and loneliness.  The frustration and sadness they feel as they move through life longing to belong, but without the tools to begin to learn how is heart wrenching.

So what is a feasible solution to this situation?

Social Coaching.  Social Coaching that focuses and incorporates an Executive Functioning model may significantly improve a child's ability to learn how to be more social, organized, and behave with more confidence and ease than a kid who has not received social coaching.

10 things
for Teachers
to know about
Autism

 

Perspectives...
on Autism
We live what we believe.

Teaching Tips from
Temple Grandin
 

Professional Services

The Corner Seat...may we recommend...Books! Everybody Is Different: A Book for Young People Who Have Brothers or Sisters With Autism Fiona Bleach

A book written specifically for siblings of children with ASDs, this book reminds the brother or sister, " It is not about finding ways to make your brother or sister change.  Nor is it asking you to help in looking after him or her. There are adults and professional people to do that.  This book will help you understand autism and in doing so, you will be able to understand your brother or sister better."

As we focus on the child with Autism we must equally support and love the sibling who may feel confused, resentful and angry because they do not fully understand Autism.  Every child needs to be accepted and loved, not just the child with as ASD.  Emotional pain goes unseen.  Siblings need to feel they are equally important and loved, especially when so much of the attention is placed on their sibling with an ASD.

Coming A book offering practical strategies and a different perspective on understanding children with Autism Spectrum Disorders for who they are and seeing difference as a positive instead of a negative.

"I believe in You" from Autism Digest Magazine

Inspirations Stories from Parents on the journey that will inspire you.

"A grateful Thank you to everyone who loves and supports others who may have differences, knowing that being different is not a negative thing, but rather something that makes them unique and very special.  I am blessed to have been bringing this event to you all for more than five years now and I look forward to many more years.
-Susan Colón