Fwd: Teenager with Aspergers Turns The Tables - Text Version

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Teenager with Aspergers Turns The Tables - Text Version

Hi there here's this week's interview carried out by Readman (a young man with Aspergers) on his parents.

It's great stuff and had loads of blog comments already.

If you want to read them or add your own just got to ...

http://parentingaspergers.com/blog/teenager-with-aspergers-turns-the-tables

So here's the interview ...

Hi there and here’s this week’s Aspergers article – and I’m having the night off from writing; thanks to a talented teenager with Aspergers!

I have posted a great little interview that Readman carried out on his own parents about Aspergers.

For those of you who don’t know – he is an exceptional teenager with Aspergers from Canada.

He has written several articles for the blog and is a regular contributor to http://www.ParentingAspergersCommunity.com

Here’s ’s interview which makes fascinating reading …

The Interview

After reading questions and answers to Mr. Angel, I was so sad to hear all the problems parents are having. I know I’m only 10 but I decided to interview my parents what they thought about my aspergers and how they helped me so that I could share with you.

When did you first think I was different?

We noticed when you were about 3 years old, when you decided to stop eating.

What did you do?

Well we went to the pediatrician who told us this was normal, and not to force you to eat, that you would eat when you decided to. Well that was a mistake still to this day you won’t touch a lot of foods.

What did you think when the psychologist told you I had aspergers?

We were torn. We were happy in away that we finally found out why you were acting differently, but sad thinking how can we help you

I don’t understand?

Every parent’s first impulse is thinking what did I do wrong. When we found out it was aspergers, and it was not our fault, this made us feel a little better. But now knowing that you have Aspergers Syndrome it made us feel helpless thinking how can we help you. , every parent wants to help his or her child live a happy life.

Is there anything you think helped me get this far?

Yes. I made sure ever since you started school I asked you four simple questions. Tell me something good, something bad, something happy something sad. This made you talk about your day and we could elaborate on a specific topic, which was most important to you. Now everyday we talk about all different topics.

Yes we still do it today, but I call it debriefing now.

How did you get me to try new things?

The one that best works for you is reward and consequence. Do you remember when you would not ride your bike for the whole summer?

Yes

Well it was not until I purchased a computer game and told you, that you could not play it until you rode your bike. You learned to ride a bike in 2 hours.

Is there anything else you think that helps me?

its all trial and error. There have been times a strategy may work but the next day fails completely. We find its one step forward and 2 steps back. I get told a lot of the time that I’m a pessimist.

What does that mean?

It means I look for the worst things in life. I do this to try to look ahead on what problems could arise for you. Everything I try to teach you now is not to learn for today but 2 years from now. I have always tried to teach you some problem solving of situations that may arise as you get older. Hopefully with constant repetition when this time comes, it would have sunk in and you would be ready.

Are you tired of having a son with aspergers?

If you mean tired as exhausted, there are times, but I get the same exhaustion from telling your brother to pick up his clothes. Matt I’m a mom. I’m tired all the time. It goes with the territory. If you mean am I tired of you… NEVER. I wanted two boys and I was blessed with two wonderful boys, so to that answer no!!!! You are a wonderful son with so many gifts to offer and I love you and will always love you.

I hope that this may help parents. As my mom and dad said, “ it all trial and error†and if these worked for me maybe they may be able to help your kids with aspergers.

Please feel free to add any comments to this blog post as I know that enjoys the feedback he gets.

Thanks for the great article .

Dave Angel

PS – You can read more of ’s insightful and helpful articles by becoming a member of http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com

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Articles posted this week at The Parenting Aspergers Community

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Can you tell me more about Wilderness Therapy for Asperger’s?

Adolescence is a tough age for children with Asperger’s Syndrome. The lacking social skills cause awkwardness. At a time when it is so important to be an accepted member of the group, these children are often rejected, teased, bullied, or totally ignored by their peers. It can be a lonely time for the child, triggering behavioral problems and a very troubled teen. Home life and family relationships may suffer …

To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/356.cfm

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I am worried that my teenaged son with Aspergers is becoming more reliant on alcohol to cope with his low feelings. Is this common and what can I do to help him?

The teen years can be precarious when under the influence of alcohol. A teen’s peer group often sees alcohol use as a rite of passage. Teens think to be accepted by the crowd, you have to be willing to take some risks. These risks are …

To read this article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/355.cfm

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My son gets so distraught when he gets a bad mark in class — how can I help him with this? He’s 11 and has Asperger’s.

Pushing for perfection is a very common characteristic in children with Asperger’s Syndrome. The need to do things right, every time, is overwhelming. When it doesn’t happen, it can be a disaster. Feelings of despair can lead to extreme anxiety and depression since as we all know, perfection is impossible. It is so difficult to watch your child struggle to meet his expectations. You cannot make him see that he is setting unachievable goals; he really doesn’t understand. This creates such a helpless feeling for a parent …

To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/354.cfm

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