SPECTRUM CONNECTION

By Jeanne Holverstott, M.S.

Question: It seems like summer can be full of pitfalls for my son with Asperger’s — the structure has gone away, and he’s no longer in contact with classmates. He is content to play on the computer all day, but seems to get moody more easily. Should we treat summer vacation as a long break from school-year stress, or what?  

Answer: Summer vacation presents a contradiction: Children with autism spectrum disorders thrive on structure, routine, consistency. Summer vacation throws these principles of ASD parenting and behavior management in flux.
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By Toni Lapp
Looking for a book to help a youngster in your life understand autism? There are a few new books out written for kids on the spectrum or who have siblings with autism.

The newest is “My Brother Charlie,” (Scholastic, April 2010) written by actress (and “The Apprentice” contestant) Holly Robinson Peete and her 11-year-old daughter Ryan Elizabeth Peete. Filled with bold, colorful pictures, the book is a visual delight, illustrated by Kansas City artist Shane Evans. It features a simple narrative in which a sister describes life with her twin brother who has autism. In Peete’s family, Ryan Elizabeth’s twin brother RJ has autism; the story is described as a work of fiction, but the story line follows events from the young author’s life — like when she hurts herself and her brother rushes to comfort her and expresses his love for her in words for the first time.

So is it worth the $16.99 cover price? The book certainly has lined up its share of celebrity endorsements, from Bill Cosby to Jason McElwain of hoops fame. It is an enjoyable read, and will no doubt be invaluable for young readers first grappling with the idea that their family is “special.”

For a book that will appeal to older children, look for Scholastic’s 2006 “Rules,” a Newbery award winner. Author Cynthia Lord, mother of two — one with, one without autism — said she was inspired to write the book when her daughter came home from school and asked “How come I never see families like mine in books and on TV?” Lord no doubt drew on her family experiences in writing the story, told from the point of view of 12-year-old Catherine, whose family seemingly revolves around her autistic brother.

Deemed “pretty good” by my 17-year-old son with Asperger’s (that’s high praise from him, actually), the book is now in paperback and offers an author interview and bonus games at the end.

Click here to download a brochure for this summer camp developed to teach empowerment skills to children 10- to 14-years-old.

By Jeanne Holverstott

Q: When we go out to dinner with friends and family, my teen-age son often regales the table with political discussions on topics that are usually out of reach for most kids his age. When he was a preteen, this would elicit chuckles from our friends. Now it’s starting to make me uncomfortable. Sometimes these friends will take the bait and debate him, and it never seems to turn out well. Other times they’ll wave off his precociousness, but he’ll persist. Sometimes he’ll even make political comments to the wait staff. It’s like he doesn’t know how else to engage people. I’m not sure how to handle these situations: by nipping it in the bud, playing along with him and hope it doesn’t go too far, or trying to change the subject.

What are your thoughts?
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By Toni Lapp
My son’s grade card arrived yesterday. For most parents, the arrival of the end-of-year grades is an occasion to celebrate. I’m just happy if there are no F’s. (It’s sometimes hard to explain this to family and friends: “No, my kid’s not on the honor roll, but he passed all his classes.”)

This year the most heartening news was that Ryan had received high marks in not just one, but two, count ‘em, two classes — Economics and Naval Science (Junior ROTC). Both these classes were led by teachers with whom my son had a good rapport, confirming my belief that behavioral issues are reduced when students on the spectrum have a positive connection with the instructor.
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