@SusyKenney There is a wonderful book called "The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders (And Their Parents" My son is 12 years old with high functioning autism (Aspergers Syndrome). I recently read this book with him and he began to understand more about why he was different not less. We found this book to be very useful and checked it out from our local library.

It says "This positive, straightforward book offers kids with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) their own comprehensive resource for both understanding their condition and finding tools to cope with the challenges they face every day. Some children with ASDs are gifted; others struggle academically. Some are more introverted, while others try to be social. Some get "stuck" on things, have limited interests, or experience repeated motor movements like flapping or pacing ("stims"). The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders covers all of these areas, with an emphasis on helping children gain new self-understanding and self-acceptance. Meant to be read with a parent, the book addresses questions ("What’s an ASD?" "Why me?") and provides strategies for communicating, making and keeping friends, and succeeding in school. Body and brain basics highlight symptom management, exercise, diet, hygiene, relaxation, sleep, and toileting. Emphasis is placed on helping kids handle intense emotions and behaviors and get support from family and their team of helpers when needed. The book includes stories from real kids, fact boxes, helpful checklists, resources, and a glossary. Sections for parents offer more detailed information."

Our son has really embraced learning about the condition. There is a book called All Cats have Aspergers that he reads to the class at the beginning of the school year and a workbook, I can't find it to give you the exact name but it is something like Aspergers an owners manual that was wonderful for all of us. We are now working through workbooks on anger, worrying and anxiety. I think it has helped me son to better understand everything. He will be 13 later this month so now we get to deal with puberty too!

My daughter has DiGeorge syndrome as well as PDD-NOS. When she was younger, we explained her brain was 'wired' differently than other kids her age. it did not make her less, it just made her different. It was painful to watch her become aware of the things she cannot do, so we found things she did well and told her everything in life is about balance. She may struggle with math, but she is wonderful at organizing her books/dvd's. Reading comprehension is always rough for her, but her memory is crazy-sharp and once she hears something, she usually remembers it very well. We do not approach her DiGeorge or ASD as a disease or ailment. It is a part of her DNA, just like her big brown eyes and her being left-handed.

We recently talked with my 9-year-old daughter with HFA. We started by talking about her services and asking her why she thinks she needs them. Her description of her condition was pretty spot on so we told her there's a name for it that she's heard before and. It's Autism. We explained that there's a spectrum and she's fortuante to be high on the spectrum which means she's smart, creative and can everything other kids can do.

Then we showed. Her this amazing video and asked her to stop us along the way with questions http://youtu.be/ejpWWP1HNGQ

We also included her little brother in the conversation. It went very well.

We closed by telling her that her family knows, her teachers, the people that give her services and some of our close friends but, beyond that, the word "autism" is hers to use as she wishes. She can share it with people or not, as she chooses. So far she's chosen not to. I think she's worried what other kids might say.

Good luck!

@A MyAutismTeam Member ~ You asked about talking about sex ~ we have had to because Chuckie grew 6 inches, started getting facial hair and all the other fun changes beginning about 11 1/2. Found out my Dad did the same thing. The first talk was with the psychiatrist present so he knew we were not making it up. Since then it has been more teachable moments as he hears things at school or on a tv show and we talk about it. I think we are both a little uncomfortable but, we are muddling through it. Good luck!

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