Author: Kathy Marshack

High Divorce Rates for Parents Raising a Child with Autism

Thursday, September 02, 2010

If
you have been diagnosed with Adult ADHD, studies show you are more likely to
also suffer from depression than adults without ADHD. Depression could be
rooted in a variety of different factors, but sometimes it’s because you are
frustrated by living with ADHD. Someone may slip into depression because they
have just recently been diagnosed or maybe they are tired of being perceived as
lazy, flighty, or unsuccessful. Regardless of the reasons, depression can hit
very hard.

It is important if you have Adult ADHD that you get proper therapy with or
without symptoms of depression. Psychotherapy
is especially helpful for people with ADHD who also deal with
depression and anxiety. It can also help adults deal with the frustration and
anger they feel because their ADHD was never addressed in childhood. In
addition, psychotherapists can help improve social skills and the ability to
deal with ADHD-unfriendly situations. A specific type of psychotherapy
is called Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy which has proven to be highly beneficial.

In addition to your psychotherapy treatments, you can also try meditation,
exercise, or a hobby when you are feeling depressed. Remember that both ADHD
and depression are treatable. Visit my website for more information about Adult ADHD and Depression.

Can
marriage contribute to your health? According to recent studies, the answer is
YES! Recent studies from the University of Chicago and Northwestern University came
to the conclusion that those who are married or in long-term relationships have
lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

University of Chicago professor Dario Maestripieri stated “These results
suggest that single and unpaired individuals are more responsive to
psychological stress than married individuals, a finding consistent with a
growing body of evidence showing that marriage and social support can buffer
against stress.” For more details on this study, read Marriage
Lowers Stress Hormones.

It is no easy task to maintain a strong and healthy marriage, but it can be
done! It takes hard work, dedication, and the proper tools to make a marriage
work. You might also need to seek the guidance of a marriage counselor
for help. Don’t delay because unfortunately unresolved problems in marriage can
have a very negative impact on your health. I encourage
you to visit my website – Maintaining
a Strong Marriage – where you will learn nine critical
psychological tasks that must be applied to keep a lasting and
happy marriage. 

Experts
have been searching for easier methods to diagnose adult autism. Current
methods can be lengthy and expensive. Scientists at King’s College London are
in the process of developing a brain scan to diagnose autism.

The Medical Research Counsel performed a study on 40 different individuals – 20
with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and 20 without ASD. They first
diagnosed their patients using previously known methods and then performed a 15
minute MRI. Small differences in the brain were identified. They had a success
rate of 90% according to the Journal of Neuroscience. For more detailed
information on this study, read BBC News – New Brain Scan To
Diagnose Autism.

These experts are hopeful that this test will become a widely used method for diagnosing
ASD. Then the patient will be able to get immediate attention from a
professional who can assist them with coping techniques. This is also exciting
information because it may help us learn more about brain abnormalities and
ASD.  

For more information on adult Autism Spectrum Disorder, visit Asperger Syndrome Frequently
Asked Questions.

Summer
is flying by and before you know it you’re kids will be back to school. For
parents who have children with special needs such ASD (Autism Spectrum
Disorder) or ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) it can be stressful preparing
your child for the new school year. I have put together a few tips to help make
the transition from summer to school a little easier for you and your child.

Be Positive
It is only natural for your child to feel apprehensive about the new school
year. You can help ease their worries by speaking positively about what they
are going to experience this year. Get them excited about that they are going
to learn. Recall to their minds the thing they enjoyed from previous years.

Get into a Routine
Even though school hasn’t started yet, it’s a good idea to start getting into a
good routine that will ease them into their school schedule. Set a wake up time
and bedtime for your child. This may need to be done gradually for them to
adjust. Also start with a few academic games/projects to refresh their memories
and get them to prepared for what to expect when school starts. Consistency is
key for both ADD and ASD.

Get Prepared
Include your child when you are getting prepared for the school year. Take them
with you when you do their school shopping and let them pick out things that
they like. Help them put together their backpacks, discuss lunch and snack
options, and help them lay out their clothes for school the night before. Make
the preparation a joint effort.

One other thing I really recommend doing – once you find out who your child’s
teacher will be – is to put together a packet about your child for the teacher.
Take a look at the article How
to Assemble a Teacher Information Packet for some helpful tips.

For additional back to school and safety tips, visit the American Academy of Pediatrics – Back To School Tips. My website also has information about Parenting
a Child with ADD.

I
wanted to share some of the exciting news about the Asperger
Syndrome: Partner’s & Family of Adults with ASD Support Group. Our
small group has grown tremendously and now has 187 members. The members are not
only those local to the Portland/Vancouver area, but we now have members from
around the world from Europe, Great Britain, Dubai, East Africa, Canada, New
Zealand and Australia.

The message boards have become a place where members can discuss their concerns
and gain support. Here is what one of our new members wrote:

“Kathy, I just wanted to let you know how much this group is helping
me. I have found a wealth of information and understanding. The shame and guilt
that have been so present for so long is lifting because of the stunning
similarities other woman are walking in and willing to share so honestly and
openly. I’m glad you started this group (I only wish I lived in Portland lol)
but good things are happening on the message board.”

The message boards are private and for members only and I screen new members.
It is important to me that this support group is maintained as a place of
support and security.

Our next meeting is scheduled for August 14, 2010. The topic for discussion is “Aspie
by Nature or Exposure?“ I hope that you can join us – if not in
person, then on the message boards!