Author: Kathy Marshack

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Autism SuperConference July 23-24, 2009 in Portland, Oregon

Future Horizons, an autism publishing company, has put together a series of two day nationwide SuperConferences on autism and Asperger Syndrome. I was excited to see that Tony Attwood, Temple Grandin, and Maria Wheeler will be leading the discussion on a variety of topics at the Portland, Oregon SuperConference.

EVENT DETAILS:

Date: July 23-24, 2009
Conference Location: Crowne Plaza Portland Downtown Convention Center
Registration Number: 1.800.489.0727
Website: http://www.fhautism.com/Conferences/OregonSuperConference/tabid/166/Default.aspx

During this event, I will be in St. Charles, Illinois attending the Autism Society of America’s National Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders. However, if you live in the Portland/Vancouver area, I recommend registering if you’re interested in learning more about autism and Asperger Syndrome. I would also love to hear your thoughts about the information presented.

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A Healthy Brain Equals Healthy Relationships

A strong marriage or relationship requires constant and loving attention, which can be hard work under the best circumstances. Lately I’ve focused on the impact of Asperger Syndrome on relationships. But the truth is there are many things such as ADD, anxiety, depression, obsessive tendencies, brain trauma, toxic exposure, and early Alzheimer’s disease  that can seriously sabotage your relationships.

I greatly respect the work of Dr. Daniel Amen, who I have spoken of in past blogs. In his recent “Brain in the News” newsletter, he spoke of how brain function has an incredible affect on our relationships. When the brain is functioning properly, things are good, but when it is not, you exhibit traits that could have a negative impact on your relationships.  For example, Dr. Amen mentioned that if you have low activity in the front part of your brain, you will often speak before you think. This type of speech can be hurtful and harmful to your relationship.

If this type of behavior sounds familiar, you may need marital counseling and more. You may also need to examine your mental health as individuals. If you are interested in other tips for maintaining a relationship, visit Marriage Counseling – Maintaining a Strong Marriage.

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Help in Career Planning for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Help in Career Planning for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Thursday, July 02, 2009

Finding a job in today’s economy is hard enough, but it is even harder if you have Autism Spectrum Disorders, including Asperger Syndrome. For example, you may feel uncomfortable filling out a job application. Or you may feel confused because it’s important for you to answer everything as honestly as possible, but you end up frustrated that you can’t fully explain your situation. Or you don’t work well with people, but the only entry level jobs are in customer service. With the majority of Aspie’s unemployed or underemployed, help is finally available!

I recently heard of a new conference put together by Spectrum Training Systems. The conference is entitled, Career Planning for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This two day conference held October 21-22, 2009 in Seattle, WA is designed to help students, parents, caregivers, and young adults with ASD to become successful career-oriented individuals. It is also available for career coaches, therapists, special education administrators, and teachers so that they can better assist those with ASD in this important area.

Some of the specific topics that will be discussed are Career Planning, Workplace Support, and Social Communication in the Workplace.

This type of training is sorely needed. More information is available at www.SpectrumTrainingSystemsInc.com/Conferences.html.

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Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Reduce ADD Symptoms

For decades, medications have been used to treat the symptoms of attention deficit disorders. For many people, these medicines dramatically reduce their hyperactivity and improve their ability to focus, work, and learn. But many people are hesitant about taking medication. Is there anything else available to reduce symptoms of ADD?

Dr. Daniel Amen, a child psychiatrist, has been using Omega-3 fatty acid supplements for years to treat patients with ADD. In one of his recent newsletters, Dr. Amen highlighted a study from Canadian researchers studying the effects of Omega-3’s on ADD. Their results showed that children taking Omega-3 supplements have better behavior and a greater attention span. This study has been published in the February 2009 journal, Paediatric Child Health.

Omega-3 fatty acids are not only beneficial for ADD, but also for depression, joint pain, and great for the brain. In addition to medication or supplements, I highly recommend behavioral therapy, emotional counseling, and practical support. In individual counseling, a therapist can help the child or adult with ADD learn to feel better about themselves. They do this by helping them recognize that having a disability does not reflect who they are as a person. Over time the therapist can help people with ADD identify and build on their strengths, cope with daily problems, and learn to control their attention and aggression. For more information on coping with ADD/ADHD, please visit my website.

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More Recommended Books on Asperger Syndrome

Here are a few more books on Asperger Syndrome that I highly recommend reading. Enjoy!


The Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships: Decoding Social Mysteries Through the Unique Perspectives of Autism
– Temple Grandin
Temple Grandin is credited with bringing the tough subject of autism out in the open. She is a strong advocate for autistic adults and children in securing the type of education and emotional support they need. Her first book, Emergence: Labeled Autistic, is a seminal work that makes you rethink your notions of what it means to be autistic. In this book on social skills, Temple and her coauthor Barron break down the mystery of social relationships so that they make more sense to the autistic mind.

 The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome – Tony Attwood
Attwood has led the field when it comes to opening our minds to another way to look at this developmental disorder. Filled with scientific research this book is not without heart. Books on Asperger’s Syndrome need to help the reader learn more but it is important to recognize that we are all part of the human condition. Attwood does a marvelous job in weaving together a useful guidebook to this complex disorder.


The Other Half of Asperger Syndrome: A guide to an Intimate Relationship with a Partner who has Asperger Syndrome – Maxine Aston
Aston was the first person to nail it on the head. In this slim little book she exposes the mystery of living with a spouse with Asperger’s Syndrome. Her research unlocked the puzzle box for many people. No you are not crazy, but it is true that you and your Asperger mate live on different planets. Read this book summarizing Aston’s research and learn more about your Asperger’s mate.


Asperger’s Syndrome and Adults… Is Anyone Listening? Essays and Poems by Partners, Parents and Family Members… – Karen Rodman
I was reading Karen Rodman’s book a few years ago when the pieces fell into place for me and I realized that my mother suffered from Asperger Syndrome.  The poignant stories in her book are written by Neuro-typical family members who have struggled with similar relationships with AS adults.  It is this personal awakening that spurred me to write my own book, Life with a partner or spouse with Asperger Syndrome: Going Over the Edge? Practical Steps to Saving You and Your Relationship.  If you aren’t sure that your loved one suffers from Asperger Syndrome, or if you need emotional support for your often confusing, chaotic and heart breaking life, read Rodman’s book for a breath of fresh air.

If you have a loved one on the Spectrum, please check our private MeetUp group. We have members from around the world meeting online in intimate video conferences guided by Dr. Kathy Marshack.
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