Author: Kathy Marshack

I worry. I worry about all kinds of things. Not that all of this worrying has accomplished much in and of itself. However worrying can serve a useful purpose if it directs your attention to problem solving. I think worriers, more than most take a hard cold look at reality. The problem is we can scare ourselves to death with this worry…worry over the economy…worry over the political scene…worry over our health…worry over environmental degradation…worry over the problems our children will inherit.

Or…we can take our worries as incentive to search for solutions.

I can’t tell you everything is going to be OK. I am just a psychologist, not a fortune teller. But what I do know is that solutions do not come from worry or fear or other forms of negativity. Solutions come from putting our attention on what is right and good and pure and loving and compassionate. Solutions come when we give ourselves to others to make the world a better place. Solutions come when we tear ourselves away from our negativity and we are grateful for all of the small, wonderful things that bring us happiness. Believe it or not, solutions often materialize out of thin air when we believe that the challenges we are facing are a gift, not a burden.

If you have faith and hope you will not only come through hardship but you will be better for it. Like me you may still worry, but let those worries guide you to the kind of solutions that can only come from your indomitable human spirit.

I’m excited to announce that I’m launching a new support group, “Asperger Syndrome: Partners and Family of Adults with ASD,” in Portland, Oregon. This is not a therapy group, rather a place for people to learn from others and to share their story about the often frustrating and isolating life of loving an adult with Asperger Syndrome Disorder (ASD).

I was motivated to start the support group after posting the first chapter of my new book on my website. I was completely overwhelmed by the huge response from people around the world looking for guidance and support on how to navigate a relationship with a partner with Asperger Syndrome.

In addition to providing a safe, supportive place to share their experiences, I see this group as a forum to learn more, through books, films and guest speakers. For example, films such as “Mozart and the Whale” will stimulate important discussions about life as a partner of an ASD adult. I’ll also invite experts in the field of Asperger Syndrome to speak, thereby creating a counterpoint to personal experience.

The group is being organized through Meetup.com. Those interested in joining the group in Portland, Oregon can go to www.meetup.com/Asperger-Syndrome-Partners-Family-of-Adults-with-ASD/. There is no charge for participating in this group. This group is exclusively for Neuro-typicals, for those who love and care for adults with Asperger Syndrome.

The first meeting will be held on Saturday, May 23rd at 1:00 p.m. The location is found at the group web page. We will be discussing my new book, “Going over the Edge?” Please sign up at www.meetup.com/Asperger-Syndrome-Partners-Family-of-Adults-with-ASD/.

I look forward to meeting you and hearing your stories.

With the recent dive in our economy, families are increasingly stressed about the future. Whether it be lay-offs, budget cuts or rising prices, many families are making drastic adjustments to their lifestyle just to survive. Is there time or money left for recreation? Should that be a priority? Without a balance between work and pleasure, the family will become stressed out and anxious which ultimately creates an unstable home environment.

The key to this balancing act is to be creative! There are many alternatives to fun family time that won’t break the budget. A little extra time and research may be required, but it will be well worth the effort. Here are a few ideas for fun and inexpensive alternatives:

1. Go to the library. The library has a large variety of books, DVDs, videos, and audio books and the best part is they’re FREE. Make it a family trip and everyone can pick out something that will entertain them.

2. Entertain at home. Instead of going out to dinner with friends, invite them over for a potluck. Everyone can pitch in by providing a portion of the meal which lowers the cost drastically and gives you the opportunity to try new recipes. After dinner, play cards, charades, board games, or just enjoy some good conversation. It will be a relaxing evening and the whole family can get involved.

3. Enjoy nature. With spring in the air and summer just around the corner, it’s a perfect time to enjoy the outdoors. Get online and research trails and hikes in your local area. Most parks and hiking trails have free access. While you are out and about, start a new hobby like bird watching, fossil collecting, or photography. All of these require little expense and you can get the whole family to participate.

With a positive and creative attitude your family can come up with their own list of exciting and low budget ways to have fun. I guarantee you will have some good family fun that everyone can enjoy.

From Turkey to Ireland, the news of the genetic link to Asperger Syndrome and other Autism Spectrum Disorders took the world by storm.  Within a few hours news agencies all over the world were announcing the discovery first published in Nature – an international weekly journal of science.

Scientists have identified a new gene variant (CDH10) that is highly common in autistic children. When researchers scrutinized the activity of the gene in the fetal brain, they discovered that it is most active in key regions that support language, speech and interpreting social behavior. These findings were published April 28 in the advance online edition of the journal Nature.

Previously, scientists believed that autism was a developmental disorder resulting from abnormal connections in the brain. However, this new research suggests that CDH10 plays a critical role in shaping the developing brain and may therefore contribute to a prenatal risk of autism.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) range from severe autism to mild Asperger’s syndrome.  In one of these new studies, of more than 10,000 people including those with ASD and their families, researchers found that genetic factors play a strong role in ASD.

I found this research fascinating because it confirms what I’ve observed in families that come to me for therapy. I find that frequently a child who is diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome has an undiagnosed parent with the same disorder. Click here to learn more about adults with Asperger Syndrome.

The opportunity to travel and explore another culture is a once in a lifetime adventure for many young adults, but it is often off limits for Asperger youth.  Thankfully, more and more universities are establishing programs for Asperger teens.

I recently learned that USC University Center For Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) professionals have put together an adventure for students with Asperger Syndrome (AS). Thirteen days will be spent throughout England and Scotland with professionals from CHLA as well as graduate students who are experienced with students with AS. If you have AS and are between the ages of 16-20, this might be something to look into.

Apparently the goal of this trip is to boost independence and self–sufficiency. With many group activities, it will provide an opportunity to grow in a group environment as well as receive specific mentoring from staff members. There also lies the potential for making life-long friends with those who understand the personal struggles of Asperger Syndrome.

Please contact Beverly Daley, Ph.D. at bdaley@chla.usc.edu or (323) 361-2490 for more information.

Raun Kaufman, a Leader in the Field of Autism, Visits Portland

Saturday, April 11, 2009