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| Here's what people benefiting from our Aspergers advise are saying ...
"Dear Dave Angel, I just want to sincerely thank you for all your efforts and dedication with this website and articles which have all been so incredibly helpful to me...It's like a virtual support group
My little boy was just diagnosed with ASD at 3.25 years old, and I was devastated. But your informative articles have been incredibly insightful and I don't feel alone because of you!
Keep up the great work!!! We need you!"
Joan Brand
Long Island, NY, USA
"Hello Dave, I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you from the sunny Gold Coast in Queensland for all the information you send me. I am so grateful and am constantly referring people on to your site. The new system will be a great help.
I am mum to 3 children ages 17, 14 and 7.5. It is my 17 year old daughter Elizabeth who has Aspergers. I really appreciate all the tips and encouragement that I receive and I just wanted to say thank you. You do a wonderful job and it is such a blessing for me."
Heather Clark
Queensland, Australia
"Dear Dave, Thank you for your work in creating your wonderful newsletters. They are so informative and helpful. I look forward to receiving them and they have been a great help in matters relating to my 13 year old who has Aspergers."
Janey Grainger
Bromley, Kent, UK
"Your articles help me a great deal in trying to understand my son and find ways of helping him. Keep up the good work, in my mind you truly are an angel."
Suzanne Byrne
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Australia
"Dave, Just wanted to THANK YOU for all your help and wisdom with ASD and for sharing that with us! I've learned so very much about my grandson's world, since meeting you and being on your mailing list. What a true blessing!"
Lynn Wiley
Hinseville, Georgia, USA
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My son is 17 he has Aspergers and dating is now becoming an issue - he likes girls but struggles with what to do next. Can you help?
Asperger's dating can be a bit more complicated than typical teen dating. The onset of dating is a big step for teens with Asperger's, just as it is for all teens. Like any other teen, your son wants to develop those special friendships and be a part of the crowd. The socialization struggles brought about by Asperger's Syndrome calls for some advanced planning. Here are some tips to get you started.
Social skills
Social skills are necessary to form friendships. Unfortunately, this skill area causes problems for people with Asperger's. Dating calls for the ability to notice social cues, body language, and gestures. You can help your son by identifying and practicing necessary skills. Many schools or community Autism support organizations have social skills group therapy classes. By attending these group activities, your son can learn socialization skills in a controlled and supported environment.
Personal Hygiene
Sometimes personal hygiene is all but forgotten by people with Asperger's. Dating definitely requires good personal hygiene. It is difficult to attract the attention of the opposite sex if you forget to bathe and brush your teeth. Help your son create a schedule for his personal hygiene. A visual checklist can keep him on a regular schedule.
Interest-led activities
One way to meet people is through a shared interest. For example, if your son's special interest is computers, he could join a computer club or take a class. Now is the chance to put to good use those obsessive interests that are so commonly held by people with Asperger's. Dating someone who loves the same things you do makes for a more natural relationship.
Therapy
It is not easy to make your way through the teen years with Asperger's. Dating is expected and desired. If your son is struggling, he may benefit from individual therapy. A private counselor can help him work through his issues, concerns, and fears. A counselor can give him strategies that will make life easier and more pleasant.
With a little planning, your son can tackle his socialization struggles. With a bit of organization, some social skills practice, and possibly some therapy, your son can begin to overcome some of the weaknesses of Asperger's. Dating will then become his reality. With a little practice, he will become comfortable with himself in social situations.
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