Parenting
5 Noise Cancelling Headphones for Autism
By Alex Plank on October 10, 2018
People on the autism spectrum usually have one or more sensory issues. Mine happens to be a sensitivity to sounds, especially bass. Because of this I’ve tried a variety of things to make life bearable ranging from soundproofing my apartment, using white noise machines or fans to sleep, and getting noise cancelling headphones as well […] In a Different Key – Interview with John Donvan and Caren Zucker
By Alex Plank on July 20, 2016
In Autism Talk TV Ep. 26, I speak with authors John Donvan and Caren Zucker about their bestselling book on the history of autism, In a Different Key: The Story of Autism. In addition to being authors, Donvan and Zucker have worked for ABC News, where Donvan is an Emmy award winning correspondent and Zucker […] Interview with the Cast of Parenthood from NBC – Autism Talk TV 18
By Alex Plank on December 17, 2011
Max Braverman is an autistic character in the show. Parenthood covers issues surrounding the parenting of someone on the autism spectrum. This includes things such...
Back-to-School Basics – Asperger Mom
By Alex Plank on September 14, 2011
OK, I’m a nerd….I’ll admit it. I’m one of those kids who loved school, adored books and even enjoyed a challenging homework assignment! (Can’t you just see that...
Autism Talk TV – Ep. 16 – Women, Fatherhood, and Executive Functioning. . .
By Alex Plank on August 31, 2011
Kirsten talks with Dena Gassner about the special challenges that come with being a woman on the spectrum. Alex and Dr. Robert Naseef gave a talk about fatherhood at the ASA conference. They talk about the uniqueness of the relationship between a father and an individual on...
To Tell the Truth – Asperger Mom
By Alex Plank on March 1, 2011
“Greg, the doctor has discovered that your brain does not work the same as most people’s…” That is how the discussion with my 8-year-old started…
There is much...
Autism Talk TV Ep. 4: Peter Bell of Autism Speaks
By Alex Plank on July 4, 2010
Shaping a son’s future
By Alex Plank on May 1, 2005
With dozens of elaborately decorated clay models of dragons, dinosaurs and cartoon characters displayed around the house, it seems as though Clinton Mesa is just a 17-year-old teenager with a great hobby. But, as his parents, Lou and Chris Mesa, found out, their son's knack for making strikingly descriptive models, was much more than a passion.Though Clinton Mesa made it through his elementary school years without major problems, his...
Sons’ disabilities lead mom to new career
By Alex Plank on February 28, 2005
At 38, Dorothy Taylor wanted to start a family and, in 1992, she had two sons."They had some severe issues, and there were no positive answers for them," she said. "I had one psychologist tell me to institutionalize my child. Had I been some young mom, I would have given up and walked away without any hope."
One of Taylor's sons suffers from Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism, and the other boy struggles with pervasive developmental...
Social skills in school
By Alex Plank on September 18, 2004
The site www.naspcenter.org has a factsheet page on social skills. I found their definition of the different types of social skills very interesting.1. Survival skills (e.g., listening, following directions, ignoring distractions, using nice or brave talk, rewarding yourself)
2. Interpersonal skills (e.g., sharing, asking for permission, joining an activity, waiting your turn)
3. Problem-solving skills (e.g., asking for help, apologizing,...
