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  • FREE ASD BOOK UNIT #3C (Concerning & Challenging Behavior) Behavioral Support Ideas: 5 Point Rating Scales, Power Cards, Social Stories, Visual Schedules What Is Most Concerning? Behavior Visual Support ideas, during challenging times.
  • FREE ASD BOOK UNIT #3C Behavior Support Five Point Rating Scale < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
  • FREE ASD BOOK UNIT #3C Behavior Support Power Cards for Concerning ASD Behavior with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
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  • FREE ASD BOOK UNIT #4 When is it Sensory? Ch. 1 Sensory Issues; APPENDIX A Sensory Checklist, APPENDIX B Sensory Profile
  • FREE ASD BOOK UNIT #4 When Is It Sensory? (Cont.) Ch. 2 Sensory Categories; Part 1. Hypo-Activity, Part 2. Hyper-Activity APPENDIX C (ADHD).
  • FREE ASD BOOK UNIT #4 When Is It Sensory? (Cont.), Ch. 2 Sensory Categories (Cont.), Part 3 SIRs, APPENDIX D Sensory Issue Assessments, APPENDIX E Stereotyped Behavior, Enhanced Perception.
  • FREE ASD BOOK UNIT #4 When Is It Sensory? (Cont.), Ch. 3 Sensory Integration. APPENDIX F Sensory Processing Scale (SPS), APPENDIX G Sensory Diet, APPENDIX H Sensory Categories
  • FREE ASD BOOK UNIT #5, What To Do While You Wait? Ch. 1 Getting To Know Your Child, Ch. 2 Social & Personal Awareness APPENDIX A Social Isolation APPENDIX B Spoons Theory
  • FREE ASD BOOK UNIT #5 What To Do While You Wait? (Cont.) Ch. 3 Child's Thinking, Learning Strengths & Weaknesses, Ch. 4 Working on Independent Daily Living Skills, APPENDIX C 8 Types of VPD, APPENDIX D Hidden Facts, APPENDIX E Learning Disabilities
  • FREE ASD BOOK UNIT #6 Where To Look for Resources? Ch. 1 Networking & Support a. Autism CARES B. Gov. Websites. APPENDIX A - Autism Network (AANE); Ch. 2 Insurance & Intervention, APPENDIX B Request for Services Letter
  • FREE ASD BOOK UNIT #6 Where To Look for Resources? (Cont.), Ch. 3 Laws- Federal, State, Local, IEP, APPENDIX C Section 504 Plan, APPENDIX D Transition Plan, Ch. 4 Family Law, Autism Education, Bullying, APPENDIX E Due Process
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #6 Where To Look for Resources? (Cont.) Ch. 5 Future Challenges; College, Career, Older Adult, Geriatrics. APPENDIX F Campus Life, APPENDIX G Respite Resources, APPENDIX H Additional Resources, APPENDIX I 8 Nurse Tips, APPENDIX J Guardiansh
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #7-0 Who May Help? Ch. 1 Instructional Programs,, Ch. 2 Therapies, Ch. 3 Other Therapies. APPENDIX A Early Intervention, Ch. 2 Therapies, Ch. 3 Other Therapies
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #7-1 Who May Help? Other Therapies ABA, CBT, DIR, OT, PECS, APPENDIX B Therapies Under ABA Umbrella
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  • FREE BOOK UNIT #7-3 Who May Help? Other Therapies Programs Approaches; Meds, Diet,
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #7-4 Who May Help? CAMs 1. Acupuncture 2. Animal Assisted Therapy
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  • FREE BOOK UNIT #7-6 Who May Help? CAMs 5. Chelation Therapy 6. Chiropractic Therapy
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #7-7 Who May Help? CAMs 7. Creative Therapy 8. Facilitated Communication
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #7-8 Who May Help? CAMs 9. Hyperbaric Oxygen 10. Immunoglobulin Infusions
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #7-9 Who May Help? CAMs 11. Massage Therapy 12. Mindfulness Meditation
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #7-10 Who May Help? CAMs 13. Neuro-Therapy 14. Physical Activity Program
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #7-11 Who May Help? CAMs 15. Stem Cell Therapy 16. Vitamin Supplements
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  • Rules for David
  • A Friend Like Henry & All Because of Henry
  • No You Don't
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  • Today's BLOG When Is It Sensory? ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
  • Mobile Special
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Help Us Grow
  • Paid Link Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • Know Autism, Know Your Child
  • New Information
  • Previous BLOGs Good Ideas
  • FREE ASD BOOK UNIT #1 How Will I Know If It Is Autism? Ch. 1 Checklists, Ch. 2 Red Flags, Ch. 3 CDC. APPENDIX A Informal Autism Checklist, APPENDIX B Red Flags APPENDIX C Developmental Screening
  • FREE ASD BOOK UNIT #2 Why Is It Autism? Ch. 1 Diagnosis & DSM-5, APPENDIX A ASD Screening Assessments, APPENDIX B PPD-NOS Pervasive Developmental Disorder, APPENDIX C Labels.
  • FREE ASD BOOK UNIT #2 Why Is It Autism? Ch. 2 Denial & Misdiagnosis, Ch. 3 Doctors & Direction, APPENDIX D ASD Findings, APPENDIX E Developmental Screenings.
  • FREE ASD BOOK UNIT #3 What Is Most Concerning? Ch. 1 Gross & Fine Motor Skills; Part 1 Poor Eating, Part 2 Toilet Training. APPENDIX A Toileting APPENDIX B Wandering.
  • FREE ASD BOOK UNIT #3 What Is Most Concerning (Cont.), Ch. 2 Speech & Language Communication (Includes Nonverbal Assisted Communication, Tantrums & Meltdowns).
  • FREE ASD BOOK UNIT #3 What Is Most Concerning? (Cont.) Ch. 3 Cognition, Temperament & Personality, Theory of Mind (ToM)
  • FREE ASD BOOK UNIT #3C (Concerning & Challenging Behavior) Behavioral Support Ideas: 5 Point Rating Scales, Power Cards, Social Stories, Visual Schedules What Is Most Concerning? Behavior Visual Support ideas, during challenging times.
  • FREE ASD BOOK UNIT #3C Behavior Support Five Point Rating Scale < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
  • FREE ASD BOOK UNIT #3C Behavior Support Power Cards for Concerning ASD Behavior with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
  • FREE ASD BOOK UNIT #3C Behavior Support Social Stories for Concerning ASD Behaviors with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
  • FREE ASD BOOK UNIT #3C Behavior Support Visual Schedules for Concerning ASD Behaviors with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
  • FREE ASD BOOK UNIT #4 When is it Sensory? Ch. 1 Sensory Issues; APPENDIX A Sensory Checklist, APPENDIX B Sensory Profile
  • FREE ASD BOOK UNIT #4 When Is It Sensory? (Cont.) Ch. 2 Sensory Categories; Part 1. Hypo-Activity, Part 2. Hyper-Activity APPENDIX C (ADHD).
  • FREE ASD BOOK UNIT #4 When Is It Sensory? (Cont.), Ch. 2 Sensory Categories (Cont.), Part 3 SIRs, APPENDIX D Sensory Issue Assessments, APPENDIX E Stereotyped Behavior, Enhanced Perception.
  • FREE ASD BOOK UNIT #4 When Is It Sensory? (Cont.), Ch. 3 Sensory Integration. APPENDIX F Sensory Processing Scale (SPS), APPENDIX G Sensory Diet, APPENDIX H Sensory Categories
  • FREE ASD BOOK UNIT #5, What To Do While You Wait? Ch. 1 Getting To Know Your Child, Ch. 2 Social & Personal Awareness APPENDIX A Social Isolation APPENDIX B Spoons Theory
  • FREE ASD BOOK UNIT #5 What To Do While You Wait? (Cont.) Ch. 3 Child's Thinking, Learning Strengths & Weaknesses, Ch. 4 Working on Independent Daily Living Skills, APPENDIX C 8 Types of VPD, APPENDIX D Hidden Facts, APPENDIX E Learning Disabilities
  • FREE ASD BOOK UNIT #6 Where To Look for Resources? Ch. 1 Networking & Support a. Autism CARES B. Gov. Websites. APPENDIX A - Autism Network (AANE); Ch. 2 Insurance & Intervention, APPENDIX B Request for Services Letter
  • FREE ASD BOOK UNIT #6 Where To Look for Resources? (Cont.), Ch. 3 Laws- Federal, State, Local, IEP, APPENDIX C Section 504 Plan, APPENDIX D Transition Plan, Ch. 4 Family Law, Autism Education, Bullying, APPENDIX E Due Process
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #6 Where To Look for Resources? (Cont.) Ch. 5 Future Challenges; College, Career, Older Adult, Geriatrics. APPENDIX F Campus Life, APPENDIX G Respite Resources, APPENDIX H Additional Resources, APPENDIX I 8 Nurse Tips, APPENDIX J Guardiansh
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #7-0 Who May Help? Ch. 1 Instructional Programs,, Ch. 2 Therapies, Ch. 3 Other Therapies. APPENDIX A Early Intervention, Ch. 2 Therapies, Ch. 3 Other Therapies
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #7-1 Who May Help? Other Therapies ABA, CBT, DIR, OT, PECS, APPENDIX B Therapies Under ABA Umbrella
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #7-2 Who May Help? Other Therapies: RDI, SPD, ST, TEAACH
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #7-3 Who May Help? Other Therapies Programs Approaches; Meds, Diet,
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #7-4 Who May Help? CAMs 1. Acupuncture 2. Animal Assisted Therapy
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #7-5 Who May Help? CAMs 3. Anti Inflammation Therapy 4. Auditory Integration Therapy
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #7-6 Who May Help? CAMs 5. Chelation Therapy 6. Chiropractic Therapy
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #7-7 Who May Help? CAMs 7. Creative Therapy 8. Facilitated Communication
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #7-8 Who May Help? CAMs 9. Hyperbaric Oxygen 10. Immunoglobulin Infusions
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #7-9 Who May Help? CAMs 11. Massage Therapy 12. Mindfulness Meditation
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #7-10 Who May Help? CAMs 13. Neuro-Therapy 14. Physical Activity Program
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #7-11 Who May Help? CAMs 15. Stem Cell Therapy 16. Vitamin Supplements
  • GALLERY SLIDESHOW
  • *PREVIEW Books in Gallery
    • AMAZING ADVENTURES Extended Book Reviews
    • DIAGNOSIS, DOCTORS, & DENIAL Extended Book Reviews
    • SAVVY SOLUTIONS Extended Book Reviews
    • SCHOOL ON THE SHORT BUS Extended Book Reviews
  • ExtendedBookReviews~
  • Rules for David
  • A Friend Like Henry & All Because of Henry
  • No You Don't
  • Twirling Naked
  • Autism Mom's Survival Guide
  • A Spot on the Wall
  • A Child's Journey Out of Autism
  • Paula's Journal
  • How Can I Talk
  • 101 & 1,001 Tips
  • Hello, My Name is Max
  • What Color is Monday?
  • Spinning in Circles
  • Miracles Are Made
  • Secondhand Autism
  • I Wish I Were Engulfed in Flames:
  • 3500: An Autistic Boy's
  • Ido in Autismland
  • The Journey to Normal
  • All I Can Handle
  • He's Not Autistic, But...
  • The Horse Boy
  • Building in Circles
  • Autism Goes to School
  • I Am In Here
  • The Aspie Parent, the First Two Years.
  • Seeing Ezra: A Mother's Story
  • Autism: Turning on the Light
  • I Know You're In There
  • Autism: Why I Love Kids
  • Autism: Triplet Twist
  • Someone I'm With Has Autism
  • Making Peace with Autism
  • The ABC's of Autism Acceptance
  • The Long Ride Home
  • Autism by Hand
  • Knowing Autism
  • Autism Belongs
  • A Real Boy
  • A Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night
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Latest BLOG ~
with < My Thoughts >
​by Sara Luker

Today's BLOG ~ UNIT 4 When Is It Sensory? Ch. 1 Sensory Issues, APPENDIX C  (ADHD) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

6/16/2025

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​Dear Readers, 
 
Many of the UNIT Chapters in my book, KNOW AUTISM, KNOW YOUR CHILD with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker, have an added APPENDIX with more perinate information for you. Therefore, the next few BLOGS will introduce you to them.

UNIT 4 – When Is It Sensory?  

CHAPTER 2 – Sensory Categories, PART 2. HYPER-ACTIVITY

​APPENDIX C – (ADHD) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder​
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UNIT 4 – When Is It Sensory?

CHAPTER 2 – Sensory Categories, PART 2. HYPER-ACTIVITY

​APPENDIX C – (ADHD) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

LaBianca, S., Pagsberg, A. et al. (2018) let us know that with the introduction of Diagnostic & Statistical Manual-5 (DSM-5 2013) there is a new diagnostic criterion for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as sometimes being co-morbid within the spectrum. Having early onset symptoms of both ADHD and ASD, which persist throughout one’s lifetime; although symptoms may going undiagnosed until adulthood. 
 
Ali, Z. (2019) quotes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as claiming that 9.4% of 2 to 17-year-olds in the U.S. have received an ADHD diagnosis at some time. She explains that there is a mistaken belief that ADHD is a ‘boy’s disorder’, when in fact girls often just go undiagnosed. Studies show that girls with ADHD often develop coping mechanisms which allow them to disguise their symptoms until well into adulthood.
 
< My Thoughts >       “…boy’s disorder…”
 
The literature shows that ASD is diagnosed against a ‘boy’s model’. From an early point, boys had more troublesome and aggressive symptoms. Therefore, parents sought help for their often dangerous behavior. But girls, while having the same types of symptoms, were more passive-aggressive, and shy. They were thought not to be as symptomatic as the boys were.
 
Risk factors. Some factors that may increase the risk of developing ADHD include –

  • someone in their biological family having ADHD, or another mental health disorder
  • maternal drug use or smoking during pregnancy
  • premature birth
  • maternal exposure to environmental poisons during pregnancy
  • environmental toxins
  • certain food additives in the diet
 
Ali, Z. explains that there are three types of ADHD –
  • Inattentive – person doesn’t pay attention, but is not disruptive.
  • Hyperactive and Impulsive – person focuses, but is disruptive.
  • Combined – person shows a combination of both types.
 
She found that girls were diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after seeking help for anxiety and depression.
​
Smith, R., & Sharp, J. (2013), when interviewing a young woman with Asperger’s, found that she thought that if she had had an early Asperger's diagnosis – “It would have saved a lot of the wondering ‘what’s wrong with me’ and I could have learnt to cope with things better sooner.”
 
Research indicates that while most boys with ADHD tend to express their frustration physically and verbally, girls are more likely to internalize their anger and pain. The symptoms in girls may be less obvious, and they may not fit the common stereotypes associated with ADHD.
 
Early signs of ADHD in girls include the following –

  • difficulty keeping track of school assignments and deadlines, even if they are making a great effort to stay organized
  • regularly running late, despite efforts to keep on schedule
  • appearing to “daydream” and therefore missing out on information in class or other situations
  • jumping from one topic of conversation to another without warning
  • frequently interrupting people when they are talking
  • being inattentive at school and home
  • forgetting what they have just read or what another person has just said

Girls with combined-type ADHD (hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive) are significantly more likely to self-harm or attempt suicide. However, around 40% of girls outgrow their hyperactive and impulsive symptoms in adolescence.

Nadeau, E., Littman, E., et al. (2000) need to explain the possible symptom complications with girls. They say that if a girl with ADHD does not receive a diagnosis or have treatment as she enters adolescence, or young adulthood, she will almost inevitably encounter a “range of adjustment problems.”
 
ADHD may have associations with one or more additional disorders, such as –

  • depression
  • anxiety
  • eating disorders, such as Bulimia Nervosa 

​Women with ADHD are more likely to engage in high-risk sexual behavior and to develop substance addiction, according to these authors.
 
The problems that girls and women with ADHD may experience include –

  • chronic stress
  • a higher risk of stress-related diseases such as fibromyalgia, a disorder that causes tiredness and pain
  • low self esteem
  • underachievement
  • anxiety and depression
 
These factors can lead to work and relationship problems, as well as underachievement in various aspects of life.
 
Schiltz , H., McIntyre, N., et al. (2017) say that parents of children on the autism spectrum often misinterpret signs of inattention, hyperactivity, tantrums and oppositionality, as symptoms of anxiety. When between 28 – 55% proportion of youth with ASD also have ADHD, as well as problems with emotional regulation (ER).
 
Miranda, A., Tarraga, R., et al. (2015) reveal that “recent studies have not only shown the high comorbidity rate between ASD and ADHD” but the two disorders also “share various characteristics.” Therefore, a child with both disorders, “are characterized with greater manifestations than would be expected for the individual’s developmental level.” 

< My Thoughts >     "...comorbidity..."

With 'comorbidity', the person has been given two lifetime disabilities to cope with. No wonder the parents feel that ‘something is missing.’ Just the hyper-vigilance needed to keep the child safe 24/7 can set them on edge and make them stressful.

Miranda, A., Tarraga, R., et al. continue, ​"Then if, as is often the case, parents begin to question their ability to “manage the child’s behavior, make decisions about discipline,” or generally have anything left that is needed for parenting this child. “Parents begin feeling controlled by their child’s ‘impulsivity’, demands and needs. They begin to feel discontent with life, and may even begin to lack the emotional closeness that they once felt with their child.”
 
Shelton, T. (2015) shares – I grew up the oldest of eight children. My mom adopted six wild and wonderful, abused and challenged kids. My four adopted brothers had labels that ranged from autistic to angry.
 
I rolled my eyes when my mom would insist that the boys were able to feel the same feelings as me, but that their challenges meant the feelings would show up in different places and would probably seem different.
 
What I saw was one brother rocking, stimming, growling and hitting himself, another staring blankly in whatever direction he was facing, forever needing to pull up his socks, another threatening to beat up whoever was nearest, avoiding eye contact like the plague, and the little one repeating whatever you said while climbing the walls and putting his lips on heaters, licking the refrigerator, or biting a table leg.
 
Even the professionals in our world kept trying to tell my mom to stop getting her hopes up with these kids…
 
< My Thoughts >          “…stop getting her hopes up…”
 
The best advice I’ve seen states that parents should remain hopeful, educate themselves in order to become empowered. Learn to recognize and understand your child's symptoms and diagnosis. Find professionals who are willing to ‘partner’ with them in the planning and interventions ahead. While most parents tend to seek out others who have had successes, vigilantly researching is not to be ignored, in my opinion.
 
REFERENCES: APPENDIX C – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
 
Ali, Z. (2019). ADHD in girls: How is it different?; Retrieved online from –https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315009/
​​
LaBianca, S., Pagsberg, A. et al. (2018). Brief Report: Clusters & Trajectories Across the Autism &/or ADHD Spectrum; Journal of Autism Developmental Disorders; V48, p3629–3636.

​Miranda, A., Tarraga, R., et al. (2015). Parenting Stress in Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD; Exceptional Children; V82:1 p. 81-95.
 
Nadeau, E., Littman, E., et al. (2000). Understanding Girls with AD/HD: How They Feel & Why They Do What They Do; eBook Edition.

Schiltz, H., McIntyre, N., et al. (2017). The Stability of Self-Reported Anxiety in Youth with Autism Versus ADHD or Typical Development; Journal of Autism Developmental Disorders; V47, p3756–3764.

Shelton, T. (2016). Spinning In Circles & Learning from Myself: A Collection of Stories; eBook edition.

​Smith, R., & Sharp, J. (2013). Fascination & Isolation: A Grounded Therapy Exploration of USE in Adults with Asperger’s; Journal of Autism Developmental Disorders; V43:4, p891-910.
​
End of APPENDIX C – (ADHD) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
​Thank you so much for sharing, commenting, and 'liking' on Facebook!

Regards,

​Sara Luker
​

DISCLAIMER 
Know Autism – Know Your Child: with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
 
Just to let you know that I, Sara Hayden Luker, have put forth my best efforts in presenting what I have learned about autism, by sharing the stories and studies of those who have gone before us.  Any author’s mention of products, services, treatments, and interventions or actions are not to be considered an endorsement, thereof. Know that to some, autism is an ‘unregulated business’. The content of this website material, digital or in any other form does not represent medical advice; nor does it constitute medical suggestions in any way. The material, including any downloadable parts, is for informational and/or educational purposes only. Your download and/or use of any of this material indicates your acceptance of this disclaimer.
 
This is a Personal Use Electronic Download. By downloading, you hereby agree and acknowledge that you are not acquiring any right, title or interest in, or to, the material; nor any associated copyrights, other than the right to possess, hold and use for personal, non-commercial purposes. Furthermore, you agree that you will: (i) not scan, copy, duplicate, distribute or otherwise reproduce the material(s) to resell, (ii) not use the material(s) for any commercial purposes. By purchasing/downloading you agree to these terms unconditionally. No ‘rights’ are given or transferred.
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Today's BLOG ~ Father's Day 2025

6/14/2025

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​HAPPY FATHER’S DAY 2025

Many fathers have taken up the challenge of autism with great success. They feel a special bond with their autistic child and have even given up their career to become the child’s main caregiver.
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 ​
​While other fathers of children with Autism may find that their parenting skills are not nearly as successful with their autistic child, as they had hoped.

There are some reasons fathers may feel unsuccessful, or even marginalized when it comes to parenting their child with autism.
 
Rafferty, D., Tidman, L., et al. (2020) report that fathers have more challenges parenting children with autism than neuro-typical children. Some of the difficulties found were getting past the fact that their child does not match-up with the pre-birth expectations. While some fathers are experiencing stress because the quality of the parenting of an autistic child does not equal that of parenting their neuro-typical children. Fathers in this study also found that co-parenting was more difficult after the ASD child’s diagnosis. As a result of this report, it was recommended that ASD fathers find local parent-focused programs to help them deal with their unique experiences.
 
< My Thoughts >    “…unique experiences.”
 
The wide range, severity, and unique combination of symptoms make the autism in each child look different. Plus, a variety of interests, behaviors, learning, and communication styles can make each individual with autism have very divergent behaviors. Some persons with autism need very little support in most areas of their daily lives, while others need continual support in many, or all areas.
 
Rudelli, N., Straccia, C., et al. (2021) feel that fathers in their study needed to have family support to achieve their own perception of caregiving satisfaction. And fathers feeling a lack of support by others, said that those negative feelings added to their caregiving burden.

A lot of the father’s feelings depended upon the severity of their child’s challenging behavior and how these fathers were allowed to handle it. In this 2021 study’s Swiss culture, when co-parenting, mothers are considered the main caregiver ‘gatekeepers’ of their children’s discipline, education, and social activities. Thus, the strength of a father’s role in the co-parenting often determined his perception of his own self-efficacy and attitude towards parenting.

< My Thoughts >    “…perception of his own self-efficacy…”

The degree of the father’s caregiving ‘burden’ in this study depended greatly on the perception of their ability to have a continually positive impact on their child’s well-being, motivation, and behavior. Also, it seems that 'fathers' often felt co-parenting was not handled equally between parents.
 
Fathers’ may seek to find online support groups with many organizations. One group is Association for Autism & Neurodiversity (AANE). For more information go to – https://www.aane.org/

Seeking support, by networking through social media for online and in-person parent support groups, can bring help to families of children with autism. Support can come from reaching out to others without autism in their life. For a brief time, each week, help can come from focusing on pursuit of one's favorite passion; or, by volunteering with friends in the community.

Note: For further information on ‘Support’ go to MENU – Know Autism, Know Your Child with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker. Read under UNIT 6 – Where To Look for Resources? Chapter 1 Networking & Support APPENDIX A Autism Network (AANE).
 
Many fathers who have gone before you are here to help, support, and inform you. Check online for Father’s Groups in your area. Also, you will find the following book titles, in alphabetical order, written by an Autism 'Father' who shares his wisdom and triumphs in story form; on my website's Extended Book Reviews ~

101 Tips for the Parents of Boys with Autism (2015) by Ken Siri. 
1,001 Tips for the Parents of Autistic Boys (2010)by Ken Siri.

It’s not your fault your child has autism. It never was…and it never will be. Parents of autistic children need to adopt the mentalities of both a researcher and a warrior.  As both general and soldier in this fight, you must take ownership of all aspects of treatment, education, therapy, and organization as if preparing for battle. As a warrior, you will experience the stress that accompanies battle. Battling autism can leave one feeling devastated and alone. You will need help and support along the way.
 
< My Thoughts >          “Battling autism…”

Fathers who find themselves 'battling' autism, also embrace the warrior role as their child’s provider, protector, and playmate. Stay the course and lead the way.
 
3500: An Autistic Boy’s Ten-Year Romance with Snow White (2013) by Ron Miles.

Ben’s first big vocal breakthrough was through was thanks to his love of Disney music. I would sing Disney to him constantly. We were out one day, sitting next to each other on a bench.
 
From his favorite song “Bare Necessities” I sang “Look for the…” and for some reason, I hesitated for a moment. I continued with “…necessities, forget about your worries…”
 
Out of the blue, Ben said “prsch.” Was he trying to say “bear?”
In his seven years, I had never heard him attempt to speak an actual word, but there it was. Oh my God, he was actually talking.
 
< My Thoughts >         “…but there it was.”
 
A child with autism is full of surprises. There is a child beneath the autism. Even with years of motherhood and teaching, I can still be wonderfully surprised by breakthrough moments. Celebrate those moments!

A Real Boy: How Autism Shattered Our Lives & Made a Family from the Pieces (2011) by Christopher Stevens & Nicola Stevens.

David’s case was on hold. We’d dragged him through the diagnosis because the doctors agreed the best long-term hopes lay in ‘early intervention’; now the council was dodging its responsibility to help him.
 
At the end of the first term, I was driving David home from Music Space school when the nursery-rhyme tape ended. Before I could flick it over, a clear, high voice sang, “In the bad, bad lands of Australia!’
 
I called Nicky at the office.  I’d just heard our son’s first words. Some little boys say Dada’ … David had launched into a music-hall number about a faulty boomerang.

< My Thoughts >         “…a clear, high voice…”

It was always there, that clear, high voice. At the right moment, when the planets are aligned, you too will have that ‘first’ moment you’ve been waiting for.

Autism: Triplet Twist (2013) by James Potvin.

What is it really like living with triplets? Have you ever wanted to escape your life for a few minutes? What if you could escape to somewhere without leaving your own house? I needed to find a quick escape from the daily estrogen, drama and screaming. Where could I go?

I decided to use the unfinished space in the basement for my personal escape, exercise, comfort, and entertainment. A personally designed man cave of course!

< My Thoughts >         “Where could I go?”

To your ‘man cave’, of course. This father created a safe haven for himself. A place to restore his strength. A personal space to regain, reflect, and respect himself. No girl triplets allowed.
 
Autism: Turning On the Light (2013) by Keith Ambersley.

I had so many of my own dreams all lined up and ready to go for my son. Fate has changed that. My gift to my son is to support his dream wherever it takes him. This is the only dream that counts.
Wherever his dream takes him, we are right there in his corner to support and encourage him on his journey, to enable him to pursue areas of interest not yet known to us.
 
We find ourselves helping each other in so many different ways. He helps me to think outside the box for creative solutions to help him navigate the basic fundamentals of communication and social behavior, which I have taken for granted all my life.

 < My Thoughts >         “…dream that counts.”

'His is the only dream that counts'. This father’s sacrifice of his own ‘dream’ child, to a child who becomes all he can be, shining in the light.
 
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time (2003) by Mark Haddon.

They asked me if I had any family. I said I did. They asked me who my family was. I said it was Father.

Next month I’m going to take my A-level in Maths and I’m going to get an A grade. After I’ve taken A-level Maths I am going to take A-level Further Maths and Physics and then I can go to university.

Then when I’ve got a degree in Maths, I will be able to get a job and earn lots of money and I will be able to pay someone who can look after me and cook my meals and wash my clothes, or I will get a lady to marry me and be my wife and she can look after me so I can have company and not be on my own.
 
< My Thoughts >         “…not be on my own.”
 
Christopher was not on his own. He was with his 'Father'. His father looked after him, cooked his meals, washed his clothes, and was his whole family.
 
Secondhand Autism (2013) by Paul Brodie.
 
I hate autism because, in my limited perspective, it seems to prevent Scott from having and experiencing things that I think he should get to have; things that I have experienced and am grateful for.

Eye contact can be rare or empty with autistic children. Sometimes it was just him telling me he was frustrated or angry. Other times it was much more spiritual and I felt like he was searching my soul with his gaze. I always felt like I had a special connection with Scott, more than by other siblings.

 < My Thoughts >    “…I have experienced and am grateful for.”

Those moments, however fleeting when he felt like Scott was searching, reaching out from his world into his brother Paul’s. Precious times when that connection is so strong, unforgettable, and worth a thousand moments of fear and regret. Paul, because of autism, became a ‘father figure’ to his sibling Scott.

The Horse Boy (2009) & The Long Ride Home (2015) by Rupert Isaacson.

April 2004 my son, Rowan, was diagnosed with autism. The feeling was like being hit across the face with a baseball bat.
 
Grief, shame – this weird, irrational shame, as if I had somehow cursed this child by giving him my faulty genes, condemned him to a lifetime of living as an alien because of me.
 
…Of watching, horrified, as he began to drift away to another place, separated from me as if by thick glass, or the see-through barrier of dream.

Years later, standing in the front field with Betsy saddled and ready for us to go on our daily ride together. “Ride Betsy by myself!” Today Rowan wanted to ride by himself right away. He had never asked for this before. “Okay,” I said nervously, casting an eye around the small

pasture. It had been like this since we’d got back from Africa. He was more adventurous, trying new things. He was just more ‘awake’ somehow.
 
< My Thoughts >         “…more ‘awake’ somehow…”

For a moment, you may think it is your imagination. You have waited so long that you are afraid to believe what you are seeing or hearing. The years of love and devotion have not been in vain. It may not be June, but this is your Father’s Day.
 
REFERENCES:
 
Rafferty, D., Tidman, L., et al. (2020). Parenting experiences of fathers of children with autism spectrum disorder; with or without intellectual disability. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research; Vol. 64(6), pgs. 463-474. 
 
Rudelli, N., Straccia, C., et al. (2021). Fathers of children with autism spectrum disorder: Their perceptions of paternal role a predictor of caregiving satisfaction, self-efficacy & burden. Research In Autism Spectrum Disorder, Vol. 83.

End of excerpts from Extended Reviews. Go to website MENU to find full Extended Reviews.

Fathers, please take time to KNOW AUTISM, KNOW YOUR CHILD with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker, a FREE ASD website supplemental text written to help parents, educators, and clinicians see the child, student, and patient beyond the autism.

Thank you so much for sharing, commenting, and 'liking' on Facebook!

Regards,

​Sara Luker
​

​DISCLAIMER 
Know Autism – Know Your Child: with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
 
Just to let you know that I, Sara Hayden Luker, have put forth my best efforts in presenting what I have learned about autism, by sharing the stories and studies of those who have gone before us.  Any author’s mention of products, services, treatments, and interventions or actions are not to be considered an endorsement, thereof. Know that to some, autism is an ‘unregulated business’. The content of this website material, digital or in any other form does not represent medical advice; nor does it constitute medical suggestions in any way. The material, including any downloadable parts, is for informational and/or educational purposes only. Your download and/or use of any of this material indicates your acceptance of this disclaimer.
 
This is a Personal Use Electronic Download. By downloading, you hereby agree and acknowledge that you are not acquiring any right, title or interest in, or to, the material; nor any associated copyrights, other than the right to possess, hold and use for personal, non-commercial purposes. Furthermore, you agree that you will: (i) not scan, copy, duplicate, distribute or otherwise reproduce the material(s) to resell, (ii) not use the material(s) for any commercial purposes. By purchasing/downloading you agree to these terms unconditionally. No ‘rights’ are given or transferred.
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Today's BLOG ~ UNIT 4 When Is It Sensory? Ch. 1  APPENDIX A Sensory Processing Disorder, APPENDIX B  ASD Sensory Profile

6/11/2025

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​​Dear Readers, 
 
Many of the UNIT Chapters in my book, KNOW AUTISM, KNOW YOUR CHILD with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker, have an added APPENDIX with more perinate information for you. Therefore, the next few BLOGS will introduce you to them.

UNIT 4 When Is It Sensory? ​CH. 1 Sensory Issues, APPENDIX A – Sensory Processing Disorder Checklist, APPENDIX B – Autism Spectrum Disorder Sensory Profile.
Picture
Child rocking, purposelessly.
​
UNIT 4 When Is It Sensory

​CHAPTER 1 Sensory Issues


​APPENDIX A – Sensory Processing Disorder Checklist
 
Miller, L. (2014). Sensational Kids: Hope & Help for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD); Retrieved online from – spdstar.org/basic/identification-of-spd.

Infants and toddlers____ Problems eating or sleeping – 
____ Refuses to go to anyone but their mom for comfort
____ Irritable when being dressed; uncomfortable in clothes
____ Rarely plays with toys
____ Resists cuddling, arches away when held
____ Cannot calm self
____ Floppy or stiff body, motor delays
 
Pre-schoolers____ Over-sensitive to touch, noises, smells, other people – 
____ Difficulty making friends
____ Difficulty dressing, eating, sleeping, and/or toilet training
____ Clumsy; poor motor skills; weak
____ In constant motion; in everyone else's “face and space”
____ Frequent or long temper tantrums
 
Grade-schoolers___ Over-sensitive to touch, noise, smells, other people
___ Easily distracted, fidgety, craves movement; aggressive
___ Easily overwhelmed
___ Difficulty with handwriting or motor activities
___ Difficulty making friends
___ Unaware of pain and/or other people
 
Adolescents and adults – 
​___ Over-sensitive to touch, noise, smells, and other people
___ Poor self-esteem; afraid of failing at new tasks
___ Lethargic and slow
___ Always on the go; impulsive; distractible
___ Leaves tasks uncompleted
___ Clumsy, slow, poor motor skills or handwriting
___ Difficulty staying focused
___ Difficulty staying focused at work and in meetings
___ Unmotivated; never seems to get joy from life
 
End of ​APPENDIX A – Sensory Processing Disorder Checklist

​
Next –
Picture
​UNIT 4 When Is It Sensory?

​CHAPTER 1 Sensory Issues


APPENDIX B –  Autism Spectrum Disorder Sensory Profile 

Referenced online from –
Sensory Processing in Low-Functioning Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Distinct Sensory Profiles and Their Relationships with Behavioral Dysfunction; by Corentin Gonthier, Lucie Longue´pe´e, Martine Bouvard; Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders; V46; p3078-3089.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Sensory Profile –
​

The final series of analyses examined whether patients in the different sensory clusters displayed different behavioral disorders. Results are synthesized in Tables 5 and 6 (see Online Information 1 for detailed descriptive statistics per cluster and per behavioral disorder subscale). The difference between clusters was statistically significant at the 0.05 level for all but four behavioral disorder subscales.

• Patients in Cluster A (over-sensitive) had a fairly typical level of impairment on most behavioral disorder subscales. These patients were mostly remarkable for a high level of isolation seeking, and for displaying less emotional liability than others. They were also relatively more autonomous than other clusters.

• Patients in Cluster B (under-sensitive) had a larger range of behavioral disorders than the over-sensitive patients of Cluster A. In particular, they displayed more emotional disorders than other clusters, with high scores in irritability and aggressiveness, emotional disorders and anxiety, and expression of affectivity. They had more difficulties with relationships to others, with high scores in social behavioral disorders and in other-aggression; their behavior was more influenced by environmental stimuli (‘‘environmental dependency’’), and they displayed more dysfunctional use of everyday objects (such as exploratory or destructive behaviors). These patients were also remarkable for demonstrating a significantly higher level of self-aggression than other clusters.

• Patients in Cluster C (passive) were characterized by their unresponsive behavior, with high isolation, hypo-activity and apathy, disinterest and indifference, but also deficits in social interactions and eye contacts. They displayed less reactivity to change and to sensory stimuli than other clusters, as well as less emotional liability. Unsurprisingly, these patients demonstrated less other-aggression than others.

• Patients in Cluster D (balanced profile) had lower scores on self-stimulation and reactivity to sensory stimuli, confirming their overall milder sensory dysfunction. These patients also had the least behavioral disorders of all: they were either equally impaired or significantly less impaired than other clusters on virtually all subscales. The only exception was that these patients demonstrated a high level of other aggression, presumably related to the fact that they were more active than other patients.

End of APPENDIX B –  Autism Spectrum Disorder Sensory Profile

​Thank you so much for sharing, commenting, and 'liking' on Facebook!

Regards,

​Sara Luker
​

​
​DISCLAIMER Know Autism – Know Your Child: with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
 
Just to let you know that I, Sara Hayden Luker, have put forth my best efforts in presenting what I have learned about autism, by sharing the stories and studies of those who have gone before us.  Any author’s mention of products, services, treatments, and interventions or actions are not to be considered an endorsement, thereof. Know that to some, autism is an ‘unregulated business’. The content of this website material, digital or in any other form does not represent medical advice; nor does it constitute medical suggestions in any way. The material, including any downloadable parts, is for informational and/or educational purposes only. Your download and/or use of any of this material indicates your acceptance of this disclaimer.
 
This is a Personal Use Electronic Download. By downloading, you hereby agree and acknowledge that you are not acquiring any right, title or interest in, or to, the material; nor any associated copyrights, other than the right to possess, hold and use for personal, non-commercial purposes. Furthermore, you agree that you will: (i) not scan, copy, duplicate, distribute or otherwise reproduce the material(s) to resell, (ii) not use the material(s) for any commercial purposes. By purchasing/downloading you agree to these terms unconditionally. No ‘rights’ are given or transferred.
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