5 Tips for a Happy Future for Kids with Autism
Craig Kendall interviewed Dr. Kristi DeZonia of TERI, Inc. She discusses how your kids on the autism spectrum (including Asperger's syndrome) can be happy, long-term based on here 30-years of experience working with kids and adults with autism spectrum disorders.
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Questions covered include:
- In 30 years of working with children, teenagers and adults with autistic spectrum disorder, what have you learned about what is important for them in order to lead a happy life?
- What can parents do to make sure their autistic children are happy 30 years from now?
- You’ve talked about the future. What can parents to do make sure they, and their children with autism, are happy NOW?
Dr. DeZonia covers the 5 Tips Critical to Your Autistic Child's Happiness
- Be sure there are people in their life who are not paid to be there.
- Social skills are the most important thing to work on with your child
- The more interests they have and things they like to do, the happier they will be
- Unless your child can do it on their own, YOU need to make a plan to assure their happy future
- Help them do things that society values
I enjoy and appreciate the information, anything to help my son and my own understanding of what life is like for Nicholas. It also helps me educate my son's teacher and EA which this process is ongoing and at times very frustrating.
My name is Matt Turner from Australia. I have a 6 y.o. with autism (fairly mild). I found your work insightful and helpful - my wife is a doctor and spent many hours wading through medical texts to no avail. Our son Finley Turner is a very bright, friendly, healthy, unconditionally loved boy who can lose it sometimes. The guide helped us understand what to do and it helps him as much as us. Thanks for the work and I have recommended you to other parents in similar situations.
I found your articles to be extremely helpful...I applaud you for sharing your story and helping others who are going through similar situations. Thank you for sharing your story.
I was pleasantly surprised by the consistency, and thoroughness of the topics. I think this is a valuable tool. I think this was a valuable tool for me because as a parent we all need a kick in the butt and stay on task, constantly fighting, updating and communicating with caregivers, teachers and finding tools for our children. Keep it up!
I definitely found your information helpful. My grandson was just diagnosed this summer. He is very smart and sweet. We will continue to be an advocate for him thanks to your information. I am including a picture of him. 
"Hi my son of 3 and a half years was diagnosed today, I had concerns so prior to his appointment I researched it and joined your newsletter. The information was so helpful and very supportive it was almost like having a counselor as I opened each email I felt like some one really understood my situation so thanks you so much for that, it's a very hard thing to accept and you do feel alone but with the letters I was given inspiration and hope that not everything was going to be doom and gloom it was and still is a lifeline.
"I have found the newsletters very valuable. I have forwarded them to teachers who work with Matthias when they apply."
I have been reading your Newsletter for a while now. Find attached a picture of my family. Joel is the little boy in glasses. Thanks for putting a smile on me. My knowledge and support is increasing. I feel more positive towards helping my son than ever.
I am Ben's grandmother and see him every single day. He is a joy. What your info does is help us to understand the melt downs that quite frankly we have always put down to the meds that he takes. We have proved your theory of a strict regime for Ben. Each letter adds to our knowledge. Keep it up dear friend. We learn from you every day and will I am sure continue to learn. God Bless you.
23. August 2011 at 1:36 pm
I love the information your newsletters give and the various information such as the 5 tips. It is so much easier to work with my son now. He was not diagnosed with Asperger’s until he was 11 and he was suspended so many times along with almost being kicked out of school. A friend told me about Asperger’s which I had never heard of. Autism I knew about but not Asperger’s.
I pulled up your site first Mr. Kendall and bought the books. Needless to say I have learned some vary valuable information on advocating for my son, and how to deal with my son and where to look for help. Now thank goodness he just started 7th grade and is doing well. Everyone is aware of the Asperger’s and we are working on a plan to set him toward continued success.
I have learned so much and you are constantly providing information that helps guide us through the steps to teach our Aspies how to survive and be a success. Thank you so much!
23. August 2011 at 2:01 pm
Thank you for your kind words. I hope that my books have been a help not only to you but to your son’s teachers.
23. August 2011 at 6:42 am
I really have a lot of help from most documents you are publishing, when helping parents and children in their daily life. Everyday I look forward to reading what is on the mail. Thank´s
23. August 2011 at 10:02 am
I appreciate your kind words. If you have any suggestions for information or articles that you would like to see, please comment here.
Thanks, Craig