Patrick Ward, PhD » children

Parenting the Aspergers Child

Patrick Ward — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 14:40:55 +0000

Parents of children with Asperger’s Syndrome have a particularly challenging role to play. To begin, the diagnosis is difficult to make. Asperger’s Syndrome can be understood generally as a severe and chronic impairment in social interaction and the development of rigid behavior patterns, restricted interests, and activities. While this “label” has become more common knowledge in the last 10 years, the disorder is not new. There is an increased awareness of the syndrome, which hopefully leads to more effective treatment and support for those who need it. A label or diagnosis is only useful if it helps secure the support and treatments to improve one’s quality of life. Continue

More About Protecting Your Kids

Patrick Ward — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 00:34:02 +0000

A Mid-Ohio Valley Parent Magazine reader suggested that I add to last month’s column on protecting children from sexual abuse by discussing some concerns more specific to teenagers. This is a good point. As children age, the parents become less of a constant presence and the children require less supervision. This growing independence for teens is natural, but also presents some risks. While we can’t always be present to guide our children safely through life, we can teach them, negotiate with them and provide open lines of communication. Continue

Protecting Our Children Against Sexual Abuse

Patrick Ward — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 15:21:29 +0000

Did you know there are 161 registered sex offenders in Wood County? The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Parkersburg is 264 to 1. Because this month’s issue is about healthy and safe kids, I think this is a great time to learn about how to discuss sexual abuse with your children and how to protect children against sexual abuse. Continue

Personalities: Understanding yourself and your child

Patrick Ward — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 19:10:23 +0000

Your personality is your consistent pattern of behavior, thoughts, and emotions. It’s the characteristic way in which you respond to the world around you. About 50% of our personality is based on our genetics – the temperament we are born with. Studies of identical twins separated at birth show surprising similarities in the twins even though they were raised in completely different environments. Our environment, though, does shape us in powerful ways. Our family of origin, events and experiences in early childhood, social groups, and our culture definitely shape our patterns of behavior and how we are. Continue

Should I Sign my Kid up for Sports?

Patrick Ward — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 23:18:28 +0000

Should I Sign my Kid up for Sports? Continue

What is Asperger’s Syndrome?

Patrick Ward — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:21:38 +0000

Since the 1990’s “Asperger’s Syndrome” has gradually gained widespread attention. People hear this label, but in the general public it remains an enigma. The term “Asperger’s Syndrome” was first used in 1981, but refers to research by Viennese pediatrician Hans Asperger. In 1944, Dr. Asperger conducted research on a small group of boys that he observed to have atypical social and thinking patterns. As research and understanding of Asperger’s and autism in general expanded, Asperger’s Syndrome came to be understood as a form of high functioning autism. Continue