Suceeding in College with Asperger Syndrome demystifies the range of college experiences for students with AS. It is a must for these students, their parents and counselors alike, providing benefits that will continue throughout the college years and beyond…. More >>
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Here are some general tips that may be life saving for your child:
# It is imperative to stay vigilant of your child’s moods, attitudes, behaviors, and school performance.
# Be aware of the telltale warning signs that may appear when your teen is using. Most teen’s behavior changes rapidly once they start getting high. These changes often go unnoticed unless you know what to look for:
> Declining grades, tardiness, and/or truancy.
> “Sneakiness” and demands for privacy regarding possessions, friends, and/or activities.
> Withdrawal from hobbies, sports / recreation, teams, family.
> Noticeable change in behavior, attitude, and energy level.
> Use of incense, room freshener, or perfume to hide smoke or chemical odors.
> New “friends” who seem to be unusual choices or even poor choices compared to previous friends.
> Reluctance to have parents meet new friends.
> Overheard conversations with friends that seem to be whispered or riddled with “code” and are hard to understand. The same applies to text messaging.
> Attire and overall grooming deteriorates and concern about appearance fades. New clothes may even highlight drug use or portray prominent figures in the drug culture.
> Increase need and requests for money, with suspicious reasons and/or defensive responses when questioned about the increased spending.
> Hidden paraphernalia, such as pipes and rolling papers.
> Appearance (or disappearance) of household products, auto fuels, paint products, etc that contain inhalants. Examples include:
* hairspray, nail polish, glue, spray paints or marker pens, nitrogen cartridges, whipped cream cans or dispensers, correction fluid (white out), paper bags and rags.
> Evidence of eye drops used to mask bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils.
> Missing prescription drugs.
> Changes in diet or eating patterns that include carbohydrate and sugar-loaded binge eating, particularly when parents are not present. On the other end of the continuum, changes may include significantly reduced food intake and noticeable weight loss (with little increase in exercise), and significant sleep deprivation.