New studies and reports on autism, ADHD, bi-polar and other diagnoses appear with frequency as research in these areas continues to grow.  As we learn more about these syndromes, how do we make adjustments in our parenting, our education systems, and our churches?

Educator, support group leader and advocate Mary Wangerin returns to Connecting Faith to share her story and offer encouragement and insights to families of children with autism.

We address the significance of a consistent routine for kids with this diagnosis. In the same vein, time management can be a real struggle. Mary details some of the practical steps she’s taken in her family to address this.

Highlight: Strategies

A number of listeners call in with questions. Elisa asks how she can cope with her 13 year old daughter becoming more aggressive. Mary explains how a sense that they’re not being heard can prove especially frustrating to someone with ADD or ADHD. She also says that intentionally separating and cooling off can alleviate much of that tension.

Patricia calls in with a question on her ADD and dyslexic 16 year old. How can she help her daughter get her grades up and graduate high school? Mary offers some advice on educational strategies and notes the importance of making friends, accommodation & reputation in the life of a person with a diagnosis.

We take a compelling call from Matt, who shares from the perspective of someone who has received a diagnosis. He explains his concerns as to what others would think and frustrations at feeling abnormal.

“God should be our standard, and not what anyone else thinks.” – Mary

Autism in the family

Further reading…

•   Addresources.net
•   Attention Deficit Disorder Association
•   ChADD
•   National Resource Center on ADHD