Supporting a Child with High Functioning Autism
Episode Description
While we hear a lot about autism in the news, many of us still have misconceptions about its causes and symptoms. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, therapist Falan Johnson dispels some of these misconceptions and explains the three levels of autism. Johnson then focuses on the least understood level—high functioning autism. Learn how to identify symptoms of high functioning autism in your child, the importance of early intervention, and ways you can support them.What to Expect
- What autism is and what it's not.
- Signs and symptoms of autism.
- Helpful Resources.
Resources: Learn More
- Autism Speaks. One of the leading autism science and advocacy organizations. Autism Speaks provides a comprehensive resource guide for all states. The site also boasts an impressive list of apps that parents may find useful, including games that focus on communication and social skills.
- "A Bird Will Soar," by Alison Green Myers. A heartfelt and hopeful debut about a bird-loving autistic child whose family's special nest is in danger of falling apart.
- Autism Society. A national network of affiliates dedicated to connecting everyone in the autism community with the resources they need to live fully.
Things to Think About
- How can you create an accepting and supportive environment if you think your child might have Autism Spectrum Disorder?
- What community resources might be available to support you and your child?
- Did you know you can't medicate autism?
About the Hosts
Falan Johnson provides therapy for children, adolescents, and young adults ages 7-25. She earned her master's degree in Social Work from the University of North Dakota and is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Falan specializes in anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, stress, self-esteem, and anger. Aside from being a therapist, she is a friend, partner, dog mom, athlete, outdoor lover, and a continuous learner. Falan provides telehealth and in-person services at Dakota Family Services. Call 1-800-201-6495 to make an appointment.
Transcript
Supporting a Child with High Functioning Autism
Featuring Falan Johnson, LCSW, Dakota Family Services
Host Tim Unsinn (00:00):
Welcome to Mind Your Mind, a podcast presented by Dakota Family Services, an outpatient behavioral health clinic located in Minot, Bismarck, and Fargo, North Dakota. In this podcast, I will talk with our experts about understanding and nurturing our mental health and wellness. I'm your host, Tim Unsinn. Join me each episode as we explore the intricacies of our minds, decrease the stigma of mental illness, learn practical tips for managing our mental health and wellbeing, and recognize when it's time to ask for help. Join me now to mind your mind.
Tim (00:31):
Welcome to this episode of Mind Your Mind. Our guest is Falan Johnson. Falan is an outpatient behavioral health therapist on the Fargo campus and provides outpatient therapy for ages seven to 25. Falon, it's great to have you on Mind Your Mind. Our topic is Autism Spectrum Disorder. However, before we get to the topic, let's talk about why you do what you do.
Falan Johnson (00:54):
Oh, thanks for having me, Tim. It's great to be here. Why do I do what I do? I think if I can sum it up into a simple answer, I think it really comes down to human connection. I think we all do a little bit better when we feel connected and accepted, so if I can help people feel that way, I think we're all doing a little bit better. And I also like to see people reaching their fullest potential. So if I can help with that in any way, that's why I do what I do.
Tim (01:21):
Great answer. Back to our topic now, and that is High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder. That is a mouthful. So I'm just going to break it down into letters. What is HFASD?
Falan (01:36):
Yes, that is kind of a mouthful. So high functioning autism is a sub-category of autism spectrum disorder. So what that is, is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Basically what that means is it's just the way a person's brain works. It's the way a person is born. So if you are on the spectrum, I mean, you always were, it's just kind of who you are. And so I think sometimes people don't really understand that it's, you know, you can't catch autism, you don't get it from a traumatic event, for example. Really, it's just kind of how a person's brain works.
Tim (02:14):
You're talking about that now. What are some of the, you talked a little bit about what the causes are not.
Falan (02:20):
And so, there are some common misperceptions about what causes autism. And so I think the biggest one out there is that vaccinations cause autism. Actually, there's no substantial research to support that; there have been studies done. There's just not enough correlation there to support that. It really is truly just genetics. So sometimes it can kind of run in families, but that doesn't always mean it does. Sometimes, you know, there's only one person in the family who's on the spectrum and that's totally normal too.
Tim (02:52):
What are some of the signs and symptoms? That would probably be a bigger topic, right?
Falan (02:56):
Right. So signs and symptoms. And so I really wanted to focus in, on high functioning autism today. Because I think that's the one that people really are unaware of that's out there. And so I think a lot of times when people think of autism, they don't really realize that that there's actually three different levels on the spectrum of autism. And that is why it's on a spectrum. Right? And so there's the higher functioning more moderate functioning and then the lower functioning. There are some symptoms that are gonna be pretty consistent across the board, like rigid thinking, for example, difficulty with social interactions. It's very common with people on the spectrum to have a restricted interest, you know, maybe they're obsessed with one thing. And sometimes they're very, very good at one thing and then have weaknesses in other areas like the social piece.
Falan (03:49):
I guess what we can kind of expect to see is this is a population of people who are only requiring a little bit of support. These are our friends, these are the people who we're working with. They're all around us. Some of our really logical thinkers, like surgeons or inventors, or more, just more logical thinking people, it's not uncommon to see high functioning autism people just kind of blending in with that population. So the things to kind of look out for is some of that more rigid thinking. So sometimes they can just get really stuck on an idea and it's hard to get past things. They can get really stuck on emotions, right? So like if you're feeling really angry, that can kind of just sit for a long time.
Tim (04:29):
So I'm thinking of, would stubbornness be kind of one of those things that you, you know, we may call it stubbornness, but it may not be stubbornness. It's high functioning in that spectrum, right?
Falan (04:40):
Absolutely. Yeah. Sometimes like some of our more strong-willed kiddos or adults even. Yeah, absolutely.
Tim (04:47):
So we just have to work with them and realize that it's not their stubbornness. It's just where they are.
Falan (04:51):
It's yeah. It's just where they're at. It's just really difficult to see how to do things differently. And it doesn't mean they're not going to get there. It's just probably going to take a few different avenues. Maybe the first avenue doesn't really sit.
Tim (05:03):
Alright. How about resources? What kind of resources are available if I think I, or someone I care about, has the high functioning autism spectrum disorder.
Falan (05:14):
I think it's important to remember, if you're kind of thinking about that, ask. You know, go see a therapist, go see a psychologist, get a professional opinion because we know that the earlier the intervention, the more successful that person's going to be. You do also have to take a person, a child or adolescent's development into play, right? So, I mean, if you think of like a ten-year-old, it's not unusual for a ten-year-old to be rigid, for example, or maybe be really obsessed with a certain toy. So it's kind of ruling out, like, when is it starting to impact their functioning? That's when you might want to look at resources. So if we're getting so stuck that we can't move on in school, you know, it's probably worth talking to somebody and seeing if there are some strategies to work out. Medications can also be an option.
Falan (06:03):
And I want to stress that you cannot medicate autism, right? Because that's who you are, that's how your brain works. But what medications can help with is some of the symptoms associated with autism. So maybe helping to get a little bit more flexible thinking pattern. It's not unusual to see anxiety or depression along with autism spectrum disorder. And so medications can be really helpful to manage those symptoms. There are support groups, and I know locally, I think it's the Red River Autism Support Network... I think I'm close at least. And there can be groups for both kids or parents or loved ones with somebody on the spectrum. So just don't be afraid to ask and reach out. I think when people do, they find that it's a lot more common than they really thought.
Tim (06:56):
Yeah. I want to say one thing you mentioned, you talked about, you know, a 10 or 11-year-old, nine-year-old, finding them to be stuck where they're at. And I think, you know, we have so many great teachers within our area. I think when you do parent-teacher conferences, it's an opportunity for the teacher to say, you know, maybe something going on here, you may want to get it checked out.
Falan (07:15):
Absolutely. Yep. And it, and I just want to say too, just because somebody is rigid doesn't necessarily mean they have autism. There's gotta be that lack of social communication. That's gotta be getting in their way somehow, too. So there are a few different things to look at. But if you're seeing a few of these things all together at one time, I think, you know, reach out, try to find more information.
Tim (07:38):
Yeah. I appreciate podcasts because we can pause, rewind, play again, because there's so much information and this is such an important topic for you to understand and get to know. So Falan, thank you so much for being on Mind Your Mind. And before we let you go, we're going to ask that final question. What do you do personally, to mind your mind?
Falan (07:57):
Okay. So I'm kind of on this personal journey right now where I'm trying to make sure I get at least 10 minutes of yoga or meditation in a day. Some days I'm lucky and I've got more time to do that. Other days, you know, let's be real, life gets busy. So at least trying to get just a little bit in, I find a little bit can go a long way for just overall peace of mind and just feeling good about yourself and what you know, and how to go about your day.
Tim (08:23):
Awesome. Thank you so much for being on Mind Your Mind. Appreciate your time and your talent.
Tim (08:26):
Thank you for joining us for Mind Your Mind, a podcast presented by Dakota Family Services. You can't have health without behavioral health. Remember to mind your mind. For more information, links to additional resources, contact information, and much more go to dakotafamilyservices.org.
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Although the stigma surrounding mental health is gradually disappearing, it can still be tricky knowing how to talk about it. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn and psychologist Megan Spencer explore how to have a conversation with someone about their mental health, including signs that you should talk to them, how to start the conversation, and some possible reactions to expect from the other person.;
The Benefits of Being Outside
Are you feeling cooped up indoors? Join host Tim Unsinn and therapist Lucas Mitzel in this episode of Mind Your Mind as they discuss the importance of getting outside on your mental health. Learn about the benefits of green and blue spaces, activities you can do while outside, and how being outside can help improve symptoms of different mental health diagnoses.;
Dealing With Burnout
In this episode of Mind Your Mind, Tim Unsinn talks with psychologist Dr. Hannah Baczynski about the signs of burnout, how to prevent it, and how to know if your burnout is related to general life stressors or a mental health disorder. They also talk about the difference between fatigue and burnout, as well as how to support yourself and alleviate burnout when you’re experiencing it.;
Living with Chronic Illness
Many of us know someone who has been diagnosed with a chronic illness, or have been diagnosed with one ourselves. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn talks with therapist April Morris about how chronic illness can impact daily living and mental health, as well as how to seek support if you have been diagnosed with a chronic illness.;
Bipolar Disorder: Understanding the Highs and Lows
Although the term ‘bipolar’ is sometimes used as slang to describe someone who is moody or indecisive, true bipolar disorder is a complex and sometimes severe mental health disorder that affects the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn discusses bipolar disorder with nurse practitioner Amanda Daggett, touching on what the disorder is, what its symptoms look like, and how it can be treated.;
Social Media: Managing Emotions & Setting Boundaries
How much time do you spend each day looking at your phone? An hour or two? Multiple hours? In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn meets with therapist Christy Wilkie to discuss how social media use can impact our mental health, relationships, and behavior. Learn tips for monitoring your child’s internet use, as well as how to manage your own time spent on social media.;
Understanding OCD
While OCD is sometimes perceived as simply a desire to keep things neat and organized, it can actually have much more severe symptoms for those who experience it. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn meets with psychologist Dr. Megan Spencer to talk about who Obsessive Compulsive Disorder affects, what its signs and symptoms are, and how to seek help if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with OCD.;
Breaking Bad Habits
Bad habits can be easy to start but sometimes very difficult to stop. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn and therapist Falan Johnson talk about breaking bad habits, including where habits come from, how to know if a habit is bad, and steps you can take to stop it.;
Finding a Therapist
Are you looking for some help on your mental health journey? In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn and therapist Jessie Mertz talk about how to find a therapist, including what you should know when searching and what questions to ask when you meet a therapist for the first time. They also touch on what the letters after a therapist’s name mean, and how they apply to the type of services or treatment you might be looking for.;
Coping with Rejection
Whether it’s from asking someone on a date or applying for a job, we all experience rejection at some point in our lives. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn talks with therapist April Morris about how to cope with rejection, including the common coping stages, the importance of acceptance, and how rejection can impact people differently.;
Borderline Personality Disorder
Like other personality disorders, borderline personality disorder is a commonly misunderstood and stigmatized mental illness. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn talks with Lucas Mitzel, a therapist at Dakota Family Services, about what BPD is, how it affects someone’s behavior, and where to seek treatment if your child has been diagnosed with BPD.;
Psychological Assessments: What to Expect
Do you think you might be suffering from an undiagnosed mental disorder? If so, a psychological assessment might be able to help. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, psychologist Dr. Hannah Baczynski and host Tim Unsinn talk about what to expect from a psychological assessment, including what an assessment might include, what information you might receive from the psychologist, and what you should communicate with your psychologist before and after receiving an assessment.;
Supplements in Psychiatry
In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn and Amanda Daggett explore the topic of using supplements for mental health. In addition to talking about some of the most commonly used supplements like melatonin and St. John’s Wort, they also discuss the benefits, the risks, and the research surrounding various supplements.;
Seasonal Affective Disorder (Community Chat Series)
Feeling like you’ve got the winter blues? If you’re noticing symptoms of depression with the change of seasons, it may be a sign that you’re suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. In this special Community Chat episode of Mind Your Mind, therapists Christy Wilkie and Lucas Mitzel discuss the common symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, how it can affect other mental health disorders, and some useful tips, tricks, and resources for managing symptoms of SAD.;
Trying New Things With Confidence
Join Christy and Lucas, therapists at Dakota Family Services, as they share practical tips for building confidence when trying new things. From managing self-doubt to building resilience, this episode will empower you to approach new experiences with a positive mindset.;
Relationships are Hard
In this episode, Christy and Lucas explore why relationships can be so hard. Join them as they discuss the characteristics of both healthy and toxic relationships, talk about the difference between normal conflict and abuse, and help you discover your love languages so you and your partner can best express your love to each other.;
Is Everybody Anxious?
In this episode, Christy and Lucas explore anxiety. Join them as they discuss the signs and symptoms of an anxiety disorder, what you can do to decrease your anxiety, and how to best help loved ones struggling with anxiety.;
Is Everyone Feeling Sad
In this episode, Christy and Lucas explore depression. Join them as they discuss the signs and symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder, what you can do to help yourself feel better, and what you can do to help your loved ones. They will talk about coping strategies, therapy interventions, and ways to help you identify when your child might need extra help.;
Change is Hard
Change is inevitable. Join Christy and Lucas as they explore big and small changes and how they impact you. Learn why change can be so hard, even good change, and discover ways to manage it effectively.;
We Need to Talk About Suicide
In this episode of "Is It Just Me," Christy and Lucas discuss the very important topic of suicide. Listen to learn about risk factors, warning signs, and what you can do to help a loved one who is struggling. Remember, you are not alone. If you need immediate assistance, call 911. If you need to talk to someone, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.;
Do We Need to Get Outside?
Join Lucas and Christy as they explore the power of spending time outdoors on mental and emotional well-being. Discover practical tips, personal anecdotes, and expert insights on the benefits of getting outside and reconnecting with nature.;
Exploring ADHD
In this episode of "Is It Just Me?" Lucas and Christy discuss ADHD, shedding light on its prevalence and impact on daily life. Learn practical strategies for managing symptoms and understand why your friend or loved one with ADHD does the things they do.;
Internet Safety and Mental Health
In this episode of "Is It Just Me?", join our hosts Christy and Lucas as they delve into the complex relationship between the internet and mental health. With the digital age bringing information and social connections to our fingertips, it also presents unique challenges and opportunities for our safety and psychological well-being.;
Boosting Self-Esteem: From Marathons to Daily Triumphs
In this episode of "Is It Just Me?", Christy and Lucas discuss how common it is for people to see themselves differently from others. Using their own personal triumphs and challenges as examples, they outline the things that shape our self-esteem. Additionally, they share simple daily practices to help listeners recognize and celebrate their own personal victories. This episode is filled with tips and engaging stories aimed at encouraging listeners to undertake challenges that foster self-growth and personal confidence.;
Therapy Unveiled: What to Know Before You Go
In this episode of "Is It Just Me," Lucas and Christy talk about what it's like to begin therapy. Feeling apprehensive about starting therapy is normal, but surmountable. Together, Lucas and Christy unravel common myths about therapy and emphasize the role of therapy in disrupting negative life patterns and routines that are no longer serving you.;
Coping with the Back-to-School Blues
In the latest episode of “Is It Just Me?” Christy and Lucas tackle the transition from leisurely summer days to structured school schedules with warmth and wisdom. This episode is a must-listen for parents seeking guidance and strategies to help navigate the shift with confidence. Learn how to handle changes in routine, the importance of communication, and strategies to help the entire family adjust to and embrace the new normal. Listening to this episode can be your first step toward making back-to-school a season of growth and positive change for all.;
The Art of Overcoming Trauma
In this month’s episode of the "Is It Just Me?" podcast, Lucas Mitzel and Christy Wilkie, Dakota Family Services, dive into the complexities of trauma and its therapy. The episode sheds light on Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and the importance of creating a trauma narrative as a cornerstone of healing. The thoughtful discussions aim to educate listeners on the intricacies of trauma, the innovative methods used in therapy, and the role of caregivers in the recovery process. Through expert insights and compassionate storytelling, Lucas and Christy provide practical advice and real-world examples for individuals who have experienced trauma.;
Navigating Life Through Mindfulness
In this episode of “Is It Just Me?”, Lucas and Christy delve into the world of mindfulness and relaxation techniques. From body scans to mindfulness exercises, they provide a soothing experience to help you unwind and distress. Discover practical tips and advice on incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine and learn how to prioritize mental well-being in today's fast-paced world.;
Mindfulness: Body Scan
In this special additional episode of “Is It Just Me” join therapist Lucas Mitzel as he gives listeners a transformative journey within their own body and mind. In this episode, Lucas guides listeners through a soothing body scan to promote calm, mindfulness, and inner peace. This episode offers a unique mixdown of gentle narration, and relaxation techniques, leaving you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and more connected to yourself.;