This month is National Adoption Month. Since I have adopted two children, I love to see the extra emphasis placed on raising awareness about adoption and foster care. The chosen theme is "Answering the Call - You don't have to be perfect to be a perfect parent." What a great theme! For more information, visit the Child Welfare Information Gateway website.

With my personal experience, I have recognized that raising adopted children and growing up adopted is different than it is for other families. There are many similarities, but the exceptions to the rule need to be examined too. It is foolish for adoptive parents to raise their children without education about the effects of adoption on the lives of their children and themselves. So in addition to the regular books and seminars on effective parenting, adoptive families should be reading and talking to adoption professionals about the special needs of their families.

Raising a child is no easy task, but with the right attitude and right education, it is a wonderful and life changing experience. If you would like more information on adoptive families, please contact my office.

Yes, the holidays are literally around the corner. Usually this time of year is full of excitement and anticipation, but with the recent economic downturn the holidays are turning into a time of stress and anxiety. I have found that people are slightly fearful of how they are going to cope with this time of year especially after experiencing a layoff or some other financial hit.

Here are a few things I recommend that will help you avoid stressing out this holiday season:

1. Accept that you may be stressed, but focus on what you can do and not on what you can't. You may have to make adjustments in how you choose the celebrate the holidays, but don't lose sight of the joys that you can still have with the right attitude.

2. Exercise, exercise, exercise. It is a proven stress buster and mood enhancer. Find what type of exercise that you enjoy most and make time for it.

3. Take time to meditate. There is an obvious connection between the mind and body and with the help of meditation, you can reduce stress, headaches and hypertension.

4. Spend time with the ones you love. Don't underestimate the power of love and friendship. A good time with friends and family is sure to enhance your mood.

I was interviewed about this very subject on KGW Portland News Channel 8. You can view the entire segment and see how myself and others have decided to view the upcoming holiday season - http://www.kgw.com/thesquare/Happy-Holidays-What-already-69994867.html. Make it a happy holiday. You have the power to do so!

Living life with autism can be extremely frustrating. Experts are finding that anxiety is on the rise for children and teens with autism spectrum disorders, roughly 80% according to recent statistics. A University of South Florida clinic has been researching treatment options for young ones with autism and anxiety. According to their research, the most effective treatment they have found so far is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy addresses the way people think. The techniques are designed to change faulty irrationally thinking into more constructive, solution-oriented thinking. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy you are confronted with the irrational beliefs and offered a new way of thinking about them.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been used successfully with a variety of human problems from depression to low self-esteem to relationship dysfunction to phobias and anxiety, to writer’s block. However, as with all therapies, it is not the best solution for all people and this type of research is still new and under development. It is encouraging to see the medical community taking a more active interest in looking for ways to help young ones with autism cope with their anxiety.

Visit my website for more information on Psychotherapy Treatment Options including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

I have compiled a list of resources that I have found to be helpful and informative in understanding Asperger Syndrome. I believe that the more information you receive the better. Of course, the content of these websites is the sole responsibility of their respective owners, but I hope is that this gives you a place to start your research.

 www.tonyattwood.com.au/ Tony Attwood is a leader in the field of research and treatment of Asperger Syndrome. This website is a guide for parents, professionals, people with Asperger Syndrome, and their partners.

 www.faaas.org Support to the family members of adult individuals afflicted with Asperger Syndrome.

www.maxineaston.co.uk/ Maxine Aston is a leader in the field of relationships and Asperger Syndrome.

www.aspires-relationships.com An online resource for spouses and family members of adults diagnosed or suspected to be on the autistic spectrum.

www.k12academics.com/aspergers.htm Detailed information on Asperger Syndrome includes characteristics of AS, living with Asperger’s, prevalence, and much more. Also includes camp listings and support services for children with AS.

http://www.wikipediaondvd.com/nav/art/a/d/h.html A well-rounded look at Asperger Syndrome including characteristics, diagnosis, history, research, clinical and non-clinical perspectives, and treatment options.

Please feel free to contact my office if you would like more information or are interested in setting up an appointment.

The days of winter are upon us. With the busy schedules of entrepreneurial couples, a dangerous weather situation can occur before we even realize it, and we find ourselves not only unprepared in our personal surroundings, but also our work environment. Here are some reminders from FEMA that will provide protection at home and at work:

Basic home and/or office checklist:

· Prepare an alternative heat source.

· Check your roof for leaks, and nearby trees for branches that could fall on the house.

· Protect your pipes by insulating them, and keep those faucets dripping during extreme temperatures.

· Know where the water valves are and how to shut them off.

· Have fire extinguishers available along with the knowledge of how to use them.

· Think ahead to how you can help disabled friends and elderly ones. Include clients who have special needs.

Basic car preparations:

· Check antifreeze levels, battery, brakes, heater and defroster, lights, oil, thermostat, and wipers.

· Make sure that your tires are in good working order.

· Keep at least a half-tank of gas in the car.

· Have a winter emergency kit in the car, which includes: a shovel, scraper and broom, flashlight, battery powered radio, water, snack food, matches, extra warm clothing, first aid kit with a pocket knife, blankets, medications, booster cables, flares, fluorescent distress flag, tow rope, and road salt and sand.

These guidelines not only protect you and your family, but they can assist others. In addition, being prepared means you save time and money. In the end, you can continue your business with less interruption and the ability to be available when perhaps the unprepared competitors are not.

Can people with Asperger Syndrome love? Yes, they can, but the quality in which they love will be different. If you are a parent with an Asperger child, the topics of dating, love, and marriage will come up. Or you may have felt concerned about your child's future relationships. Well, there are things you can do now to help your child grow to be more successful in these areas.

First and foremost, it is important that you are very familiar with Asperger Syndrome and the type of issues your child will face in social situations. By understanding what is happening to them, you will be able to identify opportunities that you can use to teach and train them to interact with others. Encourage social activities and talk to them about how they can connect with people.

For more suggestions, I recommend Dating, Marriage & Autism by Stephen Shore. I appreciate Stephen's expertise both as a professional and as a person with Asperger Syndrome himself. Stephen was kind enough to write the forward to my book about adult Asperger relations, Life with a Partner or Spouse with Asperger Syndrome: Going Over the Edge?.

Take the time for your child now. Yes, there will be struggles in his or her life, but with support and guidance it is possible for them to grow up and love.