When Autism Comes To Your Home

In Recognition of World Autism Awareness Day April 2, 2015

Especially with teenagers, the diagnosis of Autism often comes as a surprise.  Dr. Stephen Mandler, Chief Medical Officer of Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch in Billings Montana, joined Lon to explain that often when teens are considered Oppositional Defiant or Conduct Disordered, the real diagnosis can be Autism, which needs to be treated vastly different.  Instead of focusing on imposing consequences for negative behavior, the focus needs to be on building relationships with the child to get his/her confidence to listen to their guidance and learn how to handle frustration, of course without ignoring the negative behavior.  This applies to parents in raising their struggling teens as well as health care professionals providing treatment.

Contact:  Dr. Stephen Mandler  406-655-2125  smandler@ybgr.org www.ybgr.org

Lon Woodbury  208-267-7717 lonwoodbury@gmail.com  www.strugglingteens.com

This is one of a series of short interviews about new developments in the network of private, parent-choice residential schools or programs helping struggling teens and young adults. The guests are innovative leaders in this network.  To hear other interviews in this series, click on "Follow" above,  The Woodbury Report or www.strugglingteens.com