Problem: Article: Starting from early childhood, people with Asperger's exhibit marked differences in the way they communicate. These differences are the most noticeable symptoms, especially during childhood, before they have been taught tools they can use to communicate more effectively. Look for the following differences in communication style: A tendency to avoid eye contact. Limited use of varying facial expressions, and/or monotone voice. Limited use of expressive body language, such as hand gestures and nodding. People with Asperger's often struggle with auditory processing, and may take longer to process spoken words. They may say "What?" or "Could you repeat that?" often, only to figure out what someone said while the person is in the middle of repeating themselves. Remembering large amounts of spoken words may be difficult, and the person may prefer to have written directions when it comes to things they need to do. Some people with Asperger's experience selective mutism, only talking when they feel comfortable. They may also find it difficult or impossible to speak during sensory overload, a meltdown, or in general. A person with Asperger's may have difficulty imagining how others feel, and difficulty picking up on nonverbal cues. They may be confused about facial expressions or body language that conveys happiness, sadness, fear, or pain. Here are some ways this difficulty might manifest itself: The person might not recognize when they have said something hurtful, or when they're making someone uncomfortable in a conversation. A child might play too rough, not realizing that pushing or other aggressive physical contact can be painful. The person constantly asks about people's feelings (e.g. "Are you sad?" "Are you sure that you're tired?") because they aren't sure how the other person feels. If the other person answers dishonestly, they may become very confused and try to seek an honest answer instead of letting it be. While they may not understand, they often care deeply. The person will act very surprised, sad, and apologetic when told that their actions were inappropriate. In most cases, they had no idea. They may feel worse than the person whose feelings were hurt. Individuals with Asperger's may not always know how to maintain a back-and-forth conversation, especially when it comes to subjects of interest to them, or moral topics like human rights. They might become so wound up in the subject matter that they miss signs that the person they're talking to has something to say or is bored with the conversation. Some people with Asperger's realize that they monopolize conversations sometimes, and are thus afraid to talk about their interests at all. If someone is hesitant to talk about their favorite subject, and seems to expect the other person to get upset or bored with them, then they may be trying to suppress this impulse for fear of social repercussions. Many people with Asperger's take a special, almost obsessive interest in a few subjects. For example, a person with Asperger's who is interested in baseball might memorize the name and stats of every player on every Major League team. Other people with Asperger's might love writing, writing novels and spouting nuanced writing advice from a young age. Later in life, these passions can develop into successful and enjoyable careers. People with Asperger's may have trouble making friends, since they have a hard time communicating effectively. Many people with Asperger's want to make friends with others, but lack the social skills to do so. Their avoidance of eye contact and awkward conversation attempts can be misread as rudeness or being antisocial, when really they would like to get to know people better. Some people with Asperger's, especially young children, may not demonstrate an interest in interacting with others. This usually changes as they age, and they develop the desire to get along and fit in with a group. People with Asperger's might end up with just a few close friends who really understand them, or they may surround themselves with acquaintances they don't connect with on a deep level. Autistic people are more likely to be bullied, and trust people who take advantage of them. People with Asperger's often lack coordination skills, and may be a little clumsy. They might often trip or bump into walls and furniture. They may not excel at performing heavy physical activity or sports. People with Asperger syndrome may have over- or under-sensitive senses. This can mean avoiding and being distressed by overwhelming sensory input, or seeking out sensory input when bored or under-stimulated. The person may make repetitive movements to help them cope. However, some people with Asperger syndrome learn to suppress these healthy movements for fear of seeming "odd." Life can be challenging for people with Asperger syndrome, and sometimes things might become too much to bear. The person may withdraw, or have uncontrollable crying episodes. Developmental delays may be subtle, but they can make it difficult as the person tries to become more independent. Kids and teens with Asperger syndrome might find growing up to be difficult and scary, because they cannot keep up with all the new demands. Consider if the person is late when it comes to things like: Learning to swim Learning to ride a bike Doing chores independently Learning to drive Keeping up with the demands of life can be a challenge for Asperger syndrome, and having "down time" is often important for relaxing and recovering from the events of the day. Students with Asperger syndrome may need to rest for a while after school.
Summary: Look for unusual nonverbal communication skills. Notice difficulties with receptive language. Determine if the person has trouble reading the social cues of others. Notice awkward or one-sided conversations. See if the person has intense passions. See if the person has trouble making friends. Notice the person's physical coordination. Notice sensory sensitivities. Recognize difficulty coping. Identify developmental delays, including delays beyond childhood. Recognize a need for additional quiet time.

Problem: Article: Choose low-CD meals and snacks, use fat to help you manage your calories, cut added sugar and manage your portions. Try new activities from time to time to keep your body guessing.
Summary:
Maintain your Volumetrics eating habits. Learn how to use Volumetrics recipes in your daily cooking and snacking routines. Establish a workout routine with activities that you like best. Maintain a record of your eating and activity. Separate emotions from food by finding new ways to cope with stress or negative feelings. Manage your environment to make it conducive to both activity and healthy eating.