Stages Connect
Signe M. Kastberg
ContributorSigne M. Kastberg is a licensed mental health counselor with a PhD in Human Development. She taught and directed a Master’s degree program in Mental Health Counseling. She is a psychotherapist, consultant, author, certified in personality typology and is a board-certified clinical sexologist.
Articles by Signe
About Autism The Persistence of Time: Managing Time on the Spectrum
Time on the Spectrum Think about time. Does every task take longer if you’re on the autism spectrum, or if you have a child on the spectrum? Does your family have special rules regarding when and how things get done, based on how one particular person experiences the passage of
Signe M. Kastberg
May 28, 2022 · 5 min read
How to Help Autistic People Who May Be Feeling Suicidal
Taking action when someone is suicidal is critical to saving a life. This article will identify warning signs and what you can do to help.
Signe M. Kastberg
Sep 12, 2021 · 5 min read
Identity First: On Knowing Who You Are
What is the difference between “people-first” and “identity-first” language with regard to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? How do culture, identity, and statistics play a role in this question? How do you define yourself; how do you prefer to be recognized; and how do you know w
Signe M. Kastberg
Sep 4, 2021 · 11 min read
10 Myths About Autism
What are some of the myths about autism, where do these myths come from, and how do they affect children, families, teachers, and therapists? By identifying the myths, we can challenge them through accurate information and education, as well as public policy.
Signe M. Kastberg
Aug 17, 2021 · 16 min read
Twice Exceptional: Untangling the Paradox of Giftedness and Autism
Parents and teachers may wonder if their student is autistic, or is intellectually gifted, or both. “Twice Exceptional”, or “2e,” are the current descriptors for students who have both a disability and intellectual giftedness. The signs and symptoms, however, are often confusing
Signe M. Kastberg
Jul 31, 2021 · 9 min read
About Autism Autism and Substance Use Disorders: Is There a Connection?
A review of the research, risks, protective factors, and components of addiction, and a preview of treatment options for autistic individuals who struggle with the disease of addiction. 1
Signe M. Kastberg
Jul 18, 2021 · 9 min read
Teletherapy and Teletraining: A Solution to the Shortage of Qualified ABA Therapists
Concern has been expressed regarding a shortage of qualified Applied Behavior Analysts to meet the demands of a growing ASD population and also about the quality of training available to such providers. The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has increased dramatically
Signe M. Kastberg
Jun 25, 2021 · 8 min read
Under- and Over-diagnosis of ASD: Do Race and Social Class Matter?
Many research studies indicate that contextual factors play a role in who gets diagnosed, the type of diagnosis, who gets treatment, and the type of treatment provided. 1
Signe M. Kastberg
Jun 13, 2021 · 6 min read
About Autism Are My Child's Speech Delays a Sign of Autism?
True or False: Speech Delays = Autism? Parents become understandably anxious when a child doesn’t meet age-expected speech development milestones. There is a delicate balance between total panic at the sign of speech delays, and taking a step-by-step approach to understanding wh
Signe M. Kastberg
May 30, 2021 · 5 min read
Classroom Strategies Falling Through the Cracks: Better Identification and Integrated Treatment for Autistic or Other Special Needs ELL Students
Research indicates that ELL students who should be classified with disability status are being overlooked. The good news is that increasingly, educators are integrating ELL and special education services in a culturally responsive manner. As training programs for both teachers a
Signe M. Kastberg
Mar 28, 2021 · 7 min read
Life Skills & Transitions Is College Right for My Autistic Child?
How can a family best take advantage of available resources and avoid obstacles, to plot a successful post-high-school experience for an autistic child? As Steven Covey wrote in The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People , “Begin with the end in mind.”
Signe M. Kastberg
Mar 7, 2021 · 7 min read
Positive Identity Development in the Autistic Child
What can parents, teachers, and therapists do to encourage a positive sense of self in autistic children and teens? What can we do to avoid the obstacles to healthy and positive identity development?
Signe M. Kastberg
Mar 7, 2021 · 6 min read
My Autistic Child is Thinking of Dating and--Gasp!--Sex?!!
Most parents are understandably anxious about the thought of their child eventually dating and becoming sexually active. That anxiety may be even greater for the parents of an autistic child. What’s a parent to do? The goal is to support every young person in healthy, optimal hu
Signe M. Kastberg
Jan 31, 2021 · 7 min read
About Autism Devil or Angel? The Process of Diagnosis for Autistic Children
What is ‘diagnosis’ anyway? Why have a diagnosis? How do I know if my child’s autism diagnosis is accurate? Could it be something else? Where do I go for answers? These are some of the questions that parents, therapists, and teachers ask about an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) d
Signe M. Kastberg
Jan 10, 2021 · 5 min read
Emotions & Social Skills Six Strategies for Strengthening Your Marriage for Parents of Autistic Children
My Marriage Is Floundering! Help! Often couples look towards parenthood with great joy and love. Shockingly, that same bundle of joy can create problems in the marital (or other committed) relationship that may lead to divorce or at the very least, tremendous dissatisfaction. Ma
Signe M. Kastberg
Jan 10, 2021 · 6 min read