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Question
I am wondering if my son has autism. He has been in a lot of trouble in school and has been put in special education in public school due to a behavior learning disability. He has a reputation as the bad kid and has been told by most adults and kids in his life that he is a bad apple. But I see a bright kid that just cant seem to filter his impulsive actions. He walked at 10 months and reads above his grade level, gets good grades, but is constantly in trouble. I heard a radio show this weekend and a mom was talking about it and it sounded just like my kid. What should I do?
Hi Molly,
How sad that adults who should know better label the child instead of the behavior.
Ask your son's doctor for a referral to a qualified child psychiatrist to get an evaluation for an autistic spectrum disorder and ADHD. If he's going to be in special education he should be getting the right services for the correct diagnosis.
Don't take "no" for an answer. Your son needs help.
Best wishes,
Catherine
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Answers by Expert:
Catherine Ridenour
Expertise
I can answer your questions about parenting your High Functioning Autisic or Asperger`s Syndrome child. In particular, questions about family life, discipline, siblings, finding resources, and working with (sometimes opposing) the educational system are welcome.
Experience
I am the parent of an Asperger's Syndrome child who is now 22 years old. She went undiagnosed for 14 years of her life, so I have done extensive reading and Internet research into the possible cause of her difficulties. Even a short 8 years ago, A.S. was practically unheard of by the public educational system.
We fumbled our way through her childhood and early adolescence without any effective outside support. In some ways, that may have been a blessing as we were focused on her abilities rather than a label for her disability. However, I can think of many times when knowing WHY would have been comforting.
Had we known very early on, some social skills interventions might have made her life in school easier. At this point, I like her for who she is so I do not regret how things have turned out. More importantly, she likes herself.
Education/Credentials
I have a Bachelor of Science in Education.
I have worked to educate myself about Autism in general and HFA/AS in particular.
NOTE:
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