Autism/aspergers syndrome

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Expert: - 3/10/2008


Question
i am having difficulty getting our school to consider that our eight year old son may have aspergers syndrome.they only want to take into consideration adhd. how do we get them to consider that adhd is only part of his problem and not the only one?we have provided them with all sorts of information on various learning disabilities and they still over look the big picture.he has fallen behind in school and it concerns me greatly. we have bought every teaching aid available and still he is behind. i have done a great deal of research on the matter and still i am unsure of how to help my son at home.the school is no help .please help me to approach the school about aspergers syndrome.

Answer
Hi Melissa,

ADHD is often the first diagnosis given to kids with Asperger's. While some actually have ADHD, many do not. If medication helps at all, then the ADHD is probably part of the problem.

Diagnosing Asperger's is more art than science. The school probably figures that an IEP for ADHD is good enough as it supposedly addresses all issues your son exhibits. They do not realize that his social function must be brought along as well. He is missing out on vital information contained in people's body language and tone of voice which A.S.kids do not comprehend.

As he gets older, the social deficit is going to show up more clearly. Waiting for that, however, is a mistake. By then, he will be having serious problems with his peers in the classroom and on the playground.

You will probably have to see a private practitioner to get the initial diagnosis. Ask your pediatrician for a referral. A good evaluation will include questionnaires for both the parents and his teacher, some cognitive testing and other behavioral observation. It usually takes 2-3 visits to do it right.

If you have no insurance or cannot afford this, call the state department of education and make it known that your school is dragging its feet on this issue. Tell them about your observations. Ask for help.

If they are unwilling to help you, find a lawyer. You can get information from your state's Autism Society. Do a web search for them.

Best wishes,
Catherine

Autism

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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.

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