Expert: Catherine Ridenour - 4/12/2008

Question
QUESTION: I myself say the apple does not fall far from the tree. 25 yrs ago we  never used aspergers but it was there. If we look in the mirror sometimes we see the traits in our children and know we to have it. I was in an alternative school thru high school do to the social out casting my 12yr daughter has  a IEP and a diagnosis of aspergers. My friends son has it to. The school is not doing anything to address the social part and I'm wondering if there is any obligation on there part to do this. They have a lunch group and that is it. I did finally get them to help us send  her to camp but it is with the same kids who already tease her. We live in NH and don't seem to have any programs for aspergers they say there not autistic here. Easter seals does not address the high functioning.  Are the services we do not know about? We have ot at school and private at easter seals.  also does anyone know if there are things for the adult with aspergers in nh. Do you have any ideas

ANSWER: Hi Barbara,

You don't say at what age your child was diagnosed. Most social training for A.S. happens with younger children. However, it can be done with teens. Schools are running to catch up to the current techniques. Most don't concentrate their money on older kids. What the school should be doing is fostering an atmosphere of acceptance and inclusion. Teasing and bullying should not be tolerated toward anyone.

New Hampshire is not the authority that gets to decide if A.S. is an autistic spectrum disorder. That is defined by the DSM IV which is the uniform diagnostic guide used by all mental health professionals.

The Autism Society of New Hampshire has a web site: http://www.autism-society-nh.org/ .  They will have the information about what programs are available to you and your daughter.

I think most adults with A.S. who recognize it in themselves make one of two choices. Either they decide they've done fairly well on their own and are going to live life and be happy as they are. Or, they seek out a mental health professional to help them work on modifying the behaviors that cause them trouble.

The good thing is that most high functioning individuals are also pretty bright. They survive high school and go on to college where they can specialize in their area of passion. I know that seems a long way from now.

I recommend you and your daughter search out (Amazon or other online book store) some books written by and for adolescents with A.S. or H.F.A. Encourage her to think of about the gifts of her condition. She probably has a fantastic memory, ability to concentrate on things she finds interesting and other skills she has not tapped into, yet.

I recommend this book to all middle school and high school kids with A.S. -- Developing Talents: Careers for Individuals with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism by Temple Grandin, Kate Duffy, and Tony Attwood

Best wishes,
Catherine



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: our daughter was diagnosed at 6 but with nvld then aspergers at 10 we have a 2 1/2 showing sign too but is diagnosed with adhd they dont like to code them here to young Are there things we could be doing for the younger one now we have her in early intervention but they don't seem to do much

Answer
Hi again,

I really don't understand why some professionals consider an ADHD diagnosis less "heavy" than an A.S. diagnosis. But, it seems to be the place they are willing to go, first.

The early intervention people should be doing speech therapy and occupational therapy with your younger daughter. Even with an ADHD diagnosis, they will recognize the social deficits as they show up and should address them.

I wish I had more information about New Hampshire. Do check out the state autism society's web site.

Catherine