AboutCatherine 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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Question Hi, My nephew will be five next month. He can speak, but not very clearly. My brother and his wife, become extremely defensive if something is said about their son having autism or anything of the like. He throws terrible violent tantrums and has a hard time communicating what he wants. ex,. he will ask for a drink, you give him the drink and he will say "no, i want something to eat..i don't want that." He will repeat himself over and over again, his favorite phrase is "I Want to play the game" he is referring to the playstation, or the computer game..Sponge Bob. He is not potty trained. He can tell you if he needs his diaper changed, but will not, unless he is asked. They have tried to potty train him, so i don't believe it is lack of effort on their part. His sense of smell is extremely sensitive. He will gag and sometimes even throw up if he smells his own poop or someone pass gas. (forgive me for being graphic) He absolutely HATES his hands to be dirty. If he is eating cheese puffs or anything sticky that may get his hands dirty, he will ask you to wash his hands. He does not respond to discipline at all. He will listen to me a little more than his parents and follow instructions somewhat. He will sit for hours if you let him and play electronic games. I have a son who will be 2 in Nov. They will run around outside together, but they don't socialize. My nephew doesn't have much to do with any children. I am very concerned about him and would like to know if this behavior sounds like something that should be checked out by a Dr. I live in S.C. and he lives in
Ga. with his parents. I had him one weekend and he got up the next morning and ran from the front door to the back door for an hour or so. I asked him what he was doing and he would never say. He hadn't had any caffeine or any sugar. I would appreciate any insight you could give me on this. Thank you in advance,
Angela
Answer Hi Angela,
It is very important for this child be evaluated by a professional. He shows every sign of having an autistic spectrum disorder. He is nearing school age and his lack of toilet training is going to be a major problem. He CAN learn, but they need help in techniques that work for autistic children.
His parents need to face the fact that this is not going to go away. With proper help, their son can have a fairly normal life (I'm pretty sure he falls on the high-functioning end of the scale.)
I get the feeling he is their only child. For some reason, this tends to delay the recognition, by parents, that something is not right. They don't have a basis for comparison.
If they are concerned about costs, assure them that every public school system is required to provide FREE evaluation and educational services including speech therapy and occupational therapy. Occupational therapy will address his social skills, his eating habits and other non-speech issues. In fact, you might start the conversation with, "Did you know that schools provide free early intervention for children like Johnny?"
I know you fear angering his parents. But, think how you will feel when he gets to school and all this comes to a head and you could have urged them to get help earlier. Be brave, speak up for your nephew's sake.
