Expert: Valerie Herskowitz - 2/6/2009

Question
My son was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome about 1.5 years ago, we went to a different Neurologist, speech pathologist, child physiologist to seek a second opinion.  They all said he had no indication of this but that he did have a speech delay.  This is the diagnosis as we stand now: Developmental Delay ~ Speech Delay.

He got an IEP and went to Pre-K with special attention to speech.  After that he went to Elementary into a regular K class for June, July, Aug 2008, never heard a thing from the teacher about any bad behavior. Then we moved to rural part of the state.

He started in K again he is with a wonderful teacher! But, and I agree, hitting is not tolerated.  He keeps hitting children, today he again hit another child, he stomped on a girls fingers 4 times even after she said to stop with tears in her eyes!  All of our family has noticed that he gets jealous of anyone that approaches a friend of his.  I noticed this too.  He needs extra help in behavior, how to react to a situation without using his hands, and speech.  Many people do not realize he does not understand most of what they say. I don't know what to do. What kind of therapy should he be receiving?

Let me know if you have any ideas............ Thanks!

Answer
I don't think he has Asperger Syndrome as individuals with AS do not have speech delays. It does, however, sound like he is in the developmental delay spectrum and is struggling quite a bit. He seems to have a lot of sensory issues which are causing him to have behavioral problems. Find a behavioral therapist and an occupational therapist. I assume you are going to a speech therapist.
I know you live in the rural areas, so if you are unable to find these individuals, let me know, and I will arrange to do some consultations with you over the Internet.

Valerie Herskowitz, MA CCC
valerieherskowitz.com