Expert: James Michael Roan - 4/24/2009

Question
Hi, I am Ryan, an expert for a different category.  Anywho, I am 16 and have studied autism since I was 14.  I myself was diagnosed with AS when I was about 11.  I have had symptoms since I was about 1 and a half which concerns me a little because I don't think that is normal for a child with AS to show symptoms that early.  I basically have two questions in 1:

1.  Is it normal for a child with Asperger Syndrome to show signs at 1 and a half?  Does it have to appear at age 3?

2.  I am extremely interested in Autism and want to specialize in child autism psychiatry, but I need help picking schools.  What would be some good college choices?

Like I said, I too am an expert and like me, you probably get very busy.  So thank you to the most extreme point!

Ryan

Answer
Hi Ryan;

What are you an expert in?

1. Yes, there are early signs at 1 1/2 and sometimes earlier. Let me know if you want some examples. That "before the age of three" stipulation is from the old DSM-IV and doesn't really hold water now.

2. You want to find a school with an autism unit, which describes nearly every major university now, in my own humble opinion!.

Follow your dream Ryan and I'll help you any way I can.

Kind regards,
Jim



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Bio

James Roan is a certified school psychologist who has been consulting in the areas of autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and learning difficulties in the United States and in Ireland for over ten years (http://www.jamesroan.com). James earned his M.Ed. in School Psychology and M. Ed. in Adult Education and receives ongoing post graduate training in autism at the University of Washington’s Autism Center. James Roan has traveled to Galway, Limerick, Mayo, Clare, Dublin, Cork, Waterford, and other cities and counties across Ireland assessing children and adults, and consulting with solicitors (lawyers) in defense of children with disabilities. James Roan was the consulting assessment professional responsible for many of the autism and AD/HD screening tools and other content for Access Special Needs.Com. James Roan consulted with the graduate department of the Waterford Institute of Technology in Waterford Ireland in the development of their graduate program for the certification of private autism tutors. James has conducted formal assessments of students in the Autism Unit in the Claddagh National School in County Galway Ireland.