AboutJames Michael Roan Expertise Expertise: Expertise: I can provide information on autism and Asperger`s syndrome. I cannot and will not attempt to diagnose at any time. I can answer general questions related to assessment and educational planning.
Experience I have specialized in the area of autism for nearly 9 years.
Education/Credentials M.Ed. School Psychology
M.Ed Adult Education
Past/Present Clients Children aged 2-18 diagnosed with autism, Pdd-NOS, and Asperger's Disorder.
Question QUESTION: I am writing to follow up on my original question from 12-30-07 "spinning objects all the time". He has made much progress in all areas, he no longer seems rigid or stuck in certain routines. We have made it a point to work with him on not getting stuck in a routine, being as gentle as possible. We have worked with him on limits, and not letting him talk us out of things. He does great in preschool class at church and engages in the activities, even telling me all about things and singing songs he has learned. He no longer echoes when he sings. I started doing preschool activities, such as writing, matching cards, puzzles etc and he asks to do school if we forget. I originally got him started on school with a puppet that "taught" him and that held his attention. The puppet is secondary now.
He still spins, its all pretend, some fantasy and some reality as in mowing yard, cooking etc. He is aware now that he is the only one who spins and that he can do lots of other things that are more fun than spinning. He does spin a lot less.
He is a puzzle.
I really wondered what your thoughts are on this.
Thanks,
Michele
ANSWER: Hi Michele;
It sounds like he is coming just fine. How is he socially? How does he interact with peers at church?
Regards,
James
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi James,
My son is now 5 1/2 and does quite well in all situations.
He stopped spinning objects almost completely for several
months saying he's too old to spin etc. He has started doing
it again to some degree but not all the time like before.
It seems to be just one of the things he does with his hands
when he is pretend playing. He plays some with toys, I
really never thought he would, and he loves for me to "do
school" with him. He seems to be behind in writing/drawing.
He speaks quite clearly and I think he is ready to start
learning to read.
He seems to figure things out very quickly but at times
gives the impression of being a little slow. I think it's
because he spends a lot of time in an imaginary world. We
have never had him tested, we are worried about labeling
this perfectly wonderful little person.
He remains very connected with people, he wants to share
things in his life with other people and make connections
with them. This is very important to him. He loves to start
conversations with people.
He seems to get along fine with his peers, he does seem more
comfortable with older kids, I think because his two
siblings are thirteen and spend a lot of time with him.
We are working on riding a two wheeler and learning to work
at chores and helping around the house this summer.
We have worked a lot to keep him from getting stuck on
things. He will do a thing for a few times at a certain time
in his schedule and then invariably will ask to do them many
more times at that same time, for instance a drink a
bedtime, wearing his cowboy outfit to get his haircut, etc.
I can lose patience with him in this area, it has been such
a long road of worry and fear that he is impaired in some
way, that he won't have a quality life. Then I remind myself
that for a 5 yr old he is doing great and has very good
relationships with people so there is no reason to think the
same will not be true at age 20 or 40.
I really think in my heart that he is probably exactly what
you said, mildly Asperger's, probably sub clinical. Any
thoughts that you might share would be welcome.
Thank you,
Michele
Answer Hi Michele;
It sounds like he is doing really well. If you like I can email you the Childhood Asperger's Syndrome Test (CAST to get a better feel. It is not a diagnostic test and I do not provide diagnoses.
You can email me at: roanpsych@gmail.com
Regards,
James
Disclaimer:
While James Michael Roan has attempted to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, the information is provided in good faith without any express or implied warranty. The purpose of this web site is to provide information to families with children, teens, and adults with an autism spectrum disorder or other developmental delay. James Michael Roan does not prefer any one organization to another, and it is not responsible for the information listed on an organization's web site, or any disseminated information either verbal or written. Please be advised we are not giving medical advice and that circumstances can dictate different treatments. If these issues affect you or your loved ones you should seek professional advice. This site is operated for informational purposes only. At no time will James Michael Roan attempt to diagnose or dismiss a potential diagnosis over the Internet. We hope that you find our resources useful.
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.
