Autism/advice

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Expert: - 3/22/2010


Question
can you give me advice on how or what to tell my 13 yr old son concerning his recent diagnosis with high functioning autism?

Answer
Hi Julie

Interesting! He just got diagnosed. I'm wondering if it took so long because he is so high functioning?

Usually my student who have HFA have most of their issues in the area of socialization and anxiety. Explaining to your son that he has a syndrome called autism may help to understand why he is having some of these issues. On the other hand, some children are depressed once they learn about the diagnosis.

Is he very aware of his environment? Does he ask you questions about why he has trouble in certain areas? If so, this may be a good way to help him to understand.

I would definitely incorporate his guidance counselor at school or a clinical psychologist. They can help to answer his questions from a professional level.

Good luck and let me know how it goes

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Valerie Herskowitz

Expertise

I am an autism expert and speech pathologist (for over 30 years). I am also the parent of a child with autism. I can answer any question on autism dealing with communication, education, behavior and diet. I cannot answer questions that are medical in nature or are dealing with medications.

Experience

I have run a therapy center for individuals with autism since 1981. I lecture all over the country. I also teach classes on autism on line.

Organizations
Vice President of Communications Florida Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Member American Speech and Hearing Association, MembernAutism Society of America, President of the National Autism Registry, Vice President of the Association for Developmentally Disabled Adults and Adolescents.

Publications
Autism Society of America's national publication (September 2008). Advance Magazine, South Florida Parenting, Spectrum Magazine, I am the author of: Autism and Computers: Maximizing Independence Through Technology (available:www.valerieherskowitz.com)

Education/Credentials
I have a masters degree in speech pathology

Awards and Honors
I won a Stevie Award in 2004: Lifetime Achievement Award for my work with individuals with autism. My therapy center won, Judge's Choice Award Best Center in South Florida by South Florida Parenting magazine 2005.

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