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Autism/Autism vs. Aspergers

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Expert: - 3/8/2011


Question
Hello,

I was hoping you could give me your opinion on the difference between Aspergers Syndrome and Autism. I have a 9 year old boy that was diagnosed with autism a few years ago and he has ABA therapy with a group, both Apergers and Autism. What is the diagnosis difference in your opinion?

Thank you for any insight you can give me.

Melissa

Answer
Hi Melissa

I person with Asperger's Syndrome is similar to a person with autism, but their symptoms are usually milder and they do not present with a language delay. A person with autism has a language delay or had one when they were younger. Usually a person with Asperger's has really good language skills, though their use of language in a social situation is often impaired

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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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