Expert: Catherine Ridenour - 5/16/2005

Question
I am raising my grandson who has had numerous setbacks in his childhood starting with the suicide of his mother and abandonment by father. He was originally diagnosed with adhd, then a thought disorder and his current psychologist now suggests he may be Austic. He is very bright in math and science. Problems with reading,
writing and communication. They currently have him on a anti psychotic drug which has had adverse effects. Problems are mostly getting along with peers and school pressures. How can I go about finding out if he is mildly autistic. Have him scheduled for a physical and not sure if there are any tests that can be done. Would he be better off in very small class sizes? Not sure where to go for help.

Thanks,

S. Williams

Answer
Ask your grandson's doctor, at his physical, to recommend a good neurologist who is familiar with autism.  This specialist will know how to test him. (Your current psychologist may be on the right track but a second opinion is often useful.)

In general, medications do not specifically address autism.  They can be helpful for attention deficit disorder, if that is present.  Or for any number of other coexisting problems.  Each has to be diagnosed separately.  

Small classes benefit almost all students, so I can say yes to that without hesitation.  However, he probably needs an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) and that means he needs an accurate diagnosis so that proper accomodations can be made.

Since you tell me he is bright in math and science, he clearly has areas where school success is possible.  By all means, build on his strengths.  There are many examples of famous inventors and scientists who, in hind-sight, were most likely autistic.

Here are a couple of Internet links to help you learn more:

http://www.autism-resources.com/
http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/
http://www.autismasperger.net/intro.htm

Thank you for your question.

Catherine