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Autism/DR. FOR AUTISTIC CHILDREN

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Expert: - 5/25/2005


Question
HI, MY MANE IS VICKY I HAVE A FEW QUESTIONS.
I HAVE A 8 YEAR OLD AUTISTIC SON HIGH FUNCTIONING, I HAD HIM TESTED FOR SPEACH & HE DID NOT QUALIFY? IS THERE A SPECIAL TEST FOR AUTISTIC CHILDREN? HE DON'T KNOW THE MEANING OF LARGE VS BIG HE CALLS BIGER OLDER, LITTLE DON'T MEAN SMALL THIS TO ME IS A LANGUAGE ISSUE. THE SPEACH LADY SAID HIS SPEACH IS FINE SHE DIDN'T
DO ANY TESTING IN LANGUAGE OR UNDERSTANDING LANGUAGE IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO FOR NEXT YEAR?

MY SONS TEACHER DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY MY SAME SON DON'T UNDERSTAND $. WHAT THEY ARE WORTH WHAT = WHAT WHEN HE CAN ADD AND SUBTRACT WELL. I WOULD LOVE SOMETHING FOR HER TO READ ON THE MATTER OF SEQUENCING AND PLANNING PERTAINING TO AUTISM.

I LIVE IN ROSAMOND, CA. I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO A SUPPORT GROUP, I CAN'T FIND ANYTHING NEAR ME. DO YOU KNOW OF ONE.

I NEED A DR. WHO IS FORMILLURE WITH AUTUSM I CAN;T FIND ONE.

Answer
Hi Vicky,

I agree with you, your son shows difficulty with language. Concepts like the value of money can be difficult for autistic people.

You say he is high functioning autistic so it seems you have a diagnosis from someone.  Who diagnosed your son?  This is the person who may be able to direct you to more resources.

Your son should have an Individual Education Plan in effect at school if he has an official diagnosis.  If he is with a teacher who does not understand the issues of autism, perhaps you should request an IEP meeting to find out what can be done to assist the teacher or place your son with someone more suitable.

Here are some links to resources on autism:

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

Call your state education department to request some help in finding resources in your community.

Best wishes,
Catherine

Autism

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Catherine Ridenour

Expertise

I can answer your questions about parenting your High Functioning Autisic or Asperger`s Syndrome child. In particular, questions about family life, discipline, siblings, finding resources, and working with (sometimes opposing) the educational system are welcome.

Experience

I am the parent of an Asperger's Syndrome child who is now 22 years old. She went undiagnosed for 14 years of her life, so I have done extensive reading and Internet research into the possible cause of her difficulties. Even a short 8 years ago, A.S. was practically unheard of by the public educational system.

We fumbled our way through her childhood and early adolescence without any effective outside support. In some ways, that may have been a blessing as we were focused on her abilities rather than a label for her disability. However, I can think of many times when knowing WHY would have been comforting.

Had we known very early on, some social skills interventions might have made her life in school easier. At this point, I like her for who she is so I do not regret how things have turned out. More importantly, she likes herself.

Education/Credentials
I have a Bachelor of Science in Education.

I have worked to educate myself about Autism in general and HFA/AS in particular.

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