Autism/Fragile x problem

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Expert: - 11/12/2005


Question
Dear, Katherine
Could you please tell me your suggestion?
If would be beneficial labeling an eight year old boy because
He has problems at schoolwork
“fragile x” or what ever?
Or for a long term benefits for this Kid will be better to be
Left alone to try on his on.


Answer
Hello George,

I do not know if you live in the United States, but if you do, the answer is yes, he should be labeled.  The education laws only provide funding for special services to children who have a diagnosis.

The fear that a label will somehow damage the child's self-esteem is a mistake.  The child already knows there's a problem and that he/she is different.  Getting the help needed to succeed is much more important.

Seek out a competent professional to get the testing and diagnosis your child needs.  Life will be better for everyone.

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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