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Autism/MY SON IS 6 YRS OLD ALMOST...

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Expert: - 8/25/2005


Question
MY SON IS 6 YRS OLD ALMOST 7 HE HAS DIFFICULTY EXPRESSING HIMSELF AND REPEATS QUESTIONS OVER AGAIN.THERE ARE TIMES THAT HE LEARNS SLOWLY AND SOMETIMES HE LEARNS FAST.HE HAS PROBLEMS FOLLOWING DIRECTION AND SOMETIMES WOULD ANSWER INAPPROPRIATE TO QUESTIONS ASKED.SOMETIMES I DONT KNOW IF HE COULD UNDERSTAND THE WORDS I'M SAYING OR ASKING.HE IS ABLE TO COMMUNICATE WHEN HE WANTS TO AND ABLE TO CONVERSE AT TIMES. I'M CONFUSED AND DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO.HE HAS PSYCHOLOGICAL EVAL SOON TO FIND OUT IF HE HAS AUTISM.  

Answer
Hello Jean,

It does sound likely.  It is good you have an evaluation scheduled.

There is much that can be done for him in terms of speech therapy and occupational therapy.  Since you know he does learn, at times, finding those modes where it "works" will help him to progress.

I know you are scared and frustrated right now.  Take heart in knowing much is available to help him.

If you are in the United States, he is entitled to an Individual Education Program (IEP)in public school.  The form this takes varies a lot from state to state and even district to district, but you have legal power to require he be educated in effective ways.

Visit http://www.autism.org ; http://www.autismasperger.net/intro.htm
to get more information.

Read some books by people who have an Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

Stephen Shore's "Beyond the Wall"
Temple Grandin's "Thinking in Pictures"

There are many more available.

The Internet is a powerful tool in educating yourself about Spectrum Disorders.  The more you know, the better you can direct his education.

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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