AboutCatherine 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.
NOTE:
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Question Age: 19 months/ Premature 7 weeks no distress in NIC unit for 22 days. Wt.4 ' 1"
Has a few words but not too distinct.Was attempting more words at 12 months than he is now.
Will Hum tunes to children songs but not words.
Difficult to get him to engage in activity.
Difficult to get him to make eye contact
Will not answer when you call him
Likes holding a toy
He sucks on everything/ drools
Very picky eater
Many temper tantrums / this has increased
Any new outing is hard for him/ cries
Appears to be clumsy falls alot
He likes to wander from room to room and look at the window or climb the stairs
Does this Hand Flapping & facial expression and this has increased in the last 5 months.
Answer Hi Joyce,
I encourage you to share this list of concerns with his doctor. Don't take "he'll grow out of it" for an answer. Ask for a referral to a children's clinic for evaluation.
A good web search with the words "autism" and the name of the nearest large city should yield some leads to the best resources.
I want you to know that getting a diagnosis is not a "life sentence" to special education and failure. Many autistics who get the right assistance grow up to lead productive lives. He will need special help from speech and occupational therapists for some time, the sooner, the better.
In your search for diagnosis and treatment, beware of anyone claiming they can "cure" him with meds, supplements, diet, and such. Some autistics are sensitive to gluten and not eating it can help, but it is not the cause of the disorder, only one of the symptoms. There are effective treatments to help him learn and develop, but there are no majic cures.
Here are a couple of web sites with more information:
Also, don't blame yourself for getting/not getting vaccinations or for your parenting. It is now thought that most autism is a complex combination of genes.
