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Autism/grandson's severe flapping

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Expert: - 8/4/2006


Question
I believe my grown son who is now 24 had Asperger's Syndrome, he was treated for severe anxiety from the time he was 15 until he was about 22, the doctors never mentioned this but he had all the symptoms,   he is off all medications now and seems to be doing better.  He has a son who is 6 years old who is living with me at the present time, he has flapped since he was a baby but it gets more severe when he is under stress or gets too excited.  My main concern is when he starts school again this fall.  He did OK in kindergarten because the other children got used to it and still liked him but I am so afraid he will be made fun of as the children get older.  He is my son's child and the mother does not see him often and will not address the problem.  Is there anything I can do to help his flapping,  the school said last year since he did fine in school they would not get involved.  I just don't want him to be made fun of.  Do you have any suggestions.  Roxanne Christal

Answer
Hi Roxanne,

Who is the legal custodian of the child? If his father has joint custody, he can have him tested by a professional. Since the school refuses, this may be his only option for diagnosis.

Many "high-functioning" autistics or those with Asperger's go undiagnosed for years. Usually because they are bright and do just well enough to get by. The school is reluctant to test him because it costs them money and makes it much more complicated to give him an appropriate education.

You should keep a close eye on how things are going. I agree the children will become less accepting as they get older. If he starts getting bullied, point out to the school that social education is just as important as academics.

Here is a list of Internet links that may help you find more information:

http://www.patientcenters.com/autism/news/resources.html (books and resources)

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/asperger.htm (the definitions and government links)

http://www.autism.org/temple/meds.html (about medication)

http://www.autism.org/ (many links to information)

http://www.autismasperger.net/intro.htm (Stephen Shore’s web site)

http://www.angelfire.com/pa5/as/asteachersites.html (teaching resources)

Best wishes,
Catherine

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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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