Expert: James Michael Roan - 5/29/2006

Question
I think he has a fair understanding of metaphor and simile.  He does not undertand sarcasm very well.
No real problems during elementary, he was not disruptive (until about 2 years ago), but his teachers have always been concerned about him "spacing out".
He has only one fried; others think he's odd. He also rambles on quite a bit, saying nonsense words, and he can't really carry on a decent conversation.

Do you know of any resources in Pittsbugh?
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Followup To

Question -
When I read the description(s) of mild autism, they mostly describe my son who is 14.  He has trouble interacting with other children, has a fascination with a particular subject (first trains from age 2-7, then trading cards such as Yu Gi Oh or magic, and finally now on to sports teams and statisitics), only likes to talk about his subject, is very rigid about routines, etc. He sometimes gets in trouble by me for something I have asked him not to do and then when I get upset he doesn't understand, because I did not tell him not to do it  However, he also fits some of the descritions of adhd. He was diagnosed as having adhd when he was about 10 years old, but we were always able to cope. Everything seems to be falling apart all of a sudden.  Many lay peopleincluding teachers and relatives,  seem to think there is something "going on" with him. They say he seems to be in his own world.
I want to try and help him but I am afraid of him being labeled, and I am afraid of explaining things to him, when he already doesn't feel like he fits in.
Thank you.

Answer -
Hello Anne;

Can you tell me more about your son's social development between the ages of 6 and now? Does he understand idioms and metaphor? Did he have some behavior difficulties during his elementary years. Has he had trouble making and keeping friends?

Also, let me know how I can help you generally or specifically. I'm here all this weekend.

Kind Regards,
James

Answer
Hi Anne;

Although I do not diagnose over the internet, I suspect your son may have Asperger's Syndrome. Visit the University Of Pittsburgh's autism site.
http://www.pitt.edu/~nminshew/

They can direct you to assesment resources. Also visit Tony Attwood's web site for more details on Asperger's.

Kind regards,
James