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Expert: - 10/31/2005


Question
Hi! I just recently wrote to you about my son and now,I have another question for you,I just came back from the neuro doctor and he said that my son wasen't having any absent seisures and there was no way he could be autistic because autism doesn't run in the family and this is why he isn't also since he can say some words,he said that he can't be autistic because of his speech too.I'm very upset about the whole thing because my sons behavior isn't normal but,to the neuro doctor at Geisinger it is normal behavior for his age.Does another child in the home have to be autistic for another be have it?Should I go for a second opinion?Please any help would be greatly appreciated.Thank You!
Happy Halloween to you and your family!
Josette

Answer
Hi again,

Good news about the seizures.

Bad diagnosis about not being possible to have autism.  MANY high-functioning autistics and those with Asperger's syndrome can talk.  Some even better than they would be expected to do a their age. (our daughter was talking clearly at 7 months of age)

YES, seek a second opinion from someone who fully understands the Autistic Spectrum and the variability of symptoms.  This person may not be a neurologist but a social worker or child psychologist.

Check with your nearest University teaching hospital or Children's hospital.  They may be able to refer you.  Also, ask the local special education teacher if he/she knows someone.

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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