Asperger's Syndrome (AS) ?

[savvymom1]

Hi all-- From time to time several of you have reported your child has or may have Asperger's. My 13 yr old dd has a "working" diagnosis of AS (we met with a specialist in the field). I was told that a working diagnosis means she most likely does have it, but some of her behaviors don't seem typical to an AS kid.

I'd say 80% of the time she seems like a perfectly normal teenager. It's the other times when she is being quirky or difficult that I am quickly brought back to the reality.

School is especially hard. She has trouble doing what some of the teachers ask because "her brain just won't let her". I know it sounds goofy, but she has a problem responding to some requests, for example, doing hands on science experiments in class. She often flatly refuses to participate. The teachers are finally (at this stage of the year) realizing that it is something she cannot help--she is not trying to be difficult.

She also is very judgemental. She will quickly decide whether or not she likes a teacher and she sticks by that opinion all year. She will not budge. This is tough because often, I really like the person she is having trouble with. It's hard to commiserate with her when I don't have a problem. This year she likes 3 of her 6 teachers. Yikes!

Just curious how many of you folks out there are dealing with an Asperger's child and how you're holding up.

Thanks!

[Honeysmom]

I have thought for quite a few months now that Honey has this. It was not until the last few weeks here that his school is seeing it. Now they are working on getting testing done and that kind of stuff.

We have taken him to many doctors. The last so-called specialist we saw said that "While he has Autistic qualities, we will wait six months and re-check him if the behavior does not improve." That was very discouraging to me, I felt like it set us back another six months. Now that his school is interested in it I will get better results.

I don't care what they call whatever he has, just give it a name and then help us so we can help him.

[savvymom1]

Hi Honeysmom. I was wondering if you guys were any closer to having some answers. I guess it is hard for doctors to diagnose a four or five year old. So many of the AS symptoms could just be chalked up to immaturity.

Gosh, we didn't clue in to dd's problem until she was 12! Of course we knew she was a little different. I'm glad the school is looking into it for you. At least you know that they are trying to help. Keep me posted!

[BBW4EVR1]

Just wanted to share some info. I found on AS.

Autism, Asperger Syndrome (AS) and other disorders are currently classified under a group of diorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). The diagnoses that fall under the PDDs exhibit impairments in communication, social deficits, along with restricted and repetitive interests and activities. However, these attributes differ in terms of severity for the diagnoses of autism, pervasive, Asperger Syndrome, & PDD.

Many times children are diagnosed with ADD/ADHD only to learn after many treatments don't seem to help, that the child will fall into one of the catagories listed above.

Some traits of AS are as follows:

Child will display phenomenal memory-can remember tiny details of things that happened many years ago.

Will display OCD traits for some areas (such as lining up toys, only eating one food, etc.) while at the same time having no regard for the neatness of his/her total surroundings.

Explosive disorder traits are very common. While it may seem that the child will expode (at times violently) over what would appear to be something rather insignificant, he/she doesn't realize that the real issue may be confusion, too much comotion, unstable surroundings, etc.

Unable to make age-appropriate decisions.

A repetitive motion, such as rocking, waving hands, tapping foot/feet, etc.

Unacceptable social skills for age.

No awareness of body space or body itself.

Lack of coordination when walking and running with an uneven gate.

Lack of sensory perception.

Developmental delays in fine and gross motor skills.

The need to adhere to a regimented schedule.

Requires visual reminders to do everyday tasks.

Does not respond well to multiple authorities.

I hope this info. helps.

[loveforeric]

Hi,

Eric was diagnosed a month ago with mild Autism with Aspergers characteristics. Basic terms he is a Aspergers child except for a speech delay.. That is what the doc. said. Then I went online to get informed and found info. saying that some children will have AS even with the speech delay. So confused about it all at times..

We as a family, are trying to understand becuase he is also ADHD.. And his brother was just diagnosed with severe Autism with , guess what? , Aspergers characteristics. UGH!!!!!!

I adore my children, they light my every day, however I am actually hitting that tired wall, where I need a break.. That makes me feel guilty to think that too.

OH no, Sorry for babbling! Thanks for listening

Have a peaceful day,
Christina

[BBW4EVR1]

The speech delay would fall under the catagory of lack of sensory perception. Our son, too, has a severe speech problem.

We are working with a clinical psych. and a physician who are both wonderful (finally we have hit on the right combination!). We are 99 percent sure that our son's clinical diagnosis will be AS. He also has Epilepsy and ADD.

I can understand the tired issue. Don't feel alone. Our family is about to embark on yet another journey into the unknown with the AS issue. My understanding is that children with AS need to parented in a totally different way than children with other disorders. We have been told that we are doing many things correct, but we also have much to learn to help our son become the best he can be. I think my husband said it best when he said it is a bittersweet situation in that, yes, it will be good to know what is wrong, but it is also sad to know what is wrong.

There is a wonderful Autism clinic in Minneapolis, MN, that our son's therapist has recommended for us as a family. After the official diagnosis is made (testing should be complete in about three weeks), we will be venturing to this clinic.

As for your break, you do need one and you deserve one. Take one--for your sake and your family's sake. You needn't feel guilty--our children are a fulltime job with many rewards and many difficulties--there is no shame in admitting burn out. If we didn't love our children we wouldn't get burned out! Be good to yourself.

I have began to channel my frustrations, and burn out feelings into scrapbooking. In fact, this Saturday, my girlfriend and I will be attending a srapbook day beginning at 8 a.m. and going until 5 p.m. It is my time to laugh, be creative, and forget about home! Also, I have set up a space at home where I can scrapbook--it is my escape and the when that door is shut-I get left alone--all be it at times just 15 minutes, but I will take what I can get! Also, the first Friday of every month I go to the local craft shop and scrapbook with my friends starting at about 4 p.m. until whenever. Sometimes it is midnight sometimes it is 2 a.m. My husband is most understanding of my need to get out. He works very hard to support us, but as he says, even though he goes to work every day, at least he is getting out of the house and has interaction with adults everyday.

Anyway, now I didn't mean to ramble but I just wanted to share some things with you to let you know that your feelings are ok and that you can and should do something for yourself--'cuz you are most important to your family and friends. Be your own best friend and treat yourself as such!

[loveforeric]

BBW4EVR1;

Thanks for the support today... We have a speech evaluation for Zac tomorrow.. I hope he cooperates. probably not but oh well! My dh says if he is himself, then the school will have to deal..

Any how... Thanks alot... and you are right I am going to set up one day a month just for me.

Have a peaceful day,
Christina

[Honeysmom]

BBW--where did you get that info from? It was very helpful and I would like to read the whole book.

Thanks...Becky