Aspergers

[elfling519]

I've had this feeling for a long time about Colin (since he was 2), that he falls somewhere in the asperger spectrum. I just have no idea what I need to do to get him tested and where to go. On-line resources are of little help, and on-line tests are geared to adults. Even when I try and answer the questions, I wonder if I am being fair or over

Comments

[dragonintherain]

your pediatrician might have a questionnaire you can fill out. even if you're over judgemental, it will give you a starting place.

[elfling519]

Well, I did finally find an online questionair to fill out last night, one that was recommended on an aspergers site for general purpose use, and obviously had the disclaimer that it shouldn't be used as a medical tool.

The score came up within aspergers, but like I said, I don't know if I'm being too judgemental.

aspergers

[paulisdead]

Is he having trouble making friends? To be diagnosed on the "Aspergers spectrum" he'd have to have a significant impairment in his social skills (making friends,etc) that is negatively affecting his development. Is the tone/sound of his voice unusual?

Since he's seven now, if he's significantly under developed socially, they should be doing frequent evaluations and testing at school to make recommendations to you about what sort of treatments, etc you should be trying to get from a medical or counseling point of view. They would assign special teachers, etc to work with him to make sure he doesn't fall even more behind socially fulfilling a plan in coordination with the doctors and school counselor. You have a huge team of experts who are required by law to spend time helping you, so you might as well use them :-).

Re: aspergers

[elfling519]

Well, I homeschool, so no teacher involvement. He does have a unusual inflection in tone in his voice and he comes off as shy, though with help and pointers from me he has over come most of his problems when it comes to social situations. He needs constant reminders of how to make friends, such as introduce yourself, ask them their name, ask them about something they might like or bring up a topic that you like. Things like that. Normal chit chat doesn't come natural for him and when he is in a talkative mood, he obsesses

Re: aspergers

[paulisdead]

hm; even if you homeschool, you pay taxes, so maybe those resources should still be available to you if you want them? Same way that he's allowed to be on the school sports teams?

I understand how frustrating trying to get the right help is; we've been going through it with Alex..

pediatrician

[paulisdead]

but, yeah, the doctor is the first line to address any illnesses Colin has. Hopefully they are helpful

mother-in-law

[paulisdead]

Your mother-in-law might be a good place to get a recommendation of someone who can help; but she might not be experienced with aspergers since one of the key criteria for aspergers is that there is no cognitive delays.

[greenquotebook]

Get a referral from your pediatrician to a local psychologist who specializes in children. Your MIL might be useful, but she's probably slightly blinded by her own vision of Colin as a wonderful, bright, little boy. I'd recommend an unrelated doc.

[elfling519]

And why the heck is my stomach all in knots about this! I swear, I feel like I'm going to cry!