Asperger syndrome - Asperger's Syndrome Message Board

xzx · 06-26-2007, 11:17 AM

Hi everyone

My son was just dx with a mild form of Asperger's syndrome today. I have just started reading about it. He is almost 10. I am trying to not cry, I know that will not do any good. I am looking for information, help, ect.. anything really. I just got a book by Tony Attwood called The complete guide to asperger's syndrome and a information sheet from the doctor and some websites. Anyone here who is my shoes? Thank you for reading.

petal*pusher · 06-26-2007, 05:48 PM

Hi Jenny! Such an amazing part of our body the brain is! If everyone thought and acted exactly the same...it sure wouldn't be as interesting!

I teach in a vocational school...the kids are 15 to 18. I've had quite a few Asperger's kids the last few years. They are usually very bright...and, after they learn to trust me, a joy to have in class. Asperger's is a higher form of autism...more often found in boys than girls...and sometimes is not even diagnosed until adulthood!

This past year, we had 3 students with this syndrome.
Read, read, read everything you can about this. You'll come to understand that actions and behaviors you thought were something YOU caused are just the way this effects your son. One girl showed obvious signs of social challenges, but by the end of the year was accepted as a "normal kid".
(What IS "normal" anyway!)

I participate on a weather forum also. A while ago, one of the posters brought Asperger's up. It was amazing how many of those who often posted there had this also...and had a great interest in weather. That's exactly what I've noticed...the child has a keen interest in one main area....and what's wrong with that?!?

I went to a workshop last year that was put on by a lady with Asperger's. It was very interesting. Look up... Temple Grandin...another lady with this. I even read that Bill Gates has Asperger traits.......................such an interesting thing the brain is! Hope this helps a bit.....Pam

GatsbyLuvr1920 · 06-26-2007, 06:43 PM

Asperger's can be a very positive experience. It can be rough at times, but overall, the good outweighs the bad. In my opinion, it is a blessing, not a curse. I am very proud to have Asperger's. I have lived with it for 20 years, now. Only been diagnosed for one. I wish I had known about it earlier, so that I could have gotten more understanding and knowledge about my quirks.Your son is lucky to live in an age where Asperger's is both recognized and diagnosed. He will be able to get the accommodations he needs from a relatively early age. Good luck, God bless, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask!

-GatsbyLuvr1920-

xzx · 06-26-2007, 07:37 PM

Thankyou Pam for your reponse. I am doing just that reading everything I can get my eyeballs on. He was originally diagnosed with ADHD, was not to eagar to medicate. I did start him on meds a year later after diagnoses. But was not happy with just having my son on meds, I wanted to be able to really get to the bottom of what was really going on. Started working pediatrician and psycholgist ( sorry spelling ) and this is was has popped up. I am happy to know there is light at the end of the tunnel. I am just so hungery for any and all information on this subject. Thanks for responding to my post.

GatsbyLuvr1920, Thankyou for your post! I am blessed that we are in a day in age that this recognized by professional and parents alike. I just want to do the best by my son. I do believe that the good does out weigh the bad, he is a great kid! again thankyou I am sure I will be talking to you soon.

Rose

Rose

GatsbyLuvr1920 · 06-26-2007, 09:13 PM

jennii4200- I'm always here if you have questions!

And, besides Tony Atwood's famous book, I'd recommend a book entitled: A Parent's Guide to Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism: How to Meet the Challenges and Help Your Child Thrive. It's by Dr. Sally Ozonoff, Dr. Geraldine Dawson, and Dr. James McPartland. Both my mother and I found it very helpful, along with Atwood's book.

-GatsbyLuvr1920-