Does my son have autism? - Autism Spectrum Message Board

ldrlori · 01-31-2006, 08:13 PM

I think my son may have autism but, i'm not sure.
He didn't talk until almost 4 years old, just as long to potty train, and he has been in special ed his entire school life. Everyone kept telling me he was just Developementally Delayed but, i'm not so sure. He is a Math whiz but, cannot comprehend anything he reads. Most things he does is from memory but those things must be constantly repeated. He has to be reminded every day of chores (the same ones he has every day). He has tried to work a couple of jobs but, at one place other employees made fun of him because he was too slow. Another place decreased his hours because they constantly had to remind him of what he was supposed to be doing. He sits in his room for hours on end playing video games, is not able to socialize outside of the family except for one or two close friends. If we go to a restaurant and he sits where he can see a lot of people, he gets anxious so we sit him facing the window or walls. Physically he looks perfect and when people talk to him it takes them a couple of hours to realize something is not quite right. He doesn't posess common sense and I'm terrified to let him drive because he gets lost so easily and distracted. Is this autism? and if so who do i take him to for an evaluation, it is obvious to his dad and i that he needs to be on disability.. he's 19 and unable to work a job, had to drop out of school because the kids bullied, laughed at, and made fun of him so horribly.
Please help if you can!

Jana2676 · 01-31-2006, 11:23 PM

Our family is going through this with my 25 year old cousin. Once my child was diagnosed with autism, I knew my cousin was autistic, becuase she is just like my daughter. Turns out she is and it really explains alot about her problems growing up and as an adult.

SHe lives in Oregon. I called the Oregon Autism Society and asked what doctors in my cousins area will evaluate an adult. They had a list and I picked the doctor closest to my cousin for transportation reasons.

Do a google search for your states autism society and call them. THe people I spoke with in OR were really helpful.

My cousin is having a hard time dealing with people and cannot hold a job. She has had outbursts at customers, cannot relate to co-workers, etc. It was really hard on her. She is a very smart girl and college really did her some good. She found people like her and now has a few really good friends. There is hope!!!

ldrlori · 02-02-2006, 11:45 PM

Thank you Jana that helps a lot I will let you know what I find out.

joyous_one_ · 02-03-2006, 01:31 AM

Sounds like your son may have Asbergers Syndrome. Often thought to be high leve autism. You can have your school phych do an evaluation or your local children's hospital.

9CatMom · 04-17-2006, 06:27 AM

Reading these stories, I wonder sometimes how I ever made it as far as I did in life. I too, was made fun of in school, even beaten up, but I made it through, eventually getting a Master's Degree in English. I also have an Associate's Degree in Legal Office Systems from my local business college. People said it was because I was smart and determined. I guess those things helped.

There are still things I need to do, but I'm working on them. I went from having no friends to having friends all over the world on my cat site. They really understand me.

As Jana said, there is hope!