help me to help my son,diagnose as austistic spectrum disorder

Pamela - posted on 07/27/2011

My son went through many diagnosis' before at the age of 14 they finally settled on PDD/NOS ?Aspergers Syndrome. He has been on so many meds it is not even funny. I believe he can do whatever I make him do with in reason. He is very smart But I am not very good at keeping up with his schoolwork. Anyway, my point is, they are like any other children in the fact that they will try to get away with what ever you let them. No your child's own limitations and gently encourage him to achieve more. I hope this helps.

Sonja - posted on 07/26/2011

How high-functioning is your son--that's going to determine some of the advice most of us would give.

When I lived in the Dallas area, there was a great private school for higher-functioning kiddos and another one for kiddos more like my son (10 now, diagnosed at age 2.5, and really textbook autism). Both were out of our price range, even with the scholarships and minimal state aid we qualified for. But check with your area disabilities office to see what agencies and schools they have listed -- some are great and affordable.

The other thing to do is to press your school for a new IEP. Make sure you get what you believe your son needs. Talk with your doctors to see what they recommend, ad also check to see if the school has a parent advocate or liaison on staff--many do--that can help you get what you need for your son.

Homeschooling was never an option for us--I work and our house wasn't big enough (we just bought a larger one) to set up a classroom space for our son. And we had a preschooler--she's going to K this year--to have to work around. My hubby is chronically sick just enough to make it difficult to have herapists in and out of our space all the time--not to mention the fact that it was just always a mess. And you still have to fight the school district and your health insurance to get those services paid for.

Get respite care help and all the other services your county or regional office for your state disabilities services programs have to offer. You'd be surprised what you can get help on, and after he's 18, you'll already be in the system for adult benefits.

Good luck. It's stressful, but there are tiny, manageable steps to take. (By the way, I bought tons of books and journal subscriptions, have found great sensory toys--including a nubby seat for our son to sit on during movies, assemblies, and "boring" lessons at school--it all seems to help him and keep me informed and feeling empowered.)

S

Pamela - posted on 07/26/2011

HI,my son is 13(but doctors told me that he is 3 yrs behind)he was diagnosed when he was2 1/2 with Austistic spectrum disorder.He goes to school every day(well not every monday) but he is suppose to,my son has a 1 to 1 ea.Does yr son have that at school?his teachers tell me that he has good days and bad days,but he has a lot of good days.I used to have the same guestions as you do.but if y think that there is no change of yr son going to school,then maybe y should thnik about home schooling or y could find some info about getting a teacher to come over to yr home to teach me.there are different levels of that disorder,but parents always know what is best for there child not the school.and have to talked to the school about yr thoughts,see what theytell you.of they will say to keep them in school.but yr his mom,i dont know if i have helped y or not but just some ideas,pamela in Barrie