Lindsay - posted on 03/17/2011 ( 45 moms have responded )
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Just thought I would introduce myself. I'm new here, not just to this group, but to the forum as well! My son, Mitchell, has just been diagnosed with Asperger's. We always knew our little man was quirky, but we just thought it was him until this year, 3rd grade, when everything came tumbling down.
He's SUCH a polite boy, not willing to get into the least bit of trouble. Really good at compiments and manners without even being taught. He just always was in his own little world. Homework assignments would fly right over his head while he stared out the window. Organization was non-existent. The only reason it wasn't a problem until now was the comment we always hear; "But he's such a great child!" He was diagnosed with ADD this school year and is on Intuniv. Focalin was first, but with severe mood swings and tiredness. Pediatrician was sort of confused by this because he said that Focalin was usually the mildest of all meds. But then when the Asperger's was brought to attention, he said it all made perfect sense, for Focalin triggers the part of the brain Asperger's is.
Anyways, some other "quirks" that Mitchell has....ever since toddlerhood he has had to hit walls. By saying this I mean he will run to one wall, tap it with both hands, run to another wall and tap it. It is ALWAYS the same wall, same path, and for several hours that this will happen. He also throws his hands up into fists by his head when he gets really excited. He also is known to spin around behind me while I walk thru the isles at WalMart. Yep, quirky! ;0)
Oh, and did I mention Titanic? The kid is obsessed. His every waking moment is about Titanic. He will draw picture upon picture of Titanic, each one more detailed than the last. We had a blizzard last month, and in one day I had 16 Titanic pictures hanging on my fridge. No kidding! Every conversation he has is about Titanic. Oh, and about conversation.....it was SO ironic that Asperger children are called "little professors", because everybody that has known Mitchell has called him that since he was 2!! He uses words that are so unusual for a 9 year old. For example: "Mom, I can infer that the boy admires horses when I look upon his walls!" :0) Quirky!
Well, then these quirks weren't so quirky anymore when it was brought to our attention that Mitchell has no friends and doesn't even care that he doesn't. We've always thought things were okay because he seems to be such a social person, but looking back it was only with adults or small children, never kids his own age. He won't participate in group activities, freaks out over timed tests, and could care less that there are even other kids his own age around him. The kids will even try to interact with him, but it's like he just shies away, or tries and then gets super hurt if that child plays with another. Almost like a jealousy thing.
As far as routines, he's really easy going. The only time he gets freaked out is when the teacher springs new things on the day plans, or if a quiz is announced. At home he is okay. The only time when he has a meltdown is if some place he knows really well is rearranged or repainted without him knowing prior. We've had a couple thanksgivings where we've been in the bathroom with a crying little boy over painted walls!
As far as tantrums, violence, or meltdowns, we don't have much of that. So I guess I'm confused here. Because all I've researched (and like I said, this is all so very new to us!) says that Asperger kiddos tend to have tantrums over changes, or tend to be aggressive towards others. Mitchell doesn't do that...the only time change bothers him majorly is when big changes happen, not everyday routines.
I guess I want to ask, is that normal? Is what I'm saying a typical Aspie? I would love stories or experiences!!
Nice to meet you, and I hope I've just made some very awesome friends! :0)
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