possible asperger's syndrome

Talaya - posted on 05/16/2012

I was inquiring about aspergers as well. I have a set of twins who just turned 3 last week. They just started pre-school and are in separate classes. My son has an bit of an issue with playing with others. He will run with others and ride bikes or play on the playground, but likes to line up his cars and things by himself. He finds humor in anything people do (like trip, all, drop or break something) He was diagnosed with a minor speech delay, he understands everything you say and will follow instructions. He knows all of his colors, shapes, numbers and letter, even identifying them as well. He is doing very well with potty training, little or no accidents. My daughter doesn't seem to have any issues and knows all the same. She does speak clearer. My son gets very frustrated when he can't say something correctly like the color orange. When he gets to this point, he hits other kids. The teacher thinks he may need to be evaluated. His Dr says don't worry about his speech, it will become clearer during his 3's. I have a co- worker whose son didn't speak a word until 3. This is the first time anyone has mentioned aspergers to me. Speech delay has always been the concern. His Dr says he's just introverted where my daughter is the extrovert. Any suggestions? His Dr doesn't see a prolem with him but his teacher does. It does seem as though all of his teachers have been females and have concerns and all of his pediatricians have been male so I don't know.

Selina - posted on 05/12/2010

My son is 8 yrs old and was initally diagnosed with PDD-NOS at 3 and then we had him reassessed at 6 to confirm Aspergers (which I had suspected all along). Most of the scales and questionnaires will not be done until a child is at least 5. The early signs to differentiate Aspergers from Autism are that all (or generally most) of the developmental milestones such as speech, crawling, walking, etc. should occur on time according to regular expectations. My son attained all of the markers early or on time. Between the ages of 2 to 4, he did not lose any of his skills. This is usually when a child with Autism loses skills which had previously developed.

I am a behaviour therapist and a mom so I am speaking with a bit of experience. Seek an assessment so that you can start some interventions but don't expect a firm diagnosis of Aspergers since it is still too early. Get another assessment done in two years.

Best of luck and lots of love to your little ones!

Eda - posted on 05/08/2010

hi ,

i have a 17 year old boy with AS. at 3 we knew something was different. If I could start again with him I would write a book. He is a good boy and tries real hard. It's a hard but a fun road with kids with AS. keep good records of doctors,aids,meds and dates of them, teachers, funny things they say ,if they had a good day or bad. Answers to prayer, someday when you write the book you will help someone else who has to walk the same road you are on!! prayer is also important, God a big help in the time of need. he has hepled us many times all you have to do is call on Him and he is there. When we are weak He is strong. hope and pray that this helps you

Andrea - posted on 05/07/2010

The best thing you can do for your child is to have him/her tested. It's difficult to hear the diagnosis but once you have a diagnosis you have a better idea of where to go from there to get them the best help possible with physicians and assistance in school.

Andrea - posted on 05/07/2010

Hi Amanda. My son was diagnosed 2 years ago with Asperger's Syndrome, he is 11 now. Prior to that he had been diagnosed with ADHD, ODD, OCD and anxiety issues. We have tried several different medications (which I don't like) and nothing seems to be helping him. Just tonight I was surfing around and found a website "autismndi.com" that had some very interesting information. I have ordered two books from this site. Hoping this will end our struggles or ease them up a bit. We have severe meltdowns when it comes to food and clothing. He would rather play by himself or with children much younger than himself. In large gatherings he will go somewhere where there are very few people. He says his brain can't controll itself in that situation-sensory overload. He has also become a compulsive hoarder. We are seeing child psychologists and he has been set up with an IEP (Independent Education Program) at school, it's more one-on-one teaching. It has done wonders for him in school. Hope this helps a little bit.

Coral - posted on 05/06/2010

make sure you take a list of all signs you have noticed the way we found out was after i read an artical in a magazine and thought this is so much like our son so i highlighted everything he did the same and showed his teacher after that it was relativly quick to get a diagnosis but remember not everyone will see them as in our sons case he goes off big time smashing stuff yet next to noone has seen these out bursts as he is really good in the public eye that way he holds itin until he gets home

Amanda - posted on 05/05/2010

thanks for all the comments. we have gotten some new advice to visit a wonderful place in the next town from us that can help us or help get us help. we are going there next. we have also been told to look into sensory intergration disorder. there once again, he fits in as many items there as he doesnt. is it really this hard, finding answers...my son seems to fit a disorder but then again he doesnt fit into any disorder enough to be in that disorder, how frustrating...

Margaret - posted on 05/04/2010

I am really worried about my son the teachers want him tested because he is getting in trouble at school. He won't sit is behind in reading and doesn't seem to notice that he gets in others space. I know I need to get him tested but I don't want to face the fact that there may be something wrong.

Lisa - posted on 05/04/2010

Bridgette!! My son has A!!! Did you see an article on this??

Lisa - posted on 05/04/2010

I thought I would share this about my son to try to help. Aspergers children are defiantly not the same.
My son was only diagnosed in his 5th grade school year. He is now 17 years of age.
When he was 18 months old, he would sing the alphabet backwards and end the song by singing, “now I’ve sang my ZYX’s next time wont you sing with me”. He would approach me and spell, “c-o-o-k-i-e” I would reply “N-O” he would in turn spell “Y-E-S, T-W-O”. He ate a penny one time and pooped it out and I lectured him to never do that again. The next day he started eating money and I caught him. He said “it’s ok mommy, I will poop it out”! At age 3 he was afraid of briefs and couldn’t tell me he wanted boxers shorts so he was extremely hard to potty train. Someone asked him one time how mommy’s car goes. Instead of “beep, beep” he replied, “why my mommy’s car goes past the big water with the ducks in it towards route 422”. He would fill the cat food water dish with the dry food to watch it swell! On the play ground he wouldn’t speak to anyone. He would watch them from the corner of his eye and make noises like pounding a sand shovel to see if they would look. If someone asked him his name he would reply “210 Royers Road Myerstown and my phone number is 866-2105”. I was told in pre-K they were all out on the play ground observing the beautiful grasshopper that God made. All the children in the group were holding hands in a circle as the teacher was talking. My child pushed in and said, “I WILL GET IT”! All the sudden he mashed it dead with his sneaker! He would draw Super Mario World maps, hundreds of times over, they were all identical. He simply hated bugs so he told the school in kindergarten he was allergic to bees and couldn’t go out! They called me and questioned me why I didn’t send his medication!! 2 to 3 hour melt downs on occasion. Millions of hugs and kisses, while he is home from school he would announce ”I love you” about every 3 minutes, never in his life said a swear word never would break the law, he would check the speedometer in the car and if you were speeding he would start to have anxiety and flip out. He needs his hair perfect, has a extreme set schedule especially in the morning AM, eats the same exact food for breakfast and lunch the past 10 + years of his life. Has 15 shirts of the exact same style but different colors and designs and needs them alternated for school days. Would not watch PG13 movies prior to the age of 13 and then he still fought about it because it was not appropriate. If a game said age 3 to 8 (or something to that affect) he would ask for it to be removed from the home if he was over age.
I hope you find a solution to your questions now. I had to wait until he was 11 years old.
God Bless

Bridgette - posted on 05/04/2010

Ps You are not to" blame". Its no ones fault the child is the way he is. You know your children better than any Doctor, Teacher, ETC. Follow your instincts you know whats Best for your child. (Never for get that.)

Bridgette - posted on 05/04/2010

Because they are individuals and the signs are deffinately personalized to that person.We cant say that every aspie has all the signs. (My husband I realized after 8 years of marriage has Aspbergers) He is a high functioning person most people cant tell but I deffinately see it at home. My daughter is just like him. My son has "full blown" autism to quote the psychologist. They all show different signs and some the same. Does the child have type A blood? My son and daughter do. Type A especially in boys are more likely to have a form of Autism.

Coral - posted on 05/04/2010

children with aspergers dont have to have all of the sings to have it . firstly write down all the things you have noticed if your child attends a daycare centre ask his leaders if they have noticed stuff then go to your dr ask for a referall to a specialist stating these reasons you have noticed that is the best solution if anything is found then you will be able to work with the people needed to get the help your child requires if you are fobbed off and are not happy keep pushing go elsewhere until you feel happy you are being taken seriously as they sometimes fob you off as paranoid and lastly good on you for accepting something may be wrong and asking for help we got hasseled because we did but its in your child best interest its better to know and get help then dismiss it and end up with major dramas later on our son showed signs of autism at 3 he was 7 before we got a diagnosis but he got help in other areas until then like speech motor skills etc

Cherie - posted on 05/04/2010

Don't listen to your friends with degrees. Go and talk to someone outside your circle. Someone who is impartial is always best. Get your child assessed by another professional who does not know you.

Danielle - posted on 05/04/2010

My nephew has aspergers. If I remember right they say that it is hard to diagnose aspergers at a young age such as three. You mainly see it when they getting a little older such as five or so. I think that the biggest sign that we had was that he was really into just one thing. His thing was Thomas and Friends. That was all that he wanted to play and watch.Also children with aspergers have problems with social interactment. Aspergers is a form of Autism, but children with Aspergers have problems taking social cues so that may be something to watch for also. Have you talked to his doctor about your concerns? He/she may be able to suggest some options for you.

Cathee - posted on 05/04/2010

there is a site on here Tony Attwood he has some good info on there
ive been advised 2 get a book called ..'all cats have aspergers'
i dont know if this wll help u

Jackie - posted on 05/03/2010

www.autismspeaks.org not only has info on autism but also aspergers. It's what I went off of to finally decide to go to my doctor about my son.

Carolyn - posted on 05/03/2010

HI,MY SON WHO IS NEARLY FIVE WAS DIAGNOASED WITH ASPERGERS JUST OVER A YEAR AGO AND IT TOOK A YEAR AND A HALF BEFORE HE GOT HIS DIAGNOSIS. MY SON ALSO DOSENT FIT INTO EVERY CATEGORY,HE SLEEPS REALLY WELL AND ACTUALLY LOVES PHYSICAL CONTACT BUT HE DOES ALL THE LINING UP,FLAPS HIS HANDS WHEN HE SEES ANYTHING FAST MOVING ETC AND LASHES OUT IE JUMPING ON PEOPLE,PUNCHING,KICKING EVEN SPITTING IN YOUR FACE. HIS SPEACH DEVELOPMENT WAS VERY DELAYED,HE JUST USED TO SAY THE SAME WORDS OVER AND OVER AND JUST GRUNTED WHEN HE WANTED SOMETHING BUT HE NOW SPEAKS BRILLIANTLLY AND ALSO USES VERY MATURE PHRAES BUT WEWVE BEEN TOLD THAT IS QUITE COMMON IN ASPERGERS CHILDREN. I HOPE THIS HAS HELPED A BIT AT LEAST. : )

Dawn - posted on 05/03/2010

Aspergers cannot be accurately or correctly diagnosed until age 7. The social impairment that aspergers is known for (and trust me as the mom of an apsie I know what it looks like) cant be seen in child's as young as 3. Even Neurotypical kids dont have the skills that aspies are missing at age 3. He could though be autistic. Talk with your pediatrician or family doctor and get a referral to the school systems early childhood educational department for evaluation and services (the school pays for it).

Amanda - posted on 05/02/2010

he is very obsessed with knowing where people are, he will ask where is nana, paw, etc...he is very attached to his mommie for sure. he rubs my shirt for comfort when sitting with me. he is a quiet child but he is kinda like you said in that he talks to us and we are supposed to know what he is saying. he gets very frustated if we dont understand him. he is very repeatative.. he is always the follower, never the leader. he likes animals but will not hold them, just touch and giggle. he is very preoccupied with being naked, but that may be a boy thing. i just want answers so i am more prepared at his evaluation.

Ember - posted on 05/02/2010

My son has Asperger's. He is almost 14. He was diagnosed when he was not quite 3 and placed in ESE in our local elementary school. He didn't have clear speech. In fact, he looked at us as if we should just know what he wanted. He had severe stranger anxiety (shopping with him was a nightmare!). He was quiet and happiest at home with his dinosaur toys or his workbench. When someone new came around, like my Mom visiting from out-of-state, he would start wringing his hands, but it turned out to be "flapping", a tell-tale sign. It's something he did when nervous, a way to relax. His fine motor skills were not developed, so the doctor told us to get him lots of play-doh and video games. Boy, did the video games stick! :) He could memorize entire movies, conversations, etc. Schedules were and are paramount. Routines are a lifeline for an Aspie. Also, you will have to teach them how to read facial expressions and tell them how you feel because they tend to be unable to do it. Schooling was a blessing for us, and it all started with a trip to the pediatrician. He referred us to have him tested. No matter if you're rich or poor, you should have something set up in your county/school district to get your child enrolled in Developmental Primary (DP). The school systems gets funding for this type of thing, and it will have nothing to do with how much money you make. AutismSpeaks.org has pages of resources, so definitely try it. There is no one-size-fits-all way to diagnose or treat this disorder, but I can tell you that my son has made amazing progress. Most people have no idea that he has Asperger's, not that any of us are ashamed. He has just responded so well to the schooling and the routine. We have never boxed him in or allowed others to do so. You will defintely have to be his advocate. I wish you well.

Amanda - posted on 05/01/2010

my son was five weeks and four days premmie but he was the biggest twin. physically he has been the healthiest except for have vitiligo, which is where your skin cells eat each other and your pigment is gone, he has a white strip down the back of his neck. he screams when he doesnt get is way. he just cuts the playdough, and molds it. he is a rubber though, he rubs my shirt or his blanket during quiet time or when he needs comfort. he can use a fork, he just doesnt. his eye contact is great, and he laughs when you tickle him. he is a happy child. he just doesnt talk very well. he does talk but it is hard to understand. he doesnt lie around and eyeball things but he will stack blocks very high without knocking them down like most kids. he is a builder rather then a distroyer like most boys. he doesnt like bugs like most boys. he is very attached to his cup and his blanket. he has to have alone time daily. snuggling on the couch or alone in his bedroom rubbing his blanket.i dont know, i want to get him tested but i want to be prepared when i go so we get further at his evaluation.

Sheila - posted on 04/30/2010

something that is more typical of a child diagnosed with aspergers is that they are frequently characterized as sounding like little professors...so within the aspergers family, a child with a more typical profile would appear to have almost an advanced speech pattern HOWEVER they have their own agenda for what they want to speak about, their tonal quality might seem more stacatto (sorry for spelling)like...or a more sing/song quality...just different. But as Tanya said, their is no straight line....no cookie cutter kids when it comes to the spectrum.

My little boy does not like water on his face during a bath, or pool, but does not mind water sprinklers....He has always had a good sleep pattern after the age of 18 months...prior to that I didn't sleep.

Is it that he doesn't like to use a fork, or that his fine motor skills are lacking and he can't use it. My little boy didn't use a spoon/fork until aged 3.5 because he couldn't manipulate it.

Has your child ever demonstrated skills that now seem lost?

What is his eye contact like?

How premature was he?

When he plays with the playdough, is he attempting to create shapes, using cutters, rollers...and when playing, does he want to share with you what has been created OR is he more wrapped up in the playdough.

Does he lie on his tummy and line up toys, eyeballing them from the lying down position, making sure they are all lined up?

When he screams, is he screaming at you OR is there a pacing like tendency/running to and fro. Will he allow comfort?

The reason I pose all these questions is because these are the questions you will be asked. The diagnostic process for my son, from the formal early screening assessment to final doctor's appointment took around 14 months....during that time you are asked the same questions over and over again

I kept a journal recording what I saw, responses to changes in routine, social interactions...you name it. If there was an "incident worthy of note" I stickied it so I would remember to bring it up.

Good luck

Sheila

Amanda - posted on 04/30/2010

he is very obsessed with where people are, he can play with playdough for an hour at a time, he screams very loudly when he doesnt get his way, he goes to sleep easily when bored, he doesnt like water poured in his face during bathtime but will jump into the pool, he doesnt like to use a fork...he uses his hands to eat, at three...does any of this sound right?

Tanya - posted on 04/28/2010

The most important thing you can remember, up front, is this :::::: no matter who you talk to, what you read, what doctors say, there is no "straight line" for aspergers... some things fit, others dont...why...because EVERY child with Aspergers is different (as night and day) . There is a gray area where your child is concerned. Dont rely on just one person, or two, or three... When it comes to your child, you need answers. You cant help them unless you know what your facing.. Everyone has advise, myself included, but YOU have to figure out what works for your CHILD. Start with your pediatrician, demand to see a developement specialist, a neurologist, a child psychologist, and a geneticist. It TAKES MONTHS, to get these appts, start now, cross each off as you go, and arm yourself with knowledge!!

Tammy - posted on 04/28/2010

HI i have a three year old that is aspergers all of what u said with the delays my son has as well as what kadie said lining up loves routines does he get upset when things arent routine also what are his social skill like my son struggles socially even at daycare he goes two day a week he doesnt play with other kids even at parties it all get a bit to much and often u will find my son in a quite place at shopping centre or large gatherings well thats a night mare he goes into sensory overload and gets very anxious angry has meltdowns most asperger kids struggle alot with social situations hope this helps a bit :)

Kadie - posted on 04/28/2010

Make sure you have a good routine! Schedules are so important! Look for his patterns... Does he line up things with an order to them... color, size, etc...? Possibly picky about foods... spice, texture, color, etc...? Does moving or changing things bother him a lot? What sets his world into a tale-spin?

Make sure he hears and sees "loves".

Check into your Community or School District Programs.
Also:
http://www.icdl.com/dirFloortime/overvie...