Autism-World

Q:I have a son whom I believe is affected with Aspergers. He is currently undergoing testing to make sure of his condition. Although he is very bright. Has terrible time trying to make friends.
Does anyone have any experience with this, and how can I make life easier for my sweet son? he is 9 years old. Thank you.

Answer:

Good for you for having your son tested! I am a speech-language pathologist and I work with children with various disabilities ranging from mild to severe. I have worked with many children over the year who are affected by Asperger’s and autism and the characteristics you describe are typical of children with Asperger’s.

The kids do tend to be very bright and have social difficulties. Having never met your son I can’t make a diagnosis (it’s a medical diagnosis anyway, so I could only speculate), but children with Asperger’s often benefit from counseling and speech-language therapy. A qualified speech-language pathologist should be able to help with social interactions and how to interact appropriately with peers.

Is your son in public school? If he does get a diagnosis from a qualified medical professional, the public school your son attends is obligated to provide him with the services he requires. You can find out more about this from your son’s psychiatrist/psychologist (whoever is testing him and giving a diagnosis). Look into IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) which provide appropriate and necessary services for children with disabilities. It is a federal law to provide IEPs for students with disabilities.

Also check into some information from the Autism Society of America. It’s a good organization with lots of helpful professionals, parents, and information. Please remember that an IEP is “individualized,” which means that the document should pertain ONLY to your child.

Although you may find some good tips regarding goals and objectives, services, etc. on websites, everything should be tailored to fit YOUR child’s needs. The professionals at his school know the disorder best and you know your son best. You will work with the school as a team to decide what services (if any) are necessary and appropriate for your son, how these services are delivered (e.g., in class, in pull out sessions, individually, in a group, twice a week, daily, etc.), and what goals and objectives are most appropriate for him. No one person should decide what is best for any student. It is a TEAM that works best for each child.Good luck to you and your son!

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This entry was posted on Sunday, September 23rd, 2007 at 8:25 pm and is filed under Ask and answer.