Seeking Advice or Information for Anyone Who's Child Diagnosed with Asperger's

Hi S., my name is L. and my son is 15 and he has Asperger's. Some things we used in the past when he was little was we would have him repeat what we said to make sure he knew what we were talking about, and in extreme cases like if he hurt himself or others we would have to hold his cheek gently to make him make eye contact. Another technique we have had to use when he was little if he was throwing a wild temper tantrum we would sit down on the floor and hold him until he calmed down. One thing our therapist told us is that with Asperger's they are very intelligent children and sometimes they will act out because they know they are different and are frustrated. Now our 15 year old son is taking regular LD classes and even in 2 mainstream classes, and in these classes he is passing with B's and C's. So with alot of patience and work it can work out. :o)

My son's preschool specialist told me last month she was concerned he may have Asperger's too. Our pediatrician recommended what she called 'the best in the midwest' as far as assessing and management, Dr. Edward Hoffman (Developmental Pediatrician). He's in Overland Park, and there's a waiting list to get in to see him, but evidently it's worth it and insurance normally covers it. We have our first appointment at the end of this month, so I don't have much information on how helpful the assessment is.

I agree: Dr. Hoffman. I have 2 friends that have children w/ Aspergers and they see him and are thankful they found him. He has help both of them a lot. I understand that he is very good! Best of luck.

I have a daughter whom is on the autism spectrum with apraxia. We see Dr. Hoffman for a developmental Pediatrician but have also seen the Drs. at Childrens Mercy. They have a Developmental Pediatric clinic. They are just as good as Dr. Hoffman in my opinion and will advocate for you in the school system. I also Recommend Nancy Champlin whom is an autism and behavior consultant. She works with children affected by aspergers as well and does significant evaluation on these kiddos. We are going to be utilizing her services this summer to cover the deficit of the school disrtict summer program. Best of luck to you!

S.,
At the Oklahoma Homeschool Convention we had a keynote speaker who addressed various types of behavioral and learning difficulties, including Aspergers. She gave so much helpful information that I would highly advise getting her cd's called "The Biology of Behavior". I have a friend whose son has Aspergers and they are using alot of what this speaker teaches and it has helped him tremendously. Here is the link to her website:
http://stores.diannecraft.org/Categories.bok?category=CD%27s

I would encourage you to read her articles too and check out everything she has available.

Blessings,
T. Walker
www.MomRN.com

Hi S. my name is L. and i have a son 15 who has aspergers. your very lucky now there is so much info and treatments to help you. 15 years ago no one knew anything about autism or aspergers. we have had to find help by ourselves and learn from where ever we could. Kids with aspergers are almost on the genius level of learning, so do not hinder him in anyway with slowing down his wanting to lean. But the social skills my son has trouble with. i am not a doctor but can share with you some of the things my son does. my son prefers to be by himself and even as a teen likes to be by himself and with his animals. he has little quarks like running or walking in circles banging two sticks together next to his ear, he says this helps him deal with stress because he is telling himself stories he makes up. the best thing is to get your child diagnoised, alot of disorders mimick aspergers, i use to give my son toys to play with when he was little and he never played with them the way they were ment to, he either tore them up to see how they worked or banged them together. My husband has a cousin 40 who has aspergers, this man has 5 degrees and is a genuis, but once he gets the degress as a lawyer or geologist he cannot deal with the people and social skills. also watch out there are alot of quacks and treatments on the internet that are misleading and want your money. if i can help in anyway let me know my email is ____@____.com the best piece of advice i can give you is to love and appreciate you child, it will hurt when he is not invited to birthday parties or have friends to play with when he is older but be there for him to have someone to talk to. when my son was born he wanted nothing to do with anyone he wanted to be wrapped up tight and left alone, as he pushed me away i pushed him away, i know that is sad but i was hurt that this child never wanted to be huged or held. i woke up and realized i had to make the changes he couldnt i love my son so much and he still does not like to be touched but we are real close. i look forward to hearing from you.

I have a friend whose daughter as Asperger's. I know she does not do well in social situations, and is mostly homeschooled. I can get more info from her. I know in the past she has posted some websites that she frequents. I will post another reply after I speak with her. :)

J.

Dear S.,

It sound like you have a wonderful little boy and I understand your concerns. I am an Occupational Therapist and myself, along with the other therapsits on our staff work with many children that have either been diagnosed with Asperger's or Autism, or have concerns about behaviors that appear to be like the diagnosis. We provide home based services to help the children funtion and enjoy their daily lives and routine, as well as interact with their family and friends. What we have found most helpful is how we structure the activties and tasks that help decrease the frustration behaviors, as well as giving the children ways to communicate their feelings as well as wants and needs. Many of us are parents as well who have had children with the same concerns. We know what it is like as a parent and really sit down with the family to look at their goals and needs. Two great books that many parents have found helpful is Sensory Integration and the Child, by Jean Ayres, and The Out of Sync Child. I am not sure where you live but we see many children throughout the Kansas City Metropolitan area. Another great resource is EFECT. You can look up their website on line at www.EFECT.org. It is a parent support group that again, is throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area. They will have information from other parents, support groups, doctor's, therapists, etc. It is a great place to start as well and they also have families that are great resources. One other place you may contact is the Kansas City Regional Center. They help children and adults who have this diagnosis to provide a wide range of services, etc. and may help put you in touch with families.

I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any questions or if I can be of further resource. I can be reached at either ###-###-#### or at ____@____.com luck and take care!
C.