collinsmommy
asks:
Q:
How can I help get my Asperger's syndrome son started on the right foot for middle school?
Collin was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 5 years old. We tried to control it with diet until he was in 1st grade when his pediatrician started in him on a roller coaster ride of all sorts of meds used for ADHD along with anxiety. In the past 2 months, he was very thoroughly assessed at his school by the school psychologist, an Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist & a Special Education Coordinator for our county schools. Their determination is that he has Asperger's Syndrome. I must admit, after reading tons of material/articles/testimonials that is what it looks like to my husband & I also. Should we get a second opinion? He started Middle School in 2 months, so I want to make sure he is treated for the correct disorder and not just being "labeled" as having a type of Autism. I am really worried about how well he will thrive in middle school & how he will be treated by other children. Any information anyone wants to share with us to help us get our son headed in the right direction so he can start middle school out on the right foot would be so appreciated.
In Topics:
Autism & Aspergers Syndrome
> 60 days ago
Answers (2)
If I read your posting correctly, the diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome was made by all professionals via school district/county. Has his pediatrician diagnosised him with Asperger's Syndrome? How about a large teaching hospital (Children's Specialized Hospital) such as Stanford, NYU, etc.? If you have only the school district/county diagnosis right now, I would definitely get a second opinion.
> 60 days ago
We had a friend whose child had been "misdiagnosed" for YEARS by the school AND the doctor's as being ADD/ADHD. Within the last two years, she was finally correctly diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. Since the diagnosis, she has been treated properly with both medication and appropriate teaching techniques used by the school. She's now flourishing - after having spent so many years floundering. Her self-esteem is improving instead of dwindling.
There is so much new information out there to help aid professionals in creating a proper diagnosis. I would seek out professionals that have an understanding about these conditions and the minor differences that separate them. Definitely don't return to your original doctor who prescribed a carnival of medications. You need a fresh perspective!
Might I suggest you call and visit with someone who is a specialist in the field of Autism? I believe that they would have the most current information about Asperger's and could give you some great advice as well as a few names of trusted individuals your child could visit. It's my opinion, that a SECOND opinion, would be very helpful to you, your child AND the school.
There is so much new information out there to help aid professionals in creating a proper diagnosis. I would seek out professionals that have an understanding about these conditions and the minor differences that separate them. Definitely don't return to your original doctor who prescribed a carnival of medications. You need a fresh perspective!
Might I suggest you call and visit with someone who is a specialist in the field of Autism? I believe that they would have the most current information about Asperger's and could give you some great advice as well as a few names of trusted individuals your child could visit. It's my opinion, that a SECOND opinion, would be very helpful to you, your child AND the school.
> 60 days ago
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