Hi there from Australia.

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Joined: 12 Nov 2009
Gender: Female
Posts: 5

14 Nov 2009, 4:07 am

Hi there,

just found this website and will enjoy having a look around.

My son will shortly be going in to see a psychologist regarding a possible aspergers diagnosis.

From observations, self comparisons and web tests I believe I may be placed somewhere on the high functioning side of aspergers but have not been diagnosed.

I'm keen on learning management and communication techniques in order to help my son better fit into the classroom environment and a better understanding of why aspergers characteristics are considered problematic or 'abnormal'.

I think I'm going to go and read as much as I can here, I'm really keen on understanding the differences between an aspergers and a 'normal' mind. What are people's opinions on this?

Thanks!

niki
Butterfly

Joined: 11 Nov 2009
Gender: Female
Posts: 12

14 Nov 2009, 6:04 am

Hi silverfire. i too am new.. welcome.. i have posted in other places on this forum about some things I have found successful to manage my son's quirks to assist him both at home and school.. if you are on facebook there is a few great aussie based groups too.. depending on where you are in OZ depends on whats avalible. I would recommend getting more people involved in assessment than just a psychologist as my sons first assessment was done this way and was very inaccurate. There are so cheaper options too.. Area really does make a difference. You can also have the school on board to get alot done through the education dept.. the most recent assessment was done through melb royal childrens hospital psychiatric academic unit, sadly not all states have this but they did MRI's, and all the tests were done with psychiatrists and psychologists.
Occupational therapists can be used through a particular scheme so most is covered through medicare. Also link in to your local support services for info on carer services, theres so much on offer.
I also recommend reading Tony Attwood or looking at his site. Support your son by looking up famous ASD's and encourage him to feel like he has a unique and postive diversity that can contribute in an amazing way.
Good luck with it
Blessings Niki

silverfire
Emu Egg
Emu Egg

Joined: 12 Nov 2009
Gender: Female
Posts: 5

14 Nov 2009, 6:46 am

Very much appreciated Niki!

We are in Melbourne and also seeing a psychologist through the royal children's hospital. Assessment has been a bit delayed as the psychologist we were seeing is now moving to New Zealand so we have to change to another. We also need to go get a hearing test before we visit again to discount a possible hearing problem (I'm quite certain this isn't the case, but we need to discount all other possibilities).

He seems to not need any reassurance regarding a possible aspergers diagnosis, he was happy with the 'it's not wrong, just different' explanation I gave him when outlining what was happening.

We get along really well and communicate very well (he is 8 years old). In our world there isn't anything wrong, we just need more information on how to smooth things over and facilitate communication and understanding with other people who do perceive a problem. I'm just a little confused as to where NT patterns end and aspergers begins.

I will look up Tony Attwood and read up on his stuff, again, much appreciated!