Hi, I am wondering if my child really has Asperger's

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Hi everyone,
My name is Amy. I am the mom of a darling, sweet, intelligent, yet puzzling 7-year old boy. At age 2, Z barely said a few words. He tried to communicate and we could tell he was frustrated. It was more or less some grunt-like noises. Our pediatrician suggested we get him tested. He was diagnosed with speech delay. He's received speech/OT (also has fine motor problems), and social work services from that point on. Z stutters or has "disfluency" sometimes pretty badly. In unfamiliar situations, he tends to "perseverate" on things like fans, lights, cars, remotes and phones. He is very socially awkward, getting in people's space, and he doesn't carry on conversation very well. He also is ADHD, so focusing is tough. We've tried Celexa (for anxiety), then Concerta (made him a zombie), now we are doing Adderall. From what I read about and actually when I read words from "Aspies", it doesn't sound like my guy. Speech and writing are extremely tough for him. Does any one have any thoughts? I am not in denial. We just are trying to find the best way to communicate and understand our son. Thank you!

Welcome to Wrong Planet!

First of all, it is a spectrum. We have widely varying levels of intelligence. Not just in how well we think, but how we think. I was very good at math when I was young--I wasn't good at writing until I got much older--I think I got pretty good after doing it for 30 years. Some things take more time than others. Temple Grandin says she thinks in pictures, not in numbers or words.

All the things you describe definitely fall under the autism spectrum. Doesn't mean he is but it could be a possibility. There are as many different traits as there are aspies it seems. Keep looking - there is an answer out there for you.

Are you in the US? A written request for evaluation by your school district definitely sounds in order.

Oh, he's been evaluated and officially diagnosed with Asperger's, ADHD and anxiety at a neuropsychological clinic in our area. He's also been tested by the school district and gets a visit here and there from an "autism specialist". She offers supports to the teachers. He is in regular ed. and is doing average as compared to other children. His teacher is wonderful. He seems well liked by the children. My husband says kids can sense when others are different and are more compassionate than adults. I think they just like him because he's a great kid. 6 and 7 year olds are smarter than grown ups, maybe. He really only has one playmate, his 5 year old brother. Right now, he's arranging chairs and blankets into "a big tent". He loves to play on the Wii and computer. I guess there is not a cookie cutter description of someone with Asperger's, much like "neurotypicals" are all not the same. That would be a pretty boring world. Is there any of you who are older and think of your childhood, what can we do as parents to really help our son? We don't want to fail him. Thank you!! !!

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