Preschoolers and Asperger's?
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Preschoolers and Asperger's?
| Wed, 11-30-2005 - 5:32pm |
Hi all -- I'm new around here. I have a 3 year old whose behavior was "diagnosed" autistic by a neurologist earlier this year. I say "diagnosed" because the doctor observed him and interviewed us for 1/2 hour before writing up his diagnosis. Not a lot of faith in that one.
Since doing more research on my own, I think that Asperger's *might* apply to Gavin. Since Asperger's is not typically caught until elementary school, it seems there is very little information out there about preschoolers. Does anyone know of any links or books that specifically speaks to this age group?
Thanks for any assistance!
Beth
Gavin 7/2/02
Evelyn 3/9/05

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Tina,
I agree, that does seem like a short amount of time to dx someone. Nathan was seen by two doctors on two separate days. Total amount of time spent with him was 4hrs. And I was also given a few forms to fill out, and also a form for his teacher to fill out, as well. I also had a 1hr appt with the dr prior to Nathan being evaluated. And then a follow up appt to discuss the results. Then mailed the official report. So I feel that his eval was pretty thorough.
michelle
My 5 yr. old son was "officially" diagnosed w/ HFA/Asperger's last year. He has been in maintream pre-k and now kindergarten. If you are anything like me, it is sometimes difficult to determine if behavior has to do with age or associated with Asperger's, so it is sometimes difficult determining how to handle challenges. The book "A PARENT'S GUIDE TO ASPERGER SYNDROM & HIGH FUNCTIONING AUTSIM," by Sally Ozonoff, Phd, Geralding Dawson, Phd and James McPartland, has been my bible. The book is an excellent resource with lots of information and great tips and not only emphasizes challenges, but also highlights talents and transition tips for the future. Another good book is "THE NEW SOCIAL STORY BOOK," illustrated edition, by Carol Gray. It has been a great aid in helping my son understand what to expect in different social situations and the illustrations are a great visual aid.
Hope this helps
Crystal
There is alot of debate on the language delay and autism vs. Asperger's. Honestly I look forward to the day that they change it all to just autism spectrum disorders. Yesterday in Mike's IEP meeting that is what was listed "Autism spectrum disorder". Noted areas of need are in language and reading comprehension, sequencing, etc. It is STILL hard to have a conversation with him that does not entail a once sided interaction of him giving you a list of facts about his favorite obsession. He will be evaluated for speech/language.
One thing is that our current doctors have only met Cait after she had progressed. I am not sure her initial neuro that dx'ed PDD-NOS and then "autism spectrum disorder" would change it to AS, but the current ones have. They never seem to remember she was delayed though.
BTW, both kids are also listed as "autistic" per the schools and state Regional Centers (state agency for developmental delays). 6 of one 1/2 dozen of the other.
Renee
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I just wanted to thank everyone in this thread for your responses to Beth's questions.
I cannot completely recall conversations with my adopted brother (w/ Asperger's) at the age of 3; which was 6 yrs. ago, but I would not assume it's Asperger's due to the language delay.
I remember my brother to be very difficult (he still is--but we love him!:) and would get into things like throwing eggs around the kitchen or flooding the kitchen w/ the sink hose if he wasn't watched for a few minutes.
I have heard that for a while. In fact when we were moving to CA 6 years ago we went to my daughters neuro prior to moving. She changed her diagnosis to "autism spectrum disorder" then saying that this was the direction things were going in and likely would be the way it was described in the next DSM. However, waiting for a new DSM can be quite long. And now from what I have heard there is still debate as to whether they will use that terminology or not. Very interesting.
As for "autism" on educational placements, that is a national thing. There are 13 categories for qualifying for special education. One of the 13 categories is "autism" so many kids with AS or PDD-NOS will have an educational diagnosis of "autism". Those who do not meet the criteria for the educational diagnosis of autism (it can happen) but have a medical diagnosis of AS or PDD-NOS may fall under "other health impaired" as well if they qualify for an IEP.
Believe it or not there are a number of AS and PDD-NOS kids who don't qualify for special education or related services.
Renee
Here in Iowa they don't classify kids at all. You are either "qualified" or "not qualified" for an IEP.
Samantha, Mom to Kyle
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