Question on Group Socialization

Avatar for stephsmom98
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Registered: 03-28-2003
Question on Group Socialization
3
Tue, 02-14-2006 - 9:30am

Hi. New here, but lurking. I don't remember if I officially introduced myself. I am Debbie with an only child, Stephanie, age 7 1/2. No official diagnosis as of yet. She will see the child pyschiatrist on the 21st. She saw many doctors, specialists and a pyschologist but no official diagnosis. Most think she has Aspergers and possibly ADD. She does have epilepsy and is seeing a neurologist who recommended her to the pys. and Pyschiatrist.

The problem DD is having is pain in her vaginal area, or outside of that area. She had all kinds of tests done, but nothing physically shows up. The second pediatrician we saw, as well as her neurologist, thinks she is making this up, but it is real to her. They think it is due to be anxious in situations. I noticed that when we go somewhere she is always holding herself down there and saying it hurts. It started at her dance class. I had to pull her out because she would sit on the floor and cry. She started at age 4 with no problem and by age 6, she couldn't do it anymore. She almost didn't go to church on Wednesday night, but I kept her there. I did pull her out last spring, but she is back again. I had to explain to the church staff of her problem of pain. She cried the first day, but she is better now; however, she keeps saying it hurts. It mostly hurts when we go into group things, but she also complains at home when I comb her hair. However it gets worse when we go out.

I have been lurking through your posts and I see that most ASP kids have trouble in group settings. Is that true? Is it possible DD is having these pains because of fear of being in groups?

She is an only and I homeschool her at home. Most experts agree, and family members, that she needs to get out and socialize. I agree so I joined a homeschooling group where the group is small and not too many kids.

Just wanting some advice and encouragment. Thanks.

Debbie

Debbie, Mom to my "only" Stephanie
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-12-2005
Tue, 02-14-2006 - 3:04pm

Hi Debbie,
I'm Jane, mom to Noah (just turned 9) who is also an only! Noah hasn't been diagnosed yet either but sees a clinical psychiatric social worker (who is an Aspie!) on the 20th -

I'm no expert on Aspie kids but I've read a ton of info. ONe of the hallmark symptoms of Aspies is their limited? poor? undeveloped? (whatever word you want to use) social skills. My son would fall into that category. Our church is very large so there are lot of kids in the SUnday school program. My son just is overwhelmed about what to do with all those kids so he literally makes eye contact with no one and sort of goes off by himself. He just doesn't know how to manuever that kind of situation. When prompted he will join in and play or sing and dance and participate, but he needs a lot of help!

I read a really good quote about Aspie kids - they really want to have and develop friendships but they are just really bad at it! That's where we come in!

Just curious - why hasn't your daughter been officially diagnosed yet if shes' seen so many specialists, etc?

Jane

Avatar for stephsmom98
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2003
Tue, 02-14-2006 - 5:39pm

Thanks for your post. We also have a large church and Stephanie doesn't know how to fit in and socialize either. She had always stayed by herself or followed other kids, but didn't know what to say until I prompted her. The more I see her now and look back in time, I am convinced she has Asperger's.

I don't know why her pediatrician, neurologist or pyschologist hasn't mentioned it. Actually, I think the pyschologist mentioned it and the second pediatrician we saw said he believed her to have it and asked us if we ever heard of it, which I did because I did research on it. DH still isn't sure, but I am with her most of the time.

I guess they are waiting to see what the psychiatrist says for some reason.

Thanks again.

Debbie

Debbie, Mom to my "only" Stephanie
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-08-2003
Tue, 02-14-2006 - 6:42pm

This social thing is what made me think, my son could have asperger. Debbie, like you, we saw so many people and nobody mentioned this. Finally, I brought it up and they started testing for it and the school thinks that this is what Sravan has and all his problems with social issues.

- Anandhi.