Hi Everyone:
My son has had the diagnosis of ADHD, Flight of Ideas, OCD, NLD, S.I.D., Transient Tic Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder for some time now; the first three were diagnosed by a Children’s Hospital when he was seven, and the latter four were diagnosed at Duke when he was nine. When we moved to Atlanta this past summer, his fifth grade teacher recommended that it was now time for us to “give in” and get him an IEP. (She was worried that Middle School would be overwhelming for him — she was right!) Together, we wrote a 10 page letter to the new school here telling them what worked best for him in the classroom.
When we first met with them, it was the county’s two child psychologists who suggested that it was possible our son had AS. I of course had suspected this due to the NLD and everything I have read on these boards and list servs. They asked if they could test him. We said yes. In the meantime, we made an appointment with Emory’s Autism Resource Center.
Now, the good news — (I suppose!)
Monday, we got the report that the school’s testing was consistent with AS. Tuesday, our son went to Emory and they too found him to have AS…
So, now — I think that things will hopefully work out…at least I hope so! The teachers are going to have to be educated because they haven’t a clue how this child operates! Fortunately, the school psychologists are extremely wonderful and very knowledgeable about AS. I believe they will “steer” the teachers in the right direction. In the meantime, until we can have the next SST — the teachers have been informed (Emory recommended that we do it THAT day!), and I believe they are letting things “ride” so to speak until the meeting where we can formulate a plan.
I want to thank you all for your support in regards to my post about needing help with my sixth grade son, and your wonderful suggestions. I printed them all, and immensely value your input.
Although we have already traveled a long road, we have much further to go. At least now, we are headed in the right direction. Thanks for helping lead us to the right path…
Sincerely,
Dixie
It is quite possible that all of your child’s multiple diagnosis fall under the umbrella of Asperger Syndrome. The multiple diagnosis are actually indications of the same syndrome. How would you feel if your child only had one thing “wrong” with him instead of seven things?
I suggest that you read materials written by Dr. Tony Attwood. There are plenty of other authors who are writing about AS but his writings are very down to earth and much easier to understand - very parent friendly.
http://www.tonyattwood.com