Does My Student Have HFA?

“I’m a teacher and I think one of my students may have high functioning autism. What things should I look for in determining whether or not this child may have the disorder? Also, is it too early to approach the parents about my concern?”

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Comments

Anonymous said…
Has anyone been through an MRI with their child? The ped refered us tio a neurologist after my son's 9 year check up. I had stressed concern over how weak my son is physically and how he is struggling with gross motor skills. He has fallen up/down the stairs at chool trying to stay up with the class (1st year upstairs). He cannot even hand on the monkey bars let alone do them, but he really wants to. He has taken to getting on top of the monkey bars instead, but I worry abou him falling as it is a struggle. In fact, he has gotten himself up there, then needs help getting down.

Anyway, the ped did some things with him and agreed there was reason to be concerned. He feels he is a good 2-3 years behind. He refered us to a ped neurolist who ordered an MRI & bloodwork to check for muscle disorders, check his thyroid, & make sure there is no fluid in the brain. My son has always had a very large head and she says she likes to check whenever a big head is accompanied by muscle weakness/coordination problems. I'm sure it doesn't help that he has tics and vision issues. He also appears to have delayed reflexes. They have to hit his knee with the thingy 50 times before they get a little reflex. Has anyone else experienced this?

I am really nervous about this. Scanning my childs brain worries me. What if they find something wrong? I honestly just thought OT/PT....What should I expext? They wanted to sedate him, but I refused. He is so sensitive to meds I worry about a reaction. He has been recently diagnosed with ADD as well, so it may be a challenge. I am going to take him tired so hopefully he will fall asleep. I am also hoping I can use the fact he will need an IV if he doesn't hold still as incentive to hold still.

Thanks for any advice or input....I just have so many questions about all of this.
October 2, 2012 at 6:55 AM
Anonymous said…
I commend you for being a supportive teacher and taking the time to reach out and help a child!
October 2, 2012 at 7:12 AM
Anonymous said…
In my opinion, it is NEVER too early to help out a family with undiagnosed or suspected Asperger's. I wish I had known much earlier but had no idea that he was different unti lhe was 6! By the time we did the Autism screening, he was 9 and they were asking me about how he was at just 3 years old. It was so hard to remember that far back. Now I am the nosy mom who pays too much attention to other people's kids who seem a little "off" from others. Because early intervention means so much but you can't get help if you don't know!
October 2, 2012 at 7:12 AM
Unknown said…
My Grandson that I have bee raising since he was 13 months and will be 17 in Dec. did not get diagnosed with Aspergers until he was a freshman in high school.
I wished that teachers in his past that may have thought there was something more going on with him besides ADHD would have spoke up. I am now scrambling to get all the help, therapy etc. before he turns 18. To all teachers that may read this, please do not hesatate!
September 13, 2013 at 8:04 AM
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