My ASD Child

Question How should I explain Aspergers Syndrome to my 12-year-old son who was recently diagnosed with  the disorder? Answer More than likely, there is little need to explain Aspergers (high functioning autism) to your child. If you read accounts by others with Aspergers, they usually say that they knew they were different long before they knew they had an official diagnosis. Most report being relieved to learn about their diagnosis because it explained so much about the differences. Some moms and dads choose to explain Aspergers as soon as the diagnosis is received, keeping the kid involved from the start. Even though the youngster may not be able to comprehend the full definition, there is that feeling of being different. Other parents choose to explain Aspergers much later, after the kid has grown and is able to understand exactly what it means. Either way is acceptable, depending on how you wish to do things in your home. When it comes time to explain Asp

Moms and dads should ask their youngster’s doctor for referral to a developmental pediatrician for assessment if there are concerns with any of the following... Communication Red Flags: Loss of any language or social skills at any age No babbling by 11 months of age No response when name is called, causing concern about hearing No simple gestures by 12 months (e.g., waving bye-bye) No single words by 16 months No two-word phrases by 24 months (noun + verb – e.g., “baby sleeping”) Behavioral Red Flags: Compulsions or rituals (has to perform activities in a special way or certain sequence; is prone to tantrums if rituals are interrupted) Lacks interest in toys, or plays with them in an unusual way (e.g., lining up, spinning, opening/closing parts rather than using the toy as a whole) Odd or repetitive ways of moving fingers or hand Oversensitive to certain textures, sounds or lights Preoccupations with unusual interests, such as light switches, doors, fans, whee