My ASD Child

How do they test a child for Aspergers? There are several tests. We will look at the two prominent ones: 1. The ASDS— The Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Scale (ASDS) offers a viable way of measuring whether or not a youngster has Aspergers. This exam is easy to administer and it yields reliable results. The ASDS was developed to help determine if a youngster is likely to have the disorder. This developmental exam consists of fifty yes/no questions that take about fifteen minutes to complete. • The Asperger test scores are evaluated and rated on an Aspergers scale. • The results are compared between the subject and other kids with Aspergers. • These results reveal whether or not the youngster is likely to have the disorder. While the ASDS score is not a formal diagnosis, it helps to determine if the youngster should have further evaluation. The results are quite reliable, and the process helps to move the youngster along quicker when it comes to attaining a proper diagnosi

Question I'm not sure I understand the difference between Aspergers and Autism. What exactly is the difference? Answer The lines are sometimes blurred when it comes to the similarities and differences between Aspergers and autism. While both are Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), and while there are similarities that can be noted in autism and Aspergers, there are some significant differences too. Similarities between Autism and Aspergers— • both have trouble maintaining age appropriate relationships • both suffer from poor communication skills • children with autism and Aspergers alike may develop obsessions to a specific subject of interest • hyper or hyposensitivity to pain and touch is common in both disorders • poor eye contact is exhibited by both populations • problems with gross and fine motor skills can be noted in both groups • resistance to a change in routine is commonly found in both Aspergers and autism Differences between Autism and Aspergers

Question My little guy does not have any friends. J___ will be 9 in Aug. He doesn't like sports, he's had a few rough experiences trying to fit in and play ball with his peers. He is not very coordinated i.e., he cannot ride a bike yet. He would be content riding a bike with training wheels - he is not AWARE that the other kids would make fun of him. He doesn't intuitively know what may trigger other children’s ridicule. My heart breaks for him. We went to the park the other day and he tried to play with 2 other boy's his age, one of them immediately told him to “shut up”. Kids are so cruel and notice “different” immediately. I have thought about home schooling him but I just don't think I have the patience (J___ is adopted …he is my stepdaughter’s biological child). My husband and I have raised him since he was 5 months old and for J___'s protection adopted him at age 3. At his request, after starting school, he calls us Mom and Dad. He loves to