High-Functioning Autism...???

[jschaad]

Ok - i think that it is Vals that has boys with Autism and i need some help... I feel that we have some issues with Austin my step-son and need help...

We think that he has high-functioning Autism and dont know where to turn? Who to call to help us figure it out? Where to go from there. He will be 13 in Jan and we have him on adderal for ADD we feel it does help although he has too many of the other signs... This has been an ongoing battle since i have known him and i feel we need to get him some help. He has so many of the docail signs and we dont know what to do??? How to approach it at all. Aspergers of HFA has to be it... vals can you help me out a little?

[hopenheart]

Hi jschadd.

Well there is a few ways to go about this, but I will say it is not at all uncommon to have a child have Aspberger Syndrome, but only ADD or ADHD was diagnosed.

Some folks argue that ADHD or ADD is often a component of Aspbergers, yet for the most part it is more frequently dually diagnosed.

For example my son Tanner, is a very high functioning autisitc 8 year old, but he has a "co morbid diagnosis" of ADD.

Because of your sons age, it will be important to find the right person to do his assessment. This can make all the difference in terms of qualifying for services for him.

I would call the state Education Autism department wherever you live and ask for the contact info for ABA {Applied Behavior Analysis} consultants in your area.

I would then get in contact with them, explain the situation and ask them who would they trust to do a good assessment.

This will put you in touch with people who know Autism and know who will recognise it in its milder forms when they see it.

In general you want to find a Doctor who works in a child development clinic, I personally stay away from pediatricians who focus on autism issues and prefer actual Physicians who are developmental specialist. I cant remember where you live, but if pm, and tell me your local, I can check into it a bit more for you.

Keep notes of all the odd or different things you notice, you will need to share these with the doc, it can make all the difference in the interview. i know I have difficulty thinking on the spot.

This is a good starting place. Try getting started here and take it one thing at a time. First things first, get someone to diagnose him.

Let me know how this goes and pm your local.

Hugs,
Vals

[jmjrl]

barge...
quick chime in if looking for behavior analysts in your area

www.bacb.com