Heard an interesting report yesterday

[LSteele]

Anyone who has worked in software has known some of them.

[Kat281]

I'd have to say that I think its because doctors are better at dxing. I know that 10 years ago there is no way that JJ would have gotten a dx. In my case I know that JJ was born with this quirkyness. He would have been one of those different kids. I know some grown adults that probably would have receive a dx if they were born today. Interesting thread!

[Lori]

Without therapy my son would be non-verbal, stimming NON-STOP, and even more unhappy than he is. I know this would be true.

Some people have the "lets wait and see approach" and their children are fine, while others have the same approach and had the child received intensive early intervention when some of those differences were first being noticed, well, they would have probably done better in the long run.

I don't think any of us here are trying to "cure" our kids. I don't think most of us here even believe that "cure" is even a possibility. Our goals are all different with our kids...but, above all, all we want is for them to be happy, have friends and live independently.

Many kids wouldn't have that chance without intervention. I say "get them the earlier the better" and if the child really didn't need the intervention oh well...better to be safe than sorry!

Lori

[MarieJosee]

Lori...I don't think anyone here is saying our kids don't need the help they are receiving ....goodness knows how long we all worked for those services!!....I think we were talking about how autism is dx more quickly now because of higher awarness of autism as a whole.

My dd very much needs help to be able to go to school and navigate thru it all. Heck, I bought her a weighted vest last week because weekends are harder now that she goes to school. I am putting together the stuff to make her a weighted blanket as right now she has a heavy comforter on (a heavy handmade quilt...great for winter but too hot for the summer months). I am fighting as we speak to get her the help she will need next year when she goes to grade 1.

As someone said...I want my daughter to lead a successful autistic life rather than an unsucessful NT life. I basically want her to be happy and intergrated into society.

Our kids CAN reach the sky...all we have to do is make them some wings!!

[Cathy]

Hi-
While searching info on weighted vests I stumbled on this thread and I wanted to add another bit of food for thought. If diagnosing techniques are better now than they were, say, 20 years ago, where are all the autistic adults?
Cathy

[momla]

Cathy! LOL! This thread is a year old. But, you make a valid point. I opened it up and was like, "Gosh, I don't remember reading this thread earlier today and it already has 13 replies?!" Then, I look at the dates and realized it was from 4/06.

[Suebee]

I have a brother in law in prison and I would peg him as Asperger's.

Sue

PS I wanted to add that Matt will always have Asperger's but at some point I am hoping he will be able to enjoy people and have friends.

[CathyNY]

While searching info on weighted vests I stumbled on this thread and I wanted to add another bit of food for thought. If diagnosing techniques are better now than they were, say, 20 years ago, where are all the autistic adults?

I've actually heard the theory that many homeless and street people are adult autists. That many of these folks ended up in institutions and when the move was made many years ago now to close mental hospitals and move these folks into halfway houses or into living independently, that many autistic people ended up on the streets.

[CathyNY]

P.S. Wow, this thread is an oldie but goodie.

[MarieJosee]

Scary thing is as I read more and more about autism I believe I would probably get the Asperger dx if I did try to get one. Since I am married and I have 'succeeded" at life I don't think it would do anything to actually get tested...in fact it would probably be detremental to me since my MIL would LOVE to peg my daughter's autism on me....especially since they've 'discovered' the gene linked to autism last month at McMaster University. I have many of the markers for Asperger's and I've come to the conclusion that the coordinator that helps with my daughter's intergration at school is also helping me deal with the stress of the whole situation of trying to get her intergrated as much as is possible at school.