Aspergers and Toddlers

[HeckyThump]

Long time lurker here...

We have just found out recently that our eldest boy (4) is strongly suspected as having aspergers' syndrome. He has not had a formal diagnosis but the person we have consulted is very well qualified.

I am absolutely devastated - I know(!!) that there are people suffering from far worse which makes me feel very guilty but I can't help it.

Does anyone have any words of wisdom? Please let it be positive as this whole worry is killing me.

I'm not sure really what I am expecting or what I am asking but there you go.

Any recommended sources of info? Google brings up a lot but its difficult to know the good from dross. In particular how are you supposed to manage the difficult behaviour?

Thanks in advance.....

[VinceFox]

Get him started on mathematical puzzles as young as possible.

Asergers isn't that big of a deal these days, don't beat yourself up over it.

[Streps]

My girlfriend has aspergers.. she is currently doing quite well at Uni.

Lots of support available. she only had a hard time because she was not diagnosed until recently
So it's a good thing to be diagnosed early.
she had interests such as geology and earth science at the age of 15.

We just avoid places with too much sensory stimuli like a cinema as it can cause her to feel rather tired and difficult to focus... that is the only thing really.


Wish you the best.

Edited by Streps on Tuesday 28th February 02:20

[Codswallop]

I often work with children with Asperger's, and can echo the sentiment of the previous two posters - it is nothing to worry about unduly.

As I am sure you will have already been told, Asperger's can lead to significantly elevated levels of functioning in key areas of interest for you boy, and with proper guidance and nurturing he will be able to use the interest and knowledge he will acquire to great effect. Social functioning can be helped too and there are many support and information groups available across the country. I suggest you search out your local support service (ask your GP or check with a local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service [CAMHS]). Also, try and get a diagnosis confirmed (or otherwise) so you can get appropriate support from health and education services if necessary.

It might also help you if you sign up to recieve Asperger United if the diagnosis is confirmed, and this is quite a fun little book you can get for your boy too that will help him learn about himself (if the diagnosis is confirmed) - http://www.amazon.co.uk/All-Cats-Have-Aspergers-Sy....

Edited by Codswallop on Tuesday 28th February 02:54

[BlackVanDyke]

I've got Asperger's, it was diagnosed at university although could/should have been picked up a lot earlier.

It made a few things challenging when I was young, mostly around coping with changes in routine and making friends at school, but I think I can say now that it has approximately fk-all effect on the life I lead. I do have friends now, good ones that I value deeply, I've had successful relationships, before my physical health went quite so pear-shaped I worked as a teacher and loved it, and now I'm back to studying part-time and have a sneaking suspicion that the same traits that made things difficult when I was small are actually an advantage for the sort of learning I'm doing with the OU - I'm pacing my own work, interaction with others is very directed and controlled so no unpredictable messy humans to deal with, the only timetables I really have to handle are those inherent to my own life... it feels pretty comfortable, really.

The big thing will be fielding the torrent of utter bullst about how best to 'treat' your son. Don't. He's not ill, it's not something new and it's not going to change or go away as a result of anything you do to or with him - it's a fundamental part of who he is and always has been, it's just that you've only just been given a name for this particular set of abilities and impairments.

Am happy to talk about the things that worked, and didn't work, for me at primary school and so on, if that would be helpful. I knew I was different fairly early on but had no idea how or why - I actually wish quite strongly that I *had* known because by the time I was 12 or so I was badly blaming myself for difficulties with making friends and interacting socially in general. It would have been much better to just know that it would be harder, that it wasn't my fault or anything I should be trying to change, and just to get on and concentrate on finding those few awesome people I COULD make friends with properly.

[HeckyThump]

I'm back.

Sorry for the late reply. It's been quite sobering reading the replies and reading up in general.

I think I'm starting to get my head around it now - its very comforting to hear replies from grown-ups about it. I hope I haven't offended anyone with my worry.

One of the big things seems to be that recognising it earlier is a big advantage and can hopefully ease the likely emotional burden of my little Lad when he is growing up.

I have started reading up some of the suggested websites and the cat book arrived this morning. Its a delightfully simple read. Whilst my boy is probably too young for it yet it may help to explain to his grandparents if we get a positive diagnosis.

Thanks!!!

[stuartmmcfc]

I go to the Coventry MS centre for hyperbaric oxygen treatment.
There are several autistic children who go, with their parents, to have the same treatment.
Apparently there are very impressive results.
Here's a link, http://www.merciamstherapy.org.uk/therapies.shtml , give them a ring and I'm sure they'd be only to pleased to explain it to you and put you in touch with a local center.