Question about mental retardation label

[Guest guest]

Hi all:

A friend emailed me to ask about the pros and cons of a mental

retardation label for her son who has aspergers. She is concerned

about not being able to access services with his current aspergers

diagnosis but she is equally concerned about labelling him mentally

retarded...

" My case manager at Community Alternatives Unlimited told me to get

an MR from a licensed psychologist so that my 13 yr old son can get

more services. What services are we talking about that he can't get

with the autism diagnosis and the new bill that Garrett told me

passed saying autism is enough? I'm not just talking about school

services. Other than at school, what would be the downside? Would

he still be able to get a drivers license? Would a company be able

to get that 10 yrs from now and not hire him? Why shouldn't I?

But, speaking of school, if I let the school pay for the testing,

what will that prohibit him from getting at school? Will they not do

inclusion? Will they not let him in autism programs? Can this be

removed later in life? I do believe he has cognitive delays, but

they may just be processing issues. That's why I would have a

professional test him. Should we pay for it ourselves so we don't

have to tell the school? So many questions... "

Any thoughts or suggestions would be welcomed.

Ellen