advice from a veteran on AS child--

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In a message dated 4/23/05 9:15:25 P.M. Central Daylight Time, Autism and Aspergers Treatment writes:

I don't post often, but I thought I might add some insight from someone further down the road. My son has Asperger's and Early onset Bi-Polar. I have been told by several professionals that he is the worst case they have seen in their professional careers. He is 21 1/2. He wasn't properly diagnosed until he was 17 and not until we had been through the mill. Life has been challenging and full of its ups and downs however, it is significantly better with the proper diagnosis and early intervention as soon as possible. Here is my two cents:1. Deal with Professionals who have experience with Asperger's, I have been told time and time again you are wasting your

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Wow I read what you wrote here Clemy. This is wonderful. My son just turned 16 two weeks ago, and he is Aspergers. I am so thrilled at what you said, as this does describe my son too. You summed things up as though you have been at my house, taking notes on my son.

The only thing that I worry about with my son, and something you touched on, that might be a reality with my son, when he is the age of your child and is an adult, is that it appears you are making the comment that your son is extremely smart, but the social and emotional and lack of maturity issues make him very behind and that he is not able or capable to work or live on his own. Can you give me more of any idea about this?

I do not hope my son has this future. However, my son is VERY behind socially and his life skills like dressing and hygiene are behind. We have to help him find clothes that look right as he does not always match things. He has a "blindness" to what looks good, what is right to say, how to talk to friends, etc.

Anyway, I do know of some Aspies in college and some who have written books and have been successful.

We have a place here called the Center for Independent Living. They have government and state funding, they find places for people to live and work, and they advocate in schools or jobs for anyone with a disability. I am a volunteer there as well on many occasions. I wondered if you have checked with an agency like this in your area to help your son? They have these all over the USA in many towns. We are a small town and we have one that serves five area counties.

Stay in touch.

in IL