Vent

[Guest guest]

Just talked to my SIL. Her son, , is in my mind undoubtedly autistic.

He is 7 now & has outgrown many of his sensory issues but some are still

there. When he was younger they were far worse than Mikey's and Mikey is

techinally moderate and severe (on the mild, moderate, severe, profound

scale). He also has the social and language delays. I don't think he's

retarded but he's a little slow and I don't think it's because of the other

issues. That's my totally professional, unbiased opinion.

Well is failing kindergarten for the second time. He has no

diagnosis and no special treatments other than speech therapy at school. It

is group therapy & he goes once a week...so he's not even getting 1:1

therapy time.

He was recently seen by the school psychologist and this guy said

definitely has social and language delays. But he also said is

definitely NOT autistic. Why? Because he's not retarded. His IQ is below

average but doesn't fall into mental retardation. As many of you know,

retardation and autism are DIFFERENT DIAGNOSES and retardation is NOT a

requirement for a diagnosis of autism. Or PDD, or whatever you want to call

it.

He suggested that she take to a school with a better special ed

department, because their school " isn't qualified " to deal with 's

issues. (It's a private school.) He also said should be

mainstreamed because he needs the peer models, but he doesn't think

can keep up in a typical classroom. What? He can't handle a typical

classroom, but he shouldn't be in special ed. So what, exaclty, is she

supposed to do? She asked about an aid but their school doesn't provide

them. Back to the different school option.

I am just really frustrated for her. I want to help but she doesn't want my

help & has made that very clear...he's her son and she'll handle it. In the

meantime my nephew is miserable, failing school and not getting any of the

help he needs. All I can do is hope will get her tush in gear and

find someone who knows what he's talking about...someone who can offer her

real suggestions and help.

Ironically, has thought since Mikey was 10 mos old that he is

autistic, but refuses to see the signs in her own son. " I KNOW the signs of

autism and JUSTIN DOESN'T HAVE IT. "

Thanks for listening.

-Sara.

wife to Matt

SAHM to nurslings

Mikey, 9/14/99, Autism, and

Gabe, born at home 5/17/01, GERD

http://home.earthlink.net/~thebyks