RE: What is the difference between: Autism, AS & HFA?

[Guest guest]

In our case I am pursuing the Asperger's DX. Autism is linked in the minds of

many as lifelong unchangeable condition. Asperger's is seen as more workable.

Asperger's is seen more as " quirks " . HFA is seen as possibility of living

independently but still not perceived as well as Asperger's. All still fall

under Autism for Special Education Eligibility. Believe me I have seen people's

faces when you you say Autism. I will have to see if I get the same " deer in the

headlights " look with Asperger's DX.

beachbodytan2002 <beachbodytan2002@...> wrote: Hello everyone,

How would you describe a HFA person to a description of an AS

person? what is the difference? There is a lot of talk with people

wondering if their child is AS or HFA. It seems like the DX is so

close that it is hard to tell which one a child is. I'm trying to

understand " why " this is so important with a DX of a child. would

one DX be more higher functioning than the other? Are the

strategies different? Does a HFA DX have different concerns than an

AS DX? There seems to be a big difference between Autism and

Aspergers. But from what I've been reading from your post, HFA &

Aspergers seems to be almost the same. Would Autism be the most

severe, than Aspergers be high function, and then HFA be border line

of NT?

I'm still going to work with my AS son the same way as I have been.

only because he's doing well so far. " Thank God " But, I would still

like to educate myself and know the difference between the two " DX " ,

and this is the best place to learn. I can learn information from

people that have children with a DX than from a teacher that only

has a child for a little while or a doctor that learned from a

book. the best teachers are you parents that live with their

children & post their experiences.

[Guest guest]

At my sons last appointment with the pediatrician there was a resident from the

childrens hospital there with him and he was explaining to him one of the

differences between Aspergers and HFA is that Aspergers kids want friends but

dont have the social skills to make of keep them, where as HFA kids don't really

care if they have friends or not, they like being on their own.

( ) What is the difference between: Autism, AS & HFA?

Hello everyone,

How would you describe a HFA person to a description of an AS

person? what is the difference? There is a lot of talk with people

wondering if their child is AS or HFA. It seems like the DX is so

close that it is hard to tell which one a child is. I'm trying to

understand " why " this is so important with a DX of a child. would

one DX be more higher functioning than the other? Are the

strategies different? Does a HFA DX have different concerns than an

AS DX? There seems to be a big difference between Autism and

Aspergers. But from what I've been reading from your post, HFA &

Aspergers seems to be almost the same. Would Autism be the most

severe, than Aspergers be high function, and then HFA be border line

of NT?

I'm still going to work with my AS son the same way as I have been.

only because he's doing well so far. " Thank God " But, I would still

like to educate myself and know the difference between the two " DX " ,

and this is the best place to learn. I can learn information from

people that have children with a DX than from a teacher that only

has a child for a little while or a doctor that learned from a

book. the best teachers are you parents that live with their

children & post their experiences.

[Guest guest]

Miranda,

I think you have discribed all dx.s well, and I very much agree, this

is how people react, and think. I worded it react, and think because

this is how it works with people.

Hello everyone,

>

> How would you describe a HFA person to a description of an AS

> person? what is the difference? There is a lot of talk with

people

> wondering if their child is AS or HFA. It seems like the DX is so

> close that it is hard to tell which one a child is. I'm trying to

> understand " why " this is so important with a DX of a child. would

> one DX be more higher functioning than the other? Are the

> strategies different? Does a HFA DX have different concerns than

an

> AS DX? There seems to be a big difference between Autism and

> Aspergers. But from what I've been reading from your post, HFA &

> Aspergers seems to be almost the same. Would Autism be the most

> severe, than Aspergers be high function, and then HFA be border

line

> of NT?

> I'm still going to work with my AS son the same way as I have been.

> only because he's doing well so far. " Thank God " But, I would still

> like to educate myself and know the difference between the

two " DX " ,

> and this is the best place to learn. I can learn information from

> people that have children with a DX than from a teacher that only

> has a child for a little while or a doctor that learned from a

> book. the best teachers are you parents that live with their

> children & post their experiences.

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Subject: Re: ( ) What is the difference between: Autism, AS &

HFA?

In our case I am pursuing the Asperger's DX. Autism is linked in the minds

of many as lifelong unchangeable condition. Asperger's is seen as more

workable. Asperger's is seen more as " quirks " . HFA is seen as possibility of

living independently but still not perceived as well as Asperger's. All

still fall under Autism for Special Education Eligibility. Believe me I have

seen people's faces when you you say Autism. I will have to see if I get the

same " deer in the headlights " look with Asperger's DX.

It would be amazing to my mind if one gets to " pick " the dx that the doctor

gives your child. I didn't get to pick which one I preferred. As to what

people think when you say Autism, who flippin cares?

Roxanna

[Guest guest]

Hi Miranda,

My son AS just turned 9. He is understanding more and like I said he is doing

well. He has a strong will to learn. He knows he is different, He knows he

needs more help than most kids his age. He knows he gets more help then his

friends. And he knows he has Aspergers. He had early interventions since he

was 18 months old so he is used to it. but now, He is trying to understand

" What Aspergers is " . even though I explained it to him, He seems to still need

to know more. I wish I knew how to explain more to him at a level that he can

understand without making him worry about himself. for now, he has a high self

esteem, He has friends at school that he plays with and at the after school

program. but yet, He has only been invited to one party since he started school.

He is in 3rd grade. At the park he sees his classmates at a party but he was

not invited. for now, that don't seem to bother him, but maybe because he has a

hard time expressing his feelings. (he

can't) or (won't). Thanks for explaining the difference. that was a big help.

Miranda on <mjjthomason@...> wrote:

In our case I am pursuing the Asperger's DX. Autism is linked in the minds of

many as lifelong unchangeable condition. Asperger's is seen as more workable.

Asperger's is seen more as " quirks " . HFA is seen as possibility of living

independently but still not perceived as well as Asperger's. All still fall

under Autism for Special Education Eligibility. Believe me I have seen people's

faces when you you say Autism. I will have to see if I get the same " deer in the

headlights " look with Asperger's DX.

beachbodytan2002 <beachbodytan2002@...> wrote: Hello everyone,

How would you describe a HFA person to a description of an AS

person? what is the difference? There is a lot of talk with people

wondering if their child is AS or HFA. It seems like the DX is so

close that it is hard to tell which one a child is. I'm trying to

understand " why " this is so important with a DX of a child. would

one DX be more higher functioning than the other? Are the

strategies different? Does a HFA DX have different concerns than an

AS DX? There seems to be a big difference between Autism and

Aspergers. But from what I've been reading from your post, HFA &

Aspergers seems to be almost the same. Would Autism be the most

severe, than Aspergers be high function, and then HFA be border line

of NT?

I'm still going to work with my AS son the same way as I have been.

only because he's doing well so far. " Thank God " But, I would still

like to educate myself and know the difference between the two " DX " ,

and this is the best place to learn. I can learn information from

people that have children with a DX than from a teacher that only

has a child for a little while or a doctor that learned from a

book. the best teachers are you parents that live with their

children & post their experiences.

[Guest guest]

Subject: ( ) What is the difference between: Autism, AS &

HFA?

Hello everyone,

How would you describe a HFA person to a description of an AS

person? what is the difference? There is a lot of talk with people

wondering if their child is AS or HFA. It seems like the DX is so

close that it is hard to tell which one a child is. I'm trying to

understand " why " this is so important with a DX of a child. would

one DX be more higher functioning than the other? Are the

strategies different? Does a HFA DX have different concerns than an

AS DX? There seems to be a big difference between Autism and

Aspergers. But from what I've been reading from your post, HFA &

Aspergers seems to be almost the same. Would Autism be the most

severe, than Aspergers be high function, and then HFA be border line

of NT?

I'm still going to work with my AS son the same way as I have been.

only because he's doing well so far. " Thank God " But, I would still

like to educate myself and know the difference between the two " DX " ,

and this is the best place to learn. I can learn information from

people that have children with a DX than from a teacher that only

has a child for a little while or a doctor that learned from a

book. the best teachers are you parents that live with their

children & post their experiences.

Tony Attwood has a really interesting article on his website about HFA. A

study was done and while the kids dx'd with Autism start out with all the

impairments required, some of these kids go on to rapidly gain language

skills and develop such that they are then on the same " tract " as the kids

who are dx'd with AS. For these kids, the terminology of HFA fits. For

whatever reason, some kids with autism will have that leap in development

and some won't.

The kids with AS are just already on that " tract " to functioning at a higher

level from the start. I think this highlights an important difference in

that kids with autism do not have above average language skills in general.

This isn't to say that without a lot of therapy, they don't improve and gain

the ground they need. One of my ds's is way behind in this area and

language is very difficult for him. My other has gained amazing ground and

can score higher on language testing however, he still has incredible

trouble with basics of language. It just isn't second nature to him - it's

work.

The kids with AS I have seen are generally very good with language from the

beginning and often advanced in language really. Another thing I have noted

is when they get testing, the AS kids generally score higher in language

areas while this is usually the lower score for kids with HFA. My older ds,

for instance, would score higher in performance areas, lower in verbal areas

and his same aged peer with AS scored opposite that - high in verbal areas,

low in performance areas.

Roxanna

[Guest guest]

Dear Joanna,

That is a BIG difference. thanks. With all the people that are explaining

their answers to my question. I am learning a better way of explaining to my 9

year old AS son the answer to his question. " What is Aspergers " ?. I am getting

an idea of explaining it to him without hurting his self esteem and without

causing him concern. You all explained it by explaining the difference between

all the DX's Which even for me is interesting. This will also help at my CSE

meeting too. hugs to you

Joanna <sylvesterthecat000@...> wrote:

At my sons last appointment with the pediatrician there was a resident from

the childrens hospital there with him and he was explaining to him one of the

differences between Aspergers and HFA is that Aspergers kids want friends but

dont have the social skills to make of keep them, where as HFA kids don't really

care if they have friends or not, they like being on their own.

( ) What is the difference between: Autism, AS & HFA?

Hello everyone,

How would you describe a HFA person to a description of an AS

person? what is the difference? There is a lot of talk with people

wondering if their child is AS or HFA. It seems like the DX is so

close that it is hard to tell which one a child is. I'm trying to

understand " why " this is so important with a DX of a child. would

one DX be more higher functioning than the other? Are the

strategies different? Does a HFA DX have different concerns than an

AS DX? There seems to be a big difference between Autism and

Aspergers. But from what I've been reading from your post, HFA &

Aspergers seems to be almost the same. Would Autism be the most

severe, than Aspergers be high function, and then HFA be border line

of NT?

I'm still going to work with my AS son the same way as I have been.

only because he's doing well so far. " Thank God " But, I would still

like to educate myself and know the difference between the two " DX " ,

and this is the best place to learn. I can learn information from

people that have children with a DX than from a teacher that only

has a child for a little while or a doctor that learned from a

book. the best teachers are you parents that live with their

children & post their experiences.

[Guest guest]

Hi Roxanna,

Thanks for explaining each DX. and with what you explained, The strategies

that we need to work with our children, regardless of the DX, would it all be

about the same?. I guess what I'm trying to say is, If a child was mis-

diagnosed (given HFA, instead of AS or Autism). would it make a difference in

the way we raise our children?, and the strategies we use? I've heard peoples

concerns about " ins. reasons " . I'm interested with the right strategies. Are

they some what the same stratgies for all the DX's?

Roxanna <madideas@...> wrote:

Subject: ( ) What is the difference between: Autism, AS &

HFA?

Hello everyone,

How would you describe a HFA person to a description of an AS

person? what is the difference? There is a lot of talk with people

wondering if their child is AS or HFA. It seems like the DX is so

close that it is hard to tell which one a child is. I'm trying to

understand " why " this is so important with a DX of a child. would

one DX be more higher functioning than the other? Are the

strategies different? Does a HFA DX have different concerns than an

AS DX? There seems to be a big difference between Autism and

Aspergers. But from what I've been reading from your post, HFA &

Aspergers seems to be almost the same. Would Autism be the most

severe, than Aspergers be high function, and then HFA be border line

of NT?

I'm still going to work with my AS son the same way as I have been.

only because he's doing well so far. " Thank God " But, I would still

like to educate myself and know the difference between the two " DX " ,

and this is the best place to learn. I can learn information from

people that have children with a DX than from a teacher that only

has a child for a little while or a doctor that learned from a

book. the best teachers are you parents that live with their

children & post their experiences.

Tony Attwood has a really interesting article on his website about HFA. A

study was done and while the kids dx'd with Autism start out with all the

impairments required, some of these kids go on to rapidly gain language

skills and develop such that they are then on the same " tract " as the kids

who are dx'd with AS. For these kids, the terminology of HFA fits. For

whatever reason, some kids with autism will have that leap in development

and some won't.

The kids with AS are just already on that " tract " to functioning at a higher

level from the start. I think this highlights an important difference in

that kids with autism do not have above average language skills in general.

This isn't to say that without a lot of therapy, they don't improve and gain

the ground they need. One of my ds's is way behind in this area and

language is very difficult for him. My other has gained amazing ground and

can score higher on language testing however, he still has incredible

trouble with basics of language. It just isn't second nature to him - it's

work.

The kids with AS I have seen are generally very good with language from the

beginning and often advanced in language really. Another thing I have noted

is when they get testing, the AS kids generally score higher in language

areas while this is usually the lower score for kids with HFA. My older ds,

for instance, would score higher in performance areas, lower in verbal areas

and his same aged peer with AS scored opposite that - high in verbal areas,

low in performance areas.

Roxanna

[Guest guest]

You are right 100%. I wish I could still feel that way. I hope you never get

worn down or break like I have. I have been in meetings where the teacher said

in front of me that she " could not deal with Autism " . Then later in the year

praised him for his hard work and behavior. I have had a basketball coach

complain to the rec and then bench him until he proved himself. He tied for top

shooter in their basketball camp when the majority of the team could not hit the

broad side of a barn. Did the other children have to prove themselves? The ADHD

children on the team? No they were very problematic children during practice and

they got the benefit of the doubt. I am tired of that and I can't fight the

whole world.

You can't choose the DX but if HFA and Aspergers to most Psychologist is

spliting hairs then I am going to make my case for Aspergers. If I could choose

I would ask for ADHD and then the whole world would excuse everything and he

would never have to prove himself to anyone. This is the reality of my

circumstance. I am hoping things have went better for you. When he was younger I

did think that is their problem. I have been worn down over the years and he

started to notice something was wrong during basketball. We fought his out

during teeball one year and during basketball we spoke to the coach. If he never

noticed I would have fought the fight forever. Atleast he knows his parents will

stand up for him. He didn't want to fight over this he wanted to play

basketball. So we focused on practicing and maybe he changed some minds.

Roxanna <madideas@...> wrote:

Subject: Re: ( ) What is the difference between: Autism, AS &

HFA?

In our case I am pursuing the Asperger's DX. Autism is linked in the minds

of many as lifelong unchangeable condition. Asperger's is seen as more

workable. Asperger's is seen more as " quirks " . HFA is seen as possibility of

living independently but still not perceived as well as Asperger's. All

still fall under Autism for Special Education Eligibility. Believe me I have

seen people's faces when you you say Autism. I will have to see if I get the

same " deer in the headlights " look with Asperger's DX.

It would be amazing to my mind if one gets to " pick " the dx that the doctor

gives your child. I didn't get to pick which one I preferred. As to what

people think when you say Autism, who flippin cares?

Roxanna

[Guest guest]

Dear Roxanna,

I've heard of parents that keep switching doctors till they found one that

agrees with them. I don't think a parent goes to a doctor and picks a DX. I

think they keep changing doctors till they find the one that agrees with the

choice they picked. I don't understand that one? in the past, people posted

that here on this site. They disagreed with a doctor's DX, and found another

doctor that agreed with Aspergers DX???? Which is the one they (parents) said

they're child had. hummmm

Roxanna <madideas@...> wrote:

Subject: Re: ( ) What is the difference between: Autism, AS &

HFA?

In our case I am pursuing the Asperger's DX. Autism is linked in the minds

of many as lifelong unchangeable condition. Asperger's is seen as more

workable. Asperger's is seen more as " quirks " . HFA is seen as possibility of

living independently but still not perceived as well as Asperger's. All

still fall under Autism for Special Education Eligibility. Believe me I have

seen people's faces when you you say Autism. I will have to see if I get the

same " deer in the headlights " look with Asperger's DX.

It would be amazing to my mind if one gets to " pick " the dx that the doctor

gives your child. I didn't get to pick which one I preferred. As to what

people think when you say Autism, who flippin cares?

Roxanna

[Guest guest]

Rose,

My son is 9 as well and sounds like a similar situation. He wants to play

basketball, have sleepovers with his circle of friends, and works hard to be

just one of the gang. He does not see himself as different. I wish the world

were different. I do see it changing. Good luck.

Rose <beachbodytan2002@...> wrote:

Hi Miranda,

My son AS just turned 9. He is understanding more and like I said he is doing

well. He has a strong will to learn. He knows he is different, He knows he

needs more help than most kids his age. He knows he gets more help then his

friends. And he knows he has Aspergers. He had early interventions since he

was 18 months old so he is used to it. but now, He is trying to understand

" What Aspergers is " . even though I explained it to him, He seems to still need

to know more. I wish I knew how to explain more to him at a level that he can

understand without making him worry about himself. for now, he has a high self

esteem, He has friends at school that he plays with and at the after school

program. but yet, He has only been invited to one party since he started school.

He is in 3rd grade. At the park he sees his classmates at a party but he was

not invited. for now, that don't seem to bother him, but maybe because he has a

hard time expressing his feelings. (he

can't) or (won't). Thanks for explaining the difference. that was a big help.

Miranda on <mjjthomason@...> wrote:

In our case I am pursuing the Asperger's DX. Autism is linked in the minds of

many as lifelong unchangeable condition. Asperger's is seen as more workable.

Asperger's is seen more as " quirks " . HFA is seen as possibility of living

independently but still not perceived as well as Asperger's. All still fall

under Autism for Special Education Eligibility. Believe me I have seen people's

faces when you you say Autism. I will have to see if I get the same " deer in the

headlights " look with Asperger's DX.

beachbodytan2002 <beachbodytan2002@...> wrote: Hello everyone,

How would you describe a HFA person to a description of an AS

person? what is the difference? There is a lot of talk with people

wondering if their child is AS or HFA. It seems like the DX is so

close that it is hard to tell which one a child is. I'm trying to

understand " why " this is so important with a DX of a child. would

one DX be more higher functioning than the other? Are the

strategies different? Does a HFA DX have different concerns than an

AS DX? There seems to be a big difference between Autism and

Aspergers. But from what I've been reading from your post, HFA &

Aspergers seems to be almost the same. Would Autism be the most

severe, than Aspergers be high function, and then HFA be border line

of NT?

I'm still going to work with my AS son the same way as I have been.

only because he's doing well so far. " Thank God " But, I would still

like to educate myself and know the difference between the two " DX " ,

and this is the best place to learn. I can learn information from

people that have children with a DX than from a teacher that only

has a child for a little while or a doctor that learned from a

book. the best teachers are you parents that live with their

children & post their experiences.

[Guest guest]

Yes. This is one of the points I made to the psychologist who is doing my son's

reevaluation. My son has a circle of friends and they are very important to him.

He had a sleepover for his birthday and his friend pointed out to me that

talks about one subject and it sometimes gets old. So I spoke to about

this and it is something he is working on. We are still in the process of

getting the reevaluation the doctor could tell me PPD NOS and I will not seek a

second opinion. I will trust the doctor.

Joanna <sylvesterthecat000@...> wrote: At my sons last appointment with

the pediatrician there was a resident from the childrens hospital there with him

and he was explaining to him one of the differences between Aspergers and HFA is

that Aspergers kids want friends but dont have the social skills to make of keep

them, where as HFA kids don't really care if they have friends or not, they like

being on their own.

( ) What is the difference between: Autism, AS & HFA?

Hello everyone,

How would you describe a HFA person to a description of an AS

person? what is the difference? There is a lot of talk with people

wondering if their child is AS or HFA. It seems like the DX is so

close that it is hard to tell which one a child is. I'm trying to

understand " why " this is so important with a DX of a child. would

one DX be more higher functioning than the other? Are the

strategies different? Does a HFA DX have different concerns than an

AS DX? There seems to be a big difference between Autism and

Aspergers. But from what I've been reading from your post, HFA &

Aspergers seems to be almost the same. Would Autism be the most

severe, than Aspergers be high function, and then HFA be border line

of NT?

I'm still going to work with my AS son the same way as I have been.

only because he's doing well so far. " Thank God " But, I would still

like to educate myself and know the difference between the two " DX " ,

and this is the best place to learn. I can learn information from

people that have children with a DX than from a teacher that only

has a child for a little while or a doctor that learned from a

book. the best teachers are you parents that live with their

children & post their experiences.

[Guest guest]

I imagine the reason the parents " shop around " a bit is the same reason

most people do that with any doctor for any problem. Sadly, many

doctors don't care, don't pay attention, or are limited by their

personal experience base in giving diagnosis. The patient, or parent in

this case, inevitably knows more of the history and symptoms and as such

should have some input in their childs DX. The problem is finding a

doctor who will listen, understand what is going on and will actually

give an appropriate diagnosis. In order to best serve your child you

HAVE to shop around a bit sometimes. For instance, my Aunt has had

epilepsy for over 15 years. She kind of knew what was going on after

awhile but her doctors kept telling her it was stress or some other

nonsense. So for years she lived with non-answers. She finally got up

the will to really pursue it and after numerous negative tests, she

finally got an EEG that caught her epilepsy in action. She is now being

treated and able to live a more normal life. Basically, Doctors are not

the end all be all of knowledge, in fact, some are complete idiots. If

you know the doctor you are talking to is most likely wrong or way off

base, don't you owe it to yourself or your child to pursue someone who

will actually give you accurate information? Just my two cents....

Re: ( ) What is the difference between:

Autism, AS &

HFA?

In our case I am pursuing the Asperger's DX. Autism is linked in the

minds

of many as lifelong unchangeable condition. Asperger's is seen as more

workable. Asperger's is seen more as " quirks " . HFA is seen as

possibility of

living independently but still not perceived as well as Asperger's. All

still fall under Autism for Special Education Eligibility. Believe me I

have

seen people's faces when you you say Autism. I will have to see if I get

the

same " deer in the headlights " look with Asperger's DX.

It would be amazing to my mind if one gets to " pick " the dx that the

doctor

gives your child. I didn't get to pick which one I preferred. As to

what

people think when you say Autism, who flippin cares?

Roxanna

[Guest guest]

Some of you know that our son will be graduating from high school in June.

Just wanted to share that he made the honor roll this quarter, after making

the merit roll (just below hr) for the two previous quarters. This has been

his goal since he started high school and he finally, as he so aptly put it,

scratched and fought his way to the top...lol! He has overcome many obstacles

along the way...like bullying, a lack of understanding by his peers and

learning disabilities(such as dysgraphia), to get to the place he is in now.

He

has had a girlfriend since October and they will be going to his senior prom

together in May. Even though he doesn't have a driver's license and his

future beyond high school remains unclear, he does have lots of determination

and

a strong faith...both of these things will help him find his place in this

world. Hope this encourages those of you with younger children...

Blessings,

Gail

PS did anyone see the depiction of AS on " Boston Legal " this Tuesday?

[Guest guest]

Hi,

My son is 13 and being of the Jewish faith that is a big year for a boy. We

recently left MA and before we left there were many Bar and Bat Mitzvah's (the

jewish coming of age party). My son was not invited to a single one. We lived

in a jewish town so there were many of these parties. Although my son is a

product of a mixed marriage so he did not attend schooling for this ritual it

was still very sad to see that he was never invited. He noticed it and my

answer to him was that a lot of kids were invited just because they were in the

same hebrew school and that it is a rule that you invite your whole class.

Although this is true, there are still plenty of children that get invited

without attending this school. Although he said it did not bother him, I know it

still hurt my son that he was left out.

Joan

Miranda on <mjjthomason@...> wrote:

Rose,

My son is 9 as well and sounds like a similar situation. He wants to play

basketball, have sleepovers with his circle of friends, and works hard to be

just one of the gang. He does not see himself as different. I wish the world

were different. I do see it changing. Good luck.

Rose <beachbodytan2002@...> wrote:

Hi Miranda,

My son AS just turned 9. He is understanding more and like I said he is doing

well. He has a strong will to learn. He knows he is different, He knows he

needs more help than most kids his age. He knows he gets more help then his

friends. And he knows he has Aspergers. He had early interventions since he

was 18 months old so he is used to it. but now, He is trying to understand

" What Aspergers is " . even though I explained it to him, He seems to still need

to know more. I wish I knew how to explain more to him at a level that he can

understand without making him worry about himself. for now, he has a high self

esteem, He has friends at school that he plays with and at the after school

program. but yet, He has only been invited to one party since he started school.

He is in 3rd grade. At the park he sees his classmates at a party but he was

not invited. for now, that don't seem to bother him, but maybe because he has a

hard time expressing his feelings. (he

can't) or (won't). Thanks for explaining the difference. that was a big help.

Miranda on <mjjthomason@...> wrote:

In our case I am pursuing the Asperger's DX. Autism is linked in the minds of

many as lifelong unchangeable condition. Asperger's is seen as more workable.

Asperger's is seen more as " quirks " . HFA is seen as possibility of living

independently but still not perceived as well as Asperger's. All still fall

under Autism for Special Education Eligibility. Believe me I have seen people's

faces when you you say Autism. I will have to see if I get the same " deer in the

headlights " look with Asperger's DX.

beachbodytan2002 <beachbodytan2002@...> wrote: Hello everyone,

How would you describe a HFA person to a description of an AS

person? what is the difference? There is a lot of talk with people

wondering if their child is AS or HFA. It seems like the DX is so

close that it is hard to tell which one a child is. I'm trying to

understand " why " this is so important with a DX of a child. would

one DX be more higher functioning than the other? Are the

strategies different? Does a HFA DX have different concerns than an

AS DX? There seems to be a big difference between Autism and

Aspergers. But from what I've been reading from your post, HFA &

Aspergers seems to be almost the same. Would Autism be the most

severe, than Aspergers be high function, and then HFA be border line

of NT?

I'm still going to work with my AS son the same way as I have been.

only because he's doing well so far. " Thank God " But, I would still

like to educate myself and know the difference between the two " DX " ,

and this is the best place to learn. I can learn information from

people that have children with a DX than from a teacher that only

has a child for a little while or a doctor that learned from a

book. the best teachers are you parents that live with their

children & post their experiences.

[Guest guest]

That is helpful to know, Thank you

" Ms. Tabitha Bingham " <cleobaby74@...> wrote: I imagine the reason

the parents " shop around " a bit is the same reason

most people do that with any doctor for any problem. Sadly, many

doctors don't care, don't pay attention, or are limited by their

personal experience base in giving diagnosis. The patient, or parent in

this case, inevitably knows more of the history and symptoms and as such

should have some input in their childs DX. The problem is finding a

doctor who will listen, understand what is going on and will actually

give an appropriate diagnosis. In order to best serve your child you

HAVE to shop around a bit sometimes. For instance, my Aunt has had

epilepsy for over 15 years. She kind of knew what was going on after

awhile but her doctors kept telling her it was stress or some other

nonsense. So for years she lived with non-answers. She finally got up

the will to really pursue it and after numerous negative tests, she

finally got an EEG that caught her epilepsy in action. She is now being

treated and able to live a more normal life. Basically, Doctors are not

the end all be all of knowledge, in fact, some are complete idiots. If

you know the doctor you are talking to is most likely wrong or way off

base, don't you owe it to yourself or your child to pursue someone who

will actually give you accurate information? Just my two cents....

Re: ( ) What is the difference between:

Autism, AS &

HFA?

In our case I am pursuing the Asperger's DX. Autism is linked in the

minds

of many as lifelong unchangeable condition. Asperger's is seen as more

workable. Asperger's is seen more as " quirks " . HFA is seen as

possibility of

living independently but still not perceived as well as Asperger's. All

still fall under Autism for Special Education Eligibility. Believe me I

have

seen people's faces when you you say Autism. I will have to see if I get

the

same " deer in the headlights " look with Asperger's DX.

It would be amazing to my mind if one gets to " pick " the dx that the

doctor

gives your child. I didn't get to pick which one I preferred. As to

what

people think when you say Autism, who flippin cares?

Roxanna

[Guest guest]

I have several excellent articles which detail the differences between

Autism, AS, and HFA. They are stored on my computer as PDF's and I

don't know how to post them here as an attachment. If anyone wants

them I am happy to email them to you offlist.

Clemy

[Guest guest]

WOW! Miranda,

I went through that. I received complaints after complaints from his 1 & 2nd

grade teacher. they were " real " complaints and my son got consequences for

them. Until one day I said to myself. I'm not going to prove or justifiy my

sons concerns to everyone. I can't keep correcting other children with their

behaviors either. So, I educated myself first, then my son. We did roll play,

social skills and worked it out together. and with a therapist. I asked, What

if a child took your toy... What would you do? then we worked out different

things on how to handle different situations. Yes, this was hard because each

different situation was a new experience for him. He has to be taught what to

do for each and every situation. OUTCH. But, I found that much easier then

explaining to everyone his condition. and teaching other children how to behave.

Parents of " some " NT children don't correct their children as much are we

supervise ours. When I told this one parent

about something inappropriate that their child has done. I cant believe how a

parent would go to some extreams to justify that childs behavior and lie!!!.

Instead of myself getting into a ugle place with that parent. I just play

stupid myself and say nothing more to them. But, I explain to my child what

they did was wrong, we don't do that. Sometimes I felt that when a teacher

knows the DX, My son became a " Target " . But, this year, at 9 yrs old. He is

doing much better with playing with other children. He tries so hard and I tell

him each and every time when he does something good.. I will say, wow, you did

a great job. I didn't get any complaints this year yet, but I was told 4th

grade is worse then the 3rd. I will see.

Miranda on <mjjthomason@...> wrote:

You are right 100%. I wish I could still feel that way. I hope you never get

worn down or break like I have. I have been in meetings where the teacher said

in front of me that she " could not deal with Autism " . Then later in the year

praised him for his hard work and behavior. I have had a basketball coach

complain to the rec and then bench him until he proved himself. He tied for top

shooter in their basketball camp when the majority of the team could not hit the

broad side of a barn. Did the other children have to prove themselves? The ADHD

children on the team? No they were very problematic children during practice and

they got the benefit of the doubt. I am tired of that and I can't fight the

whole world.

You can't choose the DX but if HFA and Aspergers to most Psychologist is

spliting hairs then I am going to make my case for Aspergers. If I could choose

I would ask for ADHD and then the whole world would excuse everything and he

would never have to prove himself to anyone. This is the reality of my

circumstance. I am hoping things have went better for you. When he was younger I

did think that is their problem. I have been worn down over the years and he

started to notice something was wrong during basketball. We fought his out

during teeball one year and during basketball we spoke to the coach. If he never

noticed I would have fought the fight forever. Atleast he knows his parents will

stand up for him. He didn't want to fight over this he wanted to play

basketball. So we focused on practicing and maybe he changed some minds.

Roxanna <madideas@...> wrote:

Subject: Re: ( ) What is the difference between: Autism, AS &

HFA?

In our case I am pursuing the Asperger's DX. Autism is linked in the minds

of many as lifelong unchangeable condition. Asperger's is seen as more

workable. Asperger's is seen more as " quirks " . HFA is seen as possibility of

living independently but still not perceived as well as Asperger's. All

still fall under Autism for Special Education Eligibility. Believe me I have

seen people's faces when you you say Autism. I will have to see if I get the

same " deer in the headlights " look with Asperger's DX.

It would be amazing to my mind if one gets to " pick " the dx that the doctor

gives your child. I didn't get to pick which one I preferred. As to what

people think when you say Autism, who flippin cares?

Roxanna

[Guest guest]

My son's performance IQ is 40 points below his verbal IQ!!!

Liz

> The kids with AS I have seen are generally very good with language

> from the

> beginning and often advanced in language really. Another thing I have

> noted

> is when they get testing, the AS kids generally score higher in

> language

> areas while this is usually the lower score for kids with HFA. My

> older ds,

> for instance, would score higher in performance areas, lower in verbal

> areas

> and his same aged peer with AS scored opposite that - high in verbal

> areas,

> low in performance areas.

>

>

> Roxanna

[Guest guest]

Miranda,

YES, I see it changing too. They need to put more children on the news just

like a few weeks ago. Like the one where that AS boy played basketball and made

(I think) 5 hoops in a row. Another situation where an AS boy won a spelling B

contest. That was awesome. Dr. Phill needs to also do another show on just AS

with more positive things. like their strengths & successes also with all the

interventions we need. either way, you are right, I think things will get

better. Parents like the ones on this support group are educating themselves

and the public schools, and more and more are standing up for their children.

Miranda on <mjjthomason@...> wrote:

Rose,

My son is 9 as well and sounds like a similar situation. He wants to play

basketball, have sleepovers with his circle of friends, and works hard to be

just one of the gang. He does not see himself as different. I wish the world

were different. I do see it changing. Good luck.

Rose <beachbodytan2002@...> wrote:

Hi Miranda,

My son AS just turned 9. He is understanding more and like I said he is doing

well. He has a strong will to learn. He knows he is different, He knows he

needs more help than most kids his age. He knows he gets more help then his

friends. And he knows he has Aspergers. He had early interventions since he

was 18 months old so he is used to it. but now, He is trying to understand

" What Aspergers is " . even though I explained it to him, He seems to still need

to know more. I wish I knew how to explain more to him at a level that he can

understand without making him worry about himself. for now, he has a high self

esteem, He has friends at school that he plays with and at the after school

program. but yet, He has only been invited to one party since he started school.

He is in 3rd grade. At the park he sees his classmates at a party but he was

not invited. for now, that don't seem to bother him, but maybe because he has a

hard time expressing his feelings. (he

can't) or (won't). Thanks for explaining the difference. that was a big help.

Miranda on <mjjthomason@...> wrote:

In our case I am pursuing the Asperger's DX. Autism is linked in the minds of

many as lifelong unchangeable condition. Asperger's is seen as more workable.

Asperger's is seen more as " quirks " . HFA is seen as possibility of living

independently but still not perceived as well as Asperger's. All still fall

under Autism for Special Education Eligibility. Believe me I have seen people's

faces when you you say Autism. I will have to see if I get the same " deer in the

headlights " look with Asperger's DX.

beachbodytan2002 <beachbodytan2002@...> wrote: Hello everyone,

How would you describe a HFA person to a description of an AS

person? what is the difference? There is a lot of talk with people

wondering if their child is AS or HFA. It seems like the DX is so

close that it is hard to tell which one a child is. I'm trying to

understand " why " this is so important with a DX of a child. would

one DX be more higher functioning than the other? Are the

strategies different? Does a HFA DX have different concerns than an

AS DX? There seems to be a big difference between Autism and

Aspergers. But from what I've been reading from your post, HFA &

Aspergers seems to be almost the same. Would Autism be the most

severe, than Aspergers be high function, and then HFA be border line

of NT?

I'm still going to work with my AS son the same way as I have been.

only because he's doing well so far. " Thank God " But, I would still

like to educate myself and know the difference between the two " DX " ,

and this is the best place to learn. I can learn information from

people that have children with a DX than from a teacher that only

has a child for a little while or a doctor that learned from a

book. the best teachers are you parents that live with their

children & post their experiences.

[Guest guest]

unfortunately on the Atlanta news yesterday there was a boy that

molested a young girl and they tagged on the end of the story that he

'suffers from a form of autism called aspergers'. I thought Oh boy, now

everyones going to be scared of aspies. 1 step forward and three back...Toni

Rose wrote:

> Miranda,

> YES, I see it changing too. They need to put more children on the news

> just like a few weeks ago. Like the one where that AS boy played

> basketball and made (I think) 5 hoops in a row. Another situation

> where an AS boy won a spelling B contest. That was awesome. Dr. Phill

> needs to also do another show on just AS with more positive things.

> like their strengths & successes also with all the interventions we

> need. either way, you are right, I think things will get better.

> Parents like the ones on this support group are educating themselves

> and the public schools, and more and more are standing up for their

> children.

>

> Miranda on <mjjthomason@...> wrote:

> Rose,

>

> My son is 9 as well and sounds like a similar situation. He wants to

> play basketball, have sleepovers with his circle of friends, and works

> hard to be just one of the gang. He does not see himself as different.

> I wish the world were different. I do see it changing. Good luck.

>

> Rose <beachbodytan2002@...> wrote:

> Hi Miranda,

> My son AS just turned 9. He is understanding more and like I said he

> is doing well. He has a strong will to learn. He knows he is

> different, He knows he needs more help than most kids his age. He

> knows he gets more help then his friends. And he knows he has

> Aspergers. He had early interventions since he was 18 months old so he

> is used to it. but now, He is trying to understand " What Aspergers

> is " . even though I explained it to him, He seems to still need to know

> more. I wish I knew how to explain more to him at a level that he can

> understand without making him worry about himself. for now, he has a

> high self esteem, He has friends at school that he plays with and at

> the after school program. but yet, He has only been invited to one

> party since he started school. He is in 3rd grade. At the park he sees

> his classmates at a party but he was not invited. for now, that don't

> seem to bother him, but maybe because he has a hard time expressing

> his feelings. (he

> can't) or (won't). Thanks for explaining the difference. that was a

> big help.

>

> Miranda on <mjjthomason@...> wrote:

> In our case I am pursuing the Asperger's DX. Autism is linked in the

> minds of many as lifelong unchangeable condition. Asperger's is seen

> as more workable. Asperger's is seen more as " quirks " . HFA is seen as

> possibility of living independently but still not perceived as well as

> Asperger's. All still fall under Autism for Special Education

> Eligibility. Believe me I have seen people's faces when you you say

> Autism. I will have to see if I get the same " deer in the headlights "

> look with Asperger's DX.

>

> beachbodytan2002 <beachbodytan2002@...> wrote: Hello everyone,

>

> How would you describe a HFA person to a description of an AS

> person? what is the difference? There is a lot of talk with people

> wondering if their child is AS or HFA. It seems like the DX is so

> close that it is hard to tell which one a child is. I'm trying to

> understand " why " this is so important with a DX of a child. would

> one DX be more higher functioning than the other? Are the

> strategies different? Does a HFA DX have different concerns than an

> AS DX? There seems to be a big difference between Autism and

> Aspergers. But from what I've been reading from your post, HFA &

> Aspergers seems to be almost the same. Would Autism be the most

> severe, than Aspergers be high function, and then HFA be border line

> of NT?

> I'm still going to work with my AS son the same way as I have been.

> only because he's doing well so far. " Thank God " But, I would still

> like to educate myself and know the difference between the two " DX " ,

> and this is the best place to learn. I can learn information from

> people that have children with a DX than from a teacher that only

> has a child for a little while or a doctor that learned from a

> book. the best teachers are you parents that live with their

> children & post their experiences.

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi

I'm excited, I wrote down the show & date. Can you tell us whats going to

happen on the show? or would we have to wait? either way, I wish J Mac the

best. Good luck!!!

<cmcintosh5@...> wrote:

J mac will be on Oprah on may 24th!!!!!!

-- Re: ( ) What is the difference between: Autism, AS &

HFA?

Miranda,

YES, I see it changing too. They need to put more children on the news

just like a few weeks ago. Like the one where that AS boy played basketball

and made (I think) 5 hoops in a row. Another situation where an AS boy won

a spelling B contest. That was awesome. Dr. Phill needs to also do another

show on just AS with more positive things. like their strengths & successes

also with all the interventions we need. either way, you are right, I think

things will get better. Parents like the ones on this support group are

educating themselves and the public schools, and more and more are standing

up for their children.

Miranda on <mjjthomason@...> wrote:

Rose,

My son is 9 as well and sounds like a similar situation. He wants to play

basketball, have sleepovers with his circle of friends, and works hard to be

just one of the gang. He does not see himself as different. I wish the

world were different. I do see it changing. Good luck.

Rose <beachbodytan2002@...> wrote:

Hi Miranda,

My son AS just turned 9. He is understanding more and like I said he is

doing well. He has a strong will to learn. He knows he is different, He

knows he needs more help than most kids his age. He knows he gets more help

then his friends. And he knows he has Aspergers. He had early

interventions since he was 18 months old so he is used to it. but now, He

is trying to understand " What Aspergers is " . even though I explained it to

him, He seems to still need to know more. I wish I knew how to explain more

to him at a level that he can understand without making him worry about

himself. for now, he has a high self esteem, He has friends at school that

he plays with and at the after school program. but yet, He has only been

invited to one party since he started school. He is in 3rd grade. At the

park he sees his classmates at a party but he was not invited. for now,

that don't seem to bother him, but maybe because he has a hard time

expressing his feelings. (he

can't) or (won't). Thanks for explaining the difference. that was a big

help.

Miranda on <mjjthomason@...> wrote:

In our case I am pursuing the Asperger's DX. Autism is linked in the minds

of many as lifelong unchangeable condition. Asperger's is seen as more

workable. Asperger's is seen more as " quirks " . HFA is seen as possibility of

living independently but still not perceived as well as Asperger's. All

still fall under Autism for Special Education Eligibility. Believe me I have

seen people's faces when you you say Autism. I will have to see if I get the

same " deer in the headlights " look with Asperger's DX.

beachbodytan2002 <beachbodytan2002@...> wrote: Hello everyone,

How would you describe a HFA person to a description of an AS

person? what is the difference? There is a lot of talk with people

wondering if their child is AS or HFA. It seems like the DX is so

close that it is hard to tell which one a child is. I'm trying to

understand " why " this is so important with a DX of a child. would

one DX be more higher functioning than the other? Are the

strategies different? Does a HFA DX have different concerns than an

AS DX? There seems to be a big difference between Autism and

Aspergers. But from what I've been reading from your post, HFA &

Aspergers seems to be almost the same. Would Autism be the most

severe, than Aspergers be high function, and then HFA be border line

of NT?

I'm still going to work with my AS son the same way as I have been.

only because he's doing well so far. " Thank God " But, I would still

like to educate myself and know the difference between the two " DX " ,

and this is the best place to learn. I can learn information from

people that have children with a DX than from a teacher that only

has a child for a little while or a doctor that learned from a

book. the best teachers are you parents that live with their

children & post their experiences.

[Guest guest]

Subject: RE: ( ) What is the difference between: Autism, AS &

HFA?

I imagine the reason the parents " shop around " a bit is the same reason

most people do that with any doctor for any problem. Sadly, many

doctors don't care, don't pay attention, or are limited by their

personal experience base in giving diagnosis. The patient, or parent in

this case, inevitably knows more of the history and symptoms and as such

should have some input in their childs DX. The problem is finding a

doctor who will listen, understand what is going on and will actually

give an appropriate diagnosis. In order to best serve your child you

HAVE to shop around a bit sometimes. For instance, my Aunt has had

epilepsy for over 15 years. She kind of knew what was going on after

awhile but her doctors kept telling her it was stress or some other

nonsense. So for years she lived with non-answers. She finally got up

the will to really pursue it and after numerous negative tests, she

finally got an EEG that caught her epilepsy in action. She is now being

treated and able to live a more normal life. Basically, Doctors are not

the end all be all of knowledge, in fact, some are complete idiots. If

you know the doctor you are talking to is most likely wrong or way off

base, don't you owe it to yourself or your child to pursue someone who

will actually give you accurate information? Just my two cents....

I don't agree at all. Just because you don't like the dx you get is not a

reason to " shop around " for another doctor. We've moved and had to find new

doctors and while it's not simple, it isn't that hard to find a decent one.

We find good luck in asking other parents and in looking at Children's

hospitals.

I can see if you feel there is a problem and a doctor won't take it

seriously or doesn't see the problem, you would want a second opinion. But

I can't see shopping around to find a doc who will give you a specific dx

because you have decided your kid has this and not that or because you like

the way one dx sounds over another. To me, that's silly and wrong.

Roxanna

[Guest guest]

Subject: RE: ( ) What is the difference between: Autism, AS &

HFA?

Dear Roxanna,

I've heard of parents that keep switching doctors till they found one that

agrees with them. I don't think a parent goes to a doctor and picks a DX.

I think they keep changing doctors till they find the one that agrees with

the choice they picked. I don't understand that one? in the past, people

posted that here on this site. They disagreed with a doctor's DX, and

found another doctor that agreed with Aspergers DX???? Which is the one they

(parents) said they're child had. hummmm

That is just so wrong to do that. I know there are some doctors/psych's who

are playing loose with the dx anymore so I suppose having parents doing the

same wouldn't be a surprise either. Or shouldn't be. I just don't

understand it.

Roxanna

[Guest guest]

Subject: RE: ( ) What is the difference between: Autism, AS &

HFA?

Hi Roxanna,

Thanks for explaining each DX. and with what you explained, The

strategies that we need to work with our children, regardless of the DX,

would it all be about the same?. I guess what I'm trying to say is, If a

child was mis- diagnosed (given HFA, instead of AS or Autism). would it make

a difference in the way we raise our children?, and the strategies we use?

I've heard peoples concerns about " ins. reasons " . I'm interested with the

right strategies. Are they some what the same stratgies for all the DX's?

Oh yes, I would think a lot of the same strategies would work and that's why

this list works for both AS and HFA dx's. We all deal with the same type of

problems and only the degrees are different. I do know with my kids, they

got more specific ST due to language delays. But with social skills and

pragmatics, they have the basic same issues to deal with. One of my friends

here has a ds who is the same age as my ds (both 9 yo) and my ds has a dx of

HFA while hers is definitely AS. The funny part is that they are both so

alike and we can relate so well to the antics we have to deal with. So they

are alike in more ways than they are different.

I think more than the dx defining a difference would be the kind of

" personality type " that they have meaning more in how you would deal with

the child. For instance, some kids are very outgoing and talk to everyone

while others are very reserved and talk to no one. In those cases, you

would want to handle things differently just because they see the world so

differently.

Roxanna