A
Child's Journey to Asperger's Syndrome (AS)
"Something
is a little
different..."
This
was my mantra for the first few years of my son's life. I knew he was
different
somehow. It was then that I began to wade through a stream of
diagnoses:
Autistic like behavior, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Asperger's
Syndrome.
I had a lot to learn. And I did. I have now been advocating for my 17
year old
son since his initial diagnosis of Pervasive Developmental Disorder (at
the age
of four). His current diagnosis is Asperger's Syndrome. As
changes occur
while raising a child along the Autistic Spectrum, so must the
intervention,
education, and advocacy. I believe that many of the core deficits in
Autistic
Spectrum Disorders are shared and thus, the fundamental needs can be
similarly addressed.
Currently
in the United States,
the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition,)
is the
diagnostic criteria used to diagnose Asperger's Syndrome. It
has been
stated in the past that one distinguishing characteristic of AS
is the absence
of significant speech/language development. However, more recently it
has been
established that some children with early language
deficits/delays have
been later diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.
(Review DSM-V Text revision for a broader and more current
definition
due out 2012. Note: The DSM-V plans to eliminate Asperger's as a
diagnosis, using the broader term Autism Spectrum Disorders).
Asperger's
Syndrome
is and autism spectrum disorder. According to the 2007 CDC
findings
currently in the United States ASD affects an average of 1 in 110. This
is
based on diagnosed and documented cases published February 9, 2007.
According to Tony Attwood, a leading expert on Autism Spectrum
Disorders, Asperger's
Syndrome is characterized by a number of impairments that affect
language,
social behavior, motor clumsiness, cognition, interests and routine,
and
sensory sensitivity. For more information visit www.tonyattwood.com.
I've
created this local web site with the intention to provide the reader
with the
most current resources and information in assisting children &
teens with Autistic
Spectrum Disorders. It is my hope that this site offers access to
intervention opportunities relating to services and educational
materials. It's important to successfully address the needs that
will
serve and support children/teens along the Autistic Spectrum. This site
is to
be viewed only as a resource reference to help guide you along
your
journey.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this web page
should not to be
considered as a personal recommendation or referral to any person or
organization.
This web site was made available to the viewer through the efforts of
Karra
Barber and Jennifer McDonald-Peltier. With sincere appreciation,
thank
you.
Web Site created by: Karra Barber
Web Design created by: Jennifer McDonald-Peltier
Last updated on 9.1.11