We finally have sort of a diagnosis

[Robin H in VA]

The Clinical Psychologist is pretty sure that ds does have Aspergers.

We went today for our 'last' consult/testing and results and based on all the test that ds has already done at the clinic in the past weeks, they have determined that he is LD and that Aspergers is very likely, they are still waiting on all the results from the test that he did today.

Our discussion became a little 'heated' when the doctor and his assistant began talking about ps for ds and how he may be better off with the assistance that the ps system could give with their Special Education Programs. :unsure: My dd had SE classes when she had her IEP and they never helped her, they just seemed to make things worse.

Can anyone give me some advice/tips on what to do now? Should we go back and look at the curriculum that we are currently using and maybe switch to something else?

They are also recommending OT, Speach Therapy, and possibly PT (we have to wait for our new appointment with the OT to find out for sure about the PT).

[Chalane (FL)]

First, good for you for standing up for your son against the "experts" suggesting ps:clap:. I agree SE & IEPs didn't help either of my boys and SE classes made many behaviors worse. It has also been easier to get Speech, OT & PT privately and have the ins. co. pay for it because we homeschool and they don't get it through the local school system (great therapist with little/no time=kids the don't improv.):sad:

I would look into diet & dietary supplaments to assist w/some behavior issues. Some people don't have success w/them, but my ds is greatly improved w/gluten & casien free diet (we are very strict w/it) and probiotics.:D I know it controversial, but I love Jenny McCarthy's new book Healing and Preventing Autism.

Have you looked into ABA (applied behavior analysis)? Some states are requiring that insurance companies pay for it now.

Personally, I constantly reevaluate the curriculums we are using and see how we can adjust them or if they need to be changed. Temple Grandin has a speech that can be seen on you tube with great tips on teaching children with autism esp. kids with Aspergers.

Check into a local support group. Even if its only via email you may get great info. about which services are avail to you locally.

Praying that God gives you wisdom as to the path to take for your ds.:group:

[AmyinWI]

The Clinical Psychologist is pretty sure that ds does have Aspergers.

My dd had SE classes when she had her IEP and they never helped her, they just seemed to make things worse.



This was our experience as well. How old is your son? Our guy is 2.5 and they are recommending in home autism therapy 4-6 hrs a day... as the previous post mentioned,some insurances may be required to pay. Unfortunately there are loopholes,and our insurance apparently found them. they are refusing to pay for our services....:sad:

[Lisalyn]

Amy,
At 2.5, you should be able to get ABA through the Birth-3 program at no cost. At least until he turns 3. There is a book called "A Work in Progress" that is great for home ABA therapy. (Can't think of the author's name!)

Robin,
I'm glad you have the answers now. I can't really advise since we did go with PS to get the therapies for ds and I can't complain. I really fought it but it has been great for ds. If you wanted to, you should be able to homeschool and still get the sped services.

If that's not what you want to do, here's my suggestion. Take all of those evaluations and look at the diagnostic reports from each specialty. The speech therapist will write recommendations, and so will all the other therapists. You can build your own program at home from these notes.

[Alice R]

I know this is not exactly good news but I'm glad that you are making progress and getting some answers. :group:

Just say to the psychologist etc. that you appreciate their input and will think it over carefully. Don't debate with them. It's not their job to make academic recommendations, it's their job to give you a diagnosis; they probably figured they were going to help you. However, you already are well informed. You gotta remember that the majority of parents are not well informed. :sad: Informed and competant parents are often a minority but that is a whole other post. :lol: But keep that in mind when dealing with professionals...they don't know you and don't know how on top of things you are and your past experineces with special ed. etc. So, you come in and they think "this lady needs our help and we are going to straighten her out". If you are adament about HSing, then simple ask them "well, we are not placing our child in special education so how can you help me with XYZ?"

Professionals usually like to help (most of them do go into this field for a reason although a few of them should also leave!) so appeal to that helping, caring part of your professional/therapist/doctor etc. You are a "freak" to them and they are not sure how to think outside of the box to help you. Or they might just be idiots. :lol: I was trying to be positive. :lol:

Is your current curriculum working well?

Depending on your child's skills and where they are at in the spectrum, ABA can be very very affective. I'd look into that.

Again, sorry you are dealing with all of this. :group:

[Alice R]

In looking at your signature line, which child is it? You got a lot of kiddies on that signature line. :lol:

[Robin H in VA]

This was our experience as well. How old is your son? Our guy is 2.5 and they are recommending in home autism therapy 4-6 hrs a day... as the previous post mentioned,some insurances may be required to pay. Unfortunately there are loopholes,and our insurance apparently found them. they are refusing to pay for our services....:sad:



Ds is 8yro and he is actually right at the cut off of the kids that this clinic will see. So we were almost too late for anything through a local children's clinic.

Of course all of this could have been taken care of about 4.5 years ago if ds then ped would have just listened to me.

I have checked with our insurance and they will pay for PT and OT and I still have to find out about the speach. I am pretty sure that they will also pay for this privately, I know others with the same insurance and they do private speach.

[Sue C]

Hi Robin. My 7 year old, SOON to be 8 also has Aspergers. As far as curriculum goes I just keep a close eye on it. I know her learning style, which is half the battle. I did have to switch her math curriculum. I had researched it SO much and thought I had picked the perfect one for her but we hit a brick wall with it and I realized it just wasn't going to work. I talked to a lot of other moms, researched these boards a bunch and switched it and it is going much better. You know him better than anyone so as far as curriculum goes I think you are most qualified to decide what might work best for him. Does having this diagnosis help you? I know it did me. I knew she was on the autism spectrum but I just needed to SEE it, you know? Do you have books by Temple Grandin ('The Way I See It', is my favorite) or Tony Attwood? They are THE BEST in my book!! Just know you aren't alone! :group: