nephew may be autistic? school not helping...

[Auntmommy]

My nephew was placed with us 1 year ago thru CPS. When he was 3 or so his mother told us he was autistic. He didn't talk or really do anything but stare out the window and bark like a dog. I have to say I was really concerned but we all decided it had to do with the fact his mother never interacted with him the way she should have. Fast forward to now....He and his little brother have been in 6 foster homes over a 20 month span. We finnally got the other county to ok us for the boys. We have had them for a year and I don't know how we lived before them hahaha. Anyway, my nephew now talks well, he does seem to get mixed up alot. He can read like nothing I have seen. Has beautiful cursive writting but terrible printing. He is not disruptive in class. Yet he can't get his wrok done. He is always in trouble. The school wants him put back on adhd meds but he isn't out of control. He will spell out full sentences for no apparent reason. He is jerky with his eyes and hands when he talks to me. He sometimes has outburst of talking counting stuff like that. I know he needs help for something and he has had an awful time with the foster homes and his mother. He is seeing the school psychologist but he refered us to mental health saying he needed counceling and adhd meds. I will give him what ever wil help him. I just don't want to miss the real problem. I love him and just want to know how to approach him. I know I am not really asking a queastion but I just needed to tell some one. thanks for listening.

[SPIDER]

[automommy,

I've just read your message and i think it is a fantastic thing you are doing for your nephew. I wish my in-laws were understanding like you. You sound like a real rock for your boy, i don't know what went on with him as a child but it sounds as if his mum couldn't deal with the problem maybe she had issues of her own unsolved and felt she couldn't take on her son, which is really sad. Where is she now, is she getting sorted herself?

With my son (aspergers syndrome) we have seen specialist after specialist and seen no real help come our way, although at his last school before we moved house the head mistress pushed for us to get my son 25 hrs a week one-one classroom support which he still has. But help for us as his parents doesn't seem available which is tough sometimes.

Keep at it, i'm sure you will, he knows you love him now thats all that counts in this present time which builds his inner security for the future.

All the best, Spider.

[GraceR]

What does the school psychologist say about the possibility of your nephew having autism? I'm not sure about the correct route for getting a diagnosis, but our sons were referred for testing by their Early Intervention teacher. Our local Regional Center referred us to a doctor who did the testing and got us their diagnosis. Good luck. He's very lucky to have an Aunt and Uncle who care so much about him.