Aspergers... Need help with 10yrold son

[3auties]

Hi;
I have not posted here ywet. I have been reading and learning from this site. I am so glad I found this site.
I have 2 sons who have been dx with autism and a daughter with Hf autism. Now my 10 yr.old has been dx with Aspergers. Does anyone have some insight on Aspergers. I have just started reading more on this. But some of the info overlaps Autism info.

Thanks for any info or light on the subject,
Have a nice day,
Christina

[melsmommy]

[QUOTE=3auties]Hi;
I have not posted here ywet. I have been reading and learning from this site. I am so glad I found this site.
I have 2 sons who have been dx with autism and a daughter with Hf autism. Now my 10 yr.old has been dx with Aspergers. Does anyone have some insight on Aspergers. I have just started reading more on this. But some of the info overlaps Autism info.

Thanks for any info or light on the subject,
Have a nice day,
Christina[/QUOTE]

It's not surprising that the info overlaps. Aspergers is often called a form of high-functioning autism, although the diagnostic criteria differ for the two, mainly differentiated by the onset of speech (Aspies often develop language early, while kids with HFA are usually speech delayed). Check out Tony Attwood's books on Aspergers. Did your son speak at an early age? Is he especially gifted in any one area, or does he have a very narrow and intensely focused interest in a few things? Does he have a hard time conversing, or tend to monopolize a conversation, and only when the subject is something of interest to him? Does he just "not fit in" with his age peers? Not seem to understand the dynamics of group activities? These are typical characteristics of Aspergers. There's a website called askanaspie.com, run by a group of college kids who have Aspergers or High-Functioning Autism - it may give you some insight as well. And there is one that was called "Oops, Wrong Planet" that was loaded with information. Not sure if it's still under that title, but you can Google it and see. So you have four children with Autism or an ASD? How on earth do you handle it?

[3auties]

[QUOTE=melsmommy]It's not surprising that the info overlaps. Aspergers is often called a form of high-functioning autism, although the diagnostic criteria differ for the two, mainly differentiated by the onset of speech (Aspies often develop language early, while kids with HFA are usually speech delayed). Check out Tony Attwood's books on Aspergers. Did your son speak at an early age? Is he especially gifted in any one area, or does he have a very narrow and intensely focused interest in a few things? Does he have a hard time conversing, or tend to monopolize a conversation, and only when the subject is something of interest to him? Does he just "not fit in" with his age peers? Not seem to understand the dynamics of group activities? These are typical characteristics of Aspergers. There's a website called askanaspie.com, run by a group of college kids who have Aspergers or High-Functioning Autism - it may give you some insight as well. And there is one that was called "Oops, Wrong Planet" that was loaded with information. Not sure if it's still under that title, but you can Google it and see. So you have four children with Autism or an ASD? How on earth do you handle it?[/QUOTE]

Melsmommy;

Thanks for that info. All your ?'s are Yes... Nic spoke early and very well compared to other kids his age. In fact, Nic actually tends to gravitate to adults rather than other kids his own age.... He is narrowly interested in certain things and whn he finds somewthing new he really likes, it becomes like an obsessive need to know everything about it. Nic does not really converse with you, it is more like he is giving you info he wants to get out. He has a very hard time understanding abstract thoughts and communication with his peers is frustrating for him. He misunderstands other kids alot. And he feels like an outsiders most of the time unless they are talking about a subject of particular interest to him.. Nic also can't seem to learn enough especially in Math and history which is hard on his teachers.

With handling the kids is never a dull moment in my house. I am satarting to go to classes to learn how to manage the behaviord most effectively as they get older. I am worried about the teen years coming up. because my 11 yr.old is mentally and emotionally about 8 yrs.old. Trying to explain teen years to him has been tricky.

Thanks again and have a good day,
Christina