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Here is some basic information about Asperger's from an online website: "High Functioning Autism (HFA) is not a clearly defined diagnosis. Rather, it is a label given when someone meets (or met as a child) the diagnostic criteria for autistic disorder but is able to speak and has an average or above average IQ. The primary distinction between High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome is early development - primarily of language. High Functioning Autistics are often mis-labelled with Asperger Syndrome if speech is adequate at the time of assessment. Asperger Syndrome (AS) is a type of high functioning autistic spectrum disorder in which there is no clinically significant delay in language and an IQ of at least average (often higher). Although people with AS learn to speak at or near the usual age, they usually have an odd style of speech and difficulties with nonverbal communication. Many people with Asperger Syndrome have fine and/or gross motor skills delays although this is not necessary for a diagnosis. People with AS also frequently have difficulties with math and with organizational skills."
Several books that I highly recommend for parents of autistic/Asperger's children are Hitchhiking Through Asperger's Syndrome and Asperger's ... What Does It Mean to Me?.
These books have been the best ones that I have read! I know of several people with Asperger kids and they are all so different. If your child has been diagnosed with high-functioning autism or Asperger's, do NOT compare them to other Asperger kids that you know! They are all on different levels of development. However, DO talk with these parents and share ideas of how to parent and teach these children. There is much to be gained from sharing experiences.
If there's one thing that I've learned through having two children with special needs, it's that I do not need to treat them any differently than other "normal" children. I expect the same behavior from them that I would any other child. If we find ourselves in a situation where their disability is a problem, we work through it and do not give up until we have a solution to the problem. Their special needs are not "scapegoats" for their behavior either. I would be doing them a huge disservice by letting them blame their problems on their hearing loss, ADHD or autism. If your child has been diagnosed with a disability, get whatever help that YOU need to help them child grow into adulthood.
You can read a bit about my son on the next page.
It is my hope that you will find something useful here on my site!
I currently enjoy the privilege of being able to stay at home
to homeschool my children and I am always striving to be
the best caretaker for my precious family.
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."
~ Philippians 4:13 ~
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All Rights Reserved. © 2006.
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