Need a book to explain to my 8 yo son he has high functioning autism

[Missy]

We've been in a long drawn out process of testing to determine if my just turned 8 year old son has autism or asperger's syndrome. Today we met with the doctor's again to go over some results. They've determined he has "high functioning autism". I'm an Occupational Therapist so I've been putting things in place at home for years - but now that his peers are maturing and he's not it's become clear to us that there are issues. It's also clear to him.

I'm on the hunt for a book for us to read WITH him to help him understand why he is the way he is. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks

Michelle

[sunshine]

Our behavior therapist recommended a workbook last time and now I can't find the paper with the title on it. We go back Saturday, and in the meantime I'll ask a friend.

EDIT: I did find the title, I knew as soon as I said I couldn't, I would ;) But, it's for Asperger's, it's called Aspergers: What Does it Mean to Me?

Another EDIT ;) Go look at the reviews on Amazon, it's mentioned as being used with Autism as well. I just typed in Austism and Asperger's and am totally overwhelmed at all there is!! I will be ordering the workbook I mentioned, as soon as I get off my rear and go get my ccard ;)

[indianadana]

What specific things made you question?? I have a friend whose son I believe has some form of Autism. He is really okay in alot of ways but not in others. I think she is in denial. I am just wondering what made you start testing? the internet is overwhelming on the subject.

[Missy]

As an occupational therapist myself - we've kind of known all along. I have been putting measures in place at home to help him and they work. But in school he's at a point where he's not maturing socially and the other kids are. In addition to that his scores are off the charts (3rd grade at 5th grade level). We started the testing this school year when he began having crying spells in school because he's feeling "little" next to the other kids. His OCD is really starting to become more prominent as well. It was just time.

Michelle

[bioluminescence]

Can't recommend anything--we don't carry anyhting like that at the big bookstore where I work-- but I highly recommend some sort of counselling. Therapists who deal with this sort of thing often know the perfect books.

[Kelly-girl]

I want to send a huge THANK YOU to Michelle and Sunshine for this post.

I've been going through hoops for the last year trying to figure out what is going on with my son. We've had ever test imaginable. His IQ is genius, no ADHD, he has an auditory processing problem and I knew his social skills are just not there. I knew something just wasn't right. The last 1 1/2 months have been hell at school. He's getting picked on and coming home crying every day.

I went and read up on Asperger's from your Posts and that IS my son to a T.

I just called his ped and I'm waiting for a call back.

Again thanks tons ladies.

I'll keep you posted

[sunshine]

I want to send a huge THANK YOU to Michelle and Sunshine for this post.

I've been going through hoops for the last year trying to figure out what is going on with my son. We've had ever test imaginable. His IQ is genius, no ADHD, he has an auditory processing problem and I knew his social skills are just not there. I knew something just wasn't right. The last 1 1/2 months have been hell at school. He's getting picked on and coming home crying every day.

I went and read up on Asperger's from your Posts and that IS my son to a T.

I just called his ped and I'm waiting for a call back.

Again thanks tons ladies.

I'll keep you posted

That's wonderful :) Yes, keep us posted!!
I felt awful when I just thought my son was "weird". I had asked his dr and my college professors, when he was younger if they thought he was autistic because he did some "autistic" things. They asked if he talked, and he did and they would say, "No, he's fine!" It wasn't until he was in 3rd grade that I met someone who had a son with Aspergers and his teacher knew a lot about Aspergers that we went to have him diagnosed. I am a teacher, I feel awful, but we're taught that Autism (Aspegers) is only when it's extreme, no talking, etc.
Anyway, I wanted the best doctors for him, as I had NO luck finding a good one for him when we diagnosed him with ADHD (which often times comes along with Aspergers). So, we decided to find one a couple hours away that specializes in ADHD/Aspergers/Autism, etc. She is WONDERFUL and so knowledgeable!!
Landon also sees a behavior therapist. She is a Godsend, she has helped him sooooooooooo much!

[myajenna]

My grandson also has Asperger's. We were fortunate to know years ago. He is 10 now. He has known as soon as he was old enough to understand what he had. He says he loves having Asperger's and would be sad if anyone ever took it away. I love his knowledge. It always amazes me. His knowledge is way beyond mine in so many subjects. His biggest problem is social skills and he is being counseled and taught how to to deal with people and is making great progress. We treat him just like his 6 siblings. He is unique but he fits wonderfully into the mix. We are very proud of him. He recently told us he hopes to have a nice wife and children when he grows up. I hope that happens for him. He is sweet and concerned about people and we think he will make a wonderful adult.

He has had problems dealing with kids at school who pick on him. That issue is being dealt with now so he knows how to not react. I have been told that the teen years are the hardest so I am glad he has a therapist working with him so he will know what to expect as he matures.

Reading books on the subject has helped us and also being on message boards online that deal with Asperger's.

Arlene

[scrappinmom]

We think my nephew might have Asperger's syndrome. The school district will not test him and my brother and SIL don't have the money to have him tested privately. What can they do now? I so desperately want him to have the help he needs but since they won't test him, there is no treatment, even at home. They live in SoCal.

Vicki

[sunshine]

We think my nephew might have Asperger's syndrome. The school district will not test him and my brother and SIL don't have the money to have him tested privately. What can they do now? I so desperately want him to have the help he needs but since they won't test him, there is no treatment, even at home. They live in SoCal.

Vicki

Where are you?? I know here in Arkansas, if a parent requests testing it has to be done within 60 or 90 days!! And if the school can't provide services or testing, they have to pay for it. I didn't go the school route, although my son does go to speech and she also does a "social" group at school.

Do they get state assisted medical insurance? I know there is or was a special program here for kids whose parents made too much for medicaid, but not enough to be able to afford all the services. When dh is done with this deployment and we're down to 1 insurance, I'm gonna have to look into it!

Good luck :)