8 yo boy just diagnosed with Aspergers
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anon206
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| Help-feel a bit lost about next steps. We live in Alexandria and are in ACPS. I am waiting to receive the formal written diagnosis. I was told once I receive it I should request a meeting with the school. What do I ask for? Who comes to this meeting? DS has been tested by a psychiatrist but not the school. Do I ask for the school to do additional testing? DS is academically on grade level or better but struggles with task completion, concentration and social and behavior issues and depression. Can anyone recommend social skills groups and/or camps that he would benefit from near Alexandria? The great resources in suburban Maryland are just too far to be practical. Thanks for pointing us in the right direction. |
Anonymous
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Autism Speaks has lots of good resources.
This is the First 100 Days after the Diagnosis kit: http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits/asperger-syndrome-and-high-functioning-autism-tool-kit Information about school IEPs and Asperger's: http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits/asperger-syndrome-and-high-functioning-autism-tool-kit/classroom http://www.myaspergerschild.com/2009/11/aspergers-students-iep-and-ard.html http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/iep.index.htm Sample IEP goals: http://www.aspergersyndrome.org/Articles/Proposed-IEP-Goals.aspx Two books: The Asperger's Answer Book http://www.amazon.com/Aspergers-Answer-Book-Questions-Parents/dp/1402208073 The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome by Tony Attwood http://www.amazon.com/The-Complete-Guide-Aspergers-Syndrome/dp/1843106698/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1332812940&sr=1-1 |
Anonymous
| Thanks PP. I'm not the OP, but I appreciate the time you took to provide these important links. |
Anonymous
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Our 12 year old DC with ASD really likes Michele Cole, LCSW in Alexandria.
http://www.movingforwardplc.com/ |
Anonymous
| Auburn School or Newton School for summer camps. (My geographical knowledge of VA is weak, but they have locations in VA.) |
anon206
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| From OP-Thanks to all who answered. I'm very thankful for this community. |
Anonymous
| I know this is an old post, but I'd love to talk with the OP. Our 8 year old son was just given this same diagnosis. We are in ACPS system. I'd love to hear about your experiences with the school system. In case you're checking this, please email me at rgoldberg1@gmail.com. Thanks! -- Rachel |
Anonymous
| I thought that no Aspergers diagnoses are given out now, after the new dsm update, that it's just all under the ASD umbrella? |
Anonymous
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OP here. It's funny to go back and read the original post as it was almost 3 years ago and so much has changed. We have been blessed with fantastic school support (primarily great classroom teachers and the gudiance counselor) and our son has made great strides at school. We would not be in the place we are now without the unconditional support of my son's classroom teachers. I cannot praise them enough for working with him and finding his strengths. It has made all the difference.
For the poster who asked how to navigate ACPS, the only words of wisdom I have are that you are your child's best advocate and NEVER be shy about asking for what your child needs. I (still) am in almost daily email contact with my son's classroom teachers. A formal diagnosis of Aspergers opened all sorts of doors for our son in terms of what the school could offer in terms of accommodations and classroom support. He had a 504 plan for third and fourth grade and has been downgraded to informal support for 5th grade since he was doing so well and his teachers totally were on board in terms of supporting him. We are trying GW next year and I am hoping he can do it. If not, I've got my eye on Commonwealth Academy and the Howard Gardner School both in Alexandria. Any opinions on either of those schools would be welcome from families who have kids there. I often feel like getting my son through school is my second full time job but I've learned if I let anything slip, no one is there to catch it. It IS a full time job but I think as he gets older, he will be able to take on more responsiblity for his academic success. |
Anonymous
Yes, but "Asperger's" and "high functioning autism" are still terms that are understood and easy to understand. They're still used informally. |
Anonymous
That's good to hear as a parent in ACPS (but non special needs child). Did you know that Minnie Howard has a special education support office that provides support for parents at all levels of education in ACPS? I had never heard of it until this year and several other parents whose kids are in elementary are special needs were also not aware of it. |
Anonymous
| To the parents of children that were diagnosed at 8 or 9, can I ask if you noticed anything when they were toddlers? Or did this really not surface until they were older? My son has some motor planning difficulties, and also a slight cognitive delay according to DC strong start, and whenever I read about these things autism or aspbergers comes up. Just hoping to gain some insight... |
Anonymous
| Looks like ACPS dropped the ball. FCPS usually would recommend it in kindergarten. Good luck OP. |
Anonymous
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As with 13:13 poster, I'm wondering what is the latest age a child can be diagnosed with Autism/Asperger/HFA.
A question to OP, what prompt you to get your 8 year old then to get a diagnosis? |
Anonymous
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There are plenty of Aspies who don't get diagnosed until they are teenagers or later in life. Doesn't mean there weren't signs there from the beginning, but they can be misunderstood when a kid is obviously bright and affectionate and functions very well with adults, particularly when he has first-time parents, with some near-ASD traits themselves--which is quite common. And of course the line between diagnosable Aspergers and sub-diagnosable eccentricity with ADHD is subjective.
BTW I've heard very good things about Commonwealth from some current parents. |