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So my 6 year old son is getting assessed with being suspected high functioning Aspergers(yes I’m aware that’s not term used anymore but its the best way to explain it) my biggest worry is him socially and just reading his questionnaires from his teacher it’s my worst fear he is struggling and he doesn’t know he is but as he gets older he will. Has anyone’s child been through this are there therapy’s to help him I’m so scared for him will he never have friends get married etc he is so sweet, kind and loving but his traits are difficult to deal with i hope they’re are people who are strong and kind enough to see all the good in him like we do
10 Replies
Yes. I've been exactly where you are. Don't fear the diagnosis. It's the beginning of understanding and the road to helping him.
My son is 8, diagnosed at 6. He does Speech therapy for social talking (not a delay), Occupational Therapy for motor skills and other physiological issues and Psychology for developing his socal understanding, interaction, emotional regulation & learning to navigate a world that works differently to how his brain does.
Apply for NDIS. It's not perfect, but had been a godsend for us. Make sure school knows as you might get funding for assistance there are well.
Does it work? Yes. It's slow, frustrating and DS will always struggle with some things, but he is fitting in, and is already more emotionally aware than other kids his age (psych's words) and learning to identify his problems and find solutions. Stay in contact with teachers as different problems arise at school which can be addressed - they'll change (sorry!).
Just remember there's nothing 'wrong'. I tell my child he just thinks differently & won't allow him to use it as an excuse for poor behaviour. Unfortunately, people still (usually the parents) exclude him. The kids don't.
One step at a time. He'll be fine with parent/s who put in the effort.
Thanks for your reply I appreciate it. You’ve given me a little bit of hope. Just overthinking his future the diagnosis part doesn’t worry me do much it’s just a label it’s hoping there’s hope we can help him. We have him in speech therapy for the same reason and he’s doing so well so hopefully that will help him socially too
You're welcome. I know how you feel. I still worry, but that's just parenting! There's definitely help. It's much different to even 5 or 10 years ago. Look up sue larkey and Toni Attwood. Great resources.
Psychology has helped us the most, but only because I've made sure psych is aware of most prevalent issues & keep in contact with his teachers. His issues manifest differently there.
Yep definitely as parents we always worry it’s our job. I’ve have had a look at at sue larkey and I’ll definitely look up the other. His teacher has been good but I wish she was more forthcoming it was the Specchy who brought up concerns of Aspergers I’ve had concerns all year if something being a miss but it’s hard to know what’s “normal” and what isn’t he’s our only child
Your teacher won't unless you ask as many people don't want to hear it & get upset. I asked, got teacher to fill out the assessment questionnaire & she went for it with a passion!! So much help once she realised we wanted her help.
I was told by the diagnosing clinical psych 'Your new job is your child's advocate'.
DS was our first. Had no idea but a feeling. It's only now we have an NT DD we really see the differences. Tbh DS was easier in some ways!!
I work with these kids. When supported, they blossom and find their people.
Thank you for your professional opinion it’s much appreciated
My son, who is neurotypical always seems to end up being friends with the quirky geniuses. I don’t know why, but he seems to enjoy their company. From time to time they offend other kids, but he always supports them and moves them away from whatever conflict is happening or tries lol He will find his friends. My son is an empathetic kid amd doesn’t get offended easy and seems to get them. Don’t worry, hopefully he’ll find his tribe.
I have two boys on the autism spectrum. Both are loving and sweet, and highly sociable. Thanks to therapies- Occupational and pragmatic speech, as well as physio and psychology, they are both learning social, independence and coping skills. My oldest is 17 now, and has well and truly found his tribe. He has a tight-knit group of friends and a girlfriend.
The diagnosis is merely a key to unlock the doors that set you on the therapy and assistance path. Without that diagnosis all those doors stay locked, or are harder to open as there’s no funding assistance or clear course of action. Good luck.
Its hard thats for sure, I have always known my son is aspergers but I refuse to label him. This year I went and spoke to the peads and he also said yes it's very obvious but I will not do the ADOS as this gives him a permanent record on his medical file that can not be erased and by having this he can't do many jobs he is interested in doing. It was a hard decision and I sure the dr was not happy with me but I don't care for the funding I care more about my child's needs. He struggles socially but we are working on this and he is improving and now has a best friend. You can do this mumma your strong, amazing and doing the best you can.