Autism /Aspergers syndrome

redhead · Autism /Aspergers syndrome

I worked with autistic children for 5yrs ,my daughter has aspergers syndrome . If anybody has or nows anyone with autism /aspergers or just some one to talk , how to deal with related issues I would be more than willing to listen or help . or if you wish you could pm me . ju

Serenity

I'd never heard of Aspergers Syndrome, until I found out one of Martins friends has it. Also watching the programme Waterloo Road, there is a pupil in the school with it, and it's really good that you can get insight to how this condition affects the person who has it. I think it's great when programmes highlight these Syndromes, instead of being afraid and ignorant, it really helps people to understand.

Am I right in thinking Aspergers is a mild form of Autism?

What symptons, for want of a better word, does your daughter suffer from? Does medication help?

Selious5

I was special needs for approx 30 years and taught autistic children in that time. There are so many varying degrees of this albeit that Aspergers is the one with the higher intelligence within the group. The one thing that I was very pleased about over the years is that the medical profession is now diagnosing these children which many years ago they were extremely loathe to do and as a result they can obtain the specialist help that they need and some of them come on really well. Can be very exhausting and extremely hard work for parents and sometimes few people understand what they have to go through as a family.

redhead

Aspergers is a high functioning form of autism , which may sound like that they do"nt have probs but as in all syndromes theirs varying degrees ,it took 16yrs to diagnoise my daughter she was always classed as badly misbehaved , it shows itself in obessions, communication,forming freindships , def need a routine ,needs to have a warning if routine changes, make intructions very clear ,its no good saying "pop down the shops " it has to be walk to the shop coz in her mind she can"t pop you either walk or run , intruction as to be clear and simple no slang words ,, in my daughters case 4 ---£5 don't make 20 it should be 2--10s, loose change to make a £1 is a def no no 2 --50p she as just managed to grasp, she knows about danger but still walks in dark evenings , she nows right from wrong and once told someone off for peeing in shop doorway but couldn't see the risk was telling him .
on the other hand she is the most generous person going gives people money never ever forgets birthdays , anniversaries , dates of bereavement etc she remembers car registration numbers from cars I had 20 yrs ago .
Aspergers is a difficult syndrome as people see the kids a naughty, uncontrollable they can have terrible tempers will talk to others but not always listen to subject being spoken about and talk about there day .
and whats important to them .aspergers can live on there own but will prob need support with bills, cooking, shopping cleaning it has to be learnt rather just happen and it can take many years .
I go down her flat once a fortnight to clean she can do it herself but its not important to her I have to be careful what I say as she can get extremly upset as she tries , she has the most organised cupboards tins have to go in sizes , packets etc all have to be in the right place I try and alter it so it doesn't become obsessive .
she has no medication but is always going to the doc's coz she learnt that when she's poorly thats where you go even if she stubs her toe poor doc but he's very good with her she brought him pressies before as thats what she should do in her mind .
Aspergers doesn't stop people having careers her specialists son was going into banking and part of his syndrome showed itself in wearing odd socks and shoes , winter clothes in summer and vise versa but he had to learn how to dress approriately for the weather so it is a difficult syndrome as basically everything in life has to be learnt , rather then being obivious. in some cases cuddles and showing affection has to be learnt which can be very upsetting for parents /family .

Serenity

Wow I can't believe it took them SO long to diagnose her! That must have been awful, but such a relief when they finally named it. From seeing the girl in the TV programme, I totally understand the problems you must have had, and still do. But it's great she has her independence now

Thanks for telling us about this Julie, lets hope it helps others to understand. I think, the more people talk about different things, the more others learn and so if they do come into contact with anyone with these conditions, its easier for them to understand from the outset, and know how to deal with the situation.

Amber

She has done so very well for herself, despite all her problems, she is far more thoughtful and considerate than some of the so called "normal " kids out there.
Her genorousity is unbeliveable she never leaves any one out and each of us get the same amount of prezzie's, she really things about the individual person and what they would like.

she is my god daughter and i love her to bits and she makes me proud ,you must be extremly proud of her julie.

Who would have thought all those years ago she would be doing what she does now. bless her heart.