Can you send me advice about Asperger's and/or NLD?

Question

My 5-year-old son is being tested for NLD, Asperger's and ADD-H1 (nonattentive).

He exhibits:

-some lack of eye contact

-easily frustrated

-poor social skills among peers (great with adults)

-has a history of obsessive behavior (was disnosaurs, now sharks)

-although, I have caught him lying (not typical behavior)

Any advice would be great! Thanks.

Answer 1

As Angelica writes above, early intervention is essential for children on the autistic spectrum. From the list of behaviours you have listed he would seem to typically show signs of an ASD. As for the lying, children with an ASD will very often tell lies, they don't think they are lying but just telling the truth as they see it. Get your son as much help as possible as quickly as possible and you should try to join a support group for parents of children with an ASD. Your son will need a lost of support and so will you, plus it is always useful to speak to other parents who are in the same situation as you. As he grows older your sons behaviour will change sometimes for the worse and sometimes for the better. Children who are on the autistic spectrum are very special and are also funny and very interesting. Try to support your son as much as possible and always fight to get him the best support available. Good luck.

Answer 2

Early social treatment is the only hope for treating aspergers.  At his age, it can make a big difference.  He needs to be encouraged to play with friends as much as possible.

Answer 3

Your son is only 5.  You are getting him early intervention.  Ignore those that are doomsdayers.

My son has Aspergers and wasn't dx'd until he was 9.  

We now homeschool our kids.  I found it better for him and definitely easier for me.  No more fighting with the schools!  :)    It isn't for everyone though.

The Oasis site is one of the best for Aspergers.   Barb has also written a book that is fantastic.  

http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/

Answer 4

Your son is still very young...I wouldn't worry so much about any missed "early intervention." Early intervention is important, but kids can learn new skills at any age. I would recommend the following resources:

"Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew" - http://www.ellennotbohm.com/ten_things_a...

"Positively Autism" (Free newsletter and printable lessons/activities) - http://www.positivelyautism.com/

"Teaching Tips for Children and Adults with Autism" by Temple Grandin - http://www.autism.org/temple/tips.html

Website of Paula Kluth, Ph.D. - http://www.paulakluth.com/autism.html

"The Discovery of 'Aspie' Criteria" by Carol Gray and Tony Attwood - http://www.thegraycenter.org/sectionsdet...

Answer 5

Wow, I have worked with several children just like your son.  It is too bad this wasn't caught when he was younger, he could have had early intervention and preschool special education.  My advise for you is to run, not walk to your local school district.  Is he already in kindergarten??  If he is not get him in a special education preschool.  They will evaluate him and write up an IEP.  He could qualify for services, take advantage of all of it!!  Do everything thing you possible can to get him help.  The bigger he gets the worse it will get for everyone if you don't get him help.  Believe me, I have seen progress in children that has made a world of difference.  I have also seen what happens when parents don't take a stand for their child.  Please let your child be a success!!  His life will be a long road ahead and you want it to run a smoothly as possible!!!!

Answer 6

He sounds Autistic what little you have described.

Do a goggle search about both Autism Spectrum disorder and Non Verbal Learning Disorder.

Answer 7

My son is autistic.  The best advice I can give to you is research and read everything you can online and at the library.  The people who say early intervention is crucial -- don't listen to them!  He is only 5.  Get in touch with your local therapy clinic and get him an evlauation for PT and OT, which are both helpful for children with autism or adhd.  Find every bit of information you can and read and learn it.  Ask questions and find a support group with other parents who have autistic children.