Question for people with Aspergers (or their families)?

Question

I have a student that I have been working with this entire school year who I would bet my life on has Aspergers (based on all of his records, assessments, observations, interactions). He is in 10th grade and has been labeled as having a "learning disability" and "ADHD" with executive functioning difficulties (since age 7). (I am highly trained in autism spectrum disorders, so I am confident in my belief.) I believe that by me sharing my suspicions with him, this may give him the answer to why he is the way he is and why he has difficulties in various social arenas. This may even provide him with the opportunity to join a support group should he chose to do so.

If those of you out there have dealt with this, did you feel relived knowing/finding out. Did you wish you hadn't found out? What do you suggest?

Thank you!!!

Answer 1

As a parent I did not "wish I hadn't found out", I think I felt more "relieved".  It is a long process for parents but be aware that there are so many variations and cross variations of learning disabilities that it is difficult even for professionals to give every child a "diagnosis" (label).  A lot of kids receive a vague label like PDD NOS (pervasive developmental disability, none otherwise specified).  I would be very cautious as a teacher to try to diagnose this student. I had a teacher once tell me my son would probably benefit from medication for ADHD but I already knew from his neurologist and neuropsychologist that he does not have ADHD.  

Your heart is in the right place but since you have not been trained specifically to diagnose children it may be better to refer his parents to someone who can give a diagnosis.  It is their call if he is a minor.

Answer 2

WHOA!  - FIrst off there is some wonderful new information out that shows just how a lot of Neurobiological disorders are connected and have many same symptoms.  It is available in this book:

http://www.superduperinc.com/TUV_Pages/t...

What would you gain by doing this?  Are the student's needs being met?   These diagnosis are so complex that I wouldn't.  You could however focus on some of his needs or deficits and show him where to find information about how to work with it - he might find folks with ADHD, ASD, EBD or Emotional disorders that have the same issues he has.  The label is less of an issue than the needs.

I know that you are well intentioned BUT unless you are working to evaluate to change his category - providing medical consultation will likely get you in trouble.

Answer 3

Youth who have issues similar to Asperger's do not have to actually have the official diagnosis to attend and benefit from support groups.  These groups are open to anyone experiencing similar issues.  So a better suggestion may be to let him and his family know about opportunities to find support in the community.

Answer 4

You can't tell him you think he does unless the school refers him for testing.

I know I have a little brother with autism and he knows (but probably does not understand) and I know people who have ASD and they said it made all the difference knowing. However if you tell the parents you think he has it then that obligates the school to provide the testing for it, not the family.

I suggest talking to the principal and school team and finding out what they suggest.

Knowing does make all the difference if they are also taught not to use it for a crutch.

He also has to have an official diagnosis in order to recieve more school help.

Talk to the school officials and they can help you.

Answer 5

As a Teacher and not a Doctor, yet more aware of his every day difficulties, I am sure you know him better than most!

Have you talked to his Parents!

Have you suggested a "better Doctor?"

I admire your intuition, and hope all works out!

Bless!