Does my son have Aspergers?

I have five kids and I worry about my second oldest. He is 7 years old and he has been a constant struggle from the time he was a baby. Our son was diagnosed with absent seizures at the age of 3 but have recently found out that he is almost seizure free...for this I'm very happy about. Anyways, our son has been really struggling with school and teachers have called us for meetings trying to figure out what they can do to make his schooling easier. We informed his teachers about his seizure disorder but now knowing that he is almost seizure free...we're finding out that his struggles in school are not improving but his seizures are. I just attended his school conference and she told me that he shows signs of aspergers. I'm not sure how to take this...? To help you understand him, His teacher says he acts out willing nellie for no reason at all, he's very emotional, he blurts out talking without thinking about whats going on, (he also doesn't stop talking once you told him to stop, he has to finish what he's saying), he harps and nags over and over again like he's forgotten that he's asked, he's not doing well on his academics only art, He is very visual and most of the time cannot comprehend simple tasks such as putting on his shoes on the right feet, he's obsessed with sharks and animals in general that he can tell you every detail about them and will talk about them non-stop! He has a very big imagination that he tells stories a lot. His teacher says he struggles making friends and that he defiantly stands out from his classmates. He also has this thing about the way he walks and holds his hands? I really can't explain it, just know it's different from other kids. I really don't know if these things are normal or not but I'm hoping to get answers! I'm exhausted and hoping I can find ways to help him and make life a little easier between the two of us. I've been told that his teachers are putting him in Special need classes next year. Please help me find answers!!!

[Richard B. Graff, PhD, BCBA-D]

I appreciate you taking the time to write about your son.  I certainly understand why you are exhausted--I think any mother of 5 children would be!  You wrote that, "I really don't know if these things are normal or not", but you also said that "you just know it's different from other kids".  Some of the things you describe may not be typical of most children--but that doesn't necessarily mean that he has Asperger's!  

One of the first things I would suggest is discussing these concerns with your pediatrician.  be sure to describe his difficulties at school, and what his teachers have reported.  If your pediatrician is concerned, you could raise the question of whether or not their is someone in your general area who specializes in assessing and diagnosing children with Asperger's Syndrome.  Alsdo, ask your pediatician if he or she can recommend someone who you can talk to, who may be able to provide additional supports to you and your family.

If the school is planning on putting him into special education next year, you might consider asking to set up a meeting with individuals with the school, to ask about their plans for next year.  You should ask what additional supports, if any, can be provided for the remainder of this year.  I would inquire if the school provides any programming during the summer, as it may be beneficial for your son to receive at least some educational services during the summer.

I would also consider asking the school if they employ any consultants who are board certified behavior analysts, who may be able to provide recommendations about developing programs and modifying curricula that may promote more rapid learning, as well as programs to decrease some of the inappropriate behaviors thta he displays in school (e.g., talking out of turn, not stopping once he begins to talk, etc.).

Obviously, I cannot tell you how to best proceed with your son.  My suggestion, though, is to begin to find all the potential resources at your disposal--the pediatrician, the teachers, a local social worker, etc.--and see what resources are available to provide the best educational services to your son.

I wish you and your family the best of luck in your future endeavors.