Does my son have Asperger's disease?

[Cate77]

My son is almost 7 years old.  He has severe allergies, and when he contracts a cold or an infection, it usually turns into something serious like pneumonia or bronchitis.  He over reacts on things- pain is much more severe to him, if it's cold, it's freezing etc.  He argues to no end until he gets the answer he is looking for.  He also "tricks" me, for example, I will ask him to get his coat on for school, he will say "I have it on", when I make him aware that I know he doesn't have it on and ask him to put it on again, he becomes hysterical, crying and insisting that he has it on.  He has emotional meltdowns on a regular basis about things that normally would not be as shocking to someone else.  He has trouble in school, not acedemically but socially.  He is above average on his school work but has trouble focusing- so eventhough he knows the answer, he has trouble getting work done.  He reads at a 3rd grade level, comprehends well and reads with great expression.  He draws amazing artwork with compelling detail and quality much more advanced for his age.  He has problems making friends- he tends to be "overly" friendly, trying too hard to get other kids' attention, wanting everyone to play by his rules, or be quiet when he is trying to explain something, sing a song, etc.  He "hugs" friends too tight and the reaction of the other children is a bit scared or caught off guard.  He is being "bullied" at recess as well.  He does not like to eat things that have a gritty texture- eg: mashed potatoes.  He makes noises at times, rolls his eyes and turns his head repeatedly when trying to read or explain something.  He also jumps up and down and shakes hands when excited- sometimes he will embrace me quickly and say "mommy" like a baby.  I have not yet taken him to a specialist, but he does see a pediatric chiropractor that is assisting with the sensory issues.  Please give me your advice.  Thank you.  Cate

[Rachel Thompson, Ph.D., BCBA]

Asperger's Disorder is diagnosed based on significantly impaired social interaction and restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. You described a number of social difficulties, but repetitive behavior/restricted interests seem to be much less of a concern. In any case, a diagnosis can only be made by a qualified professional who conducts a thorough in-person assessment. I recommend having your son seen by a professional who specializes in diagnosing autism spectrum disorders. This individual should be able to peform the appropriate assessment and provide some recommendations for appropriate services. Whether or not your son receives a diagnosis, it will be important for you to work with your son's school to improve his social skills and to address the bullying that is going on. As I am sure you know, peer social interactions only become more challenging, so it is important to provide children the skills they need to be successful early on.

[espadrille]

Hi
I have Asperger Syndrome and an 18 year old with AS and run The Asperger Training Company in Sheffield, England.
It does sound as though he has traits as you described them
I always ay that an ounce of intervention is worth a pound of cure!

[Sally44]

You have posted on another post that your son has difficulties with food textures.  Does he have any other sensory differences, eg.
Is he okay with bright lights or is he fascinated with mirrors or shiny things.
Is he okay with noise or does he cover his ears, or does he appear deaf,
Is he okay with smells, tastes and textures of food.
Is he sensitive to touch or clothing or does he appear not to feel pain.
What is his balance and co-ordination like?

I would also recommend that he is assessed by a Speech and Language Therapist for her to assess his receptive and expressive language.  Sometimes there is a difference between their ability to produce speech opposed to understanding speech.  
Have a look at Semantic Pragmatic Speech Disorder to see if that sounds relevant.
You would also want them to assess your son for his social communication and interaction skills.

If they are using Social Stories that would indicate he does have difficulties understanding social situations or the pragmatics of language.  It also links with difficulties with Theory of Mind associated with being on the spectrum.

[Sally44]

That's a hard one to answer.  You tend to have an idea of what a 'typical' child is going to achieve.  When a child is born on the spectrum they don't come with a manual (although it would be useful if they did!).  They tend to develop differently at different times and at different rates.
All you can do it try to meet whatever his particular difficulties are.  There are many people on the spectrum with jobs (teachers, doctors, lawyers) at the top end of the scale.  So there is no limit to what they can achieve, but only time will tell what they are capable of.  Since my son was diagnosed I have met a number of adults on the spectrum just because I tend to 'mention' his diagnosis if we go out somewhere.  For example, my daughter had her last birthday at a climbing club and I phoned them beforehand to inform them of my son's diagnosis so that they were aware of it.  The instructor we had for that day told me afterwards that he was diagnosed with Aspergers as an adult.  
So although you cannot stop yourself looking into the future.  Try to concentrate on the present and maybe the next 2-3 years only.  And that is only because it usually takes 1-2 years to get things sorted.

[Cate77]

How long have you known you have AS?  Do you typically live a "normal" life?  I am worried that whatever is my sons problem, he will not advance in school and college, he will not date, get married, have children, etc...  I don't mean to be pesamistic, but it is very hard right now since we are just now realizing something may be wrong.  We thought for the last few years that it was just immaturity.  He is getting older and traits are becoming more distinct.

[Cate77]

Thank you for your time.  My son does not have speech problems except for his "th's" sounding like "s's".  He understands and follows directions well for the most part but sometimes he seems like he is in "la-la" land or he will tell me that I didn't say what I said.  Again, he will go into a meltdown insisting that I did or didn't say something.  He does understand double meanings but again, he tends to not be listening or something.  He is going to the school psychiatrist once a week for "social stories".  I don't know if you have heard of that but if not, it is where they actually "teach" social situations- they break them down and show the child how they should deal with them.  My son is typically a normal child, aside from the obvious things, like the eye rolling, the sounds and behavior issues- I just know there is definitely something wrong inside him.  Thanks again.

[Sally44]

I would also recommend he was assessed by a multi-disciplinary team that has experience of diagnosing autistic spectrum disorders.
What is his speech like.  Does he repeat things he has seen on TV or things you say to him.  Does he appear not to understand what you have said to him.  Can he follow instructions.
My son also doesn't have repetitive behaviours.  Occasionally he flaps or spins, but it is hardly noticeable.  Does he need any other routines or does he show rigid behaviours.  Can he cope with change.
As he is having difficulties at playtime, the supports that are usually provided for those on the spectrum is for them to be allowed to go into the library or computer suite.  But you need a Speech and Language Therapist to assess his speech and social interaction skills.  She can then put together a programme which may include him playing with another child during recess (playtime in the UK).  That can be supported to the extent your child needs.  For example my son is given the option of choosing what he wants to do at playtime (out of a choice of two things), and he can also choose who he wants to do it with.  The teacher already has a number of mainstream children who are willing and capable of playing with my son.  Your son might not need that amount of support.  But his social skills such as sharing, taking turns etc needs to be looked at first.
Is he aware of being teased or being bullied.  Does he understand lanaguage that has double meanings or sayings such as 'pull your socks up'.