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  You are here:  AllExperts > Parenting/Family > Parenting Special Needs > Autism

Expert Profile: Catherine Ridenour

Expertise:  I can answer your questions about parenting your High Functioning Autisic or Asperger`s Syndrome child. In particular, questions about family life, discipline, siblings, finding resources, and working with (sometimes opposing) the educational system are welcome.

Experience in the area
I am the parent of an Asperger's Syndrome child who is now 22 years old. She went undiagnosed for 14 years of her life, so I have done extensive reading and Internet research into the possible cause of her difficulties. Even a short 8 years ago, A.S. was practically unheard of by the public educational system.

We fumbled our way through her childhood and early adolescence without any effective outside support. In some ways, that may have been a blessing as we were focused on her abilities rather than a label for her disability. However, I can think of many times when knowing WHY would have been comforting.

Had we known very early on, some social skills interventions might have made her life in school easier. At this point, I like her for who she is so I do not regret how things have turned out. More importantly, she likes herself.

Education/Credentials
I have a Bachelor of Science in Education.

I have worked to educate myself about Autism in general and HFA/AS in particular.

NOTE:

Please note that I have no control over the "sponsored links" at the bottom of this page. I do not endorse these web sites or their products or opinions. Use your own best judgment in evaluating any claim made. As with all things, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

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Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:  Autism is far more common in boys than in girls. This should not keep parents from believing a daughter has a Spectrum disorder if the symptoms are present.
Something controversial or provocative about this subject  There is much controversy about the causes of Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Since there are often near relatives with milder forms of "disorder", I tend to believe there is an hereditary component. I do not believe that vaccinations cause it as there are often symptoms evident before the child even receives the suspect inoculation.
Average Ratings
Prestige Points: 3956
Knowledge   9.92   Best of the best
Clarity of Response   9.95   Best of the best
Timeliness   9.92   Best of the best
Politeness   10.0   Best of the best
Number Of Questions
(in Past 24 Hours)
0
Max Questions to be Asked
(in 24 Hour period)
5
Total Questions
(since joining AllExperts)
459
Recent Reviews from Users
KnowlClarityTimePolitenessDate
1010101008/31/08
1010101008/30/08
1008/29/08
1010101008/28/08
1010101008/21/08
User Comments
Excellent information and clarification - thank you very much!
(Allen on 08/30/08)
I appreciate your service, Catherine. At times, parenting can make you feel as though you're the only one struggling with your child. This is an awe
(Rachel on 08/28/08)
Cant thankyou enough for putting my mind at rest with a few ideas of how to deal with Megan. I will definately try the bedtime routine differently and
(Vicki on 08/21/08)
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Recent Answers from Catherine Ridenour
2008-08-30  does my teen have aspergers? Hi Lucy, This may be kind of complicated. I don't think it is Asperger's but only an mental health professional could make that diagnosis. I do think she is very emotionally immature. Wetting oneself...
2008-08-26  My 7 yr old son. Hi Samantha, I do not claim expertise concerning the dietary or detoxification treatment of autism or PDD. Some people do find a gluten free diet to the helpful. Food sensitivities are a problem for...
2008-08-23  Daily Potty Training Accidents after 3 months of success Hi Lena, There are a couple of possibilities. One, he's doing something lots of 3 year olds do, he's asserting independence in one of the only ways he can. You can't make him go to sleep and you...
2008-08-22  8yr old son struggling w/ leaving mom Hi Rachel, Separation anxiety is something we do have experience with. Interestingly, it was not our autistic daughter who had it worst but our second daughter. Our approach was a gradual weaning...
2008-08-22  Flapping Hi Kate, If you are worried, I would seek the opinion of a neurologist. Sleep disorders are common in kids with autism. But sleep walking can happen in perfectly normal children. Flapping is not...
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