Autism/Expert Profile

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:

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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.