My 8-yr-old may have mild aspergers--any recs for good links to read more about this?

[justlearning]

This week we've been told that DS may have mild aspergers, so I'd like to read more about it. Obviously, I can do a general google search, but I was wondering if any of you have recommendations for specific websites that explain the diagnosis well and/or good moms' discussion boards about aspergers (especially those dealing with kids his age).

[karstmama]

i don't have anything, but want to offer some support. how are you feeling about this?

[Gena]

Hugs. It can be hard to hear this type of diagnosis. At the same time, an acurate diagnosis can make it easier to find resources and services to help you and your child.

OASIS (Online Asperger Syndrome Information and Support) has a good website: http://www.aspergersyndrome.org/Home.aspx Click on the Articles tab for lots of helpful information. They also have a forum, but it requires a membership fee. They have a 2-day free trial, so you could check it out and see if it's what you are looking for. (I'm not a member, so I don't know what the forum is like.)

MDC (Mothering) has a Special Needs Parenting board and several of the parents there are have kids with Aspergers and other forms of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Wrong Planet is another good website with articles and a discussion forum. http://www.wrongplanet.net/ Wrong Planet's forum is primarily for people with Asperger's and other ASDs, rather than for parents or professionals. However they do have a Parent's section where parents can discuss the issues of raising a child with Asperger's. Reading the other areas of their forum can be helpful when trying to understand the perspectives and experiences of individuals with ASD. I always find it enlightening.

If you haven't read Tony Attwood's Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome, you might want to pick up a copy. It's very informative and insightful. http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Aspergers-Syndrome/dp/1843106698/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316784669&sr=1-1

[MichelleRC]

The Tony Atwood book is great.

I also liked Freaks, Geeks, and Asperger's Syndrome, written by a 13 year old boy with Aspergers.

Another really good one is Can I Tell You About Aspergers Syndrome? A Guide for Friends and Family. I gave that one to DH to read as well as DS's teacher.

This website had lots of good info too: www.yourlittleprofessor.com

LMK if you have any other questions, my almost 9 yo was diagnosed last year.

[justlearning]

i don't have anything, but want to offer some support. how are you feeling about this?

Thanks for asking how I'm feeling. When a new therapist suggested it as a possibility on Mon. of this week, I didn't think it could be true. But then when a cognitive specialist also said the same thing yesterday, it was very hard to hear. And DH's brother has severe autism, which makes it extra hard for him to hear this news.

The timing wasn't great either--yesterday was the four-year anniversary of when our younger son was diagnosed with fourth-stage cancer. I feel like I've dedicated the last years to helping him and he also is in ST and PT, so I'm feeling drained by it all.

Thanks so much, ladies, for your suggestions on websites and books. I'm going to check those out.

[justlearning]

LMK if you have any other questions, my almost 9 yo was diagnosed last year.

Thanks so much--I appreciate your offer. I'll PM you some time (not now--feeling too overwhelmed).

[larig]

Like PP, I've got no recs, but do want to send a hug.

[WatchingThemGrow]

Here is an agency near me that is supposed to have good info http://teacch.com/articles-and-references-on-autism/articles-on-autism

And hugs to you as you continue to work through issues with both your sons. :hug:

[karstmama]

i've heard excellent things about teacch, too.

[Gena]

i've heard excellent things about teacch, too.

The autism classroom at DS's school uses the TEACCH methodology and we loved it.

[citymama]

No advice, but I'm sending a hug to you and positive thoughts to your family. :hug: