Autism / Autism Spectrum Support Group

Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder which manifests itself in markedly abnormal social interaction, communication ability, patterns of interests, and patterns of behavior. Although the specific etiology of autism is unknown, many researchers suspect that autism results from genetically mediated vulnerabilities to environmental triggers.

889 Members
6,081 Posts
0 Online
Developmental & Learning Disorders
/ Autism / Autism Spectrum Support Group

I'm parent of a child with high functioning autism

noah1989
noah1989

Hi I'm Noah, new the to the group, looking to meet other parents with kids who have autism. I'm 28, a speech language pathologist in an elementary school and a single parent to 8 year old twin boys. Taden is the older by 2 minutes, he has ADHD and an auditory processing disorder. Tyler was diagnosed at 4 with autism, bipolar disorder not specified, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, and adhd. I knew at 12 months that Tyler had autism but tried to deny it for so long. Even after he was diagnosed I denied it. 


It's been really hard to get him any services. The best I've been able to do is find a counselor or mental health therapist. He's seen a few but all they seem to do is teach him to deep breathe when he's mad. I can't get him services through the school because academically he excels. I'm having a hard time lately, not having anyone to relate to. I was leaving work with the boys on Friday, and one of the teachers mentioned that "it must be nice to leave right away" at the end of the day. And all I could think was... I'd rather be able to work late than it be necessary for my son to have to go to therapy at all. Some of the people I work with know that Tyler has autism but not everyone. "he seems fine" his special needs are "invisible" (to some). It's just getting harder.


Community Leaderacuriousfish
acuriousfish
hi, not a parent - I'm on the spectrum myself. I also have bipolar disorder and so knowing about that I'd really challenge that a 4 yo can be diagnosed with bipolar disorder - it's fine if he's not been put on meds for it because for now it will just remain "on paper" and he can be assessed later in life but if there has been any suggestion of putting him on meds for bipolar then for everyone's sake get another diagnosis for that particular disorder.

My understanding is that disruptive mood dysregulation disorder actually replaced childhood bipolar - as in childhood bipolar has been taken off the books.

If you want more info I have it - just PM me.
sambod
sambod
hi there. mother to a high functioning autistic with generalized anxiety disorder. My son is 19 now. I'm not sure why you are not getting services. even though your son may excel academically, if he is having behavioral issues in the classroom, then he is entitled to at least a BIP or behavioral intervention plan.

My other question is .... you said he excelled academically. Is he is a regular general ed. classroom or is he in a special needs classroom and exceling? If he is not in a general ed classroom then he qualifies for a 504.

here is a copy of a link to describe the differences between an IEP and a 504.

https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/special-services/504-plan/the-difference-between-ieps-and-504-plans

my advice to you is to contact your local autism society and your state's special education department and describe your situation and see what they say. With the autism society, ask for a list of advocates for your area.
noah1989
noah1989
@sambod He's in a general ed room, he's gifted so he has high marks and because of that the teachers over look little things. He doesn't have a ton of behavior issues in class, its little things like blurting out, talking a lot, etc. so teachers don't seem to find it a problem... He had a tough time in kindergarten, but I moved them both to my elementary school. 1st grade went well, with few visits to the office but it happens. I worry terribly about his social skills but again, teachers don't notice anything stand out. I'm the speech therapist at his school so this year I'm hoping to get him into a social skills group with our sped teacher, but I'm not sure if they'll allow it since we're coteaching the class. I have reached out to our local autism group and I'm going to start going to the group events so I can meet local parents so I'm hoping I find resources that way.
noah1989
noah1989
@acuriousfish I'm aware of the discrepancy between bdp and dmdd diagnoses. Based on intense family history of BPD in our family it is clear that he will be diagnosed with it later in life. The neuropsychologist that diagnosed him included bpd not specified so that it's in his records, so other psychologists can be aware of it down the road, so they understand that its suspected. Also, if I tell people he was diagnosed with dmdd they don't understand what that means, so I just stick BPD because people tend to better understand what's going on when I say that. I myself have BPD and I see this as his biggest hurdle. I'm not upset or worried a ton about him being diagnosed with autism, I just think he has differences, he has to work on a few things but he does really well. The BPD scares the hell out of me, because I know how bad it can get and I worry that he could develop even worse symptoms that I have and it could really negatively impact his life.
meigemann
meigemann
Hi Noah,
I also have a son with high functioning ASD so I understand the difficulties that go along with getting services. My son is now an adult but I remember the school days like they were yesterday; I was often at the school for an IEP meeting or calming a meltdown so I know and understand what you're going through. Have you ever thought about bringing in an advocate who could help you get an IEP for your son's? I'm not sure where you live but I know that here in Michigan we have the Michigan alliance for families maybe your state has something similar??? My son's school never recognized his ASD diagnosis but we were still able to get him the services he needed through an IEP. Good luck and keep fighting for your boys, they are lucky to have you in their corner.
learner17
learner17
Hello Noah,

Does the school your sons go to have a school counselor? Maybe the school counselor can help you to get the proper services for your child.
Posts You May Be Interested In
  • Community Leaderacuriousfish

    Struggling...

    Posted by: acuriousfish
    Last Reply: acuriousfish
    5
    I find myself going places in the car and not wanting to get out of the car. I come back home and I don't want to get out of the car. I think it's the only time I spend reflecting. Chronic tiredness from Long Covid plus the immunosupressing meds for my Crohn's is slowing me down but everything just seems a massive effort. I am dealing with the paperwork following my father's death but it's not...
  • GTTMbutstillme

    Wednesday Check In

    Posted by: GTTMbutstillme
    Last Reply: GTTMbutstillme
    4
    Wow, it's the middle of the week already!Today is our 11 year anniversary, so we're going out to a nice dinner.  I'm losing a lot of sleep these days, hence a wonky schedule and uncomfortable feelings.  But I know it will pass, eventually.I hope all of you have a peaceful day, and may good things come your way!