aspergers

[jenni2503]

Hello folks. Please help, my son has all the signs of someone with aspergers. His behavior is becoming worse now he is getting older (now 8). it has caused severe tension and stress in my relationship with my husband (steo dad), and have now separated. i have been waiting over 2 years for a school referral and 9 weeks for a gp referral for assessment. today have now been signed off work for 3 weeks (as i have no one to look after my children and Im extremely stressed). We are all walking on eggshells with my sons behavior (self, hubby and three other kids). is there away to get help or fast track the referral route for assessment?

Jenni - what sort of issues is he having? I am asking because I am starting to wonder if my dd has aspergers.

Lots of different issues - problems with interaction with children at school, getting upset/angry at slightest criticism at school, lashing out at me at home, talking about being unhappy/nothing being fun. But at other times being normal and happy.

his behavior seems odd to other kids. he fidgets constantly. always humming, muttering, singing. talks like an adult to adults. very manner able. bites the sleeves and collars of clothing. doesn't wipe his bum properly after the toilet. doesn't see social queues, doesnt know when behaviour is inappropriate, addicted to mind craft on you tube. can tell you anything about dinosaurs or planets. constantly flapping. very high levels of anxiety. will not engage in converstion with my husband. no eye contact.

Lots and lots of "red flags" for Asperger type difficulties in your list.

Have you done any reading? I like Tony Attwoods complete guide to aspergers. It is very clear and you can easily find parts that interest you.

I covered my copy with post it notes before one appointment for Dd3, I wrote examples of where her behaviour matched the behaviours mentioned in the book.

CAHMS told me to treat Dd3 as though she did have Asd even without a diagnosis because the strategies might work for us and they certainly wouldnt do any harm.

They were right, we introduced visual reminders into our home and her behaviour began to change very quickly.

Our visual timetable has helped us to reduce her anxiety and my nagging over getting ready to leave the house. Our red and yellow card has helped her to understand when her behaviour is becoming unacceptable.

You have come to the right place for help and support.

Good luck

You asked about fast tracking a referral - we're in a similar boat, waiting for assessment.
I've tried to pull strings to fast track (I have close relatives who are des which usually speeds everything up), but have been told that there's no way.
Instead, I have spoken to as many people as I can who have lots of experience with ASD (including mn) and taken what I can out of it.
In the last 6 months we have seen a real improvement for using the 5 point scale, we have timetables and lists for everything, make sure there is always a way for ds to switch off.
It's very frustrating waiting though.

to speed up the assessment you could phone the assessment centre and ask if they've got any cancellations. Phone them regularly. You will have to be willing to take annual leave at work at very short notice though.