What is the difference between Asperger’s Syndrome and Classic Autism?
We have covered the changes in the way that the different subgroups of autism, such as Asperger’s and PDD-NOS.
You can check out some of the posts here and here.
But we felt that this video would shed some very useful light on the current situation.
Autism Awareness
When I first started to write about autism on this blog a year or so ago my first post looked at the our son’s diagnosis with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) about seven weeks before his third birthday. You can read the blog here – https://patienttalk.org/how-easy-was-it-to-get-your-child-diagnosed-with-autism/ – it would be really great if you could have a look and maybe share your autism diagnosis story. This will really help others going through an autism diagnostic process!
One of the things that has always interested me is at what age people get diagnosed with different types of autism such as Aspergers, PDD-NOS or in our case of our son classic autism. In fact one of my wife’s cousins started her son’s autistic diagnosis when she saw the first symptom at around 10 months. Constipation interestly enough!
So I though a poll would be handy to give us all an opportunity to pool our knowledge. So please feel free to vote below. If you want to share anything more please use the comments box below to add your thoughts.
Thanks very much in advance!
| RinkjevanderWeij | I was diagnosed at age 12 with ADHD and at age 24 with higher functioning autism.
I’ve had problems fitting in to the world my whole life but my diagnosis has made it easier for me. You could say my life began anew with the diagnosis, because people understand better why I do things the way I do or why I react in a different way. |
| irlam7 | Watching casualty tonight and they tell parents that there son might be on the autistic spectrum and they break down. From my experience of having a child on this spectrum, I must say through all the ups and downs of my experience with my boy it’s been a pleasure. I have a daughter who is on the doesn’t do what she’s told and knows better than anyone spectrum and wouldn’t swap any of them for the world. I would like to say I am a proud father of a boy with aspergers. |
| diamz | i live in Laredo tx and was wondering where can i take my son to be diagnosed or re evaluated , my son is 9 yrs old and was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 4 but we have been having lots of problems with him at home and need help , not sure where to look can anyone pls help us out .. Thanks Diana.. |
| terri fleming | my son was diagnoised at age 11. After years of being told we had just babied him too much, he was the baby in a family of 4,hes lazy. all things I was told. Just read to him over and over like that was all he needed. I learned to respect my mom voice. I knew my child was smart, and I also knew “something ” was different about this little boy. We’ve come along way, home schooling now, hoping to return to a different school next fall. I have learned so much from watching this little guy learn how to live in this noisy, fast paced world. he is so forgiving and loving even when other children are just down right mean to him. If as a parent you sense something about your child and your not getting the answers or help from their school or DR. keep looking! Your child needs you to fight for them, they don’t have a voice unless you speak for them. |
| mikalena | My son was diagnosed with autism at 3 then he had a MRI which diagnosed him with multiple Brain lessions he has difficulty with his balance he falls easily when running cant climb without falling and is being fitted for a wheelchair Please is anyone out experiencing this I’m so lost and scares of the next steps |
Autism Acceptance
When our son was being diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) nearly seven years ago now; one of the points of discussion with various healthcare professionals was the terms of reference of the diagnosis.
By that I mean what sort of label would our son be given. Aspergers, autism or the then unknown to us Pervasive Development Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) were all explained to us. But we were told that we would not be given an Aspergers diagnosis. Why we asked? The answer was simple. The local council say Aspergers as “not a problem” and this would not fund and treatments or early interventions. Therefore the local healthcare professional always diagnosed with the label ASD. In fact our son has classic autism so no problem there.
At the same time in America a different process but with a similar outcome was underway. In fact this was the removal of Aspergers as a diagnostic category in and of itself. You can read us more about it here http://www.livescience.com/37333-dsm-aspergers-disorder.html.
At the time there was some sharp discussion about the issue within the autism community but quantitative opinions seemed to have been ignored. So we though it would be useful to run a poll trying to see if there is a consensus view from the autism community.
We would be very grateful if you could take part in the poll below. Please use the comments box to share your view and reasons behind it in more detail.
Many thanks in advance!
| YvonneScott1 | I am undiagnosed , but having gotten to the age of 64 please believe me I know I have asperges . I have struggled all my life trying to copy other people’s responses . Since turning 60 I seem to have come to the conclusion I am just who i am and I’m now comfortable with being “different” however I think if I could officially identify myself as having asperges it would make me more comfortable. |
| JaneRitchie | I have 2 sons, my 8 year old has a diagnosis of high functioning autism, where my 6 year olds diagnosis states he is on the autistic spectrum with aspergers. Both are very different children with very different support needs, so I am grateful their bits of paper state they are in different bubbles. |
| sneedley13 | I agree that there should be a general heading, but I do think each ‘area’ should have its own diagnosis, especially when it becomes obvious which way the child is tending. My son was diagnosed ASD, but when he was assessed by CAHMS, they told us that he had markers for Asperger’s, Autism and Dyspraxia, as well as being mildly Dyslexic. We were told that because there were more markers for Autism than any other ‘area’ that is the diagnosis they would give although we were given info about Asperger’s and Dyspraxia too.
I think the biggest problem is that, while we can all compare behaviours/traits/issues, no two ASD children are the same, which make diagnosis and therapies all the more challenging. We have found that we just try what we think might work, and if it doesn’t, we try again. We are very lucky that Connor has an excellent TA at school. @everything I really feel for you, and shed a little tear when I read your post (and please don’t take this as condescension, I can assure you it is not!) I cannot imagine what your day-to-day life must be like, and I can completely understand your frustration around us complaining about things that must seem almost trivial to you. But please do NOT apologise for ranting, that is exactly what these kind of support groups/sites are for! Stay strong, and God bless |
| faithfuldad | I think there can be a general heading, yes, but each subject should have its own separate and distinct diagnosis. ‘Specialists’ have had difficulty assessing our son and have given him different assessments over a period of 5 years. The only agreement btw their assessments being that he had learning challenges. A lot more attention should be paid to deeper research in this area and we are keen on being a part of it. Our hearts and hands go out to all parents and children faced with this challenge. We hope that all will go through this with faith, commitment, encouragement and especially positive results for both children and parents. |
| CathandLogan | In reply to momof2asdkids.Unfortunately there are alot of aspie children who have an asd diagnosis just because they can get better funding that way. If the doctors are going to have to abide by the rules around diagnosing then I think it is a good idea. And sorry to say @mumof2asdkids but it would be very likely that your child would be put into hf asd or aspie group. and alot of parents will resent this too. My son is mid range asd. Non verbal and only will be able to attend a special school, with little expectation to achieve. I too have to wonder what will happen to him when I am not here to look after him and he too will need someone to care for him for the rest of his life. Those with kids at school have no idea how lucky they really are and really have no way of understanding what it is like to have a fully disabled child. |
| momof2asdkids | In reply to everything.everything I Agree, there needs to be a separate diagnosis for each. My ASD child doesn’t have classical or severe autism, but he does have moderate ASD and because the school system can’t “see” his disability, they are choosing to pretend like it doesn’t exist. He stims in class, he is clearly different than the other children, you can’t understand him when he speaks and he does more screaming than speaking, but because he can memorize letters/numbers/words/flash cards they want to slap a Aspie label on him and he just *isnt’* there. I would love for them to have a separate HFA/Aspergers diagnosis just so we can bring his ASD diagnosis to the school and tell them “look, he’s not HFA/Aspie, so you need to help him and not tell us to wait it out”. |
| tjnel | In reply to everything.everything I totally agree. My son has what they call mild to moderate ASD, but I don’t see him as having autism or being autistic. It’s confusing for people who aren’t in this world, as soon as they hear the word Autism they think ‘Rainman’. Yes our son has issues with coping, but it’s manageable for us. Most of the time we can reason with him. I have never had to clean poop off the walls. What my son has, and what your daughter has, I believe, maybe on the same spectrum, but it’s not necessary to put them in the same box. Why they have to change things just when they are being recognised is beyond me. I view Autism as being a bit harder to deal with than what we have to deal with. We got lucky. I guess it’s a convenience for the medical profession to put all these labels under the same umbrella. |
| everything | I don’t want to undermine the struggles aspie go through. I know it’s important for them to get therapy and that’s why they classified it this way so there’s a nice check box next to the dr forms so they can get help as much as “regular” ASD kids. HOWEVER, I do not relate to HF autism or asperger’s kids. This is not my world. it is super frustrating to go into threads where they are so up in arms that the majority of ASD kids were labeled mentally retarded and they were offended. Well, before aspies were grouped in yes.. 70% had that label and it’s not awful it just is and we work through it and use our therapies. Or they get offended that people want to cure autism or this or that… they just don’t GET what it’s like to have a LF/severe/ classical autism kid and that is super frustrating. So yes, I would VERY much like to not be grouped together. When I go to a forum for support it’s usually HF people who don’t get anything I am going through and it is beyond frustrating! My life isn’t about quirkiness or even not enoughfriends at school, or being too smart, or not socializing.. my life is cleaning poop off the walls.. wonder how I am going to deal with a period in a diaper when she turned 12. Knowing she most likely won’t ever speak, use an ap to speak, point, marry have kids be toilet trained.. ever know that I am her mom. I wonder if she will every be able to use a spoon or drink without choking every day and when I have those concerns people just say optimistically give it time. Those people don’t get it either. You can see your future at a certain point and it’s fine but don’t belittle the situation. It’s hard! I pray my kid becomes and aspie but probably won’t. She will have the mentally retarded label and the severe label and the non verbal label and that’s our life. We just don’t relate at all to doesn’t have enough best friends. My kid could care less about friends. Wouldn’t be able to learn their names anyway. I am having huge issues with this lately so hence the rant. Sorry but it’s true. |
We Rock The Spectrum Kids Gym Boca Raton
Welcome to the latest in our series of guest post about autism. Today Gail Field shares her inspiring story. While many autistic parents look for suitable activities for their children Field went one further and set up a gym as part of a franchise called “We Rock The Spectrum Kids Gym”.
The picture illustrating this blog is her flyer. Please click to enlarge.
Field’s web site can be found at http://www.werockthespectrumbocaraton.com/.
Ms Field shares “My name is Gail Field and when you look at me you would assume that I am a typical Suburban wife, and mother to three beautiful children. However, my life is not typical at all! I have been a West Boca Raton resident for fourteen years raising two children who are now sixteen and eighteen years of age. While raising my children I was on the Parent Teachers Association for 5 years at Waters Edge Elementary, and have been involved with the sports community as well. Four years ago I was blessed with a surprise Pregnancy and had a baby boy at the age of 40, being an older mom made me worry, as most woman would do, yet we embraced what lyed ahead. When my son was six months old I started questioning what and why things he wasn’t doing or was doing, he wasn’t reaching certain milestones that are typical at certain ages. People said I was just being neurotic and the pediatricians kept telling me that there was no cause for concern. Every time I went to the doctor’s office I voiced my opinions with heart-wrenching questions, I knew in my head and my heart something was seriously wrong with my beautiful baby boy. I would lay in my bed and cry because I watched my son deteriorate in front of my eyes. Long story short, my son Jayson was diagnosed at eighteen months with PDD a form of autism. It has been quite a journey the past couple of years, while learning and growing every day, Jayson participates in several different types of therapy, as early intervention can be extremely beneficial to these children who are diagnosed with disorders such as PDD.
One rainy day I wanted to take him somewhere fun, somewhere that wasn’t your typical Monkey Joe’s / Chuckee Cheese, some place where I didn’t have to say I am sorry every five minutes because Jayson was a little different, or not up to par with the other kids, where we felt welcome. With this constant scenario I started googling and couldn’t find anything in South Florida to accommodate my child or any other child with disorders such as this. It disheartened me so I went further and found a place in California. I went on the website and read about We Rock The Spectrum Kids Gym for all Kids and thought what an amazing place this is, there motto is A PLACE WHERE YOU NEVER HAVE TO SAY SORRY!!!. My life has centered around my son knowingfully well that I would have be the one to find and seek opportunities to safeguard his future. Every mother of a toddler is tired yet I knew that I could never sit back and accept what limited resources there were. Many phone calls, emails, and texts ensued to WRTS in California. I met an amazing woman named Dian Kimmel, the founder/ owner of WRTS California….after several conversations we decided to bring the gym to Boca Raton, and as of December 26th I bought the franchise. I am not a wealthy woman and we are just a normal family living pay check to paycheck. Deep in my heart, I believe this is what I am suppose to be doing. WRTS/Boca Raton will not just benefit my son Jayson, but all of the children in the South Florida area and for that I am forever grateful!!”
Autism Awareness
In this guest blog Karen Brown shares the results of her recent research in the behaviours of autistic children and the challenges to parents. Brown says “I am very grateful and thankful to all the parents who took the time out of their already busy lives to complete my survey. A lot of parents passed my survey onto others, and many parents gave me encouragement, positive feedback, and took the time to personally contact me. I admire and respect their attitude and dedication to their amazing children. Thank you to my beautiful children Justin and Chloe, who have inspired me to learn all I can about ASD and gifted me with the experience of seeing the world through different eyes. Thank you to my supervisor Associate Professor Cyril Latimer, who answered my emails so promptly, gave advice, yet encouraged so much freedom, and supported me when I need it. “
The purpose of this study was to research what behaviours parents of children with ASD found the most challenging, difficult and stressful. Total response rate from parents was excellent with 417 responses at the time data analysis began. After controlling for missing or incomplete data, final number of participants for statistical analysis was 348. Of the 348 respondents, 219 requested a copy of the results.
There were 333 female parents and 15 male parents from multiple countries around the world: United Kingdom 71, Europe 9, United States 120, Asia 4, Australia 112, New Zealand 10, and Other 22. Information for the children was: 77 female, and 271 male, with 266 under the age of 12 years and 82 over the age of 12. Category of diagnosis was segmented into autism 129, Asperger’s 169, and PDD-NOS 50.
Investigations of child gender revealed no significant effects on parental stress, therefore indicating gender of child is not linked to higher or lower stress in parents. Diagnostic category of Autism, Asperger’s, or PDD-NOS was also found not be linked to parental stress, with no difference in parent stress found between the three categories.
Age was segmented into two group of over 12 years of age and under 12 years of age. Age was found to be linked to parental stress with parents of children under 12 years of age experiencing significantly higher levels of stress than parents of children in the older group.
Questions from the survey were segmented into four groups representing the categories of development, behaviour, future and stigma. All four categories were significantly related to parental stress. The most significant category related to parental stress was stigma, followed by behaviour.
The questions with the highest means for stigma were: “How your child is viewed by other children?”, “How your child is viewed by adults?”, and, “Your child displaying difficult or challenging behaviour?” Questions with the highest means for the category of behaviour were: Anger and outbursts, Child’s behaviour being the focus of attention, and, Screaming and yelling.
Highest rated questions for future were: Future outlook for your child for close social relationships, Future outlook for your child’s employment, and, Future outlook for child’s romantic relationships. Questions with the highest means for the category of Development were: Being included socially, Ability to make and retain friendships, and, Sensory difficulties.
It was clear that the main concerns parents had were in relation to the stigmatisation of their child, friendship development and the children’s acceptance by their peers. Challenging behaviours were strongly related to parental stress and the stigmatisation that parents felt when these behaviours were in public was also significant.
Feel free to use the comments box to ask any questions or comment on the results of Brown’s research.