Autism vs. Asperger's Syndrome - We have the answer!

In December of 2009, Stephen was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This is a VERY broad diagnosis which includes Autism, PDD-NOS, Asperger's Syndrome and more. When I announced to friends and family that the results were ASD, but not specific, I did say that figuring out which part of the spectrum Stephen fit into would be a long process that could take months. At first, I was sure it was autism. Then, I saw another side of Stephen that was more aspie (nickname for a person with Asperger's). We did have a doctor say that is was more than likely PDD-NOS if we could not pin down which side of the spectrum Stephen was on, but the doctor made that assumption based on history only.

To our relief, Stephen has finally started back to seeing his occupational therapist. He spent 1 year with her when he was in the first grade. He went the entire year of 2nd grade with no O.T. at all. He does work with a speech therapist at his school, but we saw a rapid regression. I made the call a few months ago to get him back in, and our first appointment was yesterday.

I was very comfortable with his O.T. giving a definitive answer of Asperger's Syndrome or "AS." Although we have heard it from others, it was never from a specialist that treats these kids every day and has worked with Stephen every week for a year. Ms. Terry confirmed that Stephen is DEFINITELY an aspie, which is good news. It's the highest functioning form of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Stephen is very bright and makes really good grades in school - especially math. He could talk to anyone all day about video games and his favorite comics. He has a very rigid routine, much like a person with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I don't know if that will develop into that particular diagnosis or not. Right now, we are treating his symptoms and difficulties, rather than the name behind this "beast."

The main things we will soon be working on are sensory processing integration, communication between his left and right hemispheres of his brain, motor coordination, social skills and working well with others as he will be doing more and more in school as he moves up through the grades. I can see now that his love and fascination of mathematics could lead him to a very successful career in technology, programming or engineering. He's going to be the brains behind the business, but will not be the one to manage others, make presentations or be forced to work with a team of people - and that's okay.

We are trying to teach Stephen that Asperger's is not a bad word. It does not mean that he's a bad kid or a stupid person. It's just part of his personality and what makes him tick. I try to tell him every day how smart he is and we practice social skills often, although he is resistant right now. I know that will get better with time and therapy.

He's doing well in school this year. 3rd grade is a difficult one, but he has a very patient and loving teacher with peers who know he's special that try to help him out and accept him for who he is. They know that Stephen is just... well... Stephen. And we love him for who he is - the whole package - Asperger's and all.