for my oldest. He is ADD and has asperger's syndrom(mild form of autism). The asperger's is where we are having trouble with. Social problems galore.

They're finding that with Aspergers and more serious forms of autism that the ability to read people, pick up social cues and such is basically a type of social intelligence and the autistic brain just doesn't pick up on those things in the automatic way most folks do. They have to be actively taught things that come automatically to most of us. Also issues with sensory input are often extremely sensitive with these kids which also makes social interactions more problematic.

Was Linda Thompson able to give you any information that you found helpful in working with your son? I know you've got your work cut out for you, so all the support you can get is good.

Take good care of yourself too!

Scattered

She said we had the ADD we are doing well with. But I knew there was something more. She told me he needs to be completely trained on social and told me to read a book called Asperger's Syndrome. We go back next week as there is still something else undiagnosed with regards to comprehension/common sense/reasoning. I am baffled and feel a tad overwhelmed with him most of the time and so frustrated with his behaviour. Now that I know we can move on and work with him. She loved what we have built in for him, his love for drawing, tae kwon do, very good with younger kids etc. One day at a time. I have a lot to read up on. By the way I am ADD, DH thinks he is ADD and aspergers as I see my son a lot in him.

It sounds like you've been doing a lot of things right for your son already. Even though it's probably a bit overwhelming at this point, like you said at least now you know what you're dealing with. I'm ADD too and have an ADD daughter. My husband is dyslexic and probably also ADD, so I understand the family affair thing well. We're still working on finding the right treatment and lifestyle adjustments for her -- it's a process to be sure. A book I'm reading by Sam Goldstein called Raising Resillient Children talks about how important it is to change our expectations based on the reality of who are children are. That's one of the ways knowing a diagnosis can be helpful I think. Keep us updated on how things go.

Scattered

Thank you for your support. I am baffled, overwhelmed. Did I tell you I am add and husband thinks that he is add and aspergers too! I will figure it out--just need time to process everything.

It takes time -- this is for the long haul. Be patient with yourself as you figure all this out.


Scattered

What do you do with siblings? He is the oldest and great with youngest. But the middle one I feel so sorry for and middle one is always screaming to get him to understand. Very frustrating situation all round. I am worried about middle one who has been through a lot with older brother and feel I need to do something differently but do not know what.

I don't know the answer -- I know it is difficult enough sometimes for my youngest having an older ADD sister even without the aspergers issues. I would encourage you to try and find a way for the middle child to have one on one time with each parent (I know that's not an easy challenge)-- that can go a long way toward helping deal with the extra challenges of having an older brother with developmental difficulties.

Scattered

Yes, we do that. I try to explain to him what his older brother's difficulties are. The weird part is he is much more mature than his older brother socially already. Won't be long before he fights back to people who look down on his older brother.