This was my mantra for the first few years of my son's life. I knew he was different somehow. It was then that I began to wade through a stream of diagnoses: Autistic like behavior, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Asperger's Syndrome. I had a lot to learn. And I did. I have now been advocating for my 14 year old son since his initial diagnosis of Pervasive Developmental Disorder (at the age of four). His current diagnosis is Asperger's Syndrome. As changes occur while raising a child along the Autistic Spectrum, so must the intervention, education, and advocacy. I believe that many of the core deficits in Autistic Spectrum Disorders are shared, and therefore the fundamental needs can be similarly addressed.
Currently in the United States, the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition,) is the diagnostic criteria used to diagnose Asperger's Syndrome. It has been stated in the past that one distinguishing characteristic of AS is the absence of significant speech/language development. However, more recently it has been established that some children with early language deficits/delays have been later diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. (Review DSM-IV Text revision for a broader and more complete definition).
Asperger's Syndrome is and autism spectrum disorder. According to the 2002 CDC findings currently in the United States ASD affects an average of 1 in 150. This is based on diagnosed and documented cases published February 9, 2007.
According to Tony Attwood, a leading expert on Autism Spectrum Disorders, Asperger's Syndrome is characterized by a number of impairments that affect language, social behavior, motor clumsiness, cognition, interests and routine, and sensory sensitivity. For more information visit www.tonyattwood.com.
I've created this local web site with the intent to provide the reader with the most current resources and information in assisting children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders. It is my hope that this site offers access to early intervention opportunities relating to services and educational materials. It's important to successfully address the needs that will serve and support children along the Autistic Spectrum. This site is to be viewed only as a resource reference to help guide you along your journey.