Posted Sunday, March 16, 2008 - 21:17 by Anonymous
I'm new to so much of this, but I thought I would explain, then ask for guidance. Born in 1989, she was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis as age one. Multiple hospitalization, didn't walk until age three and a half, didn't talk until age three, for years all was assumed related to the JRA. Open heartsurgery at age three due to an atrial septal defect, again more delays. Speech therapy up until her 8th grade. We held her back in the 3rd grade due to maturity issues. We have had her tested at school three different times for a learning disorder to no avail. She always tested below average, but not extremely significant. Pediatricians and specialist never could quite put their finger on it. TEACH program at Chapel Hill was an option, however, out of network and not within our budget and 2 hrs one way. When she turned 18 we got her in to see a psychologist and several visits later we have this diagnosis of Asperger's Syndromel. I'm grateful to have a diagnosis, however, I feel helpless on what to do. She is a senior, hopefully graduating in June. No support groups in our area. How do I help her gain some independence? be safe in society? My patience wears thin at times when she seems to be coming into the "teenage girl years" of boys.
A "plan" for the future from her is just not in the real world. Will she make it to college? She works at a grocery store part-time, but has been counseled related to her "social skills" - inappropriate at times, lacking at times at the register, literal always thus confusion. Suggestions are welcome. Thanks for reading.
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I'm new to so much of this, but I thought I would explain, then ask for guidance. Born in 1989, she was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis as age one. Multiple hospitalization, didn't walk until age three and a half, didn't talk until age three, for years all was assumed related to the JRA. Open heart surgery at age three due to an atrial septal defect, again more delays. Speech therapy up until her 8th grade. We held her back in the 3rd grade due to maturity issues. We have had her tested at school three different times for a learning disorder to no avail. She always tested below average, but not extremely significant. Pediatricians and specialist never could quite put their finger on it. TEACH program at Chapel Hill was an option, however, out of network and not within our budget and 2 hrs one way. When she turned 18 we got her in to see a psychologist and several visits later we have this diagnosis of Asperger's Syndromel. I'm grateful to have a diagnosis, however, I feel helpless on what to do. She is a senior, hopefully graduating in June. No support groups in our area. How do I help her gain some independence? be safe in society? My patience wears thin at times when she seems to be coming into the "teenage girl years" of boys.
A "plan" for the future from her is just not in the real world. Will she make it to college? She works at a grocery store part-time, but has been counseled related to her "social skills" - inappropriate at times, lacking at times at the register, literal always thus confusion. Suggestions are welcome. Thanks for reading.