Autistic Children.....

The teacher and the school can not make that DIAGNOSIS!!!  If I had told a parent that when I was teaching, without ANY testing or input from the school psychologist, I would've been in BIG trouble.  If a teacher tells you your child needs meds, the school can be liable for paying for testing, meds and what not.  It's a big NO NO for a teacher to tell a parent that.  Unfortunately, school systems and special education departments rely on parents NOT knowing the full extent of the law.  Not that they are trying to get away with anything, but rather do things in their own time frame.  


My advice would be to have your pediatrician make that diagnosis.  From what I was always told, by my administration, "That is a medical diagnosis and schools are not equipped or qualified to make that diagnosis."  Sure they can do testing, but I think a pediatrician or child psychologist would be more thorough and better qualified to make the diagnosis.  Your son's teacher will have input (a detailed questionnaire), as will you and the special ed dept., which should do some observations in the classroom.  If he is diagnosed, then an IEP will be written, but IEP's don't get done BEFORE testing or diagnosis.  The school will be and should be involved with his therapy.  Any suggestions that a therapist gives, a school should include in the IEP.    I would be interested in the other "signs" the teacher has seen to think he needs testing.  Because what you've described sounds "typical" of MANY children!  

Educate yourself and don't rely on someone else (school or therapist) exclusively to determine your child's path!  

I went back and read all the other responses, including my own.  LOL!  I wasn't trying to make schools sound bad.  I don't know what school system you are in or what resources your school has for you.  Schools don't INTEND to screw you, so I hope I didn't make it sound like that!  I think you are doing the right thing by asking lots of questions.  An autism diagnosis isn't something to be taken lightly, nor is it the end of the world, if that's what it comes to (or is ANY label he may be given).  Sounds like you have access to some good advocates. 

Sierra (12) was diagnosed with that amoungst others.  We have an IEP.  She has to work with a special ed teacher and attend tutoring.  I suggest the Parent Advocate.  I used them and when I went into the IEP meeting I was prepared.  I don't have a lot of advice to pass on since this all happened last year.  I am still learning.  You can always send me a message if you need to.

Jimi

Primary care docs cannot (and SHOULD not) make any type of mental health diagnosis.  Pervasisve Developmental Disorder or PDD, (formerly known as autism/aspergers' syndrome spectrum) is in the DSM-IV and therefor a mental health diagnosis.   I work for a community mental health and we do not make these diagnosis' at this level.  We recommend that people discuss evaluations with the school/ISD in their community and also request a referral to a specialist from their primary care physician.  Both of these recommended are to determine the best possible supports for the child and their family.  However, we do work with families at the community mental health level to assist with linking and coordinating services, advocating for children and families, and supplying educational information once they have recieved a PDD diagnosis from either source.  I would recommend that you try to get involved wtih your community mental health and if your insurance will not cover it, ask about an ability to pay worksheet (most always, you can get to a zero/low cost).   Also, there is an agency called association for children's mental health.   They have care managers in the every county and they are a free service that also assists in this area. ( http://www.acmh-mi.org/  )


Good Luck!!!!!

My girlfriend's son has Asperger's.  he's very bright and doing well in school now.  he does attend therapy sessions.  As he has grown he's doing better and better.  he also has a lot of food allergies, including severely allergic to peanuts.
I was told that my son was hyper by the teacher.  They wanted to test him, so I let the school psychologist do the testing.  I also took him to a neurologist and had him tested on my own.  The neurologist tested him as very low intelligence and comprehension.  We did put him on ritalin and had him re-tested a month later.  He had improved one full year in comprehension and up to normal range in intelligence.  He was also put in a class with a special ed teacher (Resource Room) for different subjects.  He got extra help through out school, went on to college and graduated with a bachelors degree in Manufacturing Engineering, so, there is hope.  I also was very worried.  Things will work out.  I suggest you read up on Asperger's and see what you think.  I'm sure this has thrown you for a loop, but it's not the end of the world.  The teacher may just be 'looking for things'.   Have him tested.  Then go from there.
Jan

I have a grandson who was diagnoised in kindergarten in Michigan. We have found that Concerta has helped greatly. He has a special teacher to help with his math and reading and he is doing much better. We still have problems with socialization following the naughty kids and not knowing when not to follow, so he gets in trouble. The school sent my son to the psychologist to have his son tested.  We also found certain foods make his behavior worse like certain cheeses and food colorings. We are also using Omega 3.Hope this helps.

Wow, that is the first I have heard about the food/food coloring.  I am still learning though. 

We had to go with the testing that the school provides because I was told that my insurance did not cover the testing that we needed, and the dr I was refered to was $1600 - $3000 for the test.  Talk about capitalizing on the situation.

Once we get a "diagnosis" from the school, we will procede with assistance to get him tested for a 2nd opinion outside the school realm. 

I have noticed that he is turning into the class bully.  It does not help that he is large for his age, I am 5'7" and dad is 6'3" so he is going to be very tall.  Its hard to realize some days that he is only 6.  He is taller than his cousin that is almost 8. 

With Aspergers Syndrome, we don't have the learning issues, we almost have the opposite.  He is extremely bright.  We have the problem with him getting bored in class.  The teacher gives him extra work papers, and blank paper to write or draw so he is occupied while the remainder of the class finishes thier work.

Did someone recommend the omega 3?  Do you know how much he is given?

Thanks for the insite.

Pam

My daughter  in law  works for a Dr. who gave here some samples. She put it in his peanutbutter sandwiches and spaghetti and ketsup and mashed potatoes at first. Then my friend who works in the Health Food store showed me some gummies and a little pouch the size ketsup comes in. I've tried both . The pouch rastes like orange cream sicle and my grandson likes the gummies. Neither one do I taste an after taste. I will start back on the pouch when the Dr. says I can. I will let you know the brand names when I get home.  My daughter inlaw has noticed a difference already 2 month after starting. He is able to handle his emotions better and is more assertive and creative. My grandson is very good at Rock Band and Guitar hero video games. They stimulate both sides of the brain with the colors and eyehand cooridination required. I am a seasoned pediatric nurse and had never experienced this kind of stuff before my grandsons were diagnoised. I have another grandson who has just the ADHD with agression outbursts. Both are doing well on medication. You know tuna also has Omega 3 or any ocean fish also contains it.  I also use wholewheat pasta that contains Omega 3.It takes awhile to buid up in the system. I will contact my daughterinlaw and see what book she uses.  Her sisterinlaw who is a physical therapist lead her to the book even before diagnoisis.We noticed something wasn't right when her son was 2yr.old He was jumping around and very restless never could sit for very long.I just got worse to the point 2 weeks into kindergarten the teacher called them. The other one with ADHD would just come up and punch you and not know why he did it. Then in school when they started to read he had a very hard time focusing. Once we put him on Vganasesp? Within a week he needed no help and is consistantly on the honor roll and comes right in and does his homework. I can definitely tell the days he's not on medication. He has verbal outbursts  and you have to keep redirecting him for simple tasks and he's mor arguementative over nonimportant stuff.There are also state laws that require the schools and work places to provide special considerations for these people. My soninlaw had ADD and in nursing scool had to go to a different room for tests  so he wasn't distracted. Check google for the laws or there are good support websites out there too.

I am also going thru this right now with my 2yr old but not with a school involved.  Since you are in Pinconning, it may be possible for Bay Arenac Behavioral Health to test him, not sure on the cost though.  I do know that your Pediatritian can call them or you can too.  Good luck with everything.

We are currently working with Bay Arenac ISD to get the initial testing.  They have 30 school days to get it done.  They have been wonderful.  They spoke to the principal and his kindergarden teacher before even meeting with us when I emailed them and told them our concerns. 

The key factors for my son, is that he walks and runs on his toes.  He gets excited he flaps his arms like he is trying to fly.  We thought it was sensory issues at first. 

What has irritated me the most, is that my SIL worked for the schools for years, and is very involved in her church.  When I said something about having my son tested, she looked at me and said we have thought that for years.  Yet no one wanted to approach it.   The hardest is trying to get my 86 year old MIL to understand that sometimes some of the things he does just cannot be helped.

Thanks

Pam