Aspergers and the Infant Child: How to Recognise the Signs; Starting School and Problems Encountered; Practical Advice for Parents/teachers.

by Mccoy, Colette

• ISBN13: 9781456789756
• ISBN10: 1456789759
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-09-02
• Publisher: Author Solutions

Summary

"...I did not want to see problems where there weren't any, because I was more aware of aspergers than the average parent. Also, teaching children with special needs is quite different than accepting that your beautiful daughter has such needs- a label just makes it all sound so final..." Aspergers is a 'hidden disability;' as it is not a physical disability it does not register automatic understanding. It is a series of developmental disorders known as 'The Triad of Impairment,' including: communication, social interaction and inflexible thought/imagination. My child is aspergers, she does not have aspergers- it is not an infectious disease; there is nothing 'wrong' with her- she merely has different needs. A label has a tendency to emphasize the negative, not the positive and the person. This book details Elizabeth's journey (and that of many families) but also provides valuable information for all families of children touched by aspergers. I have found many aspergers books to be of a clinical nature and not accessible to parents who have just been given a diagnosis; often without subsequent advice and support. In my experience, a diagnosis can be like someone has thrown a grenade at you and is then running away- you are left to deal with the fall-out! Hopefully, this book is accessible to all and will help people- it has certainly helped me and when Elizabeth is older, I hope it will explain a few things to her. I also hope that it will enlighten professionals who work with her (and others like her.) My point is that I am the closest person to my daughter and I don't fully know or understand her. How can they? I honestly don't expect them to do so; I do expect them to have an awareness of the condition and to understand that a child who is aspergers has particular needs, even if they are not always apparent.

Excerpts

I still remember her 'diagnosis;' it was as if she had some sort of disease- "Your daughter has aspergers." There isn't anything 'wrong' with her, she isn't ill; she is aspergers., she hasn't 'got it' -like a fatal disease. I felt lucky that she wasn't ill, some people have far more to contend with, I thought. So, why did I cry?Take some time for yourself, time to adjust- it can be a great healer. Remember: you know your child best so don't be pushed into anything by those who think they know best. You have to modify life to help your child. I have met many parents who have not accepted this because they don't want their child to feel different. The reality is that your child has always felt this way. It can be a relief or a shock; accepting it means that you can then seek help and your child will benefit. Don't take anything for granted- human beings learn to communicate innately (instinct, without thinking) but your child will have to learn what others take for granted. Never assume!You can use your child's interests to their advantage and nurture them. There are many differences in people and these are to be celebrated, not denied, nor changed. Aspergers children have a strong ability to focus/concentrate and are good at learning facts- 'word for word.'Your child will not be 'cured' - I avoid reading anything that tells me so! Do approach the internet with caution, look at reputable, knowledgeable websites only.