Pros and Cons of Autism Diagnosis?

[Sylvia727]

My 9-year-old brother is showing symptoms of Asbergers/Autism. All four of my mom's children (and most/all of my cousins) have various disorders and disabilities. He's been tentatively disagnosed with OCD and a number of anxiety-related disorders. All of this makes Autism more likely. Complicating the situation is that my little bro was emotionally abused for 2-3 years, so anger management and trouble communicating could easily be the results of that. Reading the symptoms of Asbergers off, though, sounds like a word-for-word summary of his problems.

Now, my sister has an alphabet soup of learning disabilites, and our school district treated her like sh*t. Moving her to the "special" department was even worse, because they were condescending and praised her for the equivalent of coloring books. Meanwhile her grades went down the toilet because she refused to do the busy work and she got in arguments with the teachers getting her detention/suspension. My mom fought with them for 2 years and finally got her transfered into the 'alternate' high school, where she's doing incredibly well.

My mom's afraid to get my bro tested for Asbergers because she's afraid he'll be labeled "retarded". Based on how this school system treated my sister, it's a realistic concern that they won't treat him right, either, and her school is only high, not elementary. She wants to get him the help he needs, but she doesn't want to stick him with a label that some people (including his school) will use as an excuse to treat him like sh*t. We can't afford a different school or any supplementary education.

Right now he's doing okay in schoolwork, even though we know he's smart enough to do awesome. He is having personality conflicts with other students and has been called to the principal's office three or four times so far this year for starting fights. Any suggestions?

[ArenaBoy]

It's best to get some diagnoses as you can figure out a way to work around it. Also, try to notify the doctor to label things just Aspergers not mentally retarded. That's the best I can offer. Also look into seeing if your brother can transfer into an alternate school IF possible.

I'll let you in on my story. I have ADHD, my mind is basically scattered. I was diagnosed with it when I was 2. As soon as the time rolled around for me to start grade school, the board refused to take me in. Add in the facts that I rarely talked, sucked at math (BIG time), and the board is convinced that I'm retarded. However it was thanks to my parents and 2 teachers that took a liking to me simply told the board to get stuffed.

I was basically enrolled into a alternative program but still got to go to elementary school. I still have some "advantages" but I can use them if I feel that I need to.

Sadly it sucks that a lot of people tend to treat those with mental disabilities like shite. I want nothing to do with my school again after the way I got treated by some teachers, other students, and the board because of ADHD.

[king4aday]

As someone with a teaching degree, I would highly suggest that you get your brother tested. Simply for the fact that in terms of his education a teacher/school would know how to work with him so he can learn the best. The school district can develop an IEP (individualized education plan) that will work best for him. This is given to all of his teachers (who keep it confidential of course) so they know what the plan is, and they make adjustments to his learning accordingly.

Of course, this is the ideal situation. If he isnt getting the help he needs from the school district, then perhaps it would be best to move him to another school which will be willing to work with your family. Just a suggestion.

*side note* I have a couple friends with autism (controlled with medication), and a co-worker with aspergers. Its just a diagnosis, it doesnt mean that its going to control his life, or dictate it in any way. He will still have his own life to live :)