I'm no expert but I have a little experience and a big curiosity. Mostly with Aspergers. My brother in law has Aspergers and I used to work with a 3 year old who was not very high functioning. He didn't speak in words but he had noises that you could figure out if you knew him. He could do a puzzle faster than any of the other children in his preschool room. He had trouble transitioning from an activity he enjoyed. I wish the system, could somehow let them do what they like more often, but in mainstream rooms they focus on trying to get them to go along with the class so they will learn to fit in..
I currently work a few hours a day with an eight year old with Aspergers. He's a delight!! He says the funniest and most inciteful things. I prefer talking with him to "average" children at times. I help him with his homework so he will complete it. He's easily distracted but very capable of doing his school work. He just needs reminded to keep focus. He needs breaks or he gets overwhelmed and he gets mad when the homework is very similar to what he's been doing the days before. He gets bored with the same old problems, understandably. Because he's high functioning he is starting to get a sense that he's different than other children and it's hard to watch him as he gets frustrated at other children that don't understand him. I try my best to help him approach others in a way that will get a better reaction from others but he often cries and wants to fight with others over things that seem insignificant to the others. I think some of that comes from being a bit spoiled at home. He's the youngest and the next sibling up is 19 I think...
I've heard it said by others with Aspergers that they feel people just need to try harder to understand their way of thinking, instead of trying to change them. I read a book written by an adult with aspergers who wasn't diagnosed until he was in his 40's I think. It's called "Look me in the eye". It's great! There's also a website called aspiesforfreedom.com here's what is says on their home page:
Aspies for Freedom began in June 2004. We have the view that aspergers and autism are not negative, and are not always a disability. This was a new concept to many people, but since we started the idea has spread further and now we are joined by many people who share the same positive view. It was called Aspies for freedom as the founders were all aspies, though the group is for anyone with autism, asperger's or any spectrum condition. We know that autism is not a disease, and we oppose any attempts to "cure" someone of an autism spectrum condition, or any attempts to make them 'normal' against their will. We are part of building the autism culture. We aim to strengthen autism rights, oppose all forms of discrimination against aspies and auties, and work to bring the community together both online and offline.
I find that pretty interesting.
As far as what causes it...there's obviously a huge debate out there and I haven't a clue what really causes it. I've read a ton of books by mothers with children with Autism and by doctors. I tend to feel that environmental things could cause some to be effected, maybe in connection to a genetic predisposition. I think when they are young, there could be no harm in trying the gluten free casien free diet that helps the intestines of some of the children that have a problem in their tummies. The idea behind this is that some of the chemicals in vaccines negatively effect the gut which harms the digestion and elimination of toxins, effecting the brain.. A great book is "The Vaccine Book" by Dr. Sears. He's NOT ANTI VACCINE. Hes a pediatrician that believes parents who choose to delay vaccines should not be left alone without pediatricians (some doctors will not work with you f you want to go against the recommended schedule). His book goes over each vaccine and discusses the risks of catching the disease and the ingredients in question and then gives his opinion.
I'm pregnant now and am still mulling over the whole vaccine decision. Because my husbands brother is on the spectrum and he was a child when there weren't even as many vaccines as today I feel like I should be cautious about vaccines. I think I will probably delay most of them past the age Autism usually shows signs. The ones I choose to get for my young one will be spaced out one at a time, and I'll avoid ones that aren't as necessary like chicken pox.. Some believe the side effects of the vaccines are worse than if they actually got what is being vaccinated against. I realize this is a VERY sensitive issue and don't judge anyones choice on the matter. All I can do is educate myself as much as possible (which I believe I have) and act accordingly.
Also, I know of a few children who didn't speak until 4 or 5. One of them started speaking in full sentences all of a sudden when they hadn't talked at all. I guess he just didnt feel like it. Another child at work that I don't work directly with, speaks very little but he is getting more verbal. He's 9 i believe..
~fmy
