March 10, 2010
What is the difference between autism, and autism spectrum?
Category: Autism
Doctor states child is autistic, school says chld has autism spectrum disorder?? What is the difference? Can medication help with any of this?
March 10th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
Here is a great website that explains what it is:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/autism/complete-publication.shtml
I would recommend therapy above all else especially speech and occupational. It will do wonders for him. I would also get a professional to examine and test your child to make sure the school is correct. I would get your general doctor to refer him to a specialist. There are all kinds of resources that are out their to help you.
March 10th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a general term that includes Autism, Asperger Syndrome, PPD-NOS and others. The reason they used different terms is that the Dr. gave you a specific diagnosis of Autism, but the school can only determine eligibility for special services. Sometimes schools refer to it as “autism like behavior).
Medication is sometimes used to help an issue caused by the autism, say anxiety, but there is no pill to cure it like an antibiotic will cure an infection. It’s closer to say that individuals with autism learn to manage their condition. This is done through learning the skills needed to overcome their individual deficits. IMO unless there is a physical danger, it’s best to save medication to control behaviors as a last resort. Much better to teach the person through therapies, love and patience more appropriate behaviors.
Right now the best thing you can do is to educate yourself about autism and the different treatment/therapy options that are out there. There is no one size fits all treatment plan. Every person is different. You are a full member of your child’s’ team and the best expert on him there is. You need to help the development of an appropriate plan because you are the constant in the different areas of his life (school, home, activities) and get the big picture.
Best of luck- it is an interesting, exasperating, exhilarating e-ticket ride!
mom of 2 on the spectrum