Aspergers....my child just diagnosed...need info, advice and support group info

If you are looking for a sport for him, try tae kwon do. I have seen many children with Aspergers excel at this sport. Swimming is also a good one.

It is extremely difficult to deal with austim and Asperger's as a parent, and I can't imagine doing it from a distance and not being to help out on a daily basis. I couldnt imagine being away from my son at that age, as he was initially diagnosed with moderate autism when he was 2-1/2. I guess my advice would be to provide consistency in your relationship with your son. Those with Asperger's and autism rely on routine. I don't know how often you see your son, and what sort of relationship you have with his mother, but my suggestion is to keep in contact with her as much as possible. More importantly, find out what type of eduational support and therapy he is getting and research that. As his father, you have a right to a copy of his individual education plan (IEP) if he is in the school district. If not, ask his neurologist for a copy of his diagnosis and treatment report. You can than ask the doctor and child study team if you can keep in contact with them perhaps via email--maybe ask them to send you updates on his progress. So when you do visit your son, you will know what to expect and how to help him out. In this way, you will have the best quality time with him and help him progress. Fortunately, your son was diagnosed early, and as you said, he is considered in the high functioning range. As it was explained by my son's neurologist when my son turned 8, "he is no longer within the spectrum of autism. He is now considered as having Asperger's." So while there may be social and emotional issues as he gets older, you would be surprised at the progress your son will be making over the next few years. So get involved as much as possible. Be very supportive. Let your son's mother know she is not alone and that you want to participate as much as you can. Good luck.

You have to be patient firm but understanding with these kids. Most are sensitive, lovable and with a little help they can lead a normal life. You have to identify your child's weakness and try to help inthat aspect. Not being present in his daily life makes it a bit difficult to diagnose his weakness but try to be close to him. Understand where he is failing. Such as making friends with others. Try to develop a strategy how to overcome this. Invite a few of his classmates at home for a small party or to play together.

First I want to say I'm very sorry to here this news and I sure understand, or I should say I can imagine how difficult it is to be so far away from your son to begin with and then get news like this. I do have friends with a 16 year old son with autism; I'm not sure of the type so I don't know if it's Aspergers or not. I do know he has progressed remarkably in the past few years since he's been in a summer Y Camp where they go to the local swimming pool several times a week as well as take other short trips to different attractions and do various activities. He's gotten much better socially and at communicating with others. His parents are very proactive with him and take him to many different places. I hope things turn out well for you and I hope you have a good enough relationship with your son's mom to be able to be as involved with his life and treatment as is possible considering your distance from each other. Hang in there, they are learning more every day and I'm sure your son will do well. Blessings and prayers. Annie