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Marianne
Youth Forum
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Submitted by Jahearikline on Thu, 2008-02-28 13:52.
My daughter just viewed this film today in one of her psych. classes at the local university. Her older brother, my oldest child, was diagnosed with higher functioning autism and ADHD at the age of 13, the summer before he started junior high. (This was before Asperger was part of the DSM-IV manual.) He had an IEP, but the school (including high school) just didn't understand the condition nor how to work with my son. School was torture for him and he eventually dropped out. The summer after he turned 18, because of his continued refusal to comply with house rules and the danger he posed to his younger siblings, he had to live at our local mission for a few months. In retrospect, that was the best thing that ever happened to him. He had to learn self-control and flexibility in that atmosphere. He also qualified for state aid and a case worker who worked with him for several years. That was 10 years ago. He obtained his GED on his own, complete with graduation ceremony at the local community college. He now has a part-time job which he loves and has had his own apartment for 9 years. He will always struggle socially (crowds make him nervous), but is very intelligent and makes meaningful and insightful contributions to group conversations. He and I maintain a close relationship.
Adam and Mom & Dad - don't give up! It does get better, especially as Adam becomes an adult (and as his peers become adults).
Donna.Sturdevant@pnl.gov
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