Our diagnosis
Jack fits the criteria for Asperger’s Syndrome - he is considered ‘active but odd’. In line with this definition, Jack will initiate interactions with others but in an odd, repetitive and often inappropriate way.
Jack’s play is repetitive and predictable, rather than imaginative. He plays out the same scenarios over and over again, and only with familiar toys and objects. If he initiates play with other children it is usually as a lion or a dog (his particular area of interest). When interacting with others he doesn’t often hold eye contact unless he is involved in a topic of his interest.
Jack uses language on his terms, talking ’at’ people rather than with them. He takes language literally, and often needs time to process language before gaining a real understanding of what is being said. His language is repetitive and often inappropriate. He is usually oblivious to other people’s body language and the non-verbal information in the environment. Jack doesn’t cope well with unfamiliar people, becoming aggressive and non-verbal.
Jack’s general behaviour is repetitive and obsessive. He loves procedure, routine, pattern and rules, and doesn’t cope unless he has control of his environment (again becoming aggressive and non-verbal when things don’t go as he plans). His thoughts and interests are concrete and rigid, and he is overly sensitive to many noises, smells and textures.
We don’t know what life will hold for Jack. To look at him you would think he were a typical child, but get to know him and you will find a different story.
One thing is for sure, Jack has incredible focus, an incredible sense of determination and a very big heart. We have very quickly learnt that Jack will determine his own path in life, though as with any child we’re sure that it will be a rollercoaster ride and a very steep learning curve for all of us along the way.
October 16th, 2007 at 5:20 pm
Thank you for posting and keeping us up to date on your and Jack’s experience with Autism.
I am a grandmother who suspects her grandchild may be autistic. The parents of this child have yet to admit something is a little “odd” about their child’s behavior.
So please keep posting.
October 16th, 2007 at 9:05 pm
Thanks Sharon for your comment.
I hope everything works out for your grandchild. It can be a really hard thing for parents to acknowledge something is a little different about their child - I know it took us a long time to admit Jack’s behaviours were a little more than a ’stage’ he was going through!
Best of luck, and stay in touch!