Re: pmg/autism confusion

March 30, 2008

I'm not sure where you live but I'm in Ontario Canada. The only reason I can

think that they would want the autism label to stick is becuase here in Canada,

not sure about anywhere else, there is a lot of funding going into the Autism

population. And unless you have that DX you can be denied a lot of services and

funding for your child.

I know that we've been denied a lot of services just because my son doesn't

have the Autism DX. Just a thought. Or a could be they really don't know the

difference.

Hope this helps

Maggie

Colleen wrote:

Hi,

I teach kids who are visually impaired and I am looking for help for a student

of mine. I read about PMG being mistaken for autism in a book review about a

child named Schuyler.

My student displays many of the " soft signs " of autism, but he is obviously (at

least to me) not autistic. He is very affectionate, he takes turns, briefly

engages in play with other children, speaks (although he is very hard to

understand), points to objects, engages in pretend play. He does have

" meltdowns " with aggressive behavior although it is improving. He is also

visually impaired. Kids who are VI often display " blindisms " that can be

mistaken for autism.

He was diagnosed with PMG after an extensive neuro exam. Toxoplasmosis during

pregnancy is listed also.

My question/problem? This child's parents are convinced that he has autism. All

their family and friends say that he does. They want him to receive that label

and are just not budging.

Can any of you give me any information that could help me? Have any of you

experienced a misdiagnosis of autism? Do you have any ideas of how I can help

this little guy & his parents? Any help or suggestions you can give are greatly

appreciated.

Thanks.

March 31, 2008

Hi Colleen,

I have been working with children with Autism for 15 years and I have an 11 year

old with PMG.? About 3 years ago I did place him in the Autism program - with a

lable of other health impaired - I have more flexibility in the placement

becasue I run the Autism program.? Anyway, I truly believe it is the best place

for him.? My son has seizures that are not controlled and becasue of that his

cognitive functioning and academic abilities vary significantly.? Being in the

Autism program his academic needs are met depending on his functioning level.?

He also often demonstrates a lot of the executive functioning deficits and some

pragmatic deficits that are common to children with Autism.? He may not display

them every day, but often enough that the setting is beneficial to him.? His

best friends all have aspergers.? In fact recently my daughter asked me if he

was Autistic - this questions arises often becasue of his class setting - I

reminded her again that he did not - he was sitting in the back seat and said "

no I have aspergers " ? I said no buddy you don't have aspergers.? His response -

but all my friends do.? So he doesn't look at it as a bad thing and identifies

with his classmates.? He also has many opportunities to socialize with typical

peers although again his best friends have aspergers.? So, I personally feel

that the label of Autism or PMG is not what matters.? What does matter is where

the child's learning/social needs are best met and if an Autism label is needed

to drive that preferred placement than so be it.? As long as the child is

receiving the medical care for PMG then the school can address learning as

needed.? I hope this helps.

?Joanne

pmg/autism confusion

Hi,