New Here Hoping to get assessment

September 14, 2009

Hi everyone, my name is . I just signed up for this group last night and

have been busy reading the archives, saying " oh my goodness, that fits " " oh my

goodness, my son does that " and on and on. I'm sure you all know what I'm

saying.

My son turns 7 at the end of October. We are pursuing a formal assessment for

him. We believe he may have a mild form of Aspergers based on some of the

things we are seeing. He chews, he doesn't sleep well, he has difficulty in

social situations (although the more he knows a kid, the better he does), he has

some stim behavior, he is very anxious and routine oriented and more. I've just

finished writing out five pages of his little quirks to prepare myself for when

I get the call to start the assessment, and also to highlight some of the key

things for his teacher, who is new to his school this year.

My background is working with people with disabilities and behavior management,

which I'm finding very helpful - it allows me to look at the whole picture a

little more objectively? Like when are certain behaviors occurring, what is

triggering them, etc... However, I still feel overwhelmed when he has a meltdown

on the playground when he's had enough and trying to explain this to other

parents so they don't give me the evil eye and think I coddle my kid. Or when

we are getting ready to go somewhere and the pre-requisite 10 minutes of

complaining, arguing, bargaining, verbal insults before we get out the door

happily. Or listening to all the ins and outs of Lego Star Wars for the one

thousandth time.

If anyone has any tips on how to communicate with other parents about how my son

is different, please pass them my way! I don't know why I struggle so much with

this - it's like my tongue gets tied and unless I have a script I have no idea

what to say (isn't THAT enlightening...). Also, any hints for the assessment

process (in particular in British Columbia Canada - if anyone on the board is

from here). I'm very prepared to be an advocate for my son within the school

system, but sometimes I feel like I need encouragement in that department as

well. Perhaps everyone does?

I look forward to getting to know everyone and lending my shoulder for support

as well.

, BC Canada

son not yet diagnosed

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