Autism / Aspergers Syndrome - Anyone have any friends or family diagnosed?

I've been suspicious of my son since he was a toddler, not of autism specifically but I always knew there was something a little off about him.. To make a long story short after a few months of beating around the bush I come to find out he is most likely a high functioning autistic or has Aspergers syndrome which are very similar, I havent figure out what the difference between the 2 are.. I am unable to get a diagnoses until October but ever since its come about Ive reasearched it and he does have ALOT of aut/asp traits..
~Like I said above, I always knew it was something but it was so mild that it never concerned me that much, looking back Im shocked to see how of his quirks can be explained, its all making sens to me..
~One of my close friends who is a special education teacher saw these traits in him since he was 2.5
~His current teacher said it was apparent to her after the first few weeks of school
~My sons gym teacher (who is also a special needs teacher part-time) said she noticed very quickly also and she only spends 20 minutes with him 2 days a week..

I guess Im looking for some supprt from someone who actually knows first hand.. *shrugs*

I too am a parent of a son who has autism.  He is 19 years old, graduated last year (one of my proudest moments).  He is the joy of my life. He is not sever at all.  They say he has autistic tendences but can function on his own.  I have come to a cross road now in his life and also need so input. What now that he's out of school?  He likes very much routine now that he is out of school he's scared of what else is out there. Any idea of how I could motivate him and help him without scaring him?  Thanks!

Rivast, is he going to be attending college?  Does he have or has he had a job?

I have a fourteen year old daughter with autism. I would highly recommend ABA and also suggest that you check out the gluten and casein free diet that many autistic children are on. Many people, not all, but many, see a great improvement in their children after this diet. I certainly saw an improvement in my child, although she was 7 when she started. The earlier, the better, they say. You have to be very consistent with it. Not having a lot of these foods (wheat and dairy) in the house has been good for me also!!!

My best friend of two years (ex best friend) was diagnosed with Aspergers about a year into our friendship.

We were in the same class in the 10th grade and he wasnt very talkative at all. Wasnt social, wouldnt speak infront of the class or anything. During the summer befoer 11th I finally became friends with him. He would never go thru a lunch line or buy something at a fast food place or something, I would have to do it for him. I finally forced him into doing those things himself and into becoming social and making friends. He is really smart in math and computers also. His biggest fears are not being able to fit in or  find a g/f and stuff ilke that.

On the bad side, he has anger issues, tried to kill me because I wouldnt go out with him, and dropped out of school on the last 2 weeks and hangs out with 13-15 year olds now and he is 18. Most of that is from parenting how ever. Ihad to act like his mom and make him do homework and make him do this and that. His parents were never around and really just didnt care. gave him money and told him to do whatever.

Basically,  my advice is to

1. Always be around. There are going to be things you do that he doesnt understand why you are donig them..just like a normal child, but dont give up. Be extra attentive but not nagging or forcefull with it.

2 . MAKE him be social. DOnt FORCE him into it full force..but do it slowly. Introduce new things slowlly. Like the one person said, social skills can be taught.

3. Make sure he see's therapists for any issues and insecurities and such that he has.

This is all the advice I can offer, hope it helps.

Hi platinumbutterfly

I have an 8 1/2 year old son with severe autism, the doctors knew something was going on when he was 2 and still not talking so they waited another 6 months before deciding he needed speech thearpy.  When we started ST at 2 1/2 and the theapist knew at the first session he had autism, I did not, I have never even heard the word or seen the movie rainman.  It took from June to Oct to get the appointment at the evaluation center and then until Nov to get offically diagnosis.  The main difference between high functioning autism and asperger's is the ability to carry on conversation with others.  My opinion.  My son is beginning to use one word communications.  I believe his little sister who is 2 1/2 is really helping him come out of his shell.  Hang in there, you will be surprised at how the other children will help take care of him in class.  My son is going into the second grade this fall, but he will spend most of his time in special ed, but will rejoin the class for music, p e, library, lunch, and playtime on the playgound. 

krististarr

Hi platinumbutterfly-

I have an almost 9 year old (late July) son who was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome in first grade.  He's really high functioning and I was lucky to be in a MARVELOUS school system with a fantastic program that allows him to be almost completely mainstreamed.  He has to have Social Skills classes and I have to exagerate facial expressions for him to understand them, but he is a wonderful child.  Once they got around the Aspergers, they also tested him for IQ and found out that, much like most Aspergers kids, he is exceptionally bright.  He was coasting and nobody caught on because of the social skills. 

My son is a wonderful handful.  A lot of the work I do to help him is really hard, but the rewards are equal.  If you need to talk to someone a bit ahead of you time-wise in the world you are about to enter, please feel free to contact me.

I must say, I was surprised how many of us there are on this forum.

Lori