Topic : 01/17 Extreme Disorders

Hello, I have a 5 yr old son that was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at the age of 3. He is currently in a special education program through the school but everyone is at a loss of what to do with him. He is on three different medications, which include, Risperdal, Tenex and Adderall but he is still so aggressive and defiant. I am working with a behavioral specialist to try and change this behavior but that hasn't officially started yet. Nobody knows what to do with his behavior. When I seen Alex from the show, he looks like an older version of my son during a meltdown. It's so scary because my child gets extremely mean during a rage. Luis' current nuerologist is also at a loss. We have tried different medications that just aren't working. I have mentioned a brain scan but nobody will listen and when I heard about this brain imaging, that is something I will bring up to the Doctor. Anyway, this show really hits home for me and I sure hope a lot of people are watching because this diagnoses is so misunderstood.  

Sincerely, 

Joni Field 

I knew my son was different, I just didn't know what was wrong.  I talked to doctors and they seemed to put it down as an over reacting first time mother.  My own mother came to me a month after my son's third birthday.  She felt he may have an ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder).  I initially refused to consider the idea and I began to do intensive behavior modification training as well as intensive learning with him.  I also contacted my son's doctor and told him of my mother's statement.  He, too, thought my mother was wrong.   

But I couldn't get the idea out of my head and I began researching.  It could be possible.  So I called for a pysch eval. 

I also changed careers.  I got a job working in behavior therapy with children on the autistic spectrum.   

After a month on the job, my son was diagnosed with PDD-NOS.  Four months on the job, my husband and I split up, leaving me a single mother. 

I've worked with many children and teens on the spectrum, some were diagnosed with classic autism, some with aspergers and others were PDD-NOS. 

No two children were alike.  Children with ASD are not their disorder.  They are children with a disorder. They will all act differently.   

Dr. Phil showed Alex's story to give us a slice of a life.  He was not generalizing the disorder. 

It is my hope that seeing this one story will make others think and maybe research something they do not understand. 

 My son is now 6.  I have often been ridiculed in public for my child's behavior.  I have been told that I should never have had a child if I can not control him.  I have been told I should 'just give him what he wants when he tantrums, I have been called horrible names.   I refuse to let that deter me.  I still take my son out.  It is the only way he will learn.  My son has been kicked out of child cares, he has been stared at in stores and made fun of in Sunday School.   

I trudge on.   

While Dr. Phil may have attempted to educate some people in this world, I do not think much will change.  This world will not change for my son.  He needs to learn to fit into this world.  So far, we are doing a good job.  He started kindergarten this year.  He struggles, but he is learning.  We both are. 

I am grateful to the DR. PHIL show for bringing awareness to the nation about Autism and Asperger's in particular. However; the show fell short of showing the big picture of Asperger's. That being severe deficits in social/emotional issues across the board. Asperger's children/adults are typically very adept academically and posess a great awareness about thier own disorder however; still cannot maintain long term friendships, relationships, etc. This is NOT 100% of the time but in general. Additionally, most people within the autistic spectrum are gentle, sensitive individuals by nature... it was disturbing to see the yelling on the house cams , this does nothing more than escalate the situation. Even raising your voice an octive can be perceived as yelling ~ I know this because my  son  who has Asperger's has explained it to me.   

You will never please all your viewers no matter what....so I do appreciate the efforts made to bring attention to Asperger's and related disorders. 

Cathy W. 

For more info on the diet start at the web site www.autismndi.com.  Read Karyn Seroussi's book.  Also see a DAN! doctor or the Pfeiffer Treatment Center - they will first recommend the diet and then move onto the biomedical imbalances that can be corrected naturally.  The Tomatis method of auditory integration is also fantastic.  All of this can turn a child around, hundreds have lost their autistic symptoms and I have seen it with my own eyes.  You will believe it when you see it too!!!