HFA/Asperger's children can turn out to be perfectly fine adults even without any treatment. I know that might be hard to believe and some may find what I said is wrong .... but I know.... first hand.

There are no links that I am aware of that link weed to autism. Otherwise everyone born in the 70s would probably be autistic!

Honestly, like with ANY child out there, their upbringing will determine how they handle adulthood. Their personality, convictions, morals, parents, surroundings, environment, drive... all of these will affect them the same they way they would a neurotypical child. Can they learn to "hide" the fact they are autistic? Sure...to an extent. But, autism is nothing to be ashamed of. :) Can they grow up, get a job, get married, start a family, go to college? Absolutely!! ALL of the above!!!

First and foremost, autism can be hard for some parents to stomach. Please, keep that in mind when dealing with your grandchild and his parents. A lot of parents will walk away from their special needs children because they cannot accept it. How old is he? For many children with HFA, they don't get diagnosed until they are little older and it's not always on the parents. Even doctors refuse to listen sometimes (my case with my own son). Once he enters school, the teachers will begin to notice differences in the children and will bring it up to parents. Legally they CANNOT suggest a diagnosis but will point out abnormal behaviours and ask the parents if they can do some "testing" and questionnaires. For example, my son was STILL parallel playing (and I KNEW this was an issue) at age 5! He would have meltdowns, get upset by smells and textures and he'd throw himself into walls and chairs and even other people, amongst many other issues. Once the school was behind me, doctors began to listen to me. And sometimes this is when the parents begin to listen as well!

I say, politely bring it up without pushing them or diagnosing him yourself. And gently encourage them to ask his pediatrician about certain behaviors you observe. And when they come around, be supportive (not "I told you so"). It's a lot to take in for anyone, but worse for people who may be in denial. Good luck to you and your grandbaby. I hope all works out, keep us posted!

@A MyAutismTeam Member if your grandson is diagnosed, he is likely eligible for Medicaid dependent on the severity of his condition. I had no problem getting my son on Medicaid. I didn't even have to go meet with anyone. It was all done over the phone through Social Security. The earlier the diagnosis, the better. I can't imagine how you feel with the parents not being concerned. The more support you have from the family, the better. Good for you for researching and taking initiative. My grandparents are a HUGE part of my son's life, and my grandmother is my very best friend. I hope your grandson can be properly diagnosed soon! God bless!

Mentioned Users

A MyAutis...

Here's an idea. Find an extra curricular activity to enroll him in. Horseback riding, swimming, karate etc. By doing so your giving him OT & Socialization. Key elements needed in their case. Just don't tell his parents it's OT and beneficial for kids in his shoes.
I'd also like to recommend him starting supplements like b12, d3, and magnesium. All help with focas and toning down. Just give the impression it's only natural vitamins that help everyone. But if you feel that's pushing it too hard just stick with the extra curricular activities while keeping quite about the main reason you want to enroll him.

Your grandson is not in a worst case scenario as I've never heard someone wish that were lower functioning on the autism spectrum. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) has changed over the years and Asperger's Syndrome isn't officially used anymore. My daughter is moderate I guess but I've never heard a doctor say that exactly.

DSM-5 (2013)

The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the DSM-5, was approved by the Board of Trustees of the APA on December 1, 2012.[38] Published on May 18, 2013,[39] the DSM-5 contains extensively revised diagnoses and, in some cases, broadens diagnostic definitions while narrowing definitions in other cases.[40] The DSM-5 is the first major edition of the manual in twenty years.[41]

A significant change in the fifth edition is the deletion of the subtypes of schizophrenia (paranoid, disorganized, catatonic, undifferentiated and residual).[42]

The deletion of the subsets of autistic spectrum disorder (namely, Asperger's Syndrome, classic autism, Rett Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified) was also implemented, with specifiers with regard to intensity (mild, moderate and severe). Severity is based on social communication impairments and restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, with three levels: 1 (requiring support), 2 (requiring substantial support) and 3 (requiring very substantial support).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diagnostic_and_St...

I agree with the answer but please do not stress. Having Aspergers or Autism is not as bad as you might think. Stay strong and positive. I 'm an Aspie ,that is the name some with Aspergers choose to call ourselves. I was diagnosed as an adult with Aspergers syndrome. I went to college graduated with a business degree. Had a full time job and worked my way through college . Got married had kids etc. There are many successful people you may have heard of that are on the spectrum... Bill Gates . Dan Aykroyd, Daryl Hannah, Steve Jobs . Just name a few.