Asperger's Syndrom DOES NOT = Mental Retardation!!! | MyAutismTeam

Connect with others who understand.

sign up Log in
Resources
About MyAutismTeam
Powered By
Real members of MyAutismTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
Asperger's Syndrom DOES NOT = Mental Retardation!!!
A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­

I had a child protection investigator come to my house and accuse me of child neglect for letting my 11 year old Asperger's son walk to school. My son has been walking since Kindergarten. Given, he was not diagnosed until he was around 10, but as a parent, I believe I am well enough aware of my son's limitations AND abilities! She went on further to tell me that my son is MENTALLY RETARDED, and cannot be alone for even a second. Am I crazy to be appalled at this woman's 'education'? She made… read more

posted November 19, 2011
β€’
View reactions
A MyAutismTeam Member

I'll lead with "I'm autistic" (the mom) and parent of challenged children...BUT according to the DSM-IV autism is a mental illness...isn't that wonderful.
On the "it's tough to deal with black & white school personnel...way back in 2nd grade my ADD very literal son was being evaluated by the school psychologist. She asked him "Do you hear voices that tell you to do bad things". He being very honest and straight forward said "Yes".
I was pulled down to the school to discuss my son's report which stated "the brittle/fragile mother is not addressing her son's psychotic behavior" the report went on to discuss the voices my son heard. He was present how warm and fuzzy is that. It was also a great moment as I asked him "Hey kiddo what are the names of these voices that tell you to do bad things?" He proceeded to list two kids who were known trouble makers in school and his good friends. The psychiatrist, presumably educated in just how literal ADDers are never explained the what she meant by "voices" had completely missed his interpretation and written a formal report (still in his record) about him being psychotic...fortunately a rebuttal is attached to it...it would be funny if it weren't so potentially damaging...how powerful one person can be.

School personnel were aware of his literal tendencies as we were trying to encourage him to do extra credit work as his grades weren't so great..."Mom I don't need EXTRA credit I'm not doing well". I begged them to rename it "Catch Up" credit to no avail. Oh and the don't do drugs campaign that totally dissuaded him from taking his ADD medication. "But mom drugs are WRONG!!!" Again funny if it weren't so frustrating.

Educating him on ADD and all the different attributes has made a world of difference.

As Michelle Sarabia indicated enlisting school personnel as Team members is the best way and when it happens wonderful advances occur. Don't we all have memories of golden teachers who saw the strengths in us the same thing applies to our kids. Some teachers are those golden personalities and unfortunately some are not. Figure out a way/s to get past the bad and recognize and honor the good ones. It's worth it.

posted January 24, 2012
A MyAutismTeam Member

Who called this person to investigate? Don't let her intimidate you, if your son is high functioning then he needs to learn to be in the real world. I'm not saying throw him to the wolves, but as long as he is capable of walking to school and knows to call you if he needs you, then let him do it. Some people overstep their boundaries, learn exactly what hers are and turn them on her. The most educated people still need to learn, just remember to remain calm in all your dealing with authority and people will listen.

posted November 23, 2011
A MyAutismTeam Member

Get a written statement from his autism specialist (counselor, doctor, etc.) that states that he is fine walking known routes without direct supervision. Run a copy and send it to HER BOSS, with a letter stating that you are unhappy with the way this case has been handled.

posted November 22, 2011
A MyAutismTeam Member

My point exactly @A MyAutismTeam Member....my son last tested at an IQ of 152 and I wish I was as smart, funny, and intuitive as he is....I can't wait for him to enter college where he will meet a peer group on his intellectual level and then I will just sit back and watch him excel through life......

posted July 11, 2012 (edited)
A MyAutismTeam Member

I am an adult with Asperger's and I have an IQ of 147. Lay that question about Asperger's & MR to rest. Nothing could be further from the truth. Most of our societies top geniuses, like Albert Einstein, are all Aspies, though some are savantes.

posted July 10, 2012

Related content

View All
Mental Retardation And Autism
A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
What Is The Difference Between HFA And Aspergers?
A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Do You As A Parent Think You Could Be On The Spectrum?
A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
Lock Icon Your privacy is our priority. By continuing, you accept our Terms of use, and our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a Member? Log in