Neurodiversity

[christie]

Originally Posted by Kimbo

A friend of mine and I were out to dinner last night and she said to me that she felt that something was different with her grand baby. She is not quite 2 years old. Some of the things that she mentioned made me wonder if she was somewhere in the autistic spectrum, she feels the same. Do any of you have a recommendation of books or resources that she could read up on especially about young children? The easiest read possible the better.

Kimbo -

When Bratboy was diagnosed an aspie, AS had only been in the DSM for right at two years. Resources were unheard of and the OASIS site and community provided answers for me. The community went on to publish a book The Oasis Guide to Asperger's Syndrome. While your friend's grandaughter might not be an aspie, I would start with this link http://www.aspergersyndrome.org/ and then look at the other Spectrum diagnoses from there.

I also think that the suggestion for First Steps is a good one. You might also check with the local children's hospital to see if they have a Department specializing in assessment and diagnosis.

I think the blessing in having a young child diagnosed on the spectrum today as opposed to 1995 is the amount of resources, information, advocacy and awareness present. Many of the challenges I faced would be mere blips on the radar today.

Best of luck to your friend.

Christie