Happy New Year!

[Peter Korsten]

From: <g.vansanten at chello.nl>

>---- Peter Korsten <peter at severity-one.com> schreef:
>> 
>> Well, it was the year in which we were told that what our little boy has is called "high-functioning autism". It's not this condition I'm worried about, but what will happen when his mummy and daddy can't look after him any longer.
>
>I'm so sorry to hear that, Peter. 

Thanks; I know you are, as is everyone else here.

I did send a longer e-mail about this yesterday, but it only went to Niall and this stupid web mail client doesn't save sent e-mails.

Anyway, this is what our little trip to London was about. We went to see a specialist (who charges per hour about one fifth of my monthly wage, ouch) and she gave us a diagnosis that, locally, doctors had a bit more trouble with.

Just to summarise, HFA (high-functioning autism) is a somewhat loose definition, and it means that a person has autistic traits, but without the mental retardation. In the case of our five year old little boy, it means he's actually quite bright for his age (he can start and shut down his own computer; start Notepad; type his own name), but he has problems with language (which is delayed) and communication.

The phrase "autistic spectrum disorders" covers quite a large number of conditions and traits, but a problem with communication is the recurring theme. In our son it manifests itself that whilst he's almost five, his speech is more that of a two year old; he avoids eye contact; he has trouble telling us what he wants, or where it's hurting if he fell; he doesn't easily play with other children. The best thing is to look it all up in Wikipedia: autistic spectrum disorders, HFA, Asperger's syndrome, and so on.

On the other hand, the amount of progress he's made is incredible. He does play with other children now, something he didn't do before. And he expresses his feelings, also something he would not do a few weeks ago.

So in that sense, I'm positive. The only thing I do worry about is that his condition will make it difficult for him to gauge whether to trust somebody or not. He can't pick up non-verbal language; his brain is just not wired that way. So there's the choice between either being naive, or being paranoid.

And what I find positive is that he's such a happy child. Right now, he's laughing his head off because we bought a bathroom rug in the shape of a rubber ducky, which he promptly appropriated. :)

So yes, he will need help and he's getting it, and in general, I'm positive. There's just that bit of uncertainty, that you don't know what will happen. But I expect every parent to be anxious like that.

- Peter 

 
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