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Email me anytime: coreen.velvetoversteel@gmail.com

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All post and stories are the sole property of Velvet Over Steel aka Coreen Trost. I write and create post in order to help others, so share as you want. I just ask that you link back or give VOS credit. Some of the stories are going into a book in progress. Thank You ALL.. for your support and help!!
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." ~ John Quincy Adams

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Asperger Syndrome "Falls Through the Cracks"

Every since I found out my son had Asperger Syndrome I have been trying to find services and support for him. I wanted him to get all the educational, social and job skills training that is available.
What I quickly found out is that his diagnosis ‘falls through the cracks’ in regards to services available. He doesn’t have Autism, Mental retardation, Down syndrome or any of the more commonly known disabilities. He has Asperger Syndrome, which is often referred to as High-Funtioning Autism and falls under Pervasive Developmental Disorders or PDD.

Of course those with more commonly known disabilities should receive the services they do, no doubt about that. But it has been very frustrating and disappointing to both my son and I that there is little to nothing available for those with Asperger Syndrome.

One main example is job training and assistance. My son has wanted to work, have a job, for many years. Something I always knew would help him mature, build his self-confidence and gain more social skills.

However we have struggled to find job opportunities. Even harder to find is the funding for job training and job coaches. Those with Asperger Syndrome need these not only for the training needed but also to help them through the initial anxiety that is so common with Asperger Syndrome.

This is an issue that I am constantly being told is because Asperger Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder or PDD, “falls through the cracks” of services available. I have refused to accept that answer and continue to fight for more services and opportunities for my son and others like him.

I know my son can succeed and I only want the tools he needs in order to be fully independent someday. Isn’t that better than the alternative for these children and young adults?  I think more should be available to encourage their independance instead of dependance.  The system is broken and it needs to be fixed.
http://www.velvetoversteel.blogspot.com/

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19 comments:

  1. We had to create our own program for our son. With the help of understanding ppl and educated support. You can reach me thru my blog.

    Elise

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  2. I taught a child with Aspergers (4th grade)and I know what you mean about people letting these children fall through the cracks. Thankfully, I had more patience than the school system and by the end of the year he was participating with the other students (rather than hiding under his desk), and he was able to participate in other services provided by the school (i.e. LD). Stay strong and keep searching. Hopefully you will find something that is his ideal way of learning.

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  3. Kel, Thank you for being the positive, supportive influence that child needed. You're awesome!
    Elise, what an awesome mother you are, not to give up and create what your child needed. :-)

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  4. I know this struggle, and now I am battling the fact that people consider the diagnosis a "fad" Isaiah seems completely "normal" but I know better. Even if there were no diagnosis I would know there were differences that had to be worked out. As a matter of fact most people dont know about his exceptionalities. Arent you excited to see Temple Grandins new hbo movie? ;)

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  5. I'm following from Friday Follow. I'm looking forward to getting to know your blog. I work full time as a speech path in the school system.

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  6. Thanks both of you so much! And Yes, Jana, I wish people saw their exceptionalities!! They are so very smart! & I am very excited about that movie coming out!!

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  7. Hi, found your great blog through Fri Follow. Now following!

    http://bloggerchixdesigns.blogspot.com

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  8. What a wonderful subject for a blog! You and your son are in my thoughts and prayers- your a wonderful mom:)

    I am your newest follower from Friday follow! I'd love it if you came and checked out my blog too!

    Shan
    http://www.milkandcuddles.com/

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  9. Coreen - I'm so glad that we've "met" and that I'll be able to follow your blog now. So far I've just read this entry but I will catch up on your blog some more. What does your son want to do for work? I've got to tell you that I used to work with someone with Asperger's and he was so kind and brilliant. You are a great mom and you are right more should be done to encourage independence! Your son is so very lucky to have you!

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  10. Good to meet you and thanks for visiting my blogs! :) Glad to have found your blog.

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  11. Following you back from Friday follow... Your blog is absolutely inspiring - looking forward to following your journey... prayers and hugs. xox

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  12. On of my coworkers just gave a talk on autism and asperger's- it's intriguing! Following you from FF!

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  13. Thanks so much for commenting on my blog.

    I read this post with so much interest, because I know so many kids that fall into similar categories. Whether it's aspergers, or various types of processing delays, all of these conditions seem to involve people that we would consider "bright" even though their brains don't process things in a way that is suited to the educational system, job market etc without some extra help.

    I think that we need to change our view of what a learning disability really is, because in the milder forms it seems that so many educators (and others) are ready to say "this person is bright so they must not be trying hard enough" instead of understanding that intelligence and the need for services to learn and function are not two separate things.

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  14. That is exactly right, Tina! You explained it perfectly!!

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  15. Good for you. As a teacher, I've seen asperger's become more prevalent as we become more aware of autism in general. Autism can be so difficult in that it doesn't have a defined set of "characteristics" you can place on it. Yes, there are certain traits that go along with aspergers and with autism, BUT- they look different in each child. I've heard a quote one time on autism that said "If you've seen one child with autism, you've seen one child with autism."
    Meaning, each one is different, none look the same. Your son does have some struggles ahead, yes. However, with the wonderful mother he has and the things you are doing for him, he will make it far. I am blown out of the water with the progress our autistic children make.

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  16. What a fun name for the blog... Thank you for coming by my blog.. I am coming off of a blog break tomorrow and hope to be back out there visiting. I find your blog to be touching and informative..... I do not know anything about the asperger's and my prayers go out to you ... There is such a need for information and support and I find that the blog land becomes such a place for so many issues.....

    have a great evening and I hope to visit often..

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  17. I'll be praying that God will fill the cracks in the system and your son will get the training he needs to be successful in life. We all should have the same and equal opportunities.

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  18. Very interesting post. Yes, there are many broken systems out there when it comes to special needs. The good thing is there's parents like yourself who are not giving up.

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