My son has Asperger's. If ONLY it were true what he said. And my son is significantly above average intelligence.

he's made a career of pissing people off. I don't completely disagree wth him though, I think it's highly over-diagnosed

it's become the new "ADD/ADHD". I'm sure there are plenty of legitimate cases, but there are also lazy parents who want an excuse.

it may be over-diagnosed, but when it is Autism or Aspergers it is tough to deal with, my oldest is High-functioning autistic and it's a

struggle

I am sure that there are over diagnoses. However, there is a fundamental difference in that most autistics are not medicated.

Our son is a very good student. It's his behavior that is the issue. He just is oblivious to others. Hard to describe actually.

you have to see it.

I so know what you mean MensRea

Most teachers think we are nuts the first 2 weeks. THEN... they write us emails or call us and say "you know your son make lout outbursts.."

and we say "ummm... yes, we're aware of that. Kindly read his IEP and you will see that we're concerned too."

I had all of the classic symptoms of severe ADD growing up and I survived without meds. Turned out great!

Yep... would agree that MANY time psychologists/MSWs and MDs get a disease de jure...

autism, may, in fact, be that current one.

but, there are people for whom they have some real issues.. and to negate the possibility does no one any good

also, autism, by in large, is not treated with medications. My son is not. I am generally opposed to meds.

I too would have been diagnosed as ADD as a kid. Verdict is out whether I turned out okay!

it's even harder because the spectrum of autism is so wide that almost anyone can fit somewhere. that has to make it more difficult for dr's

who have parents looking to them for answers and want some sort of diagnosis

Exactly. I would encourage anyone who thinks their child may have autism to make sure you go to an expert.

mensRea, it's interesting that I just received an email today about a UM thing happening w/ various seminars on disabilityes.

(sorry for the typo above)...here's the link: www.med.umich.edu/abilit...

(just make sure you click on the link for the full PDF of all events - that 1st page just shows a few) seeemed fitting for the conversation.