How “normal” can a teen seem and still have some kind of autism?

Are there any symptoms that MUST be there for a diagnosis or does it all vary? Is there any chance someone wouldn’t be diagnosed until that late anyway?

Anxiety Help

I live in the Metro-West area in Mass. my husband and I are spending thousands of dollars with lawyers advocating for services such ABA for our Autistic son,
have you been in the same situation?

Help with Anxiety

Also, he says that in California, you can refuse to vaccinate your child and they can still go to school… is this true as well? Where can I get more information on all the facts surrounding vaccinations and autism?

Treating Anxiety

I know that most children do not start showing symtoms until 3+ years. But my question is, Does anyone have children with autism, who began showing symtoms as early as two months? My 9 week old son still is not focusing in on people, and everyone comments on it. It is starting to worry me. He gets fixated on the ceiling and bright lights. He smiles, but only to voices, never to faces.

Fit Yummy Mummy

Does it depend on where they are on the spectrum if they have social skills or not? I am working with an autistic child and he does seem to interact with other children(kind of). He also knows when I am mad(he closes his eyes and sometimes his ears). He is in the first grade. I observe him a lot and I know when he is in a world of all his own and that nothing I say will even matter. He seems to have a preference to me as well. While we were in line the other day for lunch, he held my wrist and stroked my arm. Refer me to help or tell me what you know. I am interested in knowing more about autism. I was under the impression that they lacked social skills, but do they all lack social skills?

Anxiety and Stress

My son is 3 1/2 year old now and was diagnosed with Autism at 2. He has almost no speech, which makes potty training extremely difficult.

Angina Info

I understand not all kids respond & I don’t want to keep her on it if it isn’t working. But I don’t want to take her off it before it has a chance to work.

Fit Yummy Mummy

I will be a senior in high school this fall. After high school i want to be a special education teacher and work with autistic kids. A lot of people in my school make fun of kids in the special education classes and I’m sick of it. I think it is mostly because they do not understand. I this problem can be solved and someone needs to do something, and start somewhere. Anyone have any ideas how i can raise autism awareness in my high school?

Anxiety Info

We pay $180 /week for respite services from an individual for our very autistic disabled son. Can we count this as a medical expense on taxes?
Thanks

Angina and Diet

I have PDD-NOS (autism) and want to know how to make friends.

I Know someone for example who want to make this world a “better place.” -she helps me bacause of her ideals. Is she/ or will she become a friend?

Is is possible for me to make friends if others just have sympathy or interest in autism? Surley these contacts could never become a real freindship?

Help with Angina