Jake Update
For those familiar with the Jake saga (and associated LJ), we've had a major development and it doesn't involve a suspension or failing a grade!
FINALLY confirming our long-standing suspicion (as well as the suspicions of many journal readers) Jake has been diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome! A little late (as he turns 17 next week) but better than never.
Driving home after his latest suspension incident I asked Jake if he
could change anything in the world to make his life easier, what would
it be? Normally he can never answer questions like this. He has a very
hard time expressing what's in his head
which is one of the most frustrating things about trying to help him.
He didn't answer then, but a few hours later he came out of his room
and handed us a two page list of questions about himself and how he
sees himself in the world. For him this was pretty huge, and the list
was very detailed and revealing.
We took it to his last therapy meeting, and after some long talks with
Jake and reevaluating past sessions his doctor made the Aspergers call.
He then actually apologized for not seeing it sooner.
We're now looking into therapy options.
For the curious: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asperger_syndrome
The Characteristics section pretty describes Jake exactly.
FINALLY confirming our long-standing suspicion (as well as the suspicions of many journal readers) Jake has been diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome! A little late (as he turns 17 next week) but better than never.
Driving home after his latest suspension incident I asked Jake if he
could change anything in the world to make his life easier, what would
it be? Normally he can never answer questions like this. He has a very
hard time expressing what's in his head
which is one of the most frustrating things about trying to help him.
He didn't answer then, but a few hours later he came out of his room
and handed us a two page list of questions about himself and how he
sees himself in the world. For him this was pretty huge, and the list
was very detailed and revealing.
We took it to his last therapy meeting, and after some long talks with
Jake and reevaluating past sessions his doctor made the Aspergers call.
He then actually apologized for not seeing it sooner.
We're now looking into therapy options.
For the curious: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asperger_syndrome
The Characteristics section pretty describes Jake exactly.