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Autism/teens

11/22/2004 04:16PM

Question:

can you recommend any reading material that is up to date on dealing with autism, especially in a 15 year old? it seems my grandson is getting much worse and doctor says it will continue to worsen. he has also been diagnosed bi-polar, autistic, schizoprenic, and a couple others i can`t think of. his condition has worsened in the last year. he used to be so loving, gave out hugs; now he has lost interest in family, refuses to let you touch him, hug him...so heart breaking! Thank you for any suggestions.

Answer:

Autism can be an extremely difficult disease to deal with, as you are well aware.  Although there are many books on the subject, our knowledge of autism is advancing daily (and while this is too slow for the individuals and families that have to deal with this condition, it is a sign positive progress).  In fields that advance, perhaps the best advice that I can give is look to the websites of the organizations that help with this condition, most have experts in the field that can answer questions.

Look at:

www.autism-pdd.net

www.autism-society.org

www.nimh.nih.gov/Publicat/autism.cfm

Good luck with your search, I wish you the best of luck with your grandson, he is fortunate to have a grandmother like you.

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Response by:

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Michael Spigarelli, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor
Division of Adolescent Medicine
Department of Pediatrics
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
University of Cincinnati