My grandson has Aspergers Sydrome. He is now 5 1/2 and he was diagnoised by a pediatric neurologist after my daughter-in-law went to every type of doctor she could find, including a child psychologist who told her that her son would "OUTGROW" his fears of noise, light, and other children.

My daughter-in-law finally went to the "University of Google'" and found a site concerning Aspergers--one small article by the doctor who observed these types children in the 1940s. PRECIOUS YEARS WERE LOST .. FROM THE AGE OF 18 MONTHS TO 3 YEARS LOST BECAUSE OF THE INABILITY TO FIND INFORMATION.

I heard your story tonight on Nancy Grace. What a wonderful and brave mother you are. My purpose in contacting you, despite my fear of being found out as a very bad speller, was to let all parent's KNOW that IF they see signs of walking on tippy toes, little or no eye contact, seemingly odd clusters of behaviors--that they should never just assume any doctor has the correct dianosis. A Board Certified Pediatric Neurologist must be consulted if Autism or Aspergers is suspected.

Moms are often told that they are neurotic spoiling "SMOTHER MOTHERS" who see behaviors that are deemed as figments of the mind. The sooner parents can identify what is wrong, the sooner intervention can begin. The cost is emotional and financial. My daughter-in-law had to fight for 2 years for services in California. She had to PROVE her son was on the Autism Spectrum. She had to do this to countless teachers, doctors, and school boards. Please let EVERYONE KNOW to DOCUMENT everthing if one is to have a chance at services for their children. It seems a daunting task for any family who has a SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD. EVERY CHILD IS ENTITLED TO AN APPROPRIATE EDUCATION.

With information shared, strategies exchanged, parents will save time that they can never get back to intervene and  treat Autism & Asperger's. Children who go undiagnosed for years may be lost. Thank you for being OUT THERE for your Kids...to help other Kids. Networking with parents can get those special kids who need HELP NOW.. FASTER.

My grandson has a long way to go and my son and his wife are continung to DOCUMENT all emails, phone calls, meetings, and keeping a complete file that PROVES what was said and done (or not done) in the continuing battle for special needs children to get the services they are entitled to recieve. Fighting City Hall? YOU BET. I hope my lack of spelling and grammer do not lessen my sincere and hopeful suggestions to you for others. Godspeed to you and  your boys from a Grandma who learned to use a computer so she TOO, could find information