MOEBIUS AND AUTISM

     Sean is now 9 years old and in addition to the 'classic' Moebius symptoms (lack of facial expression, can't blink or move eyes laterally, problems sucking and swallowing as a baby, low muscle tone for first 2 years) he was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome a couple of years ago.

     Asperger's Syndrome is a very high functioning autism - he's very bright, gets interested in specific topics and delves into them and talks about them extensively, self stims by shaking his hands or a string, difficulties concentrating in school, some social difficulties.

     According to Dr. Wendy Roberts at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, who is doing a study on the relationship between Moebius and Autism, they occur at the same time in utero - so there is probably a connection. As with everyone with Moebius, not everyone with Moebius has autism, or hand or feet differences, or respiratory problems, etc. But many do, and it's something to make other parents aware of.

Feel free to contact me if you have questions.

Best wishes.
vmccarrell@mid-mo.net