Well, school has been in session for a little over two weeks and we are settling back into a routine. Issac is going to bed earlier, like 11:30 instead of 2am, so that is wonderful. I think it might have something to do with getting up at 6:30 in the morning. Maybe. Maybe it is the change of having to get up at 6:30. Anyway, it is more settled. I could take a nap while the kids are gone to school, but so far every day has been running one direction or another to get everything into the new routine. I am hoping everything gets more settled next week.

The kids father is supposed to pick the kids up this weekend which will give me my first weekend alone in a month. That will be ok. We will have to see how it goes. The twins are getting more and more verbal the more he is away from them. That was kind of surprising, but to see if the change is occuring because of him, I have to let him see them and see if their vocabulary goes back down. Frustrating!

The carhart mattress covers are still working wonderfully. I am thinking about asking about pillowcases. Issac likes to take all the stuffing out of a regular pillow, but I am thinking if I do the same thing with the pillows that I did with the mattress. I think it will work.

Issac is still trying to tear all the limbs off of the persimmon tree. He ended up with some new bruises and bumbs from falling off the chair, ladder, and slide he was hauling around trying to get up in the tree with. 

Thane and Issac are fighting over the computer terribly at home. They do not fight over it at school, go figure. I haven't figured out the solution to that on yet. I will have to think on it.

Just in time to save us from advocacy-image-burnout, Jaime and Jeffrey Rugh, a  N.J. couple who are artists and the parents of two children on the spectrum, have started designing and producing postersthat are sharp and unusual. Like the spectrum itself, the posters vary widely in range, focus and design. Some have quotes by people such as Rupert Isaacson, author of “The Horse Boy” and musician Dan Zanes. Leave a comment about the artwork – perhaps where you might display it? — and you could win one of their posters! We’ll run reminders all week and award a poster to one lucky reader.

Money was a huge factor in the Supreme Court’s recent decisions regarding public school districts providing special education. Seems fitting.

In the first case, Forest Grove School District v. T.A., the Court decided that “IDEA (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) authorizes reimbursement for the cost of private special education services when a school district fails to provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education and the private school placement is appropriate, regardless of whether the child previously received special education or related services through the public school.” The Court’s decision, concerning a district in Oregon, means that parents have the right to sue without having to first “try out” the district’s program of services for their child.

In the second case, Winkelman v. Parma City School District, the Winkelmans of Parma, Ohio, were unable to afford a lawyer to challenge their district’s plan to educate their son Jacob, who has autism, in a public school autism program, and requested that the district pay for tuition at a private autism school. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that Jacob is not entitled to be educated at a private school at taxpayer expense, rejecting an appeal from the Winkelmans concerning reimbursement for the private school’s $64,500 yearly tuition.  read more »

I am planning on writing a book about autism in the form of a research guide for parents whose child/ren have been diagnosed. If you have any organizations or websites you like for information I would appreciate your input. Please include the name and type of organization, phone number, services provided, state of residence and a link to their website if they have one. Thanks!

Hello to all the other fellow mommy and daddy's out there. My name is Jessica, I have 3 children. KayLynn 5, Mariah 3 and Michael Jr 14 months. I am married and live in New Haven, CT. Mariah is my lil angel and has had nothing but medical problem after medical problem since she was 3 months old. She has not yet been officially diagnosed with Autism. Right now we are waiting on the MCHAT results to be sent back to her pediatrician. She has major speech delay, as well as repetitive tendancies that I have noticed over time. As well as my daughter possibly having this condition, I have a 21 year old brother who was diagnosed with Autism when he was 4 years old. It is nice to have a support group that actually understands what I am going through. I look forward to making friends with you all.

"Let's wait and see." How many times has a concerned parent heard this in response to their questions about their child's developmental progress or lack thereof? It is absolutely infuriating to me, and I'm sure I take it too personally. But so much time is wasted sitting on our thumbs, going to weekly speech therapy appointments and hoping we're doing as much for our kiddo as possible. I expressed my concerns to a developmental pediatrician that I felt Katie had autistic characteristics. She was 2, I was told "It could be her developmental delays. Let's wait and see. We can't diagnose her this young." I knew better, but I relented. We continued the weekly speech therapy appointments and of course physical and occupational therapy twice a week. Two years later I asked another developmental pediatrician if she could see my concerns with Katie's ability (or lack thereof) to relate and communicate. She took a moments look at Katie and said "Yeah, I can see how she would be on the spectrum." Meanwhile, her minimal therapies over the last 2 years had done little to address her deficits in relating and communicating. The emotional connection stuff. Really, to me, the IMPORTANT stuff. Who cares if she ever runs a mile!? I'd like to hear what her favorite flavor of ice cream is and why or have her tell me stories.  read more »

With van fully loaded with Oreos, juice boxes and ddp we left Houston, TX today to head home to British Columbia.  I am once again thankful for the fact that I have the flexibility to be able to embark on a road trip like the one we took this summer.  (Even more thankful for Colin’s patience with my crazy schemes.)

We stopped in Oklahoma City to see the national monument that was built in honor of those who lost their lives and those who came to assist when the Federal Building was bombed in 1995.  It is an awe-striking memorial and one could really spend hours there in quiet reflection.  With 3 kids thrilled to be let out of the car after 7 hours, there wasn’t much time for ‘quiet’ reflection.  We tried to explain the significance of the place to our boys, but they just wanted to throw coins into the water and run through the immaculate grass.  

In the 2 hour drive following our stop, I wrote a little poem to express some of the thoughts that the monument brought to my mind.  It isn’t very good, (I’m not a poetry writer) and there is probably much more I will reflect further on, but here is what I have:

9:02 ~ A Poem

At 9:01
Heels tap-tapped on linoleum floor,
Morning chatter began, coffee was poured.
Meeting commenced, phone calls were made,
Down on the main floor children played.

All was well; no one knew,
Trouble was coming at 9:02.
Confusion and chaos; foundation was rocked,
Terror swept down on that innocent block.

Dreams, futures, hopes and lives,
Fathers, children, friends and wives.
The world would have to begin anew,
For those who survived past 9:02.

A nation in peril knows how to unite.
It rallies together, it knows how to fight.
Will they go on in fear?  Will they press on with hope?
Together they bond and together they cope.  read more »

Although each classroom is unique, there are some common things that each classroom team can try to make their mornings in the classroom run smoother.  Here they are:
 
1. Visual supports to show the students what to do when they enter (ex. hang up bag, coat, place notebook in a certain place, place lunch in a certain place, sit at the table).

2. Have a morning activity for the students to do when they first enter.  The morning activity is something easy to do independently, something easy to clean up an something directed by one adult in the room.  Examples of what some sucessful classrooms choose to do are play with small electronic toys, play with small McDonalds toys, practice handwriting on small dry erase boards, use etch-a-scetch toys, reading software on the comuputer, pre-vocational tasks, easy file folder games, linking toys(not to many), etc.  This activity usually occurs for about 10-15 minutes only!!!! It is used to be a transition from entering and moving on to breakfast. Some people choose to give each child their own bin with materials or others choose to create one bin and place everyones items inside. 
 
3.  Next, most classes move to breakfast.  During breakfast, communication is stressed.  Breakfast is a communication activity in which the students request EVERYTHING from their food items, to thier straw, fork, and juice.  Students request using sign language, picture symbols or words.  Since food is highly motivating for many students, this is a great way to build thier expressive language skills.  The most successful classrooms do this everyday.   read more »

Our boy Wyatt is autistic and has always had a love of animals and loves being outdoors. When Wyatt was introduced to horses, he was immediately drawn to them above any of the other animals. We immediately noticed the positive effect the horses had on him. After researching animal therapy, we were not surprised to find that there have been several extensive studies supporting the positive influences of horses on autistic and other special needs children. Since that time, we have had the dream to be able to bring this experience to all special needs children, and Spirit Ranch is the realization of that dream.
We inviting you to take a minute and visit us at http://www.thewyattfoundation.com. Consider the opportunity to offer those with autism or other special needs a chance to experience the therapeutic advantages of working with animals and being in the great outdoors. Please come and see how we can all help those children and young adults to reach for their highest potential in physical, social, educational, and emotional abilities. We are incorporating a therapeutic horseback riding program with other animal assisted therapy activities. With your help, The Wyatt Foundation can bring these benefits to special needs children.

No study has shown a link, but people don't seem to let go of this. It feels empowering -- and nobody needs empowerment like the parent of a child with autism -- to make medical pronouncements without a medical degree. http://www.blisstree.com/autismvox/show-me-the-science/

I just wanted to welcome all the new people. Glad you found us. There's PLENTY to read. This is a safe place to vent. We're all very supportive of each other =)

Is anyone using just transdermal (cream) methyl b12 only on their child? I want to know if you are seeing results without doing any other protocals, i.e. diet or otherwise. I can't afford to do alot, so I am looking for someone that can answer this kind of question. Thanks.

Dena

As our story continues....

We got our son into the special needs preschool through the school district.  In the mean time I had our daugher.

Our son was four, our daughter was two.

The preschool was a blessing.  It was hard go to through the evaluations and find out how far behind our son really was.  We had a great teacher.  She was up front and honest with us. His speech therapist was wonderful.  I have never met a nicer person in my life. 

It is now time to decide what to do with our son as he is now old enough to attend kindergarden.

At evalation time, our son had scored a 29 on the CARS test. We were told although he has Autism tendancies he was not Autistic enough to enter the Autistic program through the school system and was to be entered into a MH class.

In the mean time, our daugther was turning two and not talking.  Having learned from my experience with my son, I called the county MM/RD and got her enrolled in speech therapy.  And thanks to my sons speech therapist got her enrolled in the special needs preschool throught the school system.  I am happy to say, she is a very talkative straight A student.  See what every intervention can do, if you know how to find it.

So our son starts MH kindergarden.  A very rough start.  A new school a new teacher. 

We also switch neurologist, on the advise of the school system.

more to come .....

We have a nine year old son with Autism.  We had a lot of problems getting our son a diagnosis. We were concerned when he turned 2 and was not talking and would rather play alone than with other children.

The not talking was what really scared me.  I took him to a neurolgist who told me " I see kids that don't talk or walk till they are 3 or 4, don't worry." "Come back if he regresses"

Well he did not regress, but he did not progress either. 

Finally at his 3 year check up I was not happy with the doctors.  Decided to get a another, opinion.

I switched pediatrians again. This time they recommended I call the local MM/RD.  And I did.  Finally some help.

They assigned me a social worker who came out to evaluate our son.  Guess what - he had major delays. But now I am told he is to old to go through the county.  I was informed the school system is now responsible. So, I called the school system.  When I received a call back, I described out situation.  I was told "There are plenty of good low cost day cares in our city (will not name where we live)" Now I am offended.  I demand some one come out and evaluate my child. 

Two teacher came out see my son. After the evaluation, I was told had major delays and would qualify for special education through the school systems preschool.  Finally I am getting somewhere.

There is more to this story I will continue tomorrow.  I think it is important to point out that:

1. This was my first child.  I was young new nothing of Autism.

2. I should have been more demanding of the doctors. 

3. Although I knew something was not right, I could not bring myself to believe it was serious.  My beautiful baby  boy.  He was perfect.  read more »

Today my husband left me with one job.  That's not to say that my day wasn't already full; there was dishes, laundry, beds, vacuuming, my daughter's hair appointment, cooking, and of course there was the continuous care of my 12 year old autistic son.  But thinking that I might be bored my husband suggested that I get that old set of glass french doors that have been in the backyard leaning against the house for the last 6 years and I wrap them in an old tarp and break the glass out of them so that he can cut them up and take them to the dump.  Sounds easy enough I think to myself and go merrily along on my routine filled day.  Actually I forgot about them for several hours while I attempted to complete the day-to-day stuff.  It wasn't until many hours later when my son and I finally got into the backyard for some free time that I recalled our other "job".   read more »

Our nine year old son Jacob was diagnosed with Autism about two years ago.  We knew there was something wrong long before that but, had a really hard time getting help and answers. We started to think it could be Autism when he was about 5.  I have been through about 5 pediatricans, 2 endocrinogists and 3 neurolgists. About two years ago, I feel we have finally found good doctors through the Cleveland Clinic.

My husband and I have done our best to educate ourselves.   We have even seen a lawyer about his education. Contacted MR/DD about his future.

My question is about the BioMedical (DAN doctors). I have read Jenny McCarthy's books and others.

I don't fully understand.  What do these doctors prescribe for Autistic Children? What do they do exactly?

I am terrified to take my son to anymore doctors after what we have been through.

I have spoken some with the doctor about the gluten allergy recently, to find out if I should remove from this diet.

I was told it probably would not help. Also my son has thyroid problem, so he can not have any soy products due to his meds. 

He has been tested for fragile X - negative, other genetic tests also came back negative. Jacob had cysts on this brain when I was pregnant with him.  Whether there is a link, who knows.  I was told 20% chance the cysts could have caused this Autism.

I don't feel Jacob has an allergy.  His bathroom movements are normal.  He does not seem to get stomach aches.  It is hard to tell when he does ont feel good - due to his sensory issues and communincation issues.

Any insight would be appreciated.  I just want to understand the Biomedical part.  I want to know if this is something I really should consider.

Thanks for your time

Nicole Chrosniak

 Hello,

I am a mom of 2 Wonderful children. One is exceptional in school in the advance classess and one is exceptional in the special ed classess. Both are very good children but I cant help but see a differnce in the way the schools treat each challenge they create. I have difficulty communicating to other parents why the advanced children are not"being put behind" or time is being taken "out of the class time" to asssit the special ed kids, Why can't the advanced kids assist the special ed kids if they are finished early or are "bored". I am sensitive to both situations and can see both sides of the story. I am looking to find other parents to chat with that have autism children.

So, my son had a great morning.  (So, I am thankful that part of the day was halfway easy.)  Good eye contact, (pretty) good behavior, and I'm thinking - "wow, I might actually miss this guy when he starts school."  Haha!  Then, he doesn't take a nap, Nana can't make it over as planned, and BOOM! - the dude is in orbit - hitting his brother, throwing toys, being sent to room and is crying hysterically.  Man, I just think that it has got to suck when your world is turned upside down by this stuff!  However, I am starting to kind of get it.  I mean, I am so tired and stressed, and when my husband's parents canceled a day of babysitting a few weeks ago, I got off the phone and cried for a few minutes and felt like throwing stuff too.  And I'm almost 40!  :)  It is so weird, cause some days I want to blame the behavior on the fact that he is 3 1/2 and high-strung like me and his dad.  But, it is SO much more than that and I know that is just wishful (and mostly wasteful!) thinking. 

I've been having a lot of mini-pity parties lately.  (And I feel guilty about them!)  I just wish we had a typical life sometimes.  Even if it was just once a month.  When we could go to friends' family parties, attend a cul-de-sac party, go to the zoo, stay up late! (without dire consequences), and commisserate with friends about typical stuff.  Instead, I feel like all I do when I get around my friends is look for understanding - when there is no possible way they can understand!  (Lucky people.)  And I totally resent them for that - then feel like a heinous friend, mother, and person.  Wow - when did I become Debbie Downer?  Then, I think about my beautiful boy and worry so much for his future.  I just wish that I knew exactly what to do to give him the best possible life.  I just want him to be happy and feel good about himself.

OK - I've vented - now I'll get back up and get back to life!

Monday was asessment day, of course he passes all the acedemic stuff. While we were waiting for our health screening, we met up with another little boy. "Look at my spiderman moves" zare announces, and then proceeds to twirl and crouch. Luckily the other boy jumps right in. "I'm Yoshi! I am going to eat your head!"

Health screening went fine except he went into pantomine mode, which is something he learned from "magic bunny" movie short in the bonus feature section in the wall-e dvd. Do people know what I am talking about? Where the bunny points to his mouth because he wants the carrot? But he did great on the vision test and the hearing test. 

 So His teacher seems very nice, I spoke with her a little about how he gets frustrated. She asked me "Does he need a quiet corner where he can go if it gets too noisy?" I said yes, but I wonder if he will get away with abusing that privilege? Oh and then I found out, the para-educators are only there for the "jumpstart" kindergarten, 3 days. So, I will volunteer.

When the Ohio Department of Mental Health and the Department of Job and Family Services promulgated new eligibility rules that would limit Medicaid reimbursement for children with autism, the Parents' League for Effective Autism Services (PLEAS) fought back -- and so far, they're winning.

The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently found in favor of the parents' group, upholding a ruling by a district court last year that granted a temporary restraining order prohibiting the state departments from implementing the rules, which would have become effective on July 1, 2008.

The children of the parents involved in the lawsuit visit Worthington's Step By Step Academy, described as a "non profit treatment center which provides a safe, nurturing, learning environment to children with autism and their peers" on its website; the Ohio Legal Rights Service (OLRS) is representing PLEAS in the suit, alleging that "the proposed rules would violate the right of children with disabilities to maintain, without interruption, needed medical services, and that without the needed services, the Plaintiff children risk suffering loss of skills, increase in unwanted, often dangerous behaviors, and placement in a segregated special education classroom or institutional care."

Officials for the state departments involved maintain the new regulations are necessary for Ohio to remain compliant with federal Medicaid provisions.  read more »

i read an article about autism.and it said that autistic kids have a higher level of seretonin and a "normal" person has a lower level.as the autisctic child grows the seretonin levels rise but in a "normal" person as they grow it declines.is there any medication to make the seretonin levels decline,or any treatment?

I wish I could say that I've been making leap and bounds with the writing of the words with the magnetic letters. Today he did spell out milk and was very excited about spelling out bear. Of course for his gummy bear reinforcer! Still very compliant on all the programs and in such a happy mood. However today was more of a snuggle day. He came and sat on my lap at least 4 times. I have to admit I miss having little ones to snuggle with, I'll take it anytime I can get it.   

Classes once again are starting, and today was my 1st class of the fall semester. I'm very excited as my instructor worked within the public school system with the autistic population. I hope to be able to pick her brain because that is where I want to utilize my degree as an OT.

With classes starting and my dedication to my future I will be winding down on my blogging. I also requested my hours be cut down in my line therapy position. I will continue to blog about our progress as much as possible and please feel free to mail me any questions or comments at anytime. I really enjoy this site and all the wonderful people that utilize it! Your all amazing and more important so are your children.

Love & Peace!!

NEW YORK (CBS) ? Treatment for children with autism is extremely labor intensive and very expensive. Now there's a website that offers help and hope to parents.  Jonathan Brown has autism and is receiving applied behavioral analysis treatment. "ABA" for short, it's currently considered the gold standard in autism treatment.  Jonathan's mother, Evelyn, said her son used to get very frustrated because he wasn't able to communicate. She knew ABA therapy could help him but she had trouble figuring out how to do it.  "We bought many books on children with autism and whatever therapies were out there. And the same with food. We tried everything. My biggest thing that helped me the most was the videos, seeing it being done. And, you know, it's not easy. I've had experience with ABA, so I had some insight, information which helped me. But reading it in a book and reading it on a script of paper doesn't do it justice. It's still hard to put the picture together," Brown said.  Not to mention that for ABA to be successful, it needs to be done almost constantly, not just with a therapist a few hours a week.  That's what led Jamie Pagliaro and some other autism educators to build "Rethink Autism," a website that goes beyond describing ABA therapy.  read more »

Someone once told me that autistic adults are often misdiagnosed as schizophrenic. I can see certain similarities, but when Katie is "in her own little world", she knows it, and doesn't think that it's reality to anyone else.

Seebert said that any emotion, even affection, is just a duty to autistic people, but when Katie throws a tantrum, her anger seems pretty real.

No matter who says what, Katie seems to misinterpret it.She has very odd ideas about some things, and I don't know where she got them, except that her own interpretation of the world is different from everyone else's. I suppose we could say that about all our views of the world!

Gotta get back to my own world and do my duties.

 

Jeff posted about a case in the U.K., about an employee who was mistreated and discriminated against because of his Aspergers. In West Virginia, a boy was lost and found; police say it would have been easier if he'd been wearing his tracking bracelet.

Our son, Alex, has recently been turning on his bedside light in the middle of the night. We don't think his younger brother is going to put up with this forever. 

http://www.blisstree.com/autismvox/lost-and-found-u-k-justice/

The  family  got  up  early .  The  other  kids  had  things  to  do,so  I  took them  to  their appointments And  off went  Josh ,  hubby  and  myself . We  wanted  to  pick up  a  cake  for  Josh  and  do  a  little  shopping .  So  we  drove  to  the  market  place . Found a  great spot  right in front  of  the  store  and  parked.  And  into  the  store  we  went.  I  had both the  cart and  Josh  which  was  very  difficult  to  maneuver.  While my  hubby   walked  freely  around  the  store  and  picked  up  all  the things  he  wanted.  Josh  was  trying  to  get  free  samples  of  foods  .  I  maded  him  some  snacks . Bread  with  some  butter  sprend.  My  hubby  came  4-5  slices  later. Asking  me  ,  what  was  going on?  and why I  was not  moving? I asked  him  you  don't   go  shopping  with Josh  ??  Do  you??  He  said  No.  Why??  I  laughed and  told  him to  please  take the  cart  and  let's  get  the  cake  and  get  out  of  here. We  moved  quickly  out  of  the  store  and  I  explained  to  my  hubby  what happened  in  there.  I  quess  he will   have  to be  around  him  more  to  fully  understand  what's  going on.

We  had  good  weekend.   It   was  Josh's  birthday  and  we  went  to  visit   my  sisterinlaw. Josh  had  a  great  time  seeing  everyone. He  even  answered  some  questions   when  asked.I  told  him  he  just  needs to  look  at  the  person  when  speaking , but  all  and  all  it  went  pretty  well .   He  sat  and  ate  graham crackers    and  drank  bottle  water while  everyone  watched  a movie. Even  thou  he  did  not  really  pay  attention  to  the  tv.  He  sat  quietly  while  we  watched  and  when  he  had  enough  he  told  us  he  wanted  to  go.I  was  surpriced  how  well he did.  When  we left  he  allowed  them  to  give  him  a  big  hug  and  he  was  smiling.  He  getting  older  and  understands  more  his enviroment.

It's interesting how a lot of schools are adding programs in autism -- either to teach and train teachers, or to actually have autistic students attend their institutions. http://www.blisstree.com/autismvox/adult-autism-education-strides/ Jeff wrote a roundup of places, and we also are getting ready for Alex to go to sleepaway camp this Friday. We love that week -- but it's stressful not knowing if Alex wants to go, or not.

Describe high-functioning autism, everyone seems to have a different opinion, don't you think, there is a better way to define ,who are kids are other then measureing their level of functiong.  Help me find find a better way to characterize differences. Thanks

Talk Small is a blog for parents in the trenches.

Autism. Sensory integration. Asperger’s. General weirdness.

While my daughter Quinn went through two years of screening and therapy and re-screening and a dozen potential diagnosis, we here at home kept the faith.

We found ways to communicate, encourage and grow outside of what our therapy team or any other resource were able to advise.

I want to share our ideas with other parents. I want other parents to share their strategies and tactics with me and the world.

You know you are doing strange things to get through to your kid. But in this world in which we live, strange has been redefined.

I have sung loudly at the grocery store. I have talked to invisible people. I have stood for hours in front of a tank full of guppies – and resentful pet store clerks can kiss it.

We’ll try anything, so let’s share our anythings.

What works for one kid may work for another, and we all need as much help as we can get.

www.talksmallforkids.com

Hi everyone this is Patty and Alison from Ali-Pat Publications. 

We want to thank our customers who have sent us their reviews, comments and ideas concerning our games and products. We were pleasently surprised by the number of educators that had taken some of our games one step farther and found a new way to use them to teach.  They have shown us once again that we are only stopped by the use of our imagination.

It is because of their imaginative ideas we want to add a page to our website for 

teachers, therapists, parents and caretakers of special needs children to exchange creative ways to use teaching materials.

Although we would love to hear more about your creative ideas from using our games, we want to leave an open forum between teachers,parents,therapists and caregivers who work with children with Autism and other special needs who get 

creative taking different resources and using them in different ways.  read more »

My son's special ed teacher is calling to let me know that Ted left his glasses at home. Oh and by the way, we think he needs to be shadowed by a paraprofessional all day everyday. I told her that Ted worked independantly all through 5th grade, and he did great. Well apparently he was missing for a while at school yesterday, and no one knew where he was for 20 minutes or so. Well it turns out he was in his home room, just during the wrong period. His home room teacher apparently didn't notice. So they found him, and he was fine, and no harm was done, but now they want a para to be with him all day.

I am not really upset that she wants to change his IEP 3 days into the year, I am upset that she is making assumptions based on what she sees on paper instead of learning about my son. Asperger's kids are not all the same, each case should be approached differently.

So, I get a call from an elementary school in our area that asks for our registration paperwork.  Not the preschool Luke is supposed to be going to, but a different school.  (Note:  we LOVE the teacher and school and psychologist and OT.  I am feeling really great about Luke making some great strides this year.)  I say, "I am confused, we had his eval and IEP at "X" school several weeks ago, why are you calling for his registration?"  The innocent administrator says, "oh, I received his file and was calling parents for paperwork.  If you think this is in error, please call the district office."  (She was very helpful.)  So, I get off the phone and cry for a few seconds.  Then I get really p.o.'d. 

I immediately check my IEP for school location - it wasn't included on the final paperwork - it was left vague.  (Note to self, learn from this and NEVER let that happen again.)  I email my husband and he eventually figures to call my mother in law, since she works in a nearby school district in administration.  I talk to her and she gives me some pointers.  Then, I talk to a Spec Ed teacher at her school, who just happened to be in the office.  (Fabulous karma.)  She said to check my IEP for location of services - I told her the deal.  She gave me some advice, but it came down to the fact that yes, school districts can change locale even the night before school starts.  Fabulous.  So, I am tripping out and getting ready for a fight.  I am not feeling well this week, my husband is traveling and the kids are crazy since their schedule is off.  I just am not ready to fight, so I sit on it for a couple of days.  (Stressing out about it the whole time.)   read more »

second day at school....hope it's a good day

For three days, she didn’t eat a thing - because all she wanted was curds and whey.

We tried cottage cheese, applesauce, oatmeal, ice cream, rice, noodles, Cheerios, yogurt.

She wouldn’t eat.

We tried shredded cheese, popsicles, mandarin oranges, chocolate chips, marshmallows, French fries, frosting.

She wouldn’t eat.

She only wanted curds and whey, and howled at everything we set in front of her.

She was stuck in a loop: “Curds and whey? Curds and whey? Curds and whey?”

We opened the fridge and every cabinet, “Show us what you want.”

But she couldn’t do it.

Everyone says they will eat when they’re hungry, but on the third day I was ready to take her to the ER. She was clearly very hungry, but her brain had locked on to the idea of curds and whey, and she couldn’t let it go.

We took her in the kitchen and said, “Pick anything you want. Show us the curds and whey.”

“Curds and whey” wasn’t food.

It was a measuring spoon. She wanted to eat with the measuring spoon.

We gave her the measuring spoon, and she ate applesauce, yogurt, rice, mandarin oranges, and shredded cheese.

For the next six weeks, she ate anything everything we set in front of her - with her curds and whey.

When you look at Miss Muffet, you rarely see what’s in the bowl. But she is always holding a spoon.

Sometimes you have to let go of logical parameters and let you mind wander along the tenuous threads that connect one thing to another.

And sometimes you just have to look at the picture.

For more essays and ideas on coping, teaching and learning, visit www.talksmallforkids.com

My daughter Quinn went through a very dark and difficult time beginning when she was about 15 months old and lasting until after her third birthday.

Did she have autism and we caught it soon enough to beat it back? Was it just some kind of developmental phase? Is she just weird? Is it all going to come back again without warning?

We don’t know. All we know is that her brain is a very mysterious place.

Now she is four. She has been cleared of autism. She is a snuggle bug and makes up songs.  She can’t tell you what happened yesterday, and she speaks English as though it is a second language – “Daddy can make that bug to be dead for to go outside with that bug on the driveway?” (”Is daddy putting the dead bug outside?”) She wears sound-blocking headphones to the grocery store.

She is teaching herself to read and doesn’t want our help.

Through the whole process, we found it interesting to hear what other parents were doing at home – far outside the realm of prescribed therapy – to communicate with their kids, stem their autism and sensory-related issues, and cope with everyday trials. And what they did help them learn to appreciate and nurture the amazing gifts that can come hand in hand with "issues."  read more »

Recently there has been a picture going around facebook.  It is a grid made of 20 squares.  Each square contains a command such as "tag a person who changed your life " or "tag the person with really nice eyes".  You, the facebooker, are to tag your 'friends' that fit the description in the box. 

Yesterday we went swimming at a friend's house.  The kids had never met my friend before.  As we pulled into the driveway Cooper asked, "Where are we?"  To this I replied, "We are visiting my friend Judy."  Cooper responded with, "Oh. 15015."  You see, 15015 represents the house number on Judy's house.  He will remember this number as being linked to my friend Judy; just as he links KWE 234 with my friend Angela (her license plate) or 718 with my mom (her house number).

As he introduced himself to my friend he made sure that she knew his number (his age) as well as the ages of his little brother and sister, my age and my husband's age (who wasn't even there).  This is one way he describes people in his life.  At this point, if I asked him (about kids in his class), "Who has the best smile?" or "Who is your funniest friend?"  He wouldn't have an answer.  But he could tell you many of their birthdays, or where they fell alphabetically on the class list.

This is one difference between the way he sees people and the way most others (myself included) see people.  We often will classify people by a physical characteristic or by an outward display of their character that appeals / or does not appeal to us in a subjective way.  "Nice eyes", "Big hair", "Smelly kid".  read more »

I got a note from school yesterday that said that Issac was adjusting wonderfully to the new schedule and school. I am going yippee! That's wonderful, but what they are really sayin is that Issac hasn't had a meltdown and he is complying with all the requests they have made of him. The next sentence is very amusing... is says Thane is adjusting just not as fast. I interpret this to mean that he is laying on the floor refusing to do anything and generally causing problems left and right. Well, I did warn them.

 The twins were supposed to be dismissed yesterday (according to the information I was given) at 1:05. I don't know why when the school itself doesn't let out until 1:50, but that is what they told me. So I am expecting the boys around 2, no boys. They finally got home and the driver told me that the boys were getting out at 1:35. Now I am really confused. Exactly when are they actually getting out? I am calling the school and the classroom supervisor, neither of which returned my calls yesterday so I am calling my district again. Ah, got him, he says he is going on what they are telling him and so far it is confusing to him also. Now I and calling the special educations supervisor and I finally got her and she says she doesn't know why he thinks that and she will call him and get it straightened out. So, I will have to see what straigtened out means. She is supposed to call me back and let me know here in a few minutes.

I hate administrator speak. I really would prefer that they tell me straight out what is going. Instead of oh, he is having trouble adjusting. it is really, he doesn't want to do what we need him to do.... blah, blah, blah.... please people treat me like I have a brain!

Hopefully this will all be straigtened out by the end of the week.

Hello!  Althought this is my first post on Autism Blogger, I have been writing for over 3 years about our family's journey with autism and learning life's lessons together.  My personal webiste is www.forthesakeofJOY.com.  There, you can read my previous posts and subscribe via RSS feed to my blogs and pods.  I look forward to getting to know my fellow bloggers on this site and learning about your stories as we do this thing together!

~kp

Well, I feel like I won the lotto anyway! Ok, maybe not the 250 Mill. how about $1 Million?

Today, I had my trusty bag of "gummy bears" and the trusty container of Ronald McDonald french fries. Both his favorites. Sitting next to the dry erase board and his magnetic letters I spelt out the word "bear" and held up the red gummy bear, he made eye contact and received his gummy bear. Next I scrammbled the letters up, and held up a gummy bear, he gave me direct eye contact and I pointed at the board and said "spell". YES!!! HE UNSCRAMBLED THE WORDS TO SPELL BEAR! I was sooo excited! As you can probably tell. Before I showed mom our new trick I wanted to try "Fry". I repeated the same prosses and asked him to spell fry. He did! For our grand fanalle I mixed both words together and held up each seperate and he was able to spell them out. I scrammbled them up again and asked which one he wanted. He spelt out "bear" and gave me direct eye contact!  Ok, so I understand that this was more than likely all done by memory. It's a start and he understood which word went with which food item.  I don't know, I think I'am more excited than mom!!   I love my job!!

I  was  cleaning  the  kitchen  yesterday  and  I  was  watching  Josh  .  He  was  sitting  still  watching  TV and it  hit  me. I  have  a  small  window  of  time  and I could   use it  to  do  his  school   clothes  shopping. You  know,the  small  window  of  time  before  the  meds  wear  off  and  he   starts his  world wind  movements  thur  the  house.I  had  to  act  fast ,  so  I  told  my  middle  son  to get  dress  quickly. He's teen.He took  his  time.We  got  out  of  the   house  and   off  to  the  store. Josh  did  pretty  good  .  Trying on  clothes  and  shoes .  He  even  picked out some   shirts  he  wanted. Then  I went  to  pay  and  I  did not  have   enough  money.  Earlier  I  separted  some  of  my  money  and  forgot  that  I  did  that. Luckly  we  were  just  a  block away. I told  the  crashier  to  put the things  to  the  side   ;I  would  be  right  back.So  I drove  to  the  house  ,got  the  money  and  went  back  to the  store.Of course  now the more  crowded  and  we  had  to  wait.  Josh  started  his  fussy  dance  .I want  to  go  home  now. I  talked  to  him  and he  calmed  down  a  bit.  I  took  no  chances,I  gave  the  money  to  my  middle   son  and  off  Josh  and  I  went   to  the  car. Afterward   we  had  a  treat.ASlurppee & we  came  home.Josh  did  better  than I expected  and Iam gladI  paided  attention and  saw my small window  of  opportunity.

Our son Alex runs away from us. We've actuallly lost him a couple of times. I don't know if I'd get him a personal safety alarm but I've thought about it. Anyone use those? I rounded up a bunch of products that are helpful -- some we use, some we probably won't bother with. I put the first five here:

http://www.blisstree.com/autismvox/top-10-safety-items-part-1/

Interested to hear what other people like and use. The temporary tattoos sound like a bit of a hassle. We could not LIVE without our door alarm!  

Please join us in our quest

To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to you on behalf of Hands Across America in support of Generation Rescue and Autism Research. We are currently working towards our non profit status and are seeking your support in our efforts to help those affected by Autism and contribute to Autism and Autism research. We have already begun to reach out to those in our surrounding areas of Northwest Indiana, but, we need your collaboration to help our group spread awareness about Autism Nationwide. Our group is deidcated to encouraging people across the nation to stand up, step up, join hands, unite in the War Against Autism. Besides our goal to raise awareness and support for those affected by Autism our group would like to share some of its future goals; such as yearly telethons for Autism Research, a joining of hands similar to Hands Across America which took place in 1986. We would also like to provide mentoring programs for those affected by Autism and their families. Many of our group members plan to provide their services and medical skills to provide respite care for the Autistic. We would also like to raise funds to provide assistance with prescription costs for those who cannot afford medication and treatment for Autism. We welcome any new suggestions and fundraising ideas. Thank you for your time and consideration in this quest. I look forward to speaking with you.

He has been so winey the past 4 months, he seems to be having behavior issues at and home, I don't know what to do.  He is constantly getting pencils to flick and sticks out of the yard.  He acting out at school and we have really have a bad week @ school. Does anyone have any suggestions for behavioral problems.

I am not a rep for toys r us or Meccano, but if you have a child that needs to spend time on a project with a parent, and their are no clingy younger kidlets around; http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3742406

The Meccano Motorized 10 model set. Zare LOVES it. It involves so many play therapy type things, we have to follow directions and stay on task, find specific parts, put peices together and see individual parts form a big picture. Plus its good for his low-muscle tone to thread a nut on bolt. The only drawback is that little bro is not a fan of all this bonding time. And its not like I can give Zare the box and expect a completed car to come back.  But yeah, it's a pretty sweet gift for holidays or b-day or whatnot.

http://www.wpix.com/videobeta/watch/?watch=2c591c7f-6a73-4e6a-94cf-3e4b7cb9c51c&src=front

I'm trying to increase traffic to our blog, Autismvox.com (I'm not going to be shy about this) and I hope I'm not being a pita. I don't want to annoy anyone by posting double links, but if I post under the Autism News category, it doesn't seem to show up on the main page. I hope everyone will stop by today to check out today's blog - it's about insurance and what a long way we've come in just under two years for states to legislate that insurance companies have to pay for autism diagnosis and therapies. I couldn't help looking at the states that have no legislation even under discussion. One of them, North Dakota, is the same state that's really throwing its weight against the public option in health care reform. 

Thanks for thinking of us!

http://www.blisstree.com/autismvox/an-umbrella-for-all/ 

Well, Ted started school yesterday. It was his first day of middle school. In our district, the kids switch classrooms and teacher for each period. He also has 2 new locker combinations to learn, one in the hallway and one for gym. Needless to say, I have been riddled with nerves, worrying that he will have one of his meltdowns in school if he can't find a class or open his locker or whatever. So I didn't sleep for a couple of nights, literally worried sick about him. Yesterday morning he was feeling sick. I gave him a pepto chewable and had him lay down for a little while. After he felt better, he got ready for school.

All day, I worried, but when I picked him up, he ran right to the car, with a great big smile on his face. He had a great day. He wasn't stressed at all. He had trouble with his locker, but he got it open, and he couldn't find his band class, but he calmly asked an adult. I am so proud of him. I am  a little ashamed that I didn't trust he would have a good day, but he has had enough bad days for me to expect the worst and hope for the best. But he is really coming into his own. I hope the school year is getting off to a good start for your children as well! 

<!--Session data-->

Hi, I'm with a public relations firm in NYC.  We work with Rethink Autism.Rethink Autism will conduct a live webinar for parents & professionals to learn how to:  • Dramatically reduce the costs of your autism education program” •  Start and manage an evidence-based approach to autism • Monitor outcomes for students with autism  The webinar will take place Wednesday, August 19, 2009 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT.   Registration is required @ https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/371506882    read more »

What  a  difference  from  yesterday.  Josh is  still  asleep.  He  must  be  really  tried.All  I  did  was chase after  him  and  see  what  he  was getting into.  I   did  a  little  bit  around  the house.Picked  up  and  cleaned  one  of  the bathrooms.I  was  able  to  cook  dinner  also  which   surprised  me .  Josh was  getting  sleepy  and  sat  still and  watched  the  news.He  took  his  bath  and  ate  dinner  and    went  to  bed.  He  was  a  little  bit  sad  and  was  crying  because  he  wanted  to  tell  me   that  he  wanted  to  lay down in his  bebroom  and  not  in  the  computer room  with  me. I  finally  understood and  took  him  to his  room.It  get  frustrating  for  the  both  of  us.And  lately when I  don't  understand  him  or  he  needs  something  from  me  .  He  would    call  out to  me  Mommy.  And  then  i  realized  he  trying  to  tell  me  something  and  I  missed  it. Today  I  hope to  just  play  with him   and  read  some  books.Iam  praying  for  a  better  day. Maybe  just  one  day this  week.

School started today. I miss them and am relieved to be in the quiet house alone. I have running to do today so I won't be here long, but for now, I am appreciating it.

Thane's hand is no longer swollen and he is starting to use it. I am very glad about that. Issac is back on the clonazepam and is no longer crying himself to sleep. Also, no more meltdowns. He went to bed last night at 11:30 and got up for school just fine at 6:35. He seems to be doing better. I have a huge mess to go clean up in his room, but other than that, he's good. 

I got the second mattress cover from the seamstress and seeing as how the fabric was not dyed, I decided to dye it. HA! It shrunk, it barely fits over the mattress now. But I have both mattresses covered and Issac is no longer destroying them so I am happy. He has only torn up one sheet in the last week. But he has torn up 2 shirts and 3 pairs of shorts. I am hitting the clothing give aways today. The school has asked me to send 2 sets of clothing to school for him and Thane and I really don't have them. So, off I am to get them. If I do not find them today I will go again tomorrow. I also have to buy new tennis shoes for Mallie. Issac keeps eating her flip flops and her shoes from last year do not fit. She can rip up a pair of shoes faster than the boys, she is real rough on them. 

The seamstress is supposed to have Issac's blanket finished by tomorrow, but I am going to stop by today and check because I am going thru there today. We will see. I was looking for a spread blanket to back it, but was unable to find one. Every place I checked wanted me to buy 12 at a time. What am I supposed to do with them all? Also, most places only sell to hospitals and nursing homes. I finally found a nursing home whose supplier is sending out a sample blanket. Yippee! I am stopping by there today too, to find out if it got here.  read more »

Thanks to everyone for the feed back. I will certainly try the suggestions. The ME time especially. School starts soon and with that routine so Meghan will be very pleased and not so easily aggitated. I would like to know if any has an idea where I could search for Penpals for Meghan. She loves to write and is very interested in finding penpals with similar traits.  She told me the other day that she would love to talk to a girl that has aspergers to see how she feels. I think this would be a benefit too!!

If I wasn't his mother and instead I was a researcher I would be totally fascinated by what Chase is doing.  At 4 Chase has started holding his hands in fists and tucking his thumb underneath his fingers.  Now I know this is not unheard of, but the interesting part is that his brother did it for quite some time and started doing it close to the same age.  Nathan got so bad he couldn't eat... because he refused to open his hands.  He would move things around with his fists.  And of course it was total meltdown if he was forced to open his hands.  He acted like he was in extreme pain.  It started slowly like Chase is doing now.  I remember finally reading something that made sense.  But, I have forgotten the explanation.  His teacher finally helped Nathan overcome it by putting stickers on his thumbs, which was a feat in itself.  And it was a very long process.  I wonder if anyone out there knows beyond that is probably just a sensory issue (which is a fair assumption) what is happening?

Here I sit in front of my laptop with the TV on and the sound of my almost eleven year old autistic son playing musical toys in our formal living room/double-gated playroom prison cell, and I wonder why Jenny McCarthy gets a voice and I don't.  The most obvious answer is that no one, and I mean no one, would want to see me naked, dressed, or otherwise in a national magazine.  I'm faced every day with the real autism, the not toilet-trained, non-verbal, functions on the level of a toddler kind of autism, that I take care of each and every day of the year, and am, therefore, not interesting enough to take notice of, unless of course, I go shopping at my local store with my autistic son and his little brother.  I talk too loudly, my anxiety blossoming, trying to get out of the store with the necessities, before something terrible happens.  This is almost my only recreation.

 I hold no illusions that anyone will actually read this posting, but here it is, cast out into the bright, glowing  expanse of cyber space.

Well  that's what  I  get  while  posting this  blog.  Josh  got  into  my  dvd's.  My  fitness  dvd's.Of  course one  of  them is  broken  now. Smile.  Grin.  I  should  have  sat  him  down  with me  in  the  room while  I  posted  it.I  sent  him  to  his room  now.  I  know  kind  day  Iam  going  to  have.....  a  LONG   one.

I  can't  believe it  already morning.  He  just  went  to  bed  at  10pm. An d now  he  up  again  at 4:30am.  Well  at  least  he  went  to  bed  this  time. I  better get  up    and  see  what  he is up  to.  I'll will  try  to  convince  him  to  go  back  to  bed.  We  will  see  what  happens.

I've had a few responses regarding my post asking for your struggles with Asperger's. I've received a couple of great stories from parents who want to get the word out to other parents. I especially want to educate teachers and the public about our kids so they can better understand. Maybe you haven't had the teachers who think AS kids are just "bad" kids? I would be surprised if that is true!

If you missed my first post, I'm writing a book with my son, Kyle's stroy. I am looking for other parent's stories, such as yourselves, to include in the book.

If you would like to be heard and educate others...please respond.

Thanks,

Tami  BA, Elementary Education

Kyle's MOM

Well, tonight is open house for the twins' school.  I am truly not looking forward to this whole experience.  I know it's their right place, to get what they need since First Steps is over, no more therapy at home unless we pay for it, but not being with them, them being away from the safety of my eyes and my home is truly going to be one of the hardest things I have ever gone through.  I am going to give it my best try, and if it is not a right idea for them for any reason, I am just going to have to figure out a way to afford therapy at home.  I am putting them on the bus, which I did not want to do, but Joseph needs the car for an early class since there is no bus for it.  And truly, separating in public, at the school may be too overwhelming for all of us, so it's best to do it in my driveway on the bus.  I don't know how I am going to handle just walking them out the door and handing their little hands over to the aids on the bus and waving bye....but somehow I will do it, there is strength in me yet untapped I reckon.  I need to focus on being grateful our district has a program that is free like this for them and stop feeling so selfish and scared, but it is truly hard to do.

Hi, everyone - my son Alex is 11 and has PDD-NOS. My husband and I blog at Autism Vox (autismvox.com) and I'd be honored if anyone stopped over to take a look and tell us what you think. We're at a crossroads with the blog. The people who own the site say there are too many personal stories; they want to see more resources and information.

 I'm glad I found this site because I'll be reading every day to see what questions and resources people have -- we certainly have our plenty of our own that we would like to share. 

 Going to have to use a different browser to do this - I am on google chrome right now and I can't embed links. (Anyone else have a recommendation?)

 Anyway, nice to meet you,

Jill 

does anyone have any experience with this stem cell research?  Most of us are poorer than dirt and just trying to stay above the debt line and can't afford certain medical procedures.  I am interested in trying it out but not at the expense of my childrens health or my sanity for that matter.  besides i am certain that our medical provider will not assisst in paying for something like that.

I wanted to apologize to all the people that I have offended. I never ment to offend anyone but if I offened you I am truly sorry. I believe in freedom of speach and do realize that sometimes that the things that come out of ones mouth can be offensive to some. I have met some nice people through this site and hope to stay friends with them and hope to make many more friends. I will try in the future to put other peoples feelings into consideration when writing.

So, we have been contacted by Baylor University and our date is set for August 26th  I am eager and surprisingly optimistic at the thought of my autistic son being able to sit down and eat a regular meal.  We took him for an evaluation on July 31 and they thought that his eating habits were so severe he needed inpatient intensive help.  I'll go into more later on his current eating habits, just trying to get started with this blog. 

We will start school Monday and go for a week and then travel to Texas, pending the insurance covers everything.  Prayers to God. 

Introduction to Rethink Autism for Parents & Professionals                      

In case you missed the last one, or would like to share with others…

Join us for a Live Webinar on Wednesday, August 19 at 7:00pm (EST)                     

Reserve your Webinar seat now at:https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/371506882              

Participants in this Live Webinar will learn how they can:  

·         Dramatically reduce the cost of autism treatment  read more »

LOL I just wanted to welcome all the newbies. You found a WONDERFUL site. We really care about each other. Todd is our angel =) It's his site. Without him we wouldnt have found each other. Some of us are on Facebook. Im D Cynthia Legros if you'd like to friend me. Just please email me first on FB and explain that you belong to AB. And dont worry, itll be okay.

         hello i just wanted to share something about my little girl. she is five years old and pretty much non verbal. we have tried several different things to help her including chelation. I can't say for sure that it works but i also can't say for sure that it doesn't.  we started giving her something called metalshield and i know when she's on it she can concentrate more and babbles more still not a lot of new words but i'll take what i can get.

         I was just wondering if anyone else knew of another chelation pill to use that might be stronger or have a stronger reaction. we don't have alot of money and no insurance so we are trying to do the best we can on very little money. i would welcome any advice. and blessings to everyone going through this same journey.

This one is the one that majority of people loved. It looks like something straight out of a manga comic. Both Asaka and Asuka are twins and they're fighting each other in this pic. Usually the stronger one wins but this time it's the weaker one who steps up. I hope everyone likes this. It's not to a story but it is to an idea of mine and was inspired by Street Fighter.

I know that this seems kinda crazy but I have been trying this and it seems to be working. The reason I started doing this is because I was just annoyed everytime my little ones would start crying and screaming whenever they wanted something that wasn't being catered to. I think this will work for most people. It does take some time for the results that you would probably require but remember nothing good comes easy in life, so just stick to it.

1)  What I want you to do is when your child starts crying and doesn't listen to what you say, if you understand why they are upset acknowledge it by saying for example "You wanna go outside".

2)  When you say the phrase say it in a similar tone as the child.

3)  Repeat the phrase a couple of times.

4)  You will start to notice the child will look at you in shock that you are understanding what is wrong with them and most will shake their heads and say yes.

 5)  When they do this explain to them they can not have or do what ever it is that they want to do at the time and that later or tommorrow will be a better time.

8 out of 10 times this work, when I tried it with my kids and other children. Try it and see how it goes. If it works let me know. I can explain in better detail if you need. Just let me know.

The dr that takes care of my kids decided that Issac should no longer be on clonazepam. He thot that it was keeping him awake at night and taking him off of it and putting him on clonidin would help. If he had given me a sheet on what the drug was used for I would have told him in no uncertain terms why this would NOT work for Issac. And it isn't. In all fairness, I have had Issac on it this week. Last week, taking Issac off of clonazepam at a half dose was hard too. He was really aggressive and was having a meltdown almost every day at least once. He was down to less than one a month before.  Warning sign, right? But I am thinking maybe once I start the clonidin that he will calm back down. Well, we started it and Issac went to sleep at 11:30 and the next night 12 and it continued like that until last night. Last night he attacked Thane and was crying. I went in to remove Thane and he attacked me. Issac has not done that in a LONG time. It really freaked me out. It was about 1:30 in the morning. I gave him a blanket and turned off all the lights so he would stay in his room. He got up around 3:45 and came into my room. He wanted to sleep with Thane but as Thane was an the loveseat their really wasn't room. I pushed the couch over so that the seats of the loveseat and couch were together and he laid down and went to sleep. I had called the dr yesterday. He just called back this morning and he said to put Issac back on the clonazepam and he would try to come up with something else to help him get to sleep. I also asked him about Thane's arm while I had him on the phone and he said if he was still favoring it sunday to make an appointment on monday.  read more »

Today was pretty much a fantastic day with therapy!  Like I mentioned in previous blogs, he has been taken off his adderall now for probably close to 2 weeks. At first I was leary about the idea only because he still (to me) had a fun personality but no verbalization. Today I had 100% focus and verbalization during sessions. WOW! I just love it! I am glad MOM made the call to take him off, it is so awesome to hear his "true" voice. He still echos vs. actual communication of his needs, with me. With MOM, he has at times verbally told her is wants.

If there was one thing that I want people to know, and to ALWAYS, ALWAYS REMEMBER! Children with Autism, CAN UNDERSTAND! THEY UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU SAY, AND WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT THEM! Please be carefull, inside that little body is a human that feels love, emotions and feelings. (scientific studies and other people may disagree). I however, believe that to be 100% true.   

There, done with my sermon for the week!  

Peace & Love

My son has been having a really rough summer.  Correction, we've all been having a really rough summer.  He has Aspergers and Bipolar and has been tough to treat for his aggressive outbursts.  This summer he was enrolled in a day treatment program and we tried everything...numerous medications, behavioral mod, diet, you name it...nothing seemed to work.

Finally we decided to take him off his medications.  It was just a hunch, but I had an uneasy feeling about him being on so many.  At one point he was on Risperdal, Depakote, Thorazine and Clonidine.  Well today I'm happy to report that he is off all meds and doing much better.  He's more animated, happier and his behavior is a bit better.

 Who knew?  While we know re may have to revisit this at a later time, at least today that is one less worry on our plates.  Yeah.

 Jean 

I write this to help other parents. This is my view, that you dont have to accept but it has helped me..

They say that when the student is ready, the teacher will come.. Sometimes that teacher does not come in the

way we expect or really want.. But they have much to teach you...  read more »

For the past 18 months, we've been chasing a diagnosis for Billy's delays in speech, his differences in motor function, his quirks of personality. My emotions have run the gamut from an extreme skepticism that there's anything "wrong" with him to a growing fear that our early doubts are entirely justified. I've worried, cried, screamed and pleaded with insurance companies, prayed, laughed at myself, and started the process all over again.

 Actually, if I'm completely honest with myself, what I've been looking for the past 18 months, is an expert who will say, "Your son is definitely not autistic." I would demand of the therapists and doctors, "He's not autistic, is he?" because to me, that meant the end. That I would lose my son. That he would slip away from me and lose his smiles and affection and love of life -- all of which he has in spades.

Well, Billy's three now, and he's not slipping away -- but some of his differences from his peers have become more apparent. He's a bright, beautiful, extremely funny boy. He has an amazing memory and vocabulary. He can answer the question, "What is that?" almost every time. He recognizes animals, plants, people, the planets, food ... but he can't tell you what he did today, what he likes to do, what his name is. He doesn't ask any questions. He spends most of his time repeating entire books, the dialog of a whole cartoon, the question you just asked him.

I know what you're probably thinking: "All kids develop differently. Don't worry about it. Let him develop at his own pace ..." Believe me, I've heard it all. I've said it all to myself.  read more »

       Katie made a list of her requirements for a boyfriend. First of all, he must be gay! I'm not kidding. That's what she said! When I asked her why, she said it was because she doesn't want a boyfriend who will bother her for sex. So if he was gay to begin with, that would be ideal. He must like her favorite bands. (It's Tool at the moment.) And he should be Wiccan. When I questioned her about the Wiccan requirement (since we don't know anyone who is), she explained that she wants a boyfriend who can magically grant her wishes. Well, don't we all! Somehow, I just don't think that's quite how it works!

        Katie wants her boyfriend to buy her presents and take her out to dinner. For presents, chocolate would be fine. For dinner, Burger King. Her hopes aren't fantastically high.

        Sometimes Katie gets depressed because she has never had a date. She is over-anxious when she meets anyone. For example, one time when we were walking through a parking lot, she saw a guy and ran up to him, her hands clasped in supplication.

        "Will you be my boyfriend?" she blurted out to this total stranger. I was appalled, but before I could think what to say, the guy said, "I don't think my wife would like it." Katie was crestfallen, to say the least, and as soon as we got in the car, I gave her a lecture on "What if I hadn't been with you and he was a pervert?" "What if you just never came home, and I never knew what happened to you?"  read more »

Some days the cost of therapy gets in the way of the need.  I don't regret a dime spent on therapies.  But, I do regret every cent wasted that could have gone to my children's education.  But, tomorrow will be better.  And I won't worry about the little things. 

Wow.  I haven't posted anything for almost a year.  I haven't BEEN to this site for almost a year.

 Does that mean I haven't needed it?  

 Noooooooooooooooo......

 ('K, folks, put on your whining filters, 'cuz this is a big WHINE.  Venting.  Not being in the least bit constructive.)

 Still struggling with depression and despair.  Went back to 1:1 therapy.  Started and ended a gym membership.  In almost a year, I've gone from 223 pounds to 207 pounds.  Now, I'm almost back to where I started.  Eating crappy.

The kids have had improvements, but it is hard to see.  It is hard to see myself as a good parent.  Continue to get paralyzed.  I'm going to try to see about getting into a live parent support group as well.

 The tantrums are exhausing, I can't envision a positive future for my son, and I'm frustrated by the limitations in communicating with him.

 Things WILL get better, and I will do better for them AND for me.  

Just..... aaaaarrrrrgggghhhhh....

Hi everyone,

I just found out about the workshops myself. Please help me spread the word!

Thanks, Andrea

Advanced Behavior Management

Presented by:  Jennifer Styzens, M.S., BCBA

For those who have a basic knowledge of ABA strategies, this workshop will expand your ability to utilize more advanced behavioral terminology and develop intervention plans with comprehensive reactive and proactive strategies.

This 2-day workshop will include

*Didactic and experiential format
*Behavioral scenarios to demonstrate ABA strategies and techniques
*Functional assessment issues
*Development of intervention plans designed to reduce disruptive behavior
*Development of intervention plans designed to teach replacement behaviors.

Who Should Attend:

Clinicians, parents and teachers with sufficient knowledge of autism

Tues/Wed, August 18-19, 2009
8:30AM – 3:30PM

Autism Partnership
200 Marina Drive, Seal Beach CA 90740
Questions can be directed to info@autismpartnership.com or 1-800-816-9293, press “0”.

www.autismpartnership.com
 

Hello tired Mommies!

I am a single mother of 2 beautiful boys ages 5 and 7. Both of my children have developmental disorders. My Youngest son has Autism my oldest has ADD and recently diagnosed as possible Aspergers.  I am going for a second opinion on my oldest son. He is fully funtional at a regular school. So I am mostly worried about my youngest at this time and getting him back in therapy. He has been diagnosed since age 2.  In the last year I have been ill with an auto immune disorder so caring for my sons has been very difficult.  I lost one job and now work at another that does not provide insurance. I am trying to find the best insurance for my sons condition, Autism Spectrum Disorder. I have heard so many horrible stories of insurance companies labeling certain therapies as "experimental" and not paying for them.  I am just trying to get my son the help he needs it is just sad that we live in a culture where we have to deal with this type of treatment from these multi-million dollar companies..  read more »

Today is my daughter Layla's last day of pre-school. She starts kindergarden in fall. I am so emotional and sad to say goodbye to this special school she had been in. It was safe. Nobody judged, everybody understood. It was safe. Layla doesnot even understand that this will be the last day she is with her teachers and friends. People she has come to trust and love......... how do I make her understand.......... how do I understand.

Location(s)

My name is Melissa Winter, and my oldest child is Autistic. 

When we were given the diagnosis, we set out searching for the best doctors, teachers and therapists we could find.  We knew he would need highly specialized help in order to be able to make it in our society.  We were lucky enough to find an amazing school for him and he is thriving!  He and so many other children like him are able to learn how to function despite the barriers of Autism because of centers like the one we found.    read more »

This is new for me - blogging.  Especially new talking so freely about my daughter meghan. She is 11 and thankfully asleep so she isn't peering over my shoulder to see what I am writing about. We have known forever that meghan was autistic. I think she is more Aspergers - sometimes I don't know what she is - she changes so much. It was easier when she was younger - and not so Aware!!! Now she is always around - and her bipolar ADD self flits from place to place every 5 minutes.

I am sooooo tired.  But I am not sure why so now - since she's been this way forever. Maybe it's the explaining I have to do at school, dance class, camp, with friends etc.  She shocks everyone with her behavior and replies. The family - her two older sisters and my husband are tired too.  I have decided to seek help for us now - as a family.  It's always been Meghans doctors etc. now it's our turn.  How do we deal?  Are we doing ok? Will she let go of me - her mom- eventually?

This site is wonderful - I see others and read their storiess and get ideas how they cope.  I will attend a group counselling session and possible research individual counselling for me. Then I will pass this on to my family. 

I am too excited.  The Autism Society has run a story on my book I wrote for teachers to help them set up an autism classroom!!! Here is the link:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=14487

This is partially inspired by my faith, partially inspired by what I've seen in comparing autistic kids raised by two heterosexual parents vs one parent or two same sex parents, and partially inspired by http://www.newssun.com/news/0807-ct-Lanier This article linked to previously.

 Two lines in this article is a frightening idea to any autistic being raised by NT parents:   

There are treatments that can help, but Pam Lanier pulled no punches. "Autism is not for the faint of heart," she said.

"It's not a secret to say that the divorce rate is high (among families of ASD children), especially when you don't understand (the disorder)," added Jim Lanier. 

 I just want to urge *any* parent of an autistic spectrum child who is seeing the stress pull their marriage apart, to think twice, three times, a hundred times, seventy times seven times, before cursing your autistic child with divorce.

Here's why- even in the best of circumstances, with NT parents and NT children, divorce brings change.  In the case of split custody, or even mere visitation schedules, continuing change that will occur throughout the child's life.  Different rules, different houses, different bedtimes, different meal times, different smells, different landscaping, different bedroom design, the list goes on and on.  read more »

I will open with a disclosure... this is a freewriting exercise for me to vent.

 It is hard and time consuming to be everything that my son needs me to be.  I also believe that my daughter is on the spectrum as well.  I had some concerns with her since she was young, but I thought that they were all mental health realated.  More and more the evidence is smacking me in the face.  We have an appointment with her Pediatrician tomorrow to get the ball rolling, to get to the bottom of this.  No more seeing a therapist and getting no where, we need a referal to CCHMC department of DDBP to find out if what I now suspect is true.  I will be relieved if it is because I know the cause of so many behaviors.  I would be greatful to know that I have a road to travel, rather that being in the dark, grasping for straws.  I know that having children on the spectrum is a mixed bag on tricks everyday.  I am learning to become an optismist, I am acquiring patience, finding out how to say the same thing 6 different ways (not the same thing 6 different times).  I still have to remember that I have to be good to me, because if I am not, I will not be the best caregiver for them.  I need to get at least 30 minutes of the day that I will do something for me.  The hard part about life is to implement the knowledge you have, which is Wisdom, GOD help me to acquire it soon.

This is how a little on how my autistic mind thinks…

I just had a talk with my daughter about how she grew up with a parent with Asperger’s Syndrome (on the autism spectrum).  After looking at her like she was an alien (fascinated) and saying, “I don’t get it” and asking pointed questions until she would inevitably say, “Other people just know,” I thought of toddlers.

Toddlers do parallel play.  The play happily beside each other, not solo, and not group play.  I’m like that with John, my partner of many years; we’re never physically far apart, yet our minds will be preoccupied with something that we’re intent on, and he’s not even an Aspie (person with Asperger’s), just the self-assured, focused, independent type.  We even both work from home, but in separate offices.

I looked up “parallel play” while my daughter was downstairs on the computer and I ran across this The New Yorker article, by Tim Page, named, surprise, surprise, “Parallel Play.”  I was slightly miffed, yet not surprised that someone else thought of it first.  That happens a lot.  I suppose an idea is only considered brilliant if you think of it first.  Maybe I’m just slow compared to the people who think of things first?  Maybe every person thinks of things that have already been thought of?  Is this a generational thing where future generations are doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past?

I went on in this line of thought for a while then started reading the article.  Yes, an article about the author’s Asperger’s Syndrome.  I decided that it would spur a great deal of blog posts based on the clarity of the article.  I could personalize his personalizations of Asperger’s.  I suppose that is hardly a unique idea either.  read more »

Hello!   We at Ali-Pat Publications LLC are excited to be a part of Autism Bloggers. We wanted to share with you some information about our company, ourselves, and our thoughts about the educational needs of children with Autism. 

About myself and why Ali-Pat Publications was created:

I have a daughter who just turned 13. Kris is interested in bicycle riding, movies, spelling, reading, computers and being creative with several artistic mediums  She also has Autism. 

Kris has been home schooled for 7 of the last 13 years using ABA and VBA. Three of those years she was a student in a self-contained Autism I classroom in the public school system. During those years in public school I volunteered several hours each day in her classroom working closely with her teachers and therapists.

I had purchased several file folder games from various sources and lent those books to her teachers to be used as a supplement to learning and generalizing what had been learned. Using these resources had given me a unique 

perspective of knowing first hand what teaching tools are available for both typical and special needs children.   read more »

This week has not went well so far and it is only tuesday..... I am hoping the rest of the week goes better.

Thane and Issac were arguing over the computer sunday and Thane fell backwards and landed on his right hand or wrist. He acted like it hurt and I fussed over him a bit and watched him on sunday. I didn't notice him favoring it or anything that didn't seem more serious than a bruise. Yesterday however, he was really favoring it. He was being extremely careful putting his shirt on and he wouldn't use the hand to pick up his cup or anything. His right hand is his dominant hand and he hits the table, etc during the day. Yesterday was a stomp day. I decided, after examining it and seeing that it was swollen, to take him to the ER. They xrayed it and said it looked like a sprain, but they would have a radiologist look at it this morning and forward any concerns to Thane's pediatrician.Yippee! So, I took him back home with the sling they gave me for him. He took it off almost as soon as I put it on. I gave him tylenol and he took that. He seems a little better this morning, but I am hoping for a big improvement by next week as that is when school starts and I know they are really wanting to push the boys this year.  read more »

This is my first time to submit a blog entry. Usually I just try to read them to find out information. My little girl emma is 3 and has autism we live in a small town that  does not have any resources for autism. She is starting her first day of preschool tomorrow, and I am wondering if we made the right decision to stay. She is nonverbal so I am naturally scared that they won't have any idea on how to treat her, or what she needs. From her orientation the teacher seems insisitant on treating Emma like everyone else. I appreciate this but am also scared on how far she will take for example when I said I would pack her sippy cup she said she can drink from a cup like everyone else. This is good skill and she is great with a straw but I am not sure if she is quite ready for drinking from a cup. She has some fine motor issues.  I am afraid to voice to much of my opinion because I don't want to be the one to hold her back.

 Also if this does not work out I need a back up plan. We know we are going to have to move eventually because even if this preschool works out the schools here are less then optimum and we know that we will need to move to get Emma the care she needs- Unless she improves dramatically within the next few years. So where are the best schools? Where should we move? and what should I do with this preschool?

Please help. Any comments are appreciated.

I am a mother of a beautiful 5 year old girl who has autism. I have been fighting this alone....... just wanted to know if others are out there who feel like I do .. sometimes lonely, and mostly scared!!

Chase started pre-k today.  He was a bit confused because his new class is at the building across the street.  He quickly fell into routine when he saw some of his old classmates and teachers.  He had a wonderfully busy day.  He konked out just before reaching home and has yet to go to bed tonight. 

Today was a great day for therapy. We brought therapy to the farm.

My little guy has been on a waiting list for a grant at where I volunteer (when I am not working 2 jobs and going to school that is) at a therapy equine center. Mom mentioned to me how much he loves horses and well, it just so happens that I have horses. One horse in particular I have used in the past for therapy and she is fantastic!

Mom told him that he was going out by horses today and she said he made one fast dash, grabbed his shoes and his little play pony. All the way over all he said was horse, horse and, time to go..  :) They pulled in the driveway, and as soon as the van door opened he made one dash towards the horses. Good thing we are all pretty fast on our feet, cause that could have been very bad...

I brought out my trusted old mare and gave her a flake of hay while we placed him on her back. Let me rephrase that a bit. As he crawled out of my arms onto her back is what really happened. My husband walked the horse, with me and mom walking on each side.He just sat on her back just a smiliing away! Every so often he would lay on her neck and give her a big ole hug, he was so excited! We walked around the pasture for a while and when we got back by the barn he was feeling so good he just sat up there smiling ear to ear. I played around a bit and turned him around backwards on the horse and grabbed her tail to hang on to. He loved the feel of her hair as I tickled him under his chin. Then he layed on her like he was in bed and when the ride was over he gave her a kiss on the nose and said "Good Bye". Today was a great day of therapy my horse also agrees, she got more lovin and treats today that she has in a long time.

I have the same story as so many, but somehow they are all different.

 My husband and I tried for 5 years to have a child.  After years of fertility treatment we were so delighted to learn we were finally going to have a baby.  We had a great pregnancy, completely normal (whatever that is!).  Our son was born, we loved him, still do!  He seemed completely fine but we started to notice he wasn't completely like other kids.  I thought it was so neat how he would point at things or how he would balance things, he still has an incredible ability for balancing, his amazing musical ability.  When we were told at 3 years old our son was classically autistic we thought these people are crazy and what did they know?  We continued treating him as if he wasnt.  Finally at 4.5 when he still did not have any language skills we started to realize he needed help.  We found it in ABA Therapy and a variety of supplements.  Today our son is going into 1st grade.  He is mainstream but different than most.  I say to anyone out there reading this that dont give up, reach out for help, find other parents, the best ideas come from those who have walked in our shoes, don't stop praying, miracles do happen. 

http://www.opendooronthenet.com/Travis.html

ABA-based lesson teaching your child/student to wear a bandage

    thank you to everyone with their tips.  my daughter has been in special education since she was two. they've tried to get her to do sign language as have i (i already new sign language) but she stares at us blankly.

   the idea of a tss sounds great i just have no idea where to find one i live in tri-cities WA so our resources are few and far between.  however they did just host an autism bazarr and conference both of which i attended but really not much help there.

   i don't know if i'm just not pushing her hard enough or to hard she communicates with us more and more, she tries to sign "me" when she wants things but thats all we can get out of her and i don't think the pictures would work at all i can't get he to focus on them.

   but, i'm willing to try almost anything to help her break through to us. i guess there is a blessing out of this though, after working with my wonderful kids and my friends i've decided to become a special education teacher, i've found i really do have as much to learn from them as i have to teach them. thank you again for all your advice and please keep it coming we need all the help we can get.

One of the biggest fustration we have with our son, is getting him to eat other foods than the very limited few

he will. We do give him ensure so that he will get the need vits and minerals for his growing body needs,

but I want to try to enlarge his diet more, so that we dont have to use the ensure anymore.

Has anyone found a method to try to introduce more foods?

I am the father of a 19 year old non verbal son with Autism. I have lived most of what some of you with younger children are going thru now please ask questions if needed. I don't claim to have all answers but if I have been there or done that I can pass on information.

I know I should probably not blog right now, but it has been so very long since I have.  I am ever so weary, and not in the best frame of mind from pain meds.  I am feeling very low because I am a doer not a sit on the sidelines kind of person.  This recovery time is killing me, and the thought of more surgery has me in just about totaly despair.   I know I am strong, stronger than I even know I am, and I will get thru this time, but right now I just miss holding my kids and playing around with them.  It is killing me inside, my heart is breaking every time someone else does these things for me.  Though filled with gratitude, so much of it, for all my kids and family are doing, I am sad, selfishly so, if that's a word.  It is always me that comforts and fills the needs and makes them giggle.  The pain from the surgery is just about gone, but the pain from the overwhelming amount of endometriosis that has taken over my body inside is excrutiating, and I am tired of being tired and in pain.  I want my life back.  I am determined to fight this, and not let this disease emotionally beat me, though, so my chin is up, and I am reminding myself all day and every sleepless night, that I am not alone, that I have support, that I too am a survivor.  This too shall pass. 

          hi there i am very new at this i've never blogged or written anything on the computer before so i'm not quite sure how to go about this. it was really nice to see that other people out there are trying several different things for their children as well. i have two children a daughter and son who both have autism but a t varing degrees my daughter is non verbal for the most part she babbles but the only thing i can really understand is ma ma.  My son is pretty high functioning.

         My daughter is the one who really conserns me, i can't find any suggestions on how to help a non verbal child and i'm trying everything. we CAN'T afford to take her to a DAN doctor which i would love to do. but right now we have to be her doctor we have her on some suppliments which seem to work okay but, well i want more, and i can tell she does too.  she gets so frustrated when she can't communicate with us.

         If anyone has any suggestions please i'm all ears and thank you all for creating this blog i know if my daughter could say it too she would!

My son is about to enter the third grade and he is currently on three types of medication totaling close to $1000/mo and he receives therapy. He is doing better than before but I know he has so much more potential. I was wonder if anyone has implemented a gluten free diet for their child with any success. Is it hard to get started or maintain? Are there any negatives about a gluten free diet? It seems like anytime I mention anything to his neurologist amount the medication not impacting him the way that they were he wants to up his meds. I just want to make sure that I am doing everything possible that I can to help my child. Thank you for any advice you may have.

We will be leaving New Jersey in 4 years.  Would love for parents opinion of their state, city Special Education Programs.

Thanks so much

As the proud parent of 3 1/2  year old Twins, one diagnosed with PDD-NOS.  I have no faith in the Special Education Laws. 

Very disappointing, but I'm turning my anger into Advocacy.....Starting to write Legislators, and request appointments.... Instead of addressing the problem with FAPE from the Schools up.  My plan is to start from Gov.....down to schools.

Wish me luck...

We are excited to start first grade I am a little nervous.  He did really well in kindergarden to the point that he need little help in the class room. He went 1/2 day resource room and 1/2 day kindergarden.  Hoping he has a good teacher, class. 

I just wanted to welcome the newbies. If you are frustrated, if you feel like you're at the end of your rope you have found the RIGHT place. We are a nice bunch of people who really genuinely care about each other. It's Todds site. I have kind of become the unofficial greeter lol. READ the posts. Some of us are on Facebook. Im under D Cynthia Legros if you want to friend me, just email me first and tell me who you are. I tend to be blunt and silly. I use humor almost like medication for MYSELF. You arent alone. This site will help you keep your sanity. You're safe here so try to calm down and READ. It'll be okay honest.

It was late last night before he finally quit.  But, sitting there watching his mind open up is one of the most incredible experiences.  Samantha helped Chase learn how to match using cards from a memory game.  They didn't turn the cards face down, but she let him pick one and he would scan until he found the next one.  He was so excited when he found the match!  His eyes beamed and his mind awakened.  Times like that let him know how to use his brain.  You can see the wheels turning.  I LOVE IT!!!

This is gonna be a hard question to ask and I am sure I am gonna get alot of people very mad at me but here goes...

 We need to send our 9 year old to a living home facility. 

 My wife and I cannot control him anymore. Medication is of no use. His latest attack upon me was to plummet me in the mouth til 3 of my teeth came out and then push me down the stairs, all because I told him that he could not have any Soda before bedtime.

 This is just one instance. Ever since he started puberty (yes he is 9 and already going thru puberty) his violent outbursts are almost impossible to control. We are very poor and just had to shell out over 3000 dollars because he leaped in the bathtub and it cracked (very big crack) and all the water poured out into the lower level ceiling. We had to replace the tub and all the tiling and most of the lower level ceiling.

 There is much more violence. He constantly hits my wife (his mother) and we have tried every medication we have been told about and nothing does any good.

I am a very even tempered man, but I am afraid that one day it is all just going to go to far and I am going to snap and hurt both of us.

 As I said above, I realize that most of the responses I get are going to be negitive, but hopefully someone can point me in the right direction of where to search for a in-house living facility where he can get the help that he needs and not break us, mentally or physically.

 Thank you for your time

Psidust

       It's fascinating to me to read of other autistic people who are nothing at all like Katie. For example, some seem to be obsessive/compulsive to some degree in the way they keep everything in perfect order, or do things in a specific way. Katie would never bathe if I didn't tell her she really must. Her bedroom looks, well, to borrow a phrase from my mother, "like a cyclone hit it." Remember that Katie is 26 years old! I once told her that her immediate environment, meaning her bedroom, is of her own creation, and she could make it into her place of quiet refuge with only a little effort. I was wasting my breath. She doesn't like for me to invade her space and clean her room for her, so when anyone comes over, I close the door to her room. The squalor doesn't bother her at all. Sometimes when she goes out for a walk, I go in and pick up trash and put it in the waste basket. Even though the waste basket is there, Katie ignores it and throws trash on the floor. Instead of being a neatnik, she seems to be oblivious to her surroundings, and can't see why it bothers me.

       Another way in which not all autistic people are alike is that some have motor skill problems, and others don't. Remember Leonardo Di Caprio in the movie "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" He liked to climb so high on things that he had to be rescued. Katie, on the other hand, has difficulty managing stairs. She never learned to skip or jump rope or ride a bicycle. I bought her a bike with training wheels years ago, but she had no interest in it.  read more »

I was so thrilled with Kool Smiles 2 yrs ago when we ended up in their office. They were friendly, they didn't cancel my appointment and not tell me. The boys liked them and the staff seemed able to handle them. I had spent about 4 yrs looking for a dentist in my area and had given up and went to them. They are in another state and about 2 hours away. I compromised and it seemed to work well. No x rays were taken initially and the staff assured me that they could work around it.  Well, today was not a good day. Issac was wonderful. He sat still relatively and he let them take xrays today. Great! No problems with his teeth and we were ready for Thane. I knew it was going to be rough with him as he had started crying the moment we pulled in the parking lot. He cried all thru Issac's visit and xrays. Yippee!  read more »

I am so pleased with the remarkable changes in my son. He has become so much more manageable and is soooo sweet. he is telling us now that he loves us but I am told that he is doing that as a direct result of seeing how much we enjoy it. Regardless it is still wonderful to hear. He does now say this to strangers in the grocery store but it entertains me. He even has gotten on his bike and learned how to ride with no training wheels. He has started to refer to my daughters friends as his friends and tries to talk to them sometimes. He is such an amazing gift and everyday has been a blessing. He will start a new school in the fall that deals directly with autism and I am very pleased with the environment. I just wanted to share this with someone because it has been so exciting to see the great things and the potential my son has. I never thought in a million years that Gaven would have been able to accomplish any of these things but here we are.

 Some of you might have heard of this remarkable young lady with autism who wrote a novel. ABC news is doing a story on her and autism tonight Friday 8/7. Could be a encouraging story to watch, I know I am going to watch.

Just an FYI,

Autism2me

 http://blogs.abcnews.com/theworldnewser/2009/08/read-part-of-carlys-first-novel.html

I've only just figured this out about myself, but my largest value that affects my religion and politics is a hatred of change.  It occurs to me that many meltdowns in church for the young can be mediated simply by choosing a sect that is highly liturgical/traditional, so that the service is predictable and doesn't change much from week to week.  I also notice that much of my conservativism, and what one neurodiversity group called outright bigotry, also stems from this lack of a willingness to accept change.  Even my favorite  form of economics- local capitalist distributism- is about finding a local utopia and doing whatever it takes to keep it an utopia.

 Anybody else notice how autism has affected your beliefs and poltics? 

Wow!! I'm so thankful I found this blogging site...I have a 6 year old son with Autism his name is Miles..Miles started school last year Kindergarten in the Special Needs program..and despite the progress that was made..Miles had a tough year...Sometimes I thought that school year would never end because I was constantly worried...I'm thinking about Homeschooling Miles and any advice would be greatly appreciated..

Has anybody used this treatment for repetitive behavior? It's a drug in the SSRI class of anti-depressants. There were studies recently conducted (and some ongoing). One recently demonstrated the drug as no statistically no different than placebo. Any success stories out there?

       Katie's favorite food is macaroni and cheese. In fact, she'll hardly eat anything else. Sometimes pizza, of course ice cream, but her main course is usually M&C. She would eat it more than once a day if I let her.

       Is this typical of autistic people? Are they just not adventuresome? Do they need the stability of knowing what they can depend on for lunch? Is anything different perceived as undesirable? Is Katie addicted to carbohydrates? She actually tells me she is having "withdrawal" whenever I try to get her to stay away from M&C for a few days. I asked her to describe what she meant by withdrawal, and she said, "I can't think about anything else but macaroni and cheese." I relented and bought some more, just thankful that she isn't addicted to lobster or something more expensive!

       Since I work night shift, I'm sleeping at Katie's lunchtime. She has learned, by watching me, to make her own macaroni and cheese from a box. (I made the real thing "from scratch" and she wouldn't eat it.) She can also make an egg sandwich and heat pasta from cans.

       The only way I can get her to eat an apple is to peel it, slice it and sprinkle it with sugar and cinnamon. She won't eat bananas or most fruits. Peas from a can are okay, but not ones that were frozen. Green beans and corn she'll eat. Other than macaroni and cheese, that's about it.

       Does anyone else face this same thing? How do you get your autistic loved one to eat a healthy variety of foods?

Hello,

My name is Vince Santucci and I have taken a personal interest in Autism after my nephew was diagnosed with the condition in 2005. I'm a pharmacist by profession; and have, on many occaisions, attended my nephew's physician appointments and other treatment sessions with my brother and his wife. One of the biggest frustrations I have is the lack of understading of the etiology and pathophysiology of autism, as well as the fact that there are currently no effective medical treatments. Although early intervention, aggressive behavioral, speech, and occupational therapies can greatly benefit people living with autism. We've seen my nephew make tremendous improvement over the past few years; although it never seems to be enough. Our concern and main goal is to get him back to as normal a functional status as possible.   

   read more »

Today he was in one of his very happy moods which is always a good thing right???

But, again I couldn't get him to focus on any therapy sessions what so ever?? Bouncing on the bed, climbing on the dressers, tearing apart his closet, umm..... did I miss anything???

Mom brought in some french fries for lunch and set them on the table and left the room. I took the plate and set it by me and held up a french fry for manding or facial expressions. I asked if he wanted a french fry, He looked directly into my eyes and said "french fry" as plain as day! (He is nonverbal only to echo his favorite cartoons, Dora and Lion King) Ok, so now I know mom took him off his adderall again. I asked her and she said yea, she did because he is so much more verbal without it, and I totaly agree. His personality is so fun and he is such a ham! Now its just trying to get him back with his programs... looks like I'll be going threw a lot more gummy bears!!!  :0

I am looking to help with autism fundraising. We need to spread the word. Please help me get the word out. Our kids need help.
If you know anyone who is in a PTA ,or on a board of a school I would love to talk to them. Sometime student government help local schools.

My name is Melissa Winter, and my oldest child is Autistic.

When we were given the diagnosis, we set out searching for the best doctors, teachers and therapists we could find. We knew he would need highly specialized help in order to be able to make it in our society. We were lucky enough to find an amazing school for him and he is thriving! He and so many other children like him are able to learn how to function despite the barriers of Autism because of centers like the one we found.

I am passionate about the work our center is doing to help our kids and wanted to be able to make a difference. I designed this glass puzzle piece necklace to help do just that. (See picture attached) A portion of our profits will be donated to The Slomin Family Center For Autism and Related Disabilities. http://dreambuilderscampaign.com.

The purpose of my letter is to offer “The Puzzling Piece” to be used as a fundraiser for your organization too. The wholesale price of our necklace is $10.00, with the suggested retail price of $20.00. Your organization makes a $10.00 profit from every necklace sold! Please visit our website to learn more about “The Puzzling Piece” and how we can help your organization grow as well. www.thepuzzlingpiece.com. I can be reached for further information at 201-602-0547 or my e-mail address is info@thepuzzlingpiece.com.  read more »

Living life with an ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) teenage daughter. Live, love, laugh with us as we wend our way through Life With Emily.

Please visit my blog at http://lifeasemilyseesit.blogspot.com where I would love to share the joys of raising a differently developing child.  Too often we share the heartache, and there is more of than enough of that to go around with these children, I would love to share stories of the joys and triumphs we experience as well.  Join me.  I would love to hear from you.

I am going through a bit of a hard time right now.  My husband and I have set into the idea that there is something wrong with our son.  I still haven't been able to deal with the idea of it.  How can a child seem so normal then at 2 start to regress?  It has blind sided us.  I look at him and he doesn't quite fit the symptoms but he is not the normal 3 year old.   He is borderline with it.  All of the therapist and doctors say he has Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS.  He is very social and loving.  His main trouble is his communication skills and he is very sensitive.  He does have tantrums a bit.  He doesn't have any sensory issues and doesn't really have any ticks.  He did flick his eye the other day while throwing a tantrum but is was the only time ever.  He is very fascinated with cars and lines them up to race. He lays his head on the ground and watches them as he pushes them towards him or he crashes them.  He started this since he has watched Cars.  He wants to watch that movie over and over.  He is getting into other movies but he seems obsessed with that movie.  I am not sure if this is a normal 3 year old things or if it is one of the symptoms.  He also loves to play with other kids but plays too rough. It is hard to judge now because I am analyzing everything.  I am just not sure anymore.  read more »

       It wasn't exactly a hate note, but it sure wasn't a love note. My neighbor, Mark, called and asked me what the note taped on his door was all about. I didn't know anything about a note taped on his door, but there was no mistaking Katie's familiar scrawl.

       My neighbors, Mark and Melody, don't have children. Melody is a Special Ed. teacher, the one I mentioned in an earlier blog whose whole class is autistic children. They are wonderful people, and have taken Katie many places when they have time. They take her to the zoo, museums, book stores, restaurants, etc. In other words, they deserve nothing but gratitude from Katie.  read more »

The other day my little guy was having tantrums, only I told mom it didn't seem to be a "normal" tantrum as he usually displays if he's frusterated or sick, e.t.c. He was banging his chin and trears were just a com'n down. I stopped being therapist and started playing my mom role and tried to figure out what it could be. Then he started sticking his hand in his mouth and this is something I've never seen him do before? About 30 minutes later into session he again started banging his chin and crying. I told mom I wondered if he was experiencing a toothache or a tooth coming in???  After the weekend I come in for my session and guess who is missing 2 bottom teeth?? Today, no tantrums or teeth  :D 

Todays session was pretty uneventful. I used the gummy bears I bought him for reinforcers for facial expressions and he sure has that whole thing down pat!

If anyone knows of a certified special educator looking for a teaching position in Maryland, please send me an instant message here or send a message to my autismclassroom.com email address.

I do not have a child with Autism.  I want to be up front about that.  I do know a woman, Sara Martwig, who has opened up a center in Dallas, Texas that works with children with Autism.  She uses the DORE technology.  The success stories are amazing.  I am getting nothing out of this blog.  I saw an advertisement on Facebook and thought I would come and check the site out.  My heart goes out to everyone who is surviving every day.  I just wanted to put out Sara's information in case anyone might be interested in checking her program out.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions as well.  Her website is http://cerebellumcenter.com/home.  Good luck to everyone.  May God be with you and help keep you strong.

So I am a bit nervous for kindergarten. The positives are that zares school got a grant and now they will have two paraeducaters in the room PRAISE THE LORD! Half-day kindergarten has their own recess, their own mid-day bus. The negatives? He still really wants to hit his brother wheneve little bro goes anywhere first, having to quit an activity before he is "ready" brings out the ear piercing screech, he is still unsure of the whole sports dept., he does not do well if he messes up on hand motions, or anything that is supposed to be memorized. If he does not perform perfectly on the first try he throws a complete fit, and he still hates to be touched when instructed.

 Other than that hes fine! uh, I have to wait till mid-august to speak to staff....and I am ready to help them now.

Okay, so my son's new obsession/favorite stim is light switches.  (This was a previous stim - reverting back to it after like two years)  Lights on, lights off.  Every room, repeatedly, everywhere we go (even in public places if he gets to it before I get to him)  It has become unbearable.  My husband and I have tried every intervention we know - from redirecting to removing privileges/tokens, positive reinforcement of good behaviors, etc. and we can't get him to stop.  It is maddening.  Typical little sister picking up the habit too although we are able to effectively stop her.  Any suggestions for controlling/helping us survive this phase much appreciated!!

Just another day in the life of Autism parenting.....

My wife had an ultrasound yesterday, we found out that we are having a boy. I'm pretty excited about this. Now I have someone I can teach how to fish, play guitar, play golf, and build websites. Not that girls can't do that stuff, but boys are better. haha Just kidding. I have some pictures here http://fugere.tv/ultrasound. We've been spending a lot of time garage saleing, we've found lots of great stuff but it's been yellow and green. Now we can start to focus on blue and we can start deciding on a name. December will be here quick!!

As an early childhood special education teacher and behavior therapist, I am interested in hearing from famlies who have a relative with autism.  I want to know how your experiences were good and/or bad so I can take your input to help me evolve to provide the best support for the families I work with in the field. Thank you for your input!

Just wanted to welcome the newbies =) Glad you found us. I suggest you do some reading. There's alot of nice folks on here. Some of us are on facebook. Im under D Cynthia Legros. If you want to friend me just be sure and email me first on fb. Fair warning I tend to be silly. I think I use my sense of humor to help me cope. To be honest I gave up reading every new post on AB a long time ago because it can be too draining. We have some really wonderful members. This is a safe place to vent and dont worry you're not the only one that sometimes feels like you're gonna lose your damn mind. We've all been there. 

My son's dad and I have been seperated for over 4 yrs and divorced for nearly 2.  My children do not get to see their dad that often, as he is military and lives away from us. Which, not to be self-ish, is a good thing because I don't think we could handle him around very often.  As it is he doesn't call the kids, and is often making empty promises to them.  But that's not the problem, it's when he does take the kids, he doesn't really grasp the concept of handling lil' Daniel.  He will give him a good "talking" to when he does something bad, and this alone does not work with my lil' man.  Thus once he returns from daddy's company Daniel is a different child, his behaviors excell and he is harder to calm down for nearly 2 weeks after he returns.  I've told his father that he has to do more than just "talk with him".  His grandma' (his fathers mom) seems to think it is okay to scream at him, but screaming on the other hand does not do anything but excell lil' man's behaviors. makes him more angry and he becomes worse than he was to start.  It's a struggle to get him back to where he was behavior wise once he returns.  has anyone ever had this experience, or does anyone have any wise words I can give his father and grandma' about how to handle my spcecial lil' guy so that once he returns home it will be less of a struggle to get him back to where he was behavior wise? I'm so lost on this, and it happens 99% of the times he comes back from daddys. :(

Hello!   We at Ali-Pat Publications LLC are excited to be a part of Autism Bloggers. We wanted to share with you some information about our company, ourselves, and our thoughts about the educational needs of children with Autism. 

Although there are many existing programs, 

what we hear repeatedly from teachers is the desire to conserve space and to minimize the amount of time spent at the copier reproducing the file folder games.  The other concern is that existing programs work well for typical children but need to be modified for special needs children.

It is from hearing these concerns expressed regularly that we set out to create a program offile folder games to address these needs:

Minimizing storage by having the games on CDs as opposed to large books, therefore leaving room available for other supplies.                      

Ease of downloading and printing directly in the classroom, freeing up the teachers and assistants to spend more time teaching.

   read more »

Hi everybody,

 I'm currently working on a research project investigating where (on their body) children with autism experience pain. If you feel like it, please share anything about your child and pain that you like.

 Thank you for your time.

-Brian

I'm new at blogging. Can anyone tell me how I know if I have a message other than checking my "Im Box". Yeah, stupid, I know. But we all have to learn sometime!

Thanks,

Tami

I am very happy to have joined this community and I hope I will hear from a lot of you!

 I am a piano teacher in Los Angeles specializing in lessons for students with autism and Asperger's.  I would LOVE to hear from anyone who may have any tips or creative ideas to help me teach my students because I know that one can never stop learning and improving as a teacher. I will often post questions about problems I encounter that you guys may help me with. Also, I would love to share insight from my experience if anyone is attempting to learn or teach piano in this community. 

 Hope to hear from many of you soon!

Yeva Delband

 http://www.ypiano.com 

I have been promoting ThreeLac on this site,and been giving it to my son for two years. HOWEVER I just read a couple of articles out there that there is a strain of bacteria in threeLac that can be dangerous! It is the enterococcus faecalis, which is only found in this probiotic. The Australian Health Department baned it in their country. This type of bacteria can be found in some sick hospitals. Studies are showing that this bacteria can make a person resistent to antibiotics as well. I will post the full article, and please if you know any information on this, please feel free to share it with me thank you. I started my son on Yukcult drink

http://www.yeastinfectionadvisor.com/threelacreview.html

http://www.autismweb.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=110180&sid=4f13ee5e2f14d4a421d2a88870732262

I may be unique here.  This blog looks more geared towards the cure side of things.  I'm kind of on the fence between the cure and neuraldiversity movements; so I'll post my story and see what comes of it.

 I grew up thinking that there was something wrong with me.  My mother latched on to any explaination possible, but none seemed to fit.  My visible physical symptoms were disgraphia, SPD, and migraines.  My less visible physical symptoms were oversensitive nerve endings to everything.  My mental symptoms include a INFP personality type and an utter lack of ability to understand body language or appropriateness limits unless somebody informs me of such limits (and even then, I need a reason why).  

 When I was 28, the migraines got so bad (one or two a week, lasting for three days each) that I sought medical attention for them.  Due to the medicine that worked, it was suggested I go to a psychologist for an autism workup.  My eventual diagnosis, at age 30, was Asperger's, and it was like a light went on over my entire life.  Suddenly, instead of a victim of bullying, it was my strange behavior that was the instigator.  Instead of women rejecting me and being picked on for being effeminite and hit on by the homosexual community- it was my autistic behavior causing these misreadings of my orientation.  I was suddenly socially free for the first time in my life to truly do what my spirit told me- not care what anybody thought anymore.  read more »

August 11th is kindergarten registration.  I've already been told he will not be in the general ed class.  But, we have worked diligently at his private school to prepare him to move right into a general ed class.  I know there are many things to consider.  We are planning to start at the top and alter things based on his needs.  I hope the school is on board.  It should help their decision once they actually spend some time with him.

Location(s)

Dylan's Run/Walk has been a highlight for Milwaukee's Autism community since 2001. Hundreds of families are joined by their friends and loved ones to promote Autism Awareness, raise funds for Autism research, and support the mission of the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin. We are grateful to Indian Summer Festival for their continued support in hosting Dylan's Run/Walk.  After the Run/Walk stay for the Indian Festival for free!!

 Sunday Sept. 13th 2009

8:30 AM Registration

10:30 AM 2 mile Run/Walk begins

Check out www.dylansrun.com

       I'll never forget the first time Katie disappeared. The girls came home from school on the bus and came into the house as usual. I was busy, but before I started dinner, I suddenly became aware that I didn't know where Katie was. She wasn't in her room or anywhere in the house. We went outside and called her name. No answer. We went up and down the road calling her. No answer. Panic was taking over big time. I walked back toward our house wondering whether to take the car and look farther from home. When I looked toward the car, I saw that someone was sitting in the back seat. There was Katie! Just sitting there, not answering us, and apparently wrapped in her own world. Oh, how glad I was to find her!

       This was near the end of 6th grade when this happened. It had taken 5 years to get Katie to talk in complete sentences, but lately, she had reverted to grunts and pointing and her own language, which no one but her family could understand. Now she was hiding off by herself as soon as she got home from school. I suspected that there was a problem at school that Katie didn't know how to deal with.

       The next day, I went to school to pick up Katie, rather than have her ride the bus. Being a little early, I thought I would go in and talk to the teacher. She didn't know I was coming. As I approached the classroom door, I could hardly believe my ears. I stood in the hallway listening to this teacher berate and belittle her whole classroom full of  Special Ed. kids! I hurried to the principal's office and tried to get her to come listen. Believe it or not, the principal indignantly informed me that this was one of their best teachers, and she faced a lot of pressure everyday that I just couldn't understand. I was being too judgmental and critical!  read more »

Hello, everyone. As I sit and write tonight (my first time in this blog/forum), I realize my family is very new to autism, as we only learned of Joshua's diagnosis last year. Our son has high-functioning autism. We think this is it, but each month, nearly clockwork, he gets a severe headache that is accompanied within 2-3 hours of vomiting. If he's eaten anything recent before this episode starts he may vomit two or three times, and afterward he'll sleep until the next morning. Generally, once this starts he's out of action for a minimum of 12 hours. It's frustrating because no one's been able to tell us why. It almost reminds me of someone building up a poison in their body, and at some point the body can't take anymore and has to find a way to get out. A similie would be a radiator that overflows once it's reached its limit.

Beyond this, Joshua's a great little boy! He's always trying to please and get it right (almost a perfectionist, that's hard enough). He's turning 8 in September and going into 2nd grade but he's on an IEP at his school; between that and the paraprofessional that works with him in class to keep him on task, these have been the biggest help we've had. Just in the past few months he's asked a few times to go shopping with us! We take him sparingly, only when he asks, but I'm glad he's finally started asking - better than the frustration of him wanting to stay home with his older brother. A few weeks before school ended, a little girl in his class got hurt and cried. He demanded to give her some ice and then asked if she was ok - WOW! The ice comes from home; when someone gets hurt here it's an automatic "go get the ice!" thing. Little bits at a time, he's working on his social skills. We're very proud of him!  read more »

Hi everyone,

Yes, I am for real. My son, Kyle, is 12 and has Asperger's, OCD, ADHD and mild Tourette's.  There has been some question as to whether my request for your stories to include in my upcoming book is real. It is and I wish it wasn't I wish Kyle was a typical cbild so his life would be easier, but I LOVE HIM JUST THE WAY HE IS. I wish I didn't have to worry about him starting middle school in a couple of weeks. I wish I didn't have to worry about some kids calling him wierd at school. I wish I didn't have to worry about him dealing with 5 teachers instead of one. I wish I didn't have to worry about the change to a new building because like all Aspie or Autistic kids, he hates change. I wish I didn't have to worry if he'll have a date for prom. I wish I didn't have to worry if he'll make it through college, although intelligence and good grades aren't the problem. I wish I didn't have to worry if he will ever get married and have a family. 

I'm just like all of you, trying to make it through the Asperger's Journey every day. I am writing this book to help educate other parents and the public. The ignorance needs to stop. Our kids deserve respect, love, kindness, and acceptance, not ridicule.I am writing for my amazing son Kyle who gives CPR to insects at the pool! Not lidding!It is a labor of love and is so dear to my heart.

I have read some amazing stories submitted to me for the book from parents. You are all wonderful. If I haven't responded to you yet, you are on my list and I will soon. Time is so limited as you all know!!

If you would like to share your child's story please email it to me at tamiladd@cox.net.

Take care,

Tami

Kyle's Mom

Oogway is a fictional Character from the Movie Kung Fu Panda. He was the tortise grand master in the movie. Very wise and compassionate

being even if only fictional.. And he was the reason why I found this place. While looking for a special quote he made in the movie. (Which I will post below. ) I found his facebook page and this site was listed as an add. Since Interest in Oogway brough me here I thought I would take his name as a handle.. My real Name is Todd.  What was the quote and what does it hold for me? First the Scene in the Cartoon..

Oogway: Look at this tree, Shifu: I cannot make it blossom when it suits me nor make it bear fruit before its time.
Shifu: But there are things we *can* control: I can control when the fruit will fall, I can control where to plant the seed: that is no illusion, Master!
Oogway: Ah, yes. But no matter what you do, that seed will grow to be a peach tree. You may wish for an apple or an orange, but you will get a peach.
Shifu: But a peach cannot defeat Tai Lung!
Oogway: Maybe it can, if you are willing to guide, to nurture it, to believe in it.
Shifu: But how? How? I need your help, master.
Oogway: No, you just need to believe. Promise me, Shifu, promise me you will believe!  read more »

     Whenever I would hug Katie when she was little, she didn't seem to notice. She just stood as stiff as a board while I squeezed her, seemingly unaware that she was being showered with love. Over the years, we were successful at getting her to give and receive affection. Now she'll come up to me with arms wide and say, "Hug!" Of course, the hug has to be her own idea. If I try to initiate a hug, I'm likely to be greeted with anger. Only Katie knows when her mood is right for a hug.

     In 1990, my husband was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Because he could still work and drive a car, we thought he had a mild case for at least 10 years. But eventually, time took it's toll, and Bob was home all day with Katie. It seemed to work out well, because I was at work all day. They developed a good relationship, had lots of jokes between themselves, and watched countless movies together. But as time passed, Bob could no longer take care of Katie, and she would fix sandwiches for him.

     In 2007, Bob passed away. Among my feelings of heartbreak and funeral preparations and notifying family and taking time off from work, I worried about how Katie would deal with being bereft of her daily companion. I asked her older sister whether Katie had cried or expressed any feelings. She said that Katie had cried once for a few minutes, then got her mind on something else and seemed to forget about it entirely.  A few days later, I asked Katie how she was doing without her daddy. To my utter disbelief, she hissed through clenched teeth, "I'm glad he died! I HATE him!"  Then she explained that one day she had wanted to watch something on TV and he wanted to watch something else. He watched what he wanted instead of what she wanted, so she latched on to resentment instead of sorrow.   read more »

Hi,

New here. I am a working mother of an 16 yr old austi.  He has add/adhd, pdd, and major anger management issues.  He is on meds (moban 100 mg, paxil 20 mg, and clonidine 10 mg.)  Without the clonidine he is unable to sleep period.  He is capable of staying awake for days.  We have him in a homeschool program.  We have tried the public school system, and it failed us big time 

bessiesue 

My son Emerson, nicknamed "Little EM" just turned 4 yesterday.  Being the father of an autistic child has been the greatest challenge of my life.  I have come to understand and empathize the supposed 80 to 85% divorce rate.  This forced venture has also taught me so much about myself.  Though autism looked to tear my family apart, it backfired.  It filled me with a grinding resolve to see our family through this whole.

At one years old Little Em was so averted to touch and close contact that when I coddled his face in an attempt to get a look at those beautiful blue eyes, they rolled white in his head. Whenever I came home at night was deaf to my pleas for a hug and utterly inifferent to my presence.  If I tried to pick him up, all I got was elbows and knees. This is where Dads lose control and hope and the family fabric can disintegrate at frightening speed.

I am happy and proud to say that today, he will shower me with kisses and come running to give daddy a hug when I come home.  Turning the worm and getting him to go from a distant eyed stranger who found all those around him irrelevant to an engaging happy little boy didn't happen without hard work, tears and creativity.  But we did it.  We catalogued our tacticis and progression and compiled them into a comprehensive program to help other parents out there struggling to connect with their autistic children.    read more »

My son Emerson, nicknamed "Little EM" just turned 4 yesterday.  Being the father of an autistic child has been the greatest challenge of my life.  I have come to understand and empathize the supposed 80 to 85% divorce rate.  This forced venture has also taught me so much about myself.  Though autism looked to tear my family apart, it backfired.  It filled me with a grinding resolve to see our family through this whole.

At one years old Little Em was so averted to touch and close contact that when I coddled his face in an attempt to get a look at those beautiful blue eyes, they rolled white in his head. Whenever I came home at night was deaf to my pleas for a hug and utterly inifferent to my presence.  If I tried to pick him up, all I got was elbows and knees. This is where Dads lose control and hope and the family fabric can disintegrate at frightening speed.

I am happy and proud to say that today, he will shower me with kisses and come running to give daddy a hug when I come home.  Turning the worm and getting him to go from a distant eyed stranger who found all those around him irrelevant to an engaging happy little boy didn't happen without hard work, tears and creativity.  But we did it.  We catalogued our tacticis and progression and compiled them into a comprehensive program to help other parents out there struggling to connect with their autistic children.    read more »

Today at the store Katie was reading a sign advertising some product when she suddenly exclaimed, "That's redundant and irrelevant!" and stalked away as though the world is too full of imperfections for her to endure it. I thought, "I wish that the people who assume that autistic people are retarded could spend some time with Katie." She could probably have a carreer in advertising if she put her mind to it. At least it wouldn't be redundant or irrelevant! When the local MRDD board was trying to help Katie find a job, they did extensive IQ testing that took several hours. I could tell that Katie was exhausted and having difficulty keeping her mind focused. When it was finally over,  the psychologist who administered the test concluded that her IQ was so high that there was no reason for her to be living with her parents. Why didn't she get her own apartment and move out? So you see the problem with convincing some people that even though a person has a high IQ, they may be so dysfunctional that they would never bathe or brush their teeth if they weren't nagged into it. It's incredible that with the meteoric rise in the number of autism cases, there are no plans in any government agencies for dealing with this. I've even wondered whether autism's becoming so common is caused by something everybody uses, like water. Fluoride, maybe? Whatever the cause, autism seems to be the new normal. My neighbor is a Special Ed. teacher, and her whole class is made up of kids with autism! The WHOLE CLASS!! Can you believe it?  read more »