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#1
04-11-2010, 03:05 PM
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ADHD, Autism & Aspergers Thread
Amy made me think of starting this thread ... to share your stories of your children (or yourself) with ADHD, Autism or Aspergers ... strategies that have worked, questions to ask, and also to share links you find that might help others ... or resources you really like.
To make it easier ... if you recommend a book, movie, or other resource... how about BOLDING it to make it stand out? My middle son actually DIAGNOSED HIMSELF with ADHD after seeing a puppet show at school on disabilities. He called me from school very upset and told me this over the phone. Wow what a shock to hear your 3rd grader tell you this over the phone. I ran up to school to talk to him out in the hallway ... then he went back into class. I called the pediatrician's office and left what I am sure was a strange message saying my ds diagnosed himself. The pediatrician called me back and we talked for probably an hour and a half ... I told him all these 'words' I had heard in school conferences (inattentative...well he's a boy right? ... unable to focus ... thinking of multiple things at one time ... not able to follow multiple steps teacher gives him, staying on task, etc.) ... and the pediatrician told me he thought that my son was probably right in his own diagnosis. He put me in contact with Children's Mercy ... the developmental doctors that he said were the best in Kansas City. It took 9 MONTHS before they could see him because they were so backlogged ... a whole school year of frustration, conferences, and misery for the poor child. Immediately upon talking to the doctor at Children's Mercy I realized my youngest had the same symptoms (just not as severe) and they got him in a little quicker. It was still very frustrating for the next couple of years ... something still wasn't right ... meds helped (he is impulsive with his mouth but not hyperactive) ... but it was still an uphill battle. It didn't help that the principal that had a PHD in something (obviously NOT in childhood disabilities) did NOT BELIEVE IN ADHD! She stood up in front of a team of people and said "he is not ADHD, he is simply a non-compliant child"!!! ...even with 2 different doctor diagnosis in hand! A neighbor friend that used to babysit my son went to college to become a teacher ... and she had an interest in children with disabilities ... she came to me as a *friend* and not as a teacher and told me she believed we should look into Aspergers ... when I said this to his 6th grade teacher she grabbed my arm and shook it and said YES YES!! So...off to the psychologist office where he did a series of tests ... his was inconclusive ... so he diagnosed him as PDD-NOS with ADHD, anxiety, and a sleep disorder. He said he just couldn't see the Aspergers part of it ... well he wasn't in the classroom or out in public with him. 7th grade was a NIGHTMARE ... my poor child ... was roughed up outside school grounds (rocks thrown at him, tackled, etc.) ... and was roughed up inside the school. His anxiety level was through the roof. He was at school all day ... came home and did homework for like 5-6 hours Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday ... Friday nights he didn't do any ... then all day Saturday and all day Sunday ... and was still failing. ONLY ONE TEACHER followed his IEP ... the rest refused and were flunking him. I pulled him out of public school at the end of his 7th grade year ... I have homeschooled him for 8th, 9th, and 10th grade ... I now have my relaxed child again ... yes he still has some anxiety but nothing like he did ... we found a computer based program for his curriculum and it is perfect for him. He had trouble with the book to brain to paper ... but responds wonderfully to the computer! He is making A's ... with no modifications other than open book (via computer) tests! I wish I had started this many years earlier! My child is happy, he smiles again, loving hugs and even a kiss now and then, and actually has made some friends through homeschool bowling and our homeschool robotics team. The ONLY help we have gotten through the school district came in 9th grade when he moved up to high school and got a new "speech teacher" who also has training in autism ... he suggested a once a week 45 minute class that one week he has one on one with the teacher to work on his speech and also work on "social cues" ... the opposite week he is in a group of high functioning autistic kids learning social cues through role playing. This teacher and assistant and social worker sat down with my husband and I and went through the Ziggurat Model workbook and found that our son was very high on the Aspergers scale ... so this data went to the doctor as well. The doctor said there are changes coming and wanted to keep the PDD-NOS diagnosis because the Aspergers diagnosis would become obsolete or something ... I asked about this at a school district autism strategies and interventions meeting and they said yes there was some restructuring coming up. Not really sure what that means. Well things are better ... but I think in part that we do all but 1 class here at home ... he is taking Small Engine Repair at the district technical school ... and he is the youngest one there ... big advantage is NONE of those kids have ever gone to school with him ... thus the bullying did not follow. Yes there have been a few incidents but the teacher has handled them and my son has been learning to as well. I started homeschooling my youngest (diagnosis ADHD) in 7th grade ... so he is coming up on finishing his 2nd year at home and making much better grades. The boys like the way the lessons are presented on the computer ... and there are vocabulary games to help them learn. I'm NOT convinced that if I put them both back in High School that they would get the help they needed, and that the bullying would be GONE, so I plan on continuing to homeschool them. I do believe they are learning more in the quiet environment, and through the use of computers (which is still not a mainstream thing at the school...and you are NOT allowed to bring your own laptop). ...but we will explore the possibilities of a few electives to give them a chance to try something that I can't teach here at home (i.e. Small Engine Repair). I think that even though my son had some problems with speech that it wasn't severe enough for them to do a more thorough testing to discover his other problems. I wish there was some place I could take my child where he could learn more to help himself ... but I ask, and so far nothing has come of it. I have asked for a meeting with the high school transition specialist (unfortunately she retires at the end of the school year) to hopefully get some insight on where to go from here ... ways to get him independent, find his "niche", etc. I am working daily on things like teaching him how to do his own laundry, cooking, grocery shopping (how to figure out the better deal for your money)...basic life skills. My child has learned a lot about being social by being exposed to the homeschool bowling league and the homeschool robotics team. There is absolutely NO bullying, teasing, or anything ... we have had such a good experience through this. He has actually come out of his shell and made friends. He never had time in public school because he was so bogged down with schoolwork and the bullying ... shame our school district really didn't enforce the "no bullying zone". He asked about taking auto mechanics and the high school reps said not to because that group of students are not the type to tolerate differences and were concerned all the bullying would start over again. Ok you know there is a problem in the classroom? Well??? ... so he is going to miss out on taking that class just because they "can't do anything". Can you tell I am really frustrated with our school district??? I read up on ADHD a ton after the initial diagnosis of the 2 boys ... and have been reading on Aspergers ... but never really knew what to do ... well the seminar I went to last week gave us a handout saying that the Austism Asperger Publishing Company is having a big sale 30-75% off all titles next Saturday ... so I am going!! I talked to a few people at that meeting and they went through the catalog based on how I described my son's difficulties and starred a few books/workbooks that they thought might help me. You can check here to see if they are going to be in your area ... they have an online sale too... April 19-30 save 30-75% on select titles when you purchase online. Receive a free book and a coupon for $10 off a future purchase when you spend $50 or more...typing this from their flyer. ...see their site for details. http://www.asperger.net/ Facebook: entering "The Autism Asperger Publishing Company" I watched a movie (Temple Grandin) the other day that my mom taped on her DVR and it gave me the realization that my son (he is 16) doesn't realize the "faces" he portrays in certain circumstances to people ... so I am going to follow the movie's idea and print out pics of him with his different "emotions" and have him write on the picture his feelings when his face looks different ways ... I think it will help him. Sometimes the look on his face "could kill" and he doesn't realize how threatening he LOOKS to other people. I am hoping it will also encourage anyone else with a child with these challenges to write in with the things that have helped their child. I would love to find out what strategies people have used ... my biggest fear is that my son won't find his "niche" and will have trouble surviving out in the world once I am gone ... the movie "Adam" sure got me thinking about this! Movies I have watched recently: Adam Temple Grandin ...both of these are very good and get you to thinking... any other movies someone could recommend? I just found a link for a Brittish airline for people traveling with a child with autism...could be modified for USA or other countries ...wish I had had this last year when my son rode on a plane for the first time. We prepared him as much as possible, plus told the stewardess and she came back and checked on him a couple of times during the flight and offered him extra snacks. He did well ... and a note from the doctor about his Autism helped get us through a really CONGESTED, confusing, and overwhelming airport screening in Atlanta!! http://tinyurl.com/daelep I'd love to hear from you! In conclusion I have 3 sons ... one is 21 and went through the Gifted Program in public school... one that is 16 and I started homeschooling in 8th grade and is ADHD, PDD-NOS, Aspergers, Anxiety issues, and sleep disorder ... and one that is 14 and is in 8th grade ... 2nd year of homeschooling him ... he has a diagnosis of ADHD and sleep disorder. P.S. A big THANK you to Robin for allowing our community to be able to talk freely like this!! You rock! 
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Thanks! Last edited by Sharon Kay; 04-11-2010 at 03:14 PM. 
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#2
04-11-2010, 03:18 PM
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Thanks for sharing your story Sharon! Have you looked into the local community college? We have one around here that offers continuting education (I think it is called community enrichment) classes to take. They aren't college courses that you get credit hours for but classes for hobbyist or how to learn something. They might have a mechanics class?
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Amanda
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#3
04-11-2010, 06:03 PM
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#4
04-11-2010, 07:17 PM
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I'm going to shout SHARON KAY because holy cow that starting post is inspirational and full of resources!
 My son is 12 and was diagnosed with autism at age 3. It was quite a shock for us. He hit all his milestones, but at age 2 after our 2nd son was born he really plateaued in his development. I think having a new baby in the home kept me from taking action sooner. But we have tried just about everything under the "autism" sun on him. Some things have worked wonders, others not so much. The best intervention and teaching strategies for him (knowing everyone's different) whether it be communication, social, academics, self-help, etc. has been applying the science of behavior analysis (ABA) to everything we do with him. We have an incredible Board Certified Behavior Analyst that is a former special ed teacher, and a parent and grandparent herself (all children without special needs) so she can spell everything out to me in terms I understand. And for me, other parents have always been my best resources. Especially those who have walked the walk before me. And even parents of children without special needs, especially boys my son's age or older, that can answer my questions of what is "typical" vs. the autism...especially as we encounter the fun years of puberty! We have been really blessed in that our boys (they are 2 years apart) absolutely adore each other. My younger son has such a huge heart and patience for his brother and other children with special needs. We have had to work through alot of issues over the years to try to maintain a "normal" (if there is one) family life and we have been so proud of our son that he has been able to play special olympics sports, has friends at school and in our neighborhood and that praise the Lord we can travel with no issues. My "neurotypical" son is much more high maintenance. We have been to DisneyWorld and on a cruise and both were incredible vacations.I homeschooled (not traditionally but with full-time help) and he just went to public school in 4th grade. He's now finishing up 5th and I'm getting anxiety attacks thinking about middle school. Our schools in TX have come a long way at educating children with special needs but we still have a long ways to go. Thanks Sharon for starting this thread. And I mentioned it in the other thread, but I absolutely love the new show Parenthood. The story line of Max and his Aspergers really hits home for my hubby and I.
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KIM
 Last edited by pkstew2; 04-11-2010 at 07:21 PM.
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#5
04-12-2010, 12:02 AM
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Well ...
 you're welcome. I have a lot to learn still ... the part that scares me is making sure he will be self-supporting before my husband and I are gone. He is a VERY smart kid ... but socially still has problems ... which might make it difficult for employment with his outspoken nature ... and always thinking his idea is the BEST (of course some people are like that without having AS). I have taped parenthood ... but haven't watched it yet. Drats and I had time this weekend to watch it while I was nursing this awful bit of allergies...I just didn't think about it. ... my son's doctor adopted several kids with special needs ... her son with PDD-NOS is living WILLINGLY on the streets in another State ... that is the way he wants to live and refused county help. Which makes me wonder whether my son would turn to something like that if I pushed him too much? I've got to keep believing that what I am doing on a daily basis is preparing him to thrive on his own. My biggest challenge right now is helping him to find his niche in this world.
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#6
04-12-2010, 08:35 AM
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New question ... does your child "stim"? I never knew this had a name ... my child has pulled out his eye lashes, his eyebrows, and in "another" place ... he also seems to need to pop his knuckles when doing school work ... I am sure if that was in a public school setting it would bug people (the sound bugs me)...
http://flamencomom.wordpress.com/201...r-not-to-stim/ I'll be curious to hear your stories...
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#7
04-12-2010, 09:15 AM
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I don't want to get controversial in this matter but do any of your kids (anybody..not directed at 1 person) take meds for ADHD?
I have a son on the spectrum and ADHD and a dd with ADHD and am just curious.
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#8
04-12-2010, 09:15 AM
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oh i like Parenthood too
and my son has to have something in his hand (usually clay or a stress ball) when doing homework..I find it really helps with excess energy
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#9
04-12-2010, 09:48 AM
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Jake, my oldest has ADHD. He's on meds, but I was thinking about over the summer trying something homeopathic and seeing how he does.
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#10
04-12-2010, 09:58 AM
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my oldest 2 are both on meds..one reason i was asking
I used to be against meds but I just see such a difference in them I feel like I'd be doing them an injustice NOT helping them when there is that option. Anyways both just started a new med on Friday so I was kinda curious what other kids were taking. My DD does NOT take meds on the weekends as I feel she mainly needs it to help with school but my son takes them everyday.
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#11
04-12-2010, 10:19 AM
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I wasn't keen on putting my five year old on meds either, but there is a marked difference in his behavior. He takes a long acting form of ritalin in the morning, and then takes a short acting one in the afternoon.
Like I said, I'm just going to try over the summer. He's developed a tic that is slightly bothersome to him.
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#12
04-12-2010, 11:02 AM
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I don't normally post much but this thread has drawn me out as I'm having a hard day accepting that he will not be like other 9 year olds.
Cameron is now 9 & was diagnosed with Global learning delay at 2, speech & language delay at 2 1/2, Autism at 3 & ADHD at 7  Luckily he attends a really good specialist school & has come on so much. Most days are good - the issues arrise when it's time to do something he doesn't want to, like going a different way round the shopping centre.We've dodged the Autism bullet with Torin, he's now 4 & been given the all clear - though it looks like he may have ADHD
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04-12-2010, 11:08 AM
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#14
04-12-2010, 11:17 AM
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Braden has sensory processing disorder, so everything he does is self stimulation. He walks on his toes, smells everything, licks everything, he does this funny thing with his fingers...holds them in a criss cross to pick things up, lines things up all over the house, always sings to himself and spins or jumps.
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#15
04-12-2010, 11:24 AM
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Cam has this obsession with his computer games & DVD's - they have to be in order, but no one knows the order. They're not alphabetical, colour, theme or even favourites, they are in Cammie order & if we put one back in te wronf place he soon lets you know
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#16
04-12-2010, 11:26 AM
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Oh yeah! We cant ruin the line or he freak out! And the little daily rituals that we have to follow to the letter.
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#17
04-12-2010, 11:55 AM
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Can I just pop in here? First all, I must say that you all are amazing for such wonderful care of your kids and my heart goes out to you.
Second, I have a question that you all might help with.I'll start by explaining something. My husband apparently has always been a 'rocker'. LOL, not the music kind, but a person that rocks himself nearly all the time. While awake and while asleep. Most of the time it is very slight but in times of tension (like watching football or when worried) he will stand and rock forward and backwards quite a bit. At 48 years old, he still hasn't "outgrown it". Never really thought much about it until we had Logan. Nearly at birth Logan became a rocker too. While laying down he would rock side to side until he fell asleep. This continues even now at age 7. And while awake, if he is standing he will rock forward and backwards all the time. A long while ago I started looking this up and found a few possibilities mostly focused on Stereotypic movement disorder or rhythmic movement disorder. So anyway, Logan's rocking is very noticable. Logan is not autistic, but I've been told that many children with autism also have Stereotypic movement disorder and I was hoping you all could let me know how you handle that. I've grown very use to it, but it is apparently distracting for others. The teachers at Logan's school have all asked about it and now understand it's not something he can control. At first he was getting into lots of trouble about it because he couldn't sit still. For example if he is suppose to be sitting, he might stand and rock instead. The kids will tease him about it. So my question is do you DO anything about the rocking? Do you try to redirect your child, do you ask them to stop, do you ignore it? At this point I have not found a doctor versed in this disorder so I always get blank looks when I try to bring it up. Or they say he will "outgrow" it... which I doubt given my husband's issue. Sigh. You all know way more about kids than they do, so I'd love to hear about this if you can relate. Thanks!
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#18
04-12-2010, 12:05 PM
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#19
04-12-2010, 12:59 PM
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Braden is getting occupational therapy for his sensory stuff, learning ways to cope with the environment...but he just started so I am no help with that Julie.
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#20
04-12-2010, 01:27 PM
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Wow this is an awesome thread! Julie, you might ask on the forum if there are any occupational therapists that work with children? They could probably help explain alot about what Logan is doing and give you suggestions. There seems to be alot of children that have these sensory issues but don't have any other issues going on. If it's small and no big deal, then it'd be easy to let it go. But when the other kids don't understand, or he gets in trouble for something he can't control that's when you want some help. You might see if you can schedule for the school's occupational therapist to come in and observe him and make recommendations - so if he's frustrated with his work and it happens, they can work with him to do something else instead to cope. Same with boredom. I always compare it to what we all do like when we're sitting in a chair, and get frustrated, bored, even excited, we might start bouncing our leg. We all do little somethings, it's just some of us need a little more help in that area. I think I'm rambling on My son has had lots of the self-stimulatory issues over the years. We always analyzed them and taught replacement behaviors. He went through the lining up, having things just so, driving routes just so, we always break them up so he learns that life is not like that and he needs to be flexible. Alot easier said than done. We've also had to tackle sensory issues with loud noises (vacuums, lawn mowers), even haircuts. We're still working on the dentist. Oh the fun times
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KIM
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#21
04-12-2010, 01:51 PM
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I just wanted to say that I think you all do a great job.
I am a teacher in a special needs school for primary age (3 - 11) children here in the UK. There are about 85 children attend our school and more than half of them have a diagnosis of Autism. When our school opened about 15 years ago we only had a handful of kids with ASD and now we have 5 Autism bases each with 6 kids in each class and the others are in classes within the main part of our school. The children with the severest form of Autism are in a base and they have a very structured, planned, low stimulation environment. The children who are taught in the main school - like the kids in my class - can cope with less structure and more of a higher stimulating classroom environment but just are not able to cope within the confines of a regular mainstream school. Homeschooling isn't a big thing across in the UK and even less so for kids with special needs. Anyway, it's interesting to hear about your stories and difficulties from the other side of the school gate so to speak
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#22
04-12-2010, 02:06 PM
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On a day when the 14yo ds will forget to take his meds he will actually eat and eat and eat and can't seem to get full ... and can't get any work done AT ALL ... and will act all "blonde" ... and say "I just can't concentrate today...uh oh ... did I take my medicine?" ... he'll go check, take it ... and within an hour is buzzing through his school work. The 16yo is argumentative before his meds kick in ... he has the "impulsitivity" part of ADHD in his MOUTH ... nothing will get done, people will get mad because he just has to argue with them, and he can't concentrate because his brain is going a mile a minute (he tells me I am thinking about Pokemon, and the movie we saw last night and wondering if that person is really like that in real life, and thinking that tonight I would like pizza .... everything except what he is supposed to be working on) and he is miserable ... within an hour he is doing his work, has the most pleasant disposition, and is happy again because **HE** has control of his life/emotions/actions again. He says he likes to be able to control his life and the meds help him do that. Just our 2 cents. Without it ... I'm afraid I would have needed some serious intervention (meds and therapy!) ... I'm glad it helps them and makes them happy about themselves.
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#23
04-12-2010, 02:09 PM
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Just keep in mind that kids GROW ... and as they develop and change their meds will need to as well. We have tried different kinds of meds over the years, and occasionally one will not work as well when they start changing (mine are teens now) ... and both boys are on DIFFERENT meds because they work better for them.
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#24
04-12-2010, 02:13 PM
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One of mine is taking Vyvanse and it really seems to agree with him...and he takes a short acting ritalin in the afternoon. He NEEDS that ritalin in the afternoon to help him stay in check with his impulsitivity ... else we might have the tripping, jabs, slaps, etc. type of stuff that drives us crazy. My other one takes Metadate CD with a short acting low dose ritalin as a kicker to jump start his morning ... that seems to work well for him. ...and takes a short acting ritalin in the afternoon IF he has activities that afternoon or evening ... otherwise he can do without. Mine take medication all year long ... they need it for their impulsitivity (the H in ADHD doesn't just mean hyper) ... without it World War II looks like an elementary playground spat compared to those two going at each other!!
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Thanks! Last edited by Sharon Kay; 04-12-2010 at 02:16 PM.
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#25
04-12-2010, 02:33 PM
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 you! I still have those kind of days now and then ... but then the more I read about these "differences" our children have ... the more I realize that they also can have special gifts that other children might not have. On my middle child we went to a "count your kid in" at about 3 years old and they said he had language delay, problem with attention, and didn't cooperate (well heck no there was a train in the other booth and that is where he wanted to be!) ... but that since he wasn't in the bottom 17% (he was at 33% if I remember my numbers right) they couldn't help him. It wasn't until HE diagnosed himself with ADHD that things started rolling for him...shame that all those years were wasted and I didn't realize anything was really wrong. I've been reading how children with Aspergers can have challenges ... but that they also can be some of the brightest people we can meet ... it's just helping them to adapt to a society that is not "true and honest in other words black and white literal". I heard for years that my son was very bright and brighter than other kids in some things so why can't he complete his homework or his schoolwork like other kids? ...well finally we have discovered his difficulty lies in book to brain to paper ... but computer to brain to computer he excels in! He just thinks and processes a bit differently. Maybe he is ahead of his time (aka the school district that still does everything on paper except a few select things)... I'm making it a goal to expose him to many different types of interests (aka electives through the high school) to see if we can discover his "niche". Sensory issues at school are a problem because of all the distractions ... he gets way more done at home in a quiet environment (oh btw I just got told he thought I was typing too much and it was disturbing him LOL) ... We really don't want to raise clones ... but it is hard to raise children with challenges ... and I understand what you are saying ... I cried myself to sleep many nights over this. I feel very fortunate that we have found the homeschool bowling league with all these great kids in it that accept my sons and their challenges (oh btw the younger one with ADHD...no one realizes he has it because his meds work!) .... and the homeschool robotics team that has more patience with my one son's insistence on his idea being the best and listening to his idea just like they do any other child's....and putting up with his insistence while patiently explaining that they did listen and chose to go with another student's idea. I'm so tickled though...have to put in a kudos for him ... he came up with a great idea for our Robotics Booth for Nationals ... the whole team was so excited both with his creative idea on a way to display our sponsors in the booth and with the item he created with his dad! He gets to take the finished project tonight to Robotics to show it to them. I'm DEFINITELY getting a picture of him holding his project and installing it in the booth. Start reading ... you will be amazed at what you might pick up on ... today I spent the morning at the library reading some books on autism and aspergers and picked up some new terminology (and definitions) and found a book that my youngest can't wait for me to buy them!
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#26
04-12-2010, 02:39 PM
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#27
04-12-2010, 02:46 PM
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Now I have read that it has been found a common similarity that a good amount of AS children were infatuated by the "order of Thomas"... I thought that was interesting. Right off the top of my head I can't remember which book I read it in ... the OASIS or one by Tony Attwood.
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#28
04-12-2010, 04:01 PM
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Do any of you have recommendations for keyboarding / typing programs? My son loves to be on the computer playing games and they've worked on some keyboarding at school but he hasn't mastered it.
Also any resources / helpful tools for reading comprehension? He is on a 2nd grade reading level? I'm starting to look at some summer enrichment activities we can do at home. Thanks!
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KIM
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#29
04-12-2010, 04:59 PM
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[QUOTE=Sharon Kay;642151]...well finally we have discovered his difficulty lies in book to brain to paper ... but computer to brain to computer he excels in! He just thinks and processes a bit differently. /QUOTE]
That's the same with Cameron. One of his IEP targets is to write his name on his work. He's fine on a computer or using the pen on the interactive whiteboard, but give him a pencil & paper & forget it.
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#30
04-12-2010, 05:02 PM
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There's also this site http://www.sparklebox.co.uk/cll/index.html Last edited by eggshell1976; 04-12-2010 at 05:07 PM.
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#31
04-12-2010, 05:02 PM
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however with her..we're on Vyvanse now (was on Adderall and before that Concerta) it's an appetite issue. She will go ALL day after breakfast w/out a bite to eat. I'm not around for lunch but I pack her just snacky type foods she likes in hopes of eating. I do make her a big breakfast just so I know she's eating that and she will eat dinner. My son has no appetite problems We switched from Adderall last week really b/c it was starting to affect her personality. She was kinda moody and stuff that I just didn't like. The Vyvanse seems to be working..I think it might be a tad too strong (and we're on the lowest dose) and she tells me she feels boring now but I told her we had to try it a week to make sure first. She's really a happy jovial person off of meds so I hate to hide that personality aspect of her. She's just so unfocused and does really dumb things to get in trouble when off of meds (example...she emptied a whole can of shaving cream in her sink and like spread it on the mirror..come on she's 13!) just things a 5yr old would do... anyways I'm rambling...
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#32
04-12-2010, 05:44 PM
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#33
04-12-2010, 05:45 PM
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#34
04-12-2010, 06:05 PM
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I am finding that it is so much easier to get a diagnosis so you can learn about what it is your child is doing ... they may or may not be able to change it ... maybe what they are doing is minor compared to if they are stopped from doing this particular activity ... maybe it can be replaced with some other stimulation ... but it's really best to take your child in to a trained professional who can really assess your child one on one. ...and once a diagnosis is reached, then if needed you can ask for assistance through the school ... via a 504 plan, an IEP (Individualized Education Program), modifications, or something like a "Student Intervention Team" Meeting where people like teachers, social workers, speech, etc. type will meet and help figure out ways to make your child fit in (help with teasing they might get too)... ... and just to coin a phrase I keep hearing over and over ... 'if you meet one child with autism, you've met one child with autism" ... and what they mean by that is that every child with autism is different ... they don't look or act the same as the next child with autism. ...so some kids can just have one characteristic of autism and not have any of the others ... or can have several different characteristics ... some severe or all mild... each child is different. In fact the more I read about it, the more I think the youngest has a few mild characteristics even though no one but myself would probably realize it. I'm not saying yours has it... but just that it's not always something you can SEE or know...and it covers so many things. I had a cousin that did what your child did with the rocking ... but I think she had a multiple of different things going on ... not just the rocking...and this was 40 years ago so diagnosis and such would be much different now ... ask around and get a recommendation to someone that can evaluate your child ... knowledge is an amazing thing... it can totally change the way you relate to something. Here is another link about the rocking and repetitive movement ... we have had the repetitive movement here with my middle one... http://www.righthealth.com/topic/Ste...ement_disorder
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#35
04-12-2010, 06:19 PM
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the appetite is a definite side effect of the medications ... the doctors told me (my kids are like 25% for weight and 80-90% for height) to feed them all they will eat for breakfast, whatever they will eat for lunch (they suggested high carb foods...although I worry about lifelong eating habits), and then dinner ... so their heavier meals are before meds kick in or after they are wearing off. We haven't ever used Adderall ... let's see we're talking 7 years now and 2 kids ... ritalin, metadate, vyvanse, a patch (can't remember what it was called...but ds was allergic to it)...and prob some others that I can't remember. Some meds might take longer than a week to really show you their true effect ... for example my son is taking a med for anxiety that is low dose and it will take 6 weeks minimum to show the effects. You might check with the doctor and ask. If they are over medicated you can notice a difference ... that happened once with my youngest ... he got very quiet and withdrawn and didn't smile ... doctors changed it immediately when I told them that I lost my smiling kiddo! Well those meds definitely help them think before they act ... sounds like something my kids would do if they were off the meds ... the doctor told me "the medicine gives them a chance to THINK what happens if..." and choose their course of action.  We had absolutely NO MORE problems at school once they started on medication ... no more daily calls from the teachers due to their actions.
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#36
04-12-2010, 06:23 PM
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Dr told me day 1 i'd see a diff with the Vyvanse..and I did I see a big diff today since she took it so early...(like 630am) so it's wearing off now and boy can I tell haha We're gonna keep at it this week to see..she had a good day at school although she's not the one with the behavior issues..it's more my son but he had a good day too!
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#37
04-12-2010, 07:05 PM
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Thank you Sharon and Kim! I appreciate hearing what you've said regarding the rocking. I would like to have some answers on Logan's rocking and once we have adequate medical insurance again I will certainly pursue it. (My husband's been out of work and we have nearly no coverage).
So today's discussion got me wandering on the internet and has been very eye opening. I do believe I need to talk to a doctor about this for both my husband and youngest son. I'll keep you posted once I can pursue this medically. Last edited by Julie Billingsley; 04-12-2010 at 07:18 PM.
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#38
04-13-2010, 12:20 AM
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My son was just diagnoses with ADHD and Asperger's Syndrome last week. I suspected for years the ADHD because he has always had a difficult time concentrating as well as is completely unable to make eye contact. He will be fourteen in two weeks and I have been trying to get the school to test him for years. His pediatrition said she could not do it without the school saying they felt it was a problem. Finally this last school year, after years of being tormented and bullied by kids with absolutley no help from the teachers I decided to cyber school him. Getting him to stay on task has been a nightmare. Finally being he was no longer in the school system I was able to get him tested. After several weeks of testing they determined he has ADHD and AS. Right now I am overwhelmed. I know that every child with this is different but I am just trying to learn about it and what it means for my son. I was considering trying to send him back to school being that we will be moving and it would be a different school, but not sure what it best for him.
The more I learn the more it makes sense to me. I have always felt that something just wasnt quite right. My own son has never been able to make direct eye contact with me. That was the first thing that concerned me. I guess now I am just glad to know I wasnt crazy. He is an amazing child he really is. I guess now we just go from here. I am supposed to be getting a call soon from his resource counselor to help we with the school stuff and such. Now I feel like I am rambling, but like I said I am overwhelmed right now with all this new information. All I want is for him to be happy. Thanks for letting me ramble
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#39
04-13-2010, 08:53 PM
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popping in to offer hugs and support.... i'm not really ready to share yet, but will follow along.
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#40
04-14-2010, 12:32 PM
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Vyvanse is the one that is helping the one with PDD-NOS/Aspergers ... but it took a bit to really see the big difference.
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#41
04-14-2010, 12:35 PM
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Hmmmm I wonder if there would be some free services available??? Like community support ... free lectures and such on disabilities?? Do you have a Children's Mercy in your area? Maybe call and talk to someone, tell them about your healthcare issue at the moment ... and just ask if there is anywhere you can go to learn more to help your child in the meantime??? Please keep us posted...and feel free to PM me if you want to talk.
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#42
04-14-2010, 12:47 PM
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First off Kris ... let me send you a cyber
I have sooooooooo been there!!! The eye contact is not an ADHD trait but one from Aspergers Syndrome. I have soooooooooo been in YOUR SHOES! You might have been able to tell that some from my initial post.I am out right now...but when I get home I will type up the name of a couple of books that are EXCELLENT to read that will give you insight on the Aspergers part. I remember initially reading about ADHD on the internet ... I must have printed at LEAST a ream's worth of paper if not two reams! I read and highlighted for a long time. It really did help. One thing to think about experimenting with your son ... can he read from a book and put his thoughts and answers down on paper without any trouble? If so, you might consider giving Switched on Schoolhouse (homeschooling computerized curriculum) a try ... they do have a demo you can try. BOTH of my boys use it (one is ADHD and the other is ADHD/PDD-NOS/Aspergers) and it is much faster for them to use than a book and paper ... it is more engaging and they like the vocabulary games in their lessons (younger kids have spelling games and such), mini movies, etc. If they want the lesson can be READ to them by the program rather than them reading it. I like it because it will grade all but the subjective questions ... and it gives you guidelines on how to grade the answers. It is customizable on due dates, how they take tests (open books? multiple tries at an answer, spelling errors, etc.) I am so happy we don't have to worry about the bullying any longer!!! My youngest didn't have problems with bullying...he gets along with just about anyone ... but the older one's "characteristics" were noticeable and therefore was teased and bullied. Let's talk! This is a great place to share. I remember the feelings I had with the initial diagnosis...please feel free to PM and I will give you my e-mail address. HUGS! Quote:
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#43
04-14-2010, 12:51 PM
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Ok ladies I need some advice! My 16yo (ADHD ... PDD-NOS ... Aspergers ... anxiety disorder ... sleep disorder) ... can NOT SHUT HIS MOUTH before his medications kick in in the morning! It gets so bad I lose my temper and just turn to him and tell him to SHUT UP ... and sometimes say more than that. He has to pick a fight with his brother almost every single morning ... we're trying to get him to the ONE class he takes (it's not until 10am!) ... but it's a MAJOR frustration. Any ideas?
Doctors say they can change this one med to help but it will be prob couple of MONTHS before we can change what we are in the middle of doing right now ... and that our out of pocket on the ONE medication will be $60 a month (in addition to all the others he takes) ... sigh.
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#44
04-15-2010, 12:01 AM
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#45
04-15-2010, 12:08 AM
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Hi, everyone. I'm still in the information-gathering stage. My middle child just turned 4, and he's been 'in the system' since he was 11 months old for low tone, a speech/motor planning disorder (apraxia), and mild sensory issues. He goes to both a special needs preschool and a typical preschool. His diagnosed issues are resolving very well, but as he overcomes those issues I'm becoming more convinced that there's something going on that we haven't figured out yet. He isn't on the autism spectrum, but I need to look into ADD. He's a smart kid and not at all hyperactive, but he's very immature. Ignores requests, gets distracted easily, does things like emptying full salt shakers on the floor. I see a noticeable difference between him and the other kids when he's with a group of typical peers. I know he's still young, but my gut feeling and his history make me think it's more than just immaturity.
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#46
04-15-2010, 08:59 AM
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(((Hugs))) to all the moms that are sharing here and the ones reading that have similar issues
Rachel I think at this point with him being 4, I'd just make sure to continue correcting his behavior and enforcing consequences. Sadly..my 11yr old sometimes empties salt shakers among other things..I know how frustrating that can be. Early intervention is always a plus but I still think four might be a tad young to fully diagnose ADD esp if he's not on the Autism spectrum. This is my personal opinion....I think boys mature on their own time so in essence he might just be a "typical 4yr old" I'm sure you will get tired of hearing that. I would however once he's in a regular kindy/1st grade and if the teachers see a problem then I'd immediately have him evaluated. He just might be processing things a tad slower due to his other issues. Does he play with blocks, clay, etc to help his motor skills? I know my son esp when younger used to act out with dismantling anything he could get his hands on if he wasn't occupied..he got bored and that led to the behavior
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#47
04-15-2010, 09:09 AM
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My youngest child couldn't seem to keep his hands to himself ... if standing in line at school he had to tap this kid on the shoulder, shuffle his feet playing with other kids, etc....just couldn't keep his hands to himself ... he didn't run around the room or anything it was just mainly trying to stand still in a line ... well he was impulsive in that way ... the ADHD medication totally stopped that the teacher told me. Impulsitivity comes out in different ways in different children. Yet there are those hyperactive kids that you see and know that is what is going on...so it kind of misleads other people when they think their kid can't be ADHD because he/she doesn't run around the room or bounce off the walls. So when you start reading about ADHD ... just keep in mind what I said about the hyperactivity vs. impulsitivity. There is a lot out there on the internet to read about ADHD. ADHD kids seem to be about 30% behind their peers in maturity and organization ... that's a big difference. I wish I had known even a small part of what I know now ... when my son was 4 ... you are light years ahead of me in helping your child! I'm so glad!!
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#48
04-15-2010, 11:41 AM
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...this is true...it's sure hard at age 4 to figure out if it's a maturity thing or something else going on ... mainly what I was trying to do in my previous post is to rule out that myth that if your child isn't running around in circles all day (hyperactivity prone) ... that they aren't ADHD.
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Thanks! Last edited by Sharon Kay; 04-15-2010 at 11:46 AM.
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#49
04-15-2010, 12:48 PM
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Well I have been reading everyones post and it is so awesome to know that I am not the only one going through these things. Tobey is 6 1/2 and was diagnosed with high functioning Autisim and ADHD over this past summer. He is currently in the first grade in an ASD class and is doing awesome!!! He is super intelligent and amazes me everyday!!
My question is on meds. I know Sharon you said that "would you withhold meds for a diabetic" and so on. I absolutely would not. But I guess I really do not understand the meds. My pediatrician has never pushed meds; if any thing he did not want me to give Tobey meds. The Child Psychologist that diagnosed Tobey did recommend meds. At this point we have never given him anything except the occasional melitonin to get him to sleep. And even then we do half that pill. So I guess my question is "What will meds do to him?" They won't "fix" him. And he does not need to be fixed. Over all he is a very good kid. Maturity wise he is behind and as long as we do not disrupt the "schedule" he is fine. But we probably still have at least one melt down a day. At those happen because I make him do something he does not want to do. Like buckle his seat belt, put on his shoes, eat an eggo in stead of cereal. The list goes on. Most of his melt downs are over him not being in control. And the are all over small minor things like listed above. But I cannot let him do as he pleases and rule the roost so to speak. He has 3 other sibling (he is #3) and I cannot teach him one thing and have different expectations for the other 3 kids. Ultimately our goal is to raise an independent, self reliant young man who can make it in the world on his own. Sorry to babble on. I am just wondering what the meds will do and what the point is. (Please note that I absolutely not against meds at all. I just do not understand them.)
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#50
04-15-2010, 04:23 PM
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...so seeing a specialist would not only educate you in what the medications will do ... but will also be able to tell you if they will help your child. Not every child is made the same (boy don't we all know that?!) so all the medications are not the same either! My thought on the meltdowns ... is it seems to be an instant response to something happening in their environment (and as you say they don't have control over) ... and when my one (that is in the high functioning autism class at the H.S. once a week...PDD-NOS/Aspergers and ADHD) is on his medication, it really does seem to help that ... because he seems to get a moment to think about it before reacting...thus giving me time to get that "explanation" or "in lieu of" distraction in place before he might come apart. If you go and read up on ADHD, high functioning autism, Aspergers, etc. they say that a lot of them are very bright ... and there are many geniuses in our history that are believed to have had Aspergers Syndrome (but of course nothing was known about it in those days)...
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