Autism

[Queen of Megadon]

QUOTE (GhostGirl @ Jul 28 2009, 11:23 AM)

QUOTE (Inthend @ Jul 27 2009, 08:18 PM) QUOTE (GhostGirl @ Jul 27 2009, 10:19 AM) QUOTE (Inthend @ Jul 26 2009, 02:28 PM) QUOTE (GhostGirl @ Jun 12 2009, 10:42 PM) http://asortoflifewithautism.blogspot.com/...d-and-fury.html Whew... Hey GG,   Does Stephen understand the concept of the headphones? Does he know how to plug and unplug them? Yes, he does. And he never pointed to the h.phones or shook them? He just said 'box'? The story as written in the blog is exactly what happened. No, he never pointed to or indicated the headphones.   This kind of thing is what makes it hard for people to understand how complex some kids with autism can be - his brain KNOWS the sound isn't coming out, but he can't make the connection to TELL someone. Amen to that sister!

[GhostGirl]

QUOTE (Inthend @ Jul 28 2009, 08:58 PM)

QUOTE (GhostGirl @ Jul 28 2009, 10:23 AM) QUOTE (Inthend @ Jul 27 2009, 08:18 PM) QUOTE (GhostGirl @ Jul 27 2009, 10:19 AM) QUOTE (Inthend @ Jul 26 2009, 02:28 PM) QUOTE (GhostGirl @ Jun 12 2009, 10:42 PM) http://asortoflifewithautism.blogspot.com/...d-and-fury.html Whew... Hey GG,   Does Stephen understand the concept of the headphones? Does he know how to plug and unplug them? Yes, he does. And he never pointed to the h.phones or shook them? He just said 'box'? The story as written in the blog is exactly what happened. No, he never pointed to or indicated the headphones.   This kind of thing is what makes it hard for people to understand how complex some kids with autism can be - his brain KNOWS the sound isn't coming out, but he can't make the connection to TELL someone. Thk you for making that clear.   I find it interesting that he concentrated on the solution, instead of what was broke.   I know it's it's hard GG, tho I know so little. Things will reveal themselves in time. I must believe that.   I enjoy your blog; some of your writing is more than very good. Thank you, I appreciate that.

[Rolinda Bonz]

Great news for Timothy!

 

School starts tomorrow. (Thank God we made it through another summer!)

AND he's not only getting a male teacher this year, but Mr K is back!

Mr K was his 1st and 2nd grade teacher who had made major break-through's with Tim in reading and basic math.

I've had great respect for Mr K ever since he gave up trying to get Tim to SIT and do his work,

but used masking tape to create a square on the floor in front of his desk.

Timothy STANDS to do his work, no problem. Choose your battles, right?

Tim will be in Mr K's class for 5th and 6th grades.

 

We're still doing HANDLE therapy and making progress. Its slow going, but effective.

We've made the exercises part of the daily routine of getting him bathed and dressed in the morning,

and I forget how much of a difference it makes for Tim until Saturday rolls around.

I like to sleep in on Saturdays

foregoing ALL regimental activities in the name of the merciful God.

But damn if that kid doesn't lose control of himself within a few hours,

and will progress to fits and tears by the end of the day

if I don't realize and correct my neglect.

 

I've become used to Tim being active but not hyper

engaged but not obsessive innovative without being destructive

verbal instead of just vocal.

 

The difference seems to be a 15 minute investment into his HANDLE program.

That I can do.

[southernjim]

QUOTE (Rolinda Bonz @ Aug 16 2009, 12:40 PM)

Great news for Timothy! School starts tomorrow. (Thank God we made it through another summer!) AND he's not only getting a male teacher this year, but Mr K is back! Mr K was his 1st and 2nd grade teacher who had made major break-through's with Tim in reading and basic math. I've had great respect for Mr K ever since he gave up trying to get Tim to SIT and do his work, but used masking tape to create a square on the floor in front of his desk. Timothy STANDS to do his work, no problem. Choose your battles, right? Tim will be in Mr K's class for 5th and 6th grades. We're still doing HANDLE therapy and making progress. Its slow going, but effective. We've made the exercises part of the daily routine of getting him bathed and dressed in the morning, and I forget how much of a difference it makes for Tim until Saturday rolls around. I like to sleep in on Saturdays foregoing ALL regimental activities in the name of the merciful God. But damn if that kid doesn't lose control of himself within a few hours, and will progress to fits and tears by the end of the day if I don't realize and correct my neglect. I've become used to Tim being active but not hyper engaged but not obsessive innovative without being destructive verbal instead of just vocal. The difference seems to be a 15 minute investment into his HANDLE program. That I can do.

congrats, hope all goes well!

[Cygnus The God Of Balance]

Hey guys....remember me?? Sorry I've been off for so long, but work and life have been in the way of my TRF time.

 

We've been having some issues with Tony, and I just had to come here to vent to some like minded people like me, who kind of know my situation. Anyway, my sweet little guy, Tony has started to become a bit violent lately. I don't see it a lot, but I figure that's because I'm "papa" and I'm bigger than him. Tony's now 11, and is pretty big for his age. Tony's mom has a new baby (she's 1 year old) and Tony has been from the sounds of it pretty aggressive towards her. He has also been aggressive to his step brother and sister (my wife's kids), although they can protect themselves and step out of the way from his lunging. I know it's wrong for him to do it, but I don't think he really knows what he's doing is wrong. I don't think he understands. He needs to stop and I hope we can help him. I feel so bad for Tony.

 

Today, we are going to a behavioral specialist, both my family and Tony's mom's family (which should be interesting on several different levels). I just don't know what to do?

 

I do think Tony gets bored, especially when school is out now. He is going through puberty (not fun). I just don't know. I hear these horrible stories about autistic children being violent, and all I can think of is he's going to end up in a padded cell or some institution.

 

I do think he'll like going back to school; he's going to a new one this year, and they all seem nice and I think it will be good for him to keep him occupied. I'm just kind of at my wits end.

 

I don't know why I posted this, but it just feels good to get it out. Please keep Tony in your prayers. He's such a good boy, and I love him so much, but I'm on the verge of tears and my stomach is in knots.

[Mara]

^^^

 

It sounds like he has a lot going on in his life right now; I don't know if you and your wife and the stepkids were living together in a family situation before you married - if not, that's a lot for any kid to adjust to, even if he knew them well before.

 

And I wouldn't wish puberty on anyone. Hopefully the new school will give him some more focus and help divert some of his energy/emotions.

 

Keeping my fingers crossed and prayers sent heavenwards for you guys.

[Cygnus The God Of Balance]

QUOTE (Mara @ Aug 17 2009, 11:22 AM)

^^^ It sounds like he has a lot going on in his life right now; I don't know if you and your wife and the stepkids were living together in a family situation before you married - if not, that's a lot for any kid to adjust to, even if he knew them well before. And I wouldn't wish puberty on anyone. Hopefully the new school will give him some more focus and help divert some of his energy/emotions. Keeping my fingers crossed and prayers sent heavenwards for you guys.

Thanks Mara. Tony is very familiar with the situation, as Sharon and I have been together for 7 years, so that's nothing new. His mom's baby is new, only a year old, and it seems like most of his aggression is focused her way, maybe because he's there more than he's at our house. He's almost like Jeckyll and Hyde.

[GhostGirl]

QUOTE (Cygnus The God Of Balance @ Aug 17 2009, 10:14 AM)

Hey guys....remember me?? Sorry I've been off for so long, but work and life have been in the way of my TRF time. We've been having some issues with Tony, and I just had to come here to vent to some like minded people like me, who kind of know my situation. Anyway, my sweet little guy, Tony has started to become a bit violent lately. I don't see it a lot, but I figure that's because I'm "papa" and I'm bigger than him. Tony's now 11, and is pretty big for his age. Tony's mom has a new baby (she's 1 year old) and Tony has been from the sounds of it pretty aggressive towards her. He has also been aggressive to his step brother and sister (my wife's kids), although they can protect themselves and step out of the way from his lunging. I know it's wrong for him to do it, but I don't think he really knows what he's doing is wrong. I don't think he understands. He needs to stop and I hope we can help him. I feel so bad for Tony. Today, we are going to a behavioral specialist, both my family and Tony's mom's family (which should be interesting on several different levels). I just don't know what to do? I do think Tony gets bored, especially when school is out now. He is going through puberty (not fun). I just don't know. I hear these horrible stories about autistic children being violent, and all I can think of is he's going to end up in a padded cell or some institution. I do think he'll like going back to school; he's going to a new one this year, and they all seem nice and I think it will be good for him to keep him occupied. I'm just kind of at my wits end. I don't know why I posted this, but it just feels good to get it out. Please keep Tony in your prayers. He's such a good boy, and I love him so much, but I'm on the verge of tears and my stomach is in knots.

Oh, hon...I am SO in touch with this emotion. We are so close to that stage and I, too, am scared to death about what we'll do in the future.

 

I wish I had solutions to offer, but please know that I completely and totally understand, and am so, so sorry...

 

[Cygnus The God Of Balance]

QUOTE (GhostGirl @ Aug 17 2009, 03:56 PM)

QUOTE (Cygnus The God Of Balance @ Aug 17 2009, 10:14 AM) Hey guys....remember me?? Sorry I've been off for so long, but work and life have been in the way of my TRF time.  We've been having some issues with Tony, and I just had to come here to vent to some like minded people like me, who kind of know my situation.  Anyway, my sweet little guy, Tony has started to become a bit violent lately.  I don't see it a lot, but I figure that's because I'm "papa" and I'm bigger than him.  Tony's now 11, and is pretty big for his age.  Tony's mom has a new baby (she's 1 year old) and Tony has been from the sounds of it pretty aggressive towards her.  He has also been aggressive to his step brother and sister (my wife's kids), although they can protect themselves and step out of the way from his lunging.  I know it's wrong for him to do it, but I don't think he really knows what he's doing is wrong.  I don't think he understands.  He needs to stop and I hope we can help him.  I feel so bad for Tony.  Today, we are going to a behavioral specialist, both my family and Tony's mom's family (which should be interesting on several different levels).  I just don't know what to do? I do think Tony gets bored, especially when school is out now.  He is going through puberty (not fun).  I just don't know.  I hear these horrible stories about autistic children being violent, and all I can think of is he's going to end up in a padded cell or some institution.  I do think he'll like going back to school; he's going to a new one this year, and they all seem nice and I think it will be good for him to keep him occupied.  I'm just kind of at my wits end. I don't know why I posted this, but it just feels good to get it out.  Please keep Tony in your prayers.  He's such a good boy, and I love him so much, but I'm on the verge of tears and my stomach is in knots.  Oh, hon...I am SO in touch with this emotion. We are so close to that stage and I, too, am scared to death about what we'll do in the future.   I wish I had solutions to offer, but please know that I completely and totally understand, and am so, so sorry...   Hey GG thanks. Just got back from our counseling session, and I made the suggestion that perhaps both our family, and Tony's mom's family all get together at the park. Tony respects and likes our two kids who are close to his age, and I thought maybe if he saw Brandon and Holly playing with little Emma, he might make the connection that she's ok and not someone who should hurt in any way.   I think it all boils down to jealousy and I think we're just going to have to ride Hurricane Tony out.   I don't know....we'll see how it works.   Hope you, Stephen and your family are doing good!

[Queen of Megadon]

May I offer a voice from "beyond"?

 

Beyond puberty that is...

 

You'll make it! I promise!

 

Daniel hit puberty just as your Tony is, at 11 years old. YIKES! Lots of things changed and he became very aware but very confused by his body. He was growing too fast, and even losing his "physical" place in the world. I often explained it this way...

 

He's got the mind of a 9 year old, the body of a 13 year old, and he's chronologically 11 years old.

 

I think I'd lash out too.

 

We dealt with his um, fascination, with his body parts by keeping him in jeans most of the time, or pants with buttons and zippers, vs sweat pants.

 

His staff and I had him reevaluated for physical therapy, and that cut down on his clumsiness. He was literally growing too fast for his body to sense his space and the space around him...walked into walls, just trip for no reason...anyway PT helped.

 

the growly angry boy...was balanced much by the confused kid he also was, and luckily, he never got violent, but he got strong, and I got scared too. He started putting his hands up to me if I would say, do the mom finger in his face when scolding...his strength was, and is, impressive.

 

When my niece was born a year ago, he wanted no part of her. She literally was not perceived as human by him. First baby he'd ever been around-he's 14 now-...he was adamant about not being around her, not acknowledging her...and would get angry when we'd insist.

 

Now? He came through puberty pretty well! He discovered he likes girls, he doesnt like the hair on his legs, his growliness subsided replaced by teenage surliness. We survived.

 

His relationship with his cousin? He still regards her mostly from afar, and with amused indifference. But now that she is more "human" talk, play, dance..he's becoming curious about her.

 

Its a really good idea for you all to get together and have the other kids play with the baby...it brings it to his level, not just grown ups fawning over the new baby.

 

He's going through a lot...be patient, hang in there...Love him...love him no matter how ugly he gets....he'll come back. You'll survive.

 

keep in touch...let us know how he's doing.

Edited August 18, 2009 by Queen of Megadon

[GhostGirl]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v297/RushBabe/August-16_1213.jpg

 

Stephen doing one of his favorite things...this was last weekend at the park. We're hoping to buy a swing similar to this for the backyard, maybe for Christmas. These swings are GREAT for kids like him.

 

[Mara]

QUOTE (GhostGirl @ Aug 24 2009, 10:11 AM)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v297/RushBabe/August-16_1213.jpg Stephen doing one of his favorite things...this was last weekend at the park. We're hoping to buy a swing similar to this for the backyard, maybe for Christmas. These swings are GREAT for kids like him.

He looks so happy and peaceful!

I hadn't thought about it, but yeah, I bet autistic kids find the rhythmic, steady motion of a swing very soothing.

[vital signz]

A nice story....

 

 

http://www.gnn.com/article/gina-incandela-...ilence%2F666846

[GhostGirl]

QUOTE (vital signz @ Sep 13 2009, 06:41 AM)

A nice story.... http://www.gnn.com/article/gina-incandela-...ilence%2F666846

Amazing what some of these kids with HFA can do.

[The Owl]

GG? What do you think of people like Jenny McCarthy?

 

 

I am familiar with the topic of anit-vaccination through various science bloggers and podcasts...

 

Dr. Steven Novella (a neurologist) runs a blog called "Science Based Medicine", and a podcast "The Skeptics Guide to the Universe"

 

Watch this and pleas let me know what you think?

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you and your family are well and stay well.

[Mara]

QUOTE (The Owl @ Sep 14 2009, 08:32 PM)

GG? What do you think of people like Jenny McCarthy? I am familiar with the topic of anit-vaccination through various science bloggers and podcasts... Dr. Steven Novella (a neurologist) runs a blog called "Science Based Medicine", and a podcast "The Skeptics Guide to the Universe" Watch this and pleas let me know what you think? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap_0uQDbZl4 I hope you and your family are well and stay well.

Best to not mention Jenny McCarthy in Ghost Girl's presence.

[The Owl]

QUOTE (Mara @ Sep 14 2009, 07:21 PM)

QUOTE (The Owl @ Sep 14 2009, 08:32 PM) GG?  What do you think of people like Jenny McCarthy?  I am familiar with the topic of anit-vaccination through various science bloggers and podcasts... Dr. Steven Novella (a neurologist) runs a blog called "Science Based Medicine", and a podcast "The Skeptics Guide to the Universe"  Watch this and pleas let me know what you think?  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap_0uQDbZl4 I hope you and your family are well and stay well. Best to not mention Jenny McCarthy in Ghost Girl's presence. I am not a regular visitor to this tread....oops....

[1-0-0-1-0-0-1]

QUOTE (The Owl @ Sep 14 2009, 09:24 PM)

QUOTE (Mara @ Sep 14 2009, 07:21 PM) QUOTE (The Owl @ Sep 14 2009, 08:32 PM) GG?  What do you think of people like Jenny McCarthy?  I am familiar with the topic of anit-vaccination through various science bloggers and podcasts... Dr. Steven Novella (a neurologist) runs a blog called "Science Based Medicine", and a podcast "The Skeptics Guide to the Universe"  Watch this and pleas let me know what you think?  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap_0uQDbZl4 I hope you and your family are well and stay well. Best to not mention Jenny McCarthy in Ghost Girl's presence. I am not a regular visitor to this tread....oops....         Prepare to die.         Owl, do a search for Jenny McCarthy. There are several posts in this thread about her and why we don't like her much.

[The Owl]

QUOTE (1-0-0-1-0-0-1 @ Sep 14 2009, 07:32 PM)

QUOTE (The Owl @ Sep 14 2009, 09:24 PM) QUOTE (Mara @ Sep 14 2009, 07:21 PM) QUOTE (The Owl @ Sep 14 2009, 08:32 PM) GG?  What do you think of people like Jenny McCarthy?  I am familiar with the topic of anit-vaccination through various science bloggers and podcasts... Dr. Steven Novella (a neurologist) runs a blog called "Science Based Medicine", and a podcast "The Skeptics Guide to the Universe"  Watch this and pleas let me know what you think?  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap_0uQDbZl4 I hope you and your family are well and stay well. Best to not mention Jenny McCarthy in Ghost Girl's presence. I am not a regular visitor to this tread....oops....         Prepare to die.         Owl, do a search for Jenny McCarthy. There are several posts in this thread about her and why we don't like her much. If you can tell by the rest of my OP... I am no fan of her's either.

[RushRevisited]

Just curious, and I admit I am ignorant on this thread to the tune of about 65 out of 71 pages of posts, so be patient with me - what is wrong with Jenny McCarthy? Didn't she help raise a lot of money and awareness for autism recently?

 

Again, I am sure I have missed some piece of news on her or something, so be patient with me and maybe someone can explain the disdain for her?

[The Owl]

QUOTE (RushRevisited @ Sep 14 2009, 07:40 PM)

Just curious, and I admit I am ignorant on this thread to the tune of about 65 out of 71 pages of posts, so be patient with me - what is wrong with Jenny McCarthy?  Didn't she help raise a lot of money and awareness for autism recently? Again, I am sure I have missed some piece of news on her or something, so be patient with me and maybe someone can explain the disdain for her?

go to this site.... and read some of the quotes the woman has made.

 

http://www.jennymccarthybodycount.com/Jenn...Count/Home.html

 

(This is what I have against Jenny....... I don't know whats been said in the discourse of this thread)

Edited September 15, 2009 by The Owl

[RushRevisited]

[1-0-0-1-0-0-1]

Edited September 15, 2009 by 1-0-0-1-0-0-1

[The Owl]

Like I said........ and I don't want to tread any SOCN waters... but some of the theories about anti-vaccination have been debunked numerous times by neuroscientists (such as Dr. Steven Novella mentioned in my first post) as well as pediatricians...etc.

 

Check out his blog at "ScienceBasedMedicine.com" many of his articles and blogs deal with anti-vaccination.

[RushRevisited]

QUOTE (The Owl @ Sep 14 2009, 10:20 PM)

Like I said........ and I don't want to tread any SOCN waters... but some of the theories about anti-vaccination have been debunked numerous times by neuroscientists (such as Dr. Steven Novella mentioned in my first post) as well as pediatricians...etc. Check out his blog at "ScienceBasedMedicine.com" many of his articles and blogs deal with anti-vaccination.

Yes, but it seems some of the people who apparently dislike her for her view on this have had the exact same view in the past...

 

Like I said, best if I just step out of this and accept that some people here don't like her. It's cool.