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GhostGirl
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Yes, this has been all over the autism world this week. I just don't know how I'd react if that's how my son was treated.

 

I am so thankful that the school system we're in is staffed with people who choose this line of work for a reason, and who have loved my son for 10 years now, and cared for him almost as lovingly as I would if I were there.

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I have Asperger's as most people here know...

 

It's not easy having Asperger's, you know...I feel very lonely because of how I perceive life, but it's like my dad says how I'm a left handed brain as in, with the majority of the world being right handed in the brain...I'm left handed...I've always liked that analogy...

 

I listen to some really strange music and that's because I was opened, as a young boy, to the creative side of life instead of black/white side of life. I was taught the alphabet at age 2...I could recite it at 2 also...this however gives me an advantage in reading/writing/music instead of numbers/sciences/statistics...

 

More stories to follow...

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QUOTE (GhostGirl @ Apr 26 2012, 07:02 AM)
Yes, this has been all over the autism world this week. I just don't know how I'd react if that's how my son was treated.

I'd probably be in jail.

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There have been so many of these heartbreaking stories. So that's why, when my son starts a new school or class, I schedule a private talk/session with the teacher and aid before the first day. My spiel always includes: My son has autism, I will not hesitate to hide a recorder on his person if I suspect any berating (from teachers and/or fellow students), I insist on dropping into class with no notice, I talk to my son every day after school and if I ever hear him say a teacher said one thing negative to him that teacher better be prepared to deal with me immediately and I will enlist the help of the principal and school district autism specialist, I am involved with school activities and get to know all staff members who have contact with my son, evaluations are to be conducted once every three months to ensure he is receiving proper attention and care because of his autism and these evals are to be conducted by classroom teacher, school psychologist, principal (when needed), district autism specialist, any staff member who works with my son on a frequent basis, and myself. I know that I'm pulling a major bitch card but I feel like I have too because of all this negativity and lack of knowledge regarding autism. My children are infinitely important to me. School staff is not. They are the vehicle to teach my child and they better damn well be doing that. I want my boys to be in the best school environment possible. A lot of those conversations taking place (on that tape) between school officials was beyond inappropriate and inexcusable.

 

NOW, having said that, I say that if we can all just get along I will do whatever it is I need to do to bend over backwards and help school staff in any way, shape or form. And I always make good on that statement. I basically drive it into them that I will be watching them with an eagle eye that only a special needs parent has.

 

(I really lucked out with my son's currect teacher. She has an autistic son only a few years older than mine, plus, she previously taught special needs kids.)

 

And yes, I am well aware that I am, "that mom." My kids are my kids, they are my babies and I take my job as mom over-the-top serious. Don't f**k with me! laugh.gif

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QUOTE (Janie @ Apr 26 2012, 01:49 PM)
There have been so many of these heartbreaking stories. So that's why, when my son starts a new school or class, I schedule a private talk/session with the teacher and aid before the first day. My spiel always includes: My son has autism, I will not hesitate to hide a recorder on his person if I suspect any berating (from teachers and/or fellow students), I insist on dropping into class with no notice, I talk to my son every day after school and if I ever hear him say a teacher said one thing negative to him that teacher better be prepared to deal with me immediately and I will enlist the help of the principal and school district autism specialist, I am involved with school activities and get to know all staff members who have contact with my son, evaluations are to be conducted once every three months to ensure he is receiving proper attention and care because of his autism and these evals are to be conducted by classroom teacher, school psychologist, principal (when needed), district autism specialist, any staff member who works with my son on a frequent basis, and myself. I know that I'm pulling a major bitch card but I feel like I have too because of all this negativity and lack of knowledge regarding autism. My children are infinitely important to me. School staff is not. They are the vehicle to teach my child and they better damn well be doing that. I want my boys to be in the best school environment possible. A lot of those conversations taking place (on that tape) between school officials was beyond inappropriate and inexcusable.

NOW, having said that, I say that if we can all just get along I will do whatever it is I need to do to bend over backwards and help school staff in any way, shape or form. And I always make good on that statement. I basically drive it into them that I will be watching them with an eagle eye that only a special needs parent has.

(I really lucked out with my son's currect teacher. She has an autistic son only a few years older than mine, plus, she previously taught special needs kids.)

And yes, I am well aware that I am, "that mom." My kids are my kids, they are my babies and I take my job as mom over-the-top serious. Don't f**k with me! laugh.gif

And I'm sure you're a great mother.

 

goodpost.gif

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My second eldest brother, who's 19, he has autism, and thankfully, his case is not severe.

 

Sometimes, he'll pick the worst time to talk to me. No matter how annoying he gets, I'll always love him, because he's my bro. biggrin.gif

 

...And yes, I do listen to what he has to say. smile.gif

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My son who has Autism is 6 today, happy birthday buddy!

 

Also he completely stopped having seizures about 2 months ago, after having them every day non stop for over 2 years. During this time he lost his ability to speak so I hope he can regain it again someday.

 

In any event just the fact that he stopped having seizures in itself is a miracle because I honestly didn't think it'd ever stop.

Edited by Del_Duio
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QUOTE (Del_Duio @ Apr 27 2012, 09:11 AM)
My son who has Autism is 6 today, happy birthday buddy!

Also he completely stopped having seizures about 2 months ago, after having them every day non stop for over 2 years. During this time he lost his ability to speak so I hope he can regain it again someday.

In any event just the fact that he stopped having seizures in itself is a miracle because I honestly didn't think it'd ever stop.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

 

Wow, that touched my heart...

 

My youngest brother(10) has seizures when he eats too much sugar but having them everyday! God Bless Him!

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QUOTE (Nate2112 @ Apr 26 2012, 01:41 PM)
QUOTE (Janie @ Apr 26 2012, 01:49 PM)
There have been so many of these heartbreaking stories. So that's why, when my son starts a new school or class, I schedule a private talk/session with the teacher and aid before the first day. My spiel always includes: My son has autism, I will not hesitate to hide a recorder on his person if I suspect any berating (from teachers and/or fellow students), I insist on dropping into class with no notice, I talk to my son every day after school and if I ever hear him say a teacher said one thing negative to him that teacher better be prepared to deal with me immediately and I will enlist the help of the principal and school district autism specialist, I am involved with school activities and get to know all staff members who have contact with my son, evaluations are to be conducted once every three months to ensure he is receiving proper attention and care because of his autism and these evals are to be conducted by classroom teacher, school psychologist, principal (when needed), district autism specialist, any staff member who works with my son on a frequent basis, and myself. I know that I'm pulling a major bitch card but I feel like I have too because of all this negativity and lack of knowledge regarding autism. My children are infinitely important to me. School staff is not. They are the vehicle to teach my child and they better damn well be doing that. I want my boys to be in the best school environment possible. A lot of those conversations taking place (on that tape) between school officials was beyond inappropriate and inexcusable.

NOW, having said that, I say that if we can all just get along I will do whatever it is I need to do to bend over backwards and help school staff in any way, shape or form. And I always make good on that statement. I basically drive it into them that I will be watching them with an eagle eye that only a special needs parent has.

(I really lucked out with my son's currect teacher. She has an autistic son only a few years older than mine, plus, she previously taught special needs kids.)

And yes, I am well aware that I am, "that mom." My kids are my kids, they are my babies and I take my job as mom over-the-top serious. Don't f**k with me!  laugh.gif

And I'm sure you're a great mother.

 

goodpost.gif

Thanks. I try! I made my babies a pretty big promise the first moment I held them in my arms and I want to live up to that promise.

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QUOTE (Del_Duio @ Apr 27 2012, 07:11 AM)
My son who has Autism is 6 today, happy birthday buddy!

Also he completely stopped having seizures about 2 months ago, after having them every day non stop for over 2 years. During this time he lost his ability to speak so I hope he can regain it again someday.

In any event just the fact that he stopped having seizures in itself is a miracle because I honestly didn't think it'd ever stop.

That's a lot of big milestone's to celebrate!! common001.gif

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That story of the Dad hearing his son being berated...yeah...been there, done that. Sad that it still goes on.

 

My son, affected by High Functioning Autism, was actually physically assaulted by his Para when he was in 9th grade. He's a Junior (11th grade) now, and he had an incident last month I'm convinced was triggered by the memory of that.

 

I read about all of you who have younger kids, and while it was tough, really tough to raise my boy all alone, I long for those days. Next year my boy graduates from HS. Which is wonderful! I understand he's not nearly as "educated" as his typical peers, as his work was modified, but its an accomplishment nonetheless.

 

But in a year? There's nothing. No real programs, no jobs, no real college courses...nothing. I might have to give up my whole life, because I cant leave him home alone...he's still too impulsive. I still have to apply for guardianship, because at 18 he can legally make his own decisions. I cant let him do that.

 

My advice...teach them, all you can, DONT try to make it easy on them, make them learn all they can. Let the world SEE them, make them see the world. They will have to live in it without you someday. Prepare them.

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QUOTE (Queen of Megadon @ May 2 2012, 08:47 AM)
But in a year? There's nothing. No real programs, no jobs, no real college courses...nothing. I might have to give up my whole life, because I cant leave him home alone...he's still too impulsive. I still have to apply for guardianship, because at 18 he can legally make his own decisions. I cant let him do that.

Yeah I'm very scared about that myself. Can't think about it to be honest.

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QUOTE (Del_Duio @ May 3 2012, 11:10 AM)
QUOTE (Queen of Megadon @ May 2 2012, 08:47 AM)
But in a year?  There's nothing.  No real programs, no jobs, no real college courses...nothing.  I might have to give up my whole life, because I cant leave him home alone...he's still too impulsive.  I still have to apply for guardianship, because at 18 he can legally make his own decisions.  I cant let him do that.

Yeah I'm very scared about that myself. Can't think about it to be honest.

Yeah...i try not to think about it either. But I have to. I'll figure it out, I always do...but this decision is going to require all my superpowers. (inserts smiley with cape..if there was one)

 

 

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One minor thing that has been bugging me quite a bit is the thought of misdiagnosis - and the increasingly common assumption people have with introversion and autism. It exists, but introversion does not equal autism, people need to know that.

 

Recent posts in here about worries around 18 year olds and beyond... I'll be honest, things for me pal Johnnie have not been going good at all since he turned 18. The stakes are higher and his behavior is the same.

 

 

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I have this in my notes from the book by Mitzi Waltz, "The Brain & Autism"

 

 

QUOTE

-Electrical miswiring of the brain - uncontrollaed surges of electricity (seizures) are common in people with autism.
-Temper tantrums in people with autism may be caused by a type of seizure.

 

 

 

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It continues to bother me how much misinformation is spread about autism... A lot of people seem to only focus on the autistic savants...

 

Their lack of experience is very apparent. I really wish people would take the time to look just a bit more into things to understand the syndromes and know just how varied individuals can be.

 

 

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I have actually been diagnosed with Aspergers syndrome when I was in 3rd grade. People need to realize that it is a gift, and absolutely not a curse.

 

What people need to realize, also, is that when someone has Autism, they should not give up what so ever (like many parents do). It saddens me to see that a lot of that happening. When I was diagnosed, many people went up to my parents and told them that "They were sorry." and that "Oh, it must be rough knowing that Austin has Autism.". It's stupid, and honestly, pretty insulting.

 

So, my parents just said "No, we're not sorry. God (not to get all religious on you guys) has blessed us with this child and it's our responsibility to take care of him. Don't feel bad." And with that, my parents now have dozens of books lying around the house having to do with Aspergers/Autism.

 

Through my school life, I had people teach me how to be more social with others. Learn eye-contact, how to communicate properly, read body language, comprehension, art, stress reliefs, anxiety treatments, etc. And now, I'm about over a year out of High School. Saving money for college, have a job at Starbucks.

 

Life is going well, because my parents didn't give up on me. They worked hard to, not to sound like I'm a pet, train me to be more social and work hard. So, take what you may with that story, I just really like sharing it.

 

If you have any questions, feel free to ask privately or on here. It won't be bothersome in anyway. I hope the story helps, even though I kind of summarized it pretty bad.

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QUOTE (ShlappinDahBass @ Aug 9 2012, 12:55 AM)
I have actually been diagnosed with Aspergers syndrome when I was in 3rd grade. People need to realize that it is a gift, and absolutely not a curse.

What people need to realize, also, is that when someone has Autism, they should not give up what so ever (like many parents do). It saddens me to see that a lot of that happening. When I was diagnosed, many people went up to my parents and told them that "They were sorry." and that "Oh, it must be rough knowing that Austin has Autism.". It's stupid, and honestly, pretty insulting.

So, my parents just said "No, we're not sorry. God (not to get all religious on you guys) has blessed us with this child and it's our responsibility to take care of him. Don't feel bad." And with that, my parents now have dozens of books lying around the house having to do with Aspergers/Autism.

Through my school life, I had people teach me how to be more social with others. Learn eye-contact, how to communicate properly, read body language, comprehension, art, stress reliefs, anxiety treatments, etc. And now, I'm about over a year out of High School. Saving money for college, have a job at Starbucks.

Life is going well, because my parents didn't give up on me. They worked hard to, not to sound like I'm a pet, train me to be more social and work hard. So, take what you may with that story, I just really like sharing it.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask privately or on here. It won't be bothersome in anyway. I hope the story helps, even though I kind of summarized it pretty bad.

I understand what you're saying, but it's TOTALLY different when someone is high-functioning, as you clearly are.

 

My 12 year old is VERY low-functioning. I love him and care for him with every ounce of my strength, but he is not potty-trained, cannot speak functionally, and has a mental age of about 18 months.

 

His autism is NOT a gift.

 

I just feel like the distinction between the two ends of the spectrum is also important.

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QUOTE (GhostGirl @ Aug 10 2012, 06:01 AM)
QUOTE (ShlappinDahBass @ Aug 9 2012, 12:55 AM)
I have actually been diagnosed with Aspergers syndrome when I was in 3rd grade. People need to realize that it is a gift, and absolutely not a curse.

What people need to realize, also, is that when someone has Autism, they should not give up what so ever (like many parents do). It saddens me to see that a lot of that happening. When I was diagnosed, many people went up to my parents and told them that "They were sorry." and that "Oh, it must be rough knowing that Austin has Autism.". It's stupid, and honestly, pretty insulting.

So, my parents just said "No, we're not sorry. God (not to get all religious on you guys) has blessed us with this child and it's our responsibility to take care of him. Don't feel bad." And with that, my parents now have dozens of books lying around the house having to do with Aspergers/Autism.

Through my school life, I had people teach me how to be more social with others. Learn eye-contact, how to communicate properly, read body language, comprehension, art, stress reliefs, anxiety treatments, etc. And now, I'm about over a year out of High School. Saving money for college, have a job at Starbucks.

Life is going well, because my parents didn't give up on me. They worked hard to, not to sound like I'm a pet, train me to be more social and work hard. So, take what you may with that story, I just really like sharing it.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask privately or on here. It won't be bothersome in anyway. I hope the story helps, even though I kind of summarized it pretty bad.

I understand what you're saying, but it's TOTALLY different when someone is high-functioning, as you clearly are.

 

My 12 year old is VERY low-functioning. I love him and care for him with every ounce of my strength, but he is not potty-trained, cannot speak functionally, and has a mental age of about 18 months.

 

His autism is NOT a gift.

 

I just feel like the distinction between the two ends of the spectrum is also important.

Completely agree. It's true. But have faith in the situation. When his brain matures and his strengths grow, it will become clear. It could take up to one or two decades for it to show.

 

For now, I have much respect for you...A lot of it, in fact, that you are staying strong through this. But, trust me, give it time. The gift will shine. biggrin.gif

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QUOTE (ShlappinDahBass @ Aug 8 2012, 10:55 PM)
I have actually been diagnosed with Aspergers syndrome when I was in 3rd grade. People need to realize that it is a gift, and absolutely not a curse.

What people need to realize, also, is that when someone has Autism, they should not give up what so ever (like many parents do). It saddens me to see that a lot of that happening. When I was diagnosed, many people went up to my parents and told them that "They were sorry." and that "Oh, it must be rough knowing that Austin has Autism.". It's stupid, and honestly, pretty insulting.

So, my parents just said "No, we're not sorry. God (not to get all religious on you guys) has blessed us with this child and it's our responsibility to take care of him. Don't feel bad." And with that, my parents now have dozens of books lying around the house having to do with Aspergers/Autism.

Through my school life, I had people teach me how to be more social with others. Learn eye-contact, how to communicate properly, read body language, comprehension, art, stress reliefs, anxiety treatments, etc. And now, I'm about over a year out of High School. Saving money for college, have a job at Starbucks.

Life is going well, because my parents didn't give up on me. They worked hard to, not to sound like I'm a pet, train me to be more social and work hard. So, take what you may with that story, I just really like sharing it.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask privately or on here. It won't be bothersome in anyway. I hope the story helps, even though I kind of summarized it pretty bad.

I'm curious, what age were you when you became aware of the diagnosis? Did your parents tell you when you were in 3rd grade?

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QUOTE (Rushman14 @ Aug 10 2012, 05:49 PM)
QUOTE (ShlappinDahBass @ Aug 8 2012, 10:55 PM)
I have actually been diagnosed with Aspergers syndrome when I was in 3rd grade. People need to realize that it is a gift, and absolutely not a curse.

What people need to realize, also, is that when someone has Autism, they should not give up what so ever (like many parents do). It saddens me to see that a lot of that happening. When I was diagnosed, many people went up to my parents and told them that "They were sorry." and that "Oh, it must be rough knowing that Austin has Autism.". It's stupid, and honestly, pretty insulting.

So, my parents just said "No, we're not sorry. God (not to get all religious on you guys) has blessed us with this child and it's our responsibility to take care of him. Don't feel bad." And with that, my parents now have dozens of books lying around the house having to do with Aspergers/Autism.

Through my school life, I had people teach me how to be more social with others. Learn eye-contact, how to communicate properly, read body language, comprehension, art, stress reliefs, anxiety treatments, etc. And now, I'm about over a year out of High School. Saving money for college, have a job at Starbucks.

Life is going well, because my parents didn't give up on me. They worked hard to, not to sound like I'm a pet, train me to be more social and work hard. So, take what you may with that story, I just really like sharing it.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask privately or on here. It won't be bothersome in anyway. I hope the story helps, even though I kind of summarized it pretty bad.

I'm curious, what age were you when you became aware of the diagnosis? Did your parents tell you when you were in 3rd grade?

They told me a year later. So, 4th grade. Obviously. It didn't really hit me what it was until around 5th or 6th grade. I didn't really think anything different of my self except a better understanding of my "differences" and anxieties.

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