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Replies to '01/17 Extreme Disorders'

 
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hopeful
January 18, 2006, 12:34 pm PST

There is help out there!

Quote From: karen_kiki

Val feel free to email me at kikione1@cox.net.  Saying that let me tell you your fears are mine and that of so many others.  Guilt is doing you or I any good so we need to work together to get rid of the guilt. 

  

A friend/therapist reminds me each day to stop saying what if and just do it.  That's what got me to write to Dr. Phil, that's what got me to follow through with my local media and that is what has got me to plan on writing a book and creating a forum for Parents and Family Members. 

  

We need to bond together and get help not just for our kids but ourselves as well. 

  

I was told today by the Minister I work for that my husband and I need to become a united front and work together.  We cannot go down different roads while we seek wellness. 

  

This will not be easy but if in the end we want what is best for Alex and makes us all sane we will find a way to make this all happen. 

  

You are a SPECIAL MOM so take a breath and know your son is lucky to have you because you cared enough to watch the program and share your thoughts. 

  

keep in touch 

I began investigating Asperger's back in 1996.  Because AS is a relatively "new" (for lack of a better word) neurological condition, not much was known about it or the range of behaviors associated with it.  I applaud each and everyone of you for having the courage to speak publicly and aid in the awareness of Asperger's Syndrome!   

  

Not all that long ago the DSMVI (the diagnostic manual for clinicians)  changed it's criteria to include AS on the autism spectrum.  Children diagnosed with AS are entitled to receive special education services from the district in which they reside.  Request a meeting with his teachers and support staff to address his needs and establish an individualized education plan (IEP).  Federal and state law guarantees that your son receive a free and appropriate education.  You are entitled to testing at district expense.  If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you are entitled to an independent educational evaluation (IEE).  The school needs to be providing you with educational alternatives. 

  

Disability -based harassment or bullying is a particular problem for AS kids.  Most districts have a zero tolerance policy against bullying.  Illinois has a fairly progressive educational system and your district should be helping other children appreciate your son's unique gifts.  He should also be enrolled in social skills work groups where he is mentored and protected.   

  

With the right environment, your AS child can flourish.  I provided my son's school with many of the Coulter videos.  I found out early on that many of his teachers had no clue when it came to the environmental stressors that played havoc with my son's behavior.  Sometimes parents have to initiate "educating the educators." 

  

As far as medication is concerned, we use a combination of Concerta (stimulant) and Stratera (non stimulant) for attention issues and Effexor for the OCD behaviors and depression, also Clonidine at night to help with sleep.  Sleep is sooooo important!! 

  

Keep him active and remember, playing games like XBOX Live creates many virtual friends!  I hope this helps.  What would we do without the Internet? 

  

Robin 

  

  

  

  

  

 Advocating for your AS child is difficult.   

  

  

 
User Mood
Happy

Message Emote
hopeful
January 18, 2006, 12:45 pm PST

There is help out there!

Quote From: karen_kiki

Val feel free to email me at kikione1@cox.net.  Saying that let me tell you your fears are mine and that of so many others.  Guilt is doing you or I any good so we need to work together to get rid of the guilt. 

  

A friend/therapist reminds me each day to stop saying what if and just do it.  That's what got me to write to Dr. Phil, that's what got me to follow through with my local media and that is what has got me to plan on writing a book and creating a forum for Parents and Family Members. 

  

We need to bond together and get help not just for our kids but ourselves as well. 

  

I was told today by the Minister I work for that my husband and I need to become a united front and work together.  We cannot go down different roads while we seek wellness. 

  

This will not be easy but if in the end we want what is best for Alex and makes us all sane we will find a way to make this all happen. 

  

You are a SPECIAL MOM so take a breath and know your son is lucky to have you because you cared enough to watch the program and share your thoughts. 

  

keep in touch 

I began investigating Asperger's back in 1996.  Because AS is a relatively "new" (for lack of a better word) neurological condition, not much was known about it or the range of behaviors associated with it.  I applaud each and everyone of you for having the courage to speak publicly and aid in the awareness of Asperger's Syndrome!   

  

Not all that long ago the DSMVI (the diagnostic manual for clinicians)  changed it's criteria to include AS on the autism spectrum.  Children diagnosed with AS are entitled to receive special education services from the district in which they reside.  Request a meeting with his teachers and support staff to address his needs and establish an individualized education plan (IEP).  Federal and state law guarantees that your son receive a free and appropriate education.  You are entitled to testing at district expense.  If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you are entitled to an independent educational evaluation (IEE).  The school needs to be providing you with educational alternatives. 

  

Disability -based harassment or bullying is a particular problem for AS kids.  Most districts have a zero tolerance policy against bullying.  Illinois has a fairly progressive educational system and your district should be helping other children appreciate your son's unique gifts.  He should also be enrolled in social skills work groups where he is mentored and protected.   

  

With the right environment, your AS child can flourish.  I provided my son's school with many of the Coulter videos.  I found out early on that many of his teachers had no clue when it came to the environmental stressors that played havoc with my son's behavior.  Sometimes parents have to initiate "educating the educators." 

  

As far as medication is concerned, we use a combination of Concerta (stimulant) and Stratera (non stimulant) for attention issues and Effexor for the OCD behaviors and depression, also Clonidine at night to help with sleep.  Sleep is sooooo important!! 

  

Keep him active and remember, playing games like XBOX Live creates many virtual friends!  I hope this helps.  What would we do without the Internet? 

  

Robin 

  

  

  

  

  

   

  

 


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