Reintroduction

[Guest guest]

Ida, where do you live in New Jersey, I have a wonderful DR and he is in NJ..I have seen DR Franco and also Dr. Trentham, they were very nice and knowledgeable but I adore Dr Whitman in Watchung, NJ..I live in Cincinnati and we drive 12 hours to see him...he is an amazing Rheumatologist, just brilliant..Watchung is near Newark, his number is 908-769-0100. He is with Summit Medical Group, his name is Dr. Hendriks Whitman..I cannot take credit for finding him, from this group told me about him..he is very exp with the AP and any other means of returning you to health..I learned so much from him..wish I lived closer to New Jersey...let me know if you can think of anything you need..Take care, DEBB

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone:

from Ida

I am 62 years old and have been ill with RA (Dermatomyositis) for 10 years now. I have taken

all kinds of conventional medicine such as (plaquenil, methotrexate,

cloroquine, imuran, viox, celebrex, etc. and nothing has helped with the

pain or anything else for that matter. I have muscle and severe joint pain,

a rash all over most of my body and I'm very itchy all the time. I cannot

go up or down steps and can hardly get out of my bed. My weight has

decreased from 105lbs. to 74lbs. over the years and I haven't been able gain

any weight no matter how hard I have tried. I heard about the AP last year

and tried to find a doctor in my area that treats with it but I could

only find one in Philadelphia, PA.. I told my rheumatologist about the AP

treatment, but he was against it and told me that it would be very dangerous.

In my opinion doctors don't want people to get better because they would not

have any patients. They want the ill to keep taking conventional medicine

with all the bad side effects so that pharmaceutical companies can keep

making a profit.

As I said, I have been sick for 10 yrs. and I am so desperate to get

better that I am willing to try anything. I went to a doctor in

Philadelphia that studied with the late Dr.Brown. From what I had read

about Dr.Brown's protocal, this doctor didn't follow it correctly. He gave

me the Clindamycin IV for five days, including my initial visit, without doing the mycoplasma

or any other test. Then he put me on oral Tetracycline, 500mg., Monday,

Wednesday and Friday. I took it for 7 months and got worse. I cannot tell if it is

Herx reaction or flare. Since I did not see improvement I insisted that he

change it to Minocin because I have read that Tetracycline is not as

effective. He put me on Minocin (100 mg.), mon., wed., fri. I have

been on it for 4 months and still no improvement. I wonder if I am taking

enough? I have taken natural supplements like Glucosame, MSM, Boswell,

Alfalfa, etc. for pain but nothing has helped. Is anyone taking anything

for pain, rash, or itch that really works? I am truly desperate and have

tried to find a really good doctor who is genuinely caring and will test

and carry out treatments PROPERLY! But to date I have been unsuccessful.

There is a doctor in California (Dr. Franco), who I hear is very good.

Also a Dr.Tethram in Boston. Unfortuanatley I live in New Jersey and

cannot travel so far. I can't sit upright for more than a half an hour.

Usually I have to lie down on long trips.

Can everyone please be more specific about how long you have been sick,

medications you've taken, treatments; AP or other,

results and how soon after starting treatment? Is anyone in remission? I

am at the end of my rope. Please give me some hope. I cannot go out of my

home, only to see the doctor. I feel like I have been in prison for the past

10 yrs. I was always very healthy. I very rarely had a cold. I was always very

active; working, excercised frequently playing tennis and walking up to 4 miles three times a week.

Now I am living a terrible nightmare that I can't seem to wake up from. I live with

my son and sometimes feel like I am a burden, though he disagrees. He has

to carry me up and down the stairs when I go out of the house. I can't wait

to be able to do that on my own again. Driving again and just getting my

independence back. Thank you all so much for all your information. I am so

glad I found this support group to vent my frustration with those who

understand. It has been a great help.

I could not understand previously why I felt the way I did. Now I know others feel the same way.

Be it both physically and mentally.

Dr.Brown also thought RA could be the result of an infection of the

teeth. Has anyone heard of this or gone to see a dentist to have mercury or

old fillings removed from your teeth beacuse that could be the cause of your disease?

Thanking All Of You In Advance,

Ida from New Jersey

In hopes that when you receive this e-mail you and your loved ones are in

the best of health!

[Guest guest]

Hi Ida and :-)

It's me, Connie, you called me several months ago. Just talking to

both of you it became so very evident how much you care for each

other. I'm so glad you joined the group. With everyone's help I

just know that you will find some much needed help and encouragement

here.

Ida, you're doing the right things but they just take time. Are you

taking Minocin or minocycline? We have found that the brand name,

Minocin, made by Lederle works where some of the generic brands of

minocycline do not work as well. If the Minocin is too expensive, an

option might be to get the generic minocycline made by Lederle (they

are the only ones who make Minocin, but there has been some

discussion that they will no longer make the generic,

minocycline.....but try to get it if you can.) Another option for

the generic minocycline is one that is made by Schein. Our Costco

pharmacy here in Washington state sells minocycline made by Schein,

and also the name brand Minocin,)

Dear group, please help this lady. I know there is an answer for Ida.

Take care,

Connie

> Hello everyone:

>

> from Ida

>

> I am 62 years old and have been ill with RA (Dermatomyositis) for

10 years now. I have taken

>

> all kinds of conventional medicine such as (plaquenil,

methotrexate,

>

> cloroquine, imuran, viox, celebrex, etc. and nothing has helped

with the

>

> pain or anything else for that matter.

[Guest guest]

I lost ground while using Schein. I had done well on the Biocraft generic

minocycline. Now I am on the Lederle generic minocycline and feeling much

better.

in Oregon

rheumatic Re: reintroduction

> Hi Ida and :-)

>

> It's me, Connie, you called me several months ago. Just talking to

> both of you it became so very evident how much you care for each

> other. I'm so glad you joined the group. With everyone's help I

> just know that you will find some much needed help and encouragement

> here.

>

> Ida, you're doing the right things but they just take time. Are you

> taking Minocin or minocycline? We have found that the brand name,

> Minocin, made by Lederle works where some of the generic brands of

> minocycline do not work as well. If the Minocin is too expensive, an

> option might be to get the generic minocycline made by Lederle (they

> are the only ones who make Minocin, but there has been some

> discussion that they will no longer make the generic,

> minocycline.....but try to get it if you can.) Another option for

> the generic minocycline is one that is made by Schein. Our Costco

> pharmacy here in Washington state sells minocycline made by Schein,

> and also the name brand Minocin,)

>

> Dear group, please help this lady. I know there is an answer for Ida.

>

> Take care,

>

> Connie

>

>

> > Hello everyone:

> >

> > from Ida

> >

> > I am 62 years old and have been ill with RA (Dermatomyositis) for

> 10 years now. I have taken

> >

> > all kinds of conventional medicine such as (plaquenil,

> methotrexate,

> >

> > cloroquine, imuran, viox, celebrex, etc. and nothing has helped

> with the

> >

> > pain or anything else for that matter.

>

>

>

> To unsubscribe, email: rheumatic-unsubscribeegroups

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Amber;

It's funny how some of us breathe that 'sigh of relief' when we finally

get that diagnosis or help from someone who finally listens to us.

I admit too, it's shocking that when you look at the numbers of

diagnosed cases of Autism, how difficult it is for the 'professionals'

to take our word for it and go through the steps of initial diagnosis.

We've been chatty people, but there sure is a LOT of great stuff in

here.

>

> Hello everyone. I just thought I'd reintroduce myself. I used to be

> very active on here a few years ago when we first knew that Seth had

> AS and were trying to get a diagnosis. But we had no success over and

> over and eventually I felt like maybe we didn't belong here when we

> were perpetually in limbo. I did pop on here about a month ago and

> ask about a diet. But the truth is we sort of gave up on trying to

> get anyone to seriously listen to us even though we kept telling those

> we thought it might impact. That's why we were so excited when the

> counselor approached us without any prompting on our part. I hope

> that means that it will be taken more seriously than when it comes

> from us because heaven knows we're only his parents. What do we know.

>

> Actually the counselor seemed surprised that I wasn't upset by the

> news that she had sent his name down for an autism evaluation. Not

> upset? Thrilled is more like it. But at any rate I just thought I

> would say hi again.

>

>

> Amber

>

[Guest guest]

Amber. Yay!!!!!!!!! The ball is rolling. Hugs. RobinAmber <tootsanderson@...> wrote: Hello everyone. I just thought I'd reintroduce myself. I used to bevery active on here a few years ago when we first knew that Seth hadAS and were trying to get a diagnosis. But we had no success over andover and eventually I felt like maybe we didn't belong here when wewere perpetually in limbo. I did pop on here about a month ago andask about a diet. But the truth is we sort of

gave up on trying toget anyone to seriously listen to us even though we kept telling thosewe thought it might impact. That's why we were so excited when thecounselor approached us without any prompting on our part. I hopethat means that it will be taken more seriously than when it comesfrom us because heaven knows we're only his parents. What do we know. Actually the counselor seemed surprised that I wasn't upset by thenews that she had sent his name down for an autism evaluation. Notupset? Thrilled is more like it. But at any rate I just thought Iwould say hi again. Amber

Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Games.

[Guest guest]

great to have you back. Rose and/or Robin Lemke <jrisjs@...> wrote: Amber. Yay!!!!!!!!! The ball is rolling. Hugs. RobinAmber <tootsandersonhotmail> wrote: Hello everyone. I just thought I'd reintroduce myself. I used to bevery active on here a few years ago when we first knew that Seth hadAS and were trying to get a

diagnosis. But we had no success over andover and eventually I felt like maybe we didn't belong here when wewere perpetually in limbo. I did pop on here about a month ago andask about a diet. But the truth is we sort of gave up on trying toget anyone to seriously listen to us even though we kept telling thosewe thought it might impact. That's why we were so excited when thecounselor approached us without any prompting on our part. I hopethat means that it will be taken more seriously than when it comesfrom us because heaven knows we're only his parents. What do we know. Actually the counselor seemed surprised that I wasn't upset by thenews that she had sent his name down for an autism evaluation. Notupset? Thrilled is more like it. But at any rate I just thought Iwould say hi again. Amber Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Games.

Tonight's top picks. What will you watch tonight? Preview the hottest shows on TV.

[Guest guest]

Welcome aboard!!! so glad to meet someone new even if via the internet. My son is an Aspie and he is 9 the youngest of 3 (my older 2 are girls ages 12 and 17 ) however my partner or boyfriend i never know what i am supposed to call him, has 6 boys (3 of which live w/ us and dsand 12 yr old dd so we have quite the busy household. SherryDeborah <esmin42@...> wrote: I'm kinda not up to speed so thought I'd reintroduce myself and try to catch up. I was told I need to talk to others in the same boat so I'm on this group hoping to not

feel so overwhelmed. My son has aspergers with high intelligence (145 IQ). He's almost 18 and in his last year of high school, whether or not he graduates. I'm working on selling my timeshare to give him extra school money. He has high anxiety and has been prescribed some type of valium and cymbalta (I think). The anti-depressant seems to have turned him a 180 and he is great at school now, listens and gets along MOSTLY. We have issues with him not being able to accept help. He gets incredibly angry. He also is unable/unwilling to ask for help. He's told me he wants me to get on his case, pick fights with him, whatever it takes so he will do his school work. He can't get himself up in the morning, no matter how loud and obnoxious the alarm is so he expects me to do it. He won't go to bed at night and claims it's his upset stomach. He's a gamer, which I've encouraged because he talks to people a LOT rather than talk to no one.

I would rather he didn't lose sleep though and have caught him up late at night on his game. I find it to be a poor compromise as he can be super cranky without enough sleep, but the Cymbalta has been helping him find he needs to sleep at night too. On the good side, he's incredibly sweet, can hold any conversation, is insightful, and is an animal magnet, all animals love him and flock to him. (It's almost weird). He's very smart and I hope to help him work through his concentration issues and retrain himself to be able to sit and figure things out rather than want someone else to do it for him. He tests well, just can not complete homework for the life of him. He was diagnosed 2 years ago with a firm diagnosis last year (in writing). So, we've not had much time to get used to the idea, we always thought he had ADD/ADHD. Also, we tried many diets, found dropping milk and wheat was a huge benefit

but couldn't stick with it. Also used amino fuel (had lots of brain food nutrients based on my research) and that helped quite a bit. But we aren't too consistent and now understanding what it is he is dealing with we are looking into dialectical behavior therapy/training (DBT) per a recommend by his special ed teacher. That's the gist of it. He's truly the most precious part of my life and I am very lucky to have him as my son. He's also a pain in the neck but I love him. Deb S

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[Guest guest]

I can't believe it either - mine is 19 yo. I think it has helped that we have sort of built in a very slow transition. He is going to a career center for 2 years so it covers another 2 years for him. Then we will see what to do then. It's not like with typical kids who turn 18 and suddenly they are on their own or off to college.

Where is the summer program - back in California?

RoxannaAutism Happens

Re: ( ) reintroduction

Hi Deb,

There are a few of us with older kids with AS on this listserv. I've got an almost 20 (can you old timers believe it???) year old with AS. He's had one year of college, then dropped out due to severe depression. Starting in the summer, he's going into a program that will work with him on independent living skills, social skills, executive function skills, and the skills he'll need for college. (He'll take a college course or two.) It's a program specifically for young people with Asperger's. This is a difficult time in anyone's life, because separating from one's parents and thinking of making a life of one's own can be scary. But for a young person with AS, I think this is doubly true. They often just don't have the skills to do that. At least in my house, there is a lot of anxiety around this issue.

Liz

On Feb 5, 2008, at 8:01 PM, Deborah wrote:

I'm kinda not up to speed so thought I'd reintroduce myself and try to catch up. I was told I need to talk to others in the same boat so I'm on this group hoping to not feel so overwhelmed.

My son has aspergers with high intelligence (145 IQ). He's almost 18 and in his last year of high school, whether or not he graduates. I'm working on selling my timeshare to give him extra school money. He has high anxiety and has been prescribed some type of valium and cymbalta (I think). The anti-depressant seems to have turned him a 180 and he is great at school now, listens and gets along MOSTLY.<snip>

[Guest guest]

I'd love for my son to be in a program like that. And yeah, he's afraid of life coming up too. I told him don't be, as long as he is making an effort he's fine to stay at home, so he will go to one of the colleges in our area and get his feet under him... hopefully very slowly.

Our biggest worry is my medical insurance won't cover him if he goes part time hours at college. I've no idea how to make them understand he's not capable of more.

Deb S

On 2/6/08, Roxanna <madideas@...> wrote:

I can't believe it either - mine is 19 yo. I think it has helped that we have sort of built in a very slow transition. He is going to a career center for 2 years so it covers another 2 years for him. Then we will see what to do then. It's not like with typical kids who turn 18 and suddenly they are on their own or off to college.

Where is the summer program - back in California?

RoxannaAutism Happens

Re: ( ) reintroduction

Hi Deb,

There are a few of us with older kids with AS on this listserv. I've got an almost 20 (can you old timers believe it???) year old with AS. He's had one year of college, then dropped out due to severe depression. Starting in the summer, he's going into a program that will work with him on independent living skills, social skills, executive function skills, and the skills he'll need for college. (He'll take a college course or two.) It's a program specifically for young people with Asperger's. This is a difficult time in anyone's life, because separating from one's parents and thinking of making a life of one's own can be scary. But for a young person with AS, I think this is doubly true. They often just don't have the skills to do that. At least in my house, there is a lot of anxiety around this issue.

Liz

On Feb 5, 2008, at 8:01 PM, Deborah wrote:

I'm kinda not up to speed so thought I'd reintroduce myself and try to catch up. I was told I need to talk to others in the same boat so I'm on this group hoping to not feel so overwhelmed.

My son has aspergers with high intelligence (145 IQ). He's almost 18 and in his last year of high school, whether or not he graduates. I'm working on selling my timeshare to give him extra school money. He has high anxiety and has been prescribed some type of valium and cymbalta (I think). The anti-depressant seems to have turned him a 180 and he is great at school now, listens and gets along MOSTLY.<snip>

[Guest guest]

wow, I wish my kids would agree to do something like that, if we even have something like that here. I am afraid of what is going to happen come fall when the boys are supposed to start school and live on campus....

Re: ( ) reintroduction

Hi Deb,

There are a few of us with older kids with AS on this listserv. I've got an almost 20 (can you old timers believe it???) year old with AS. He's had one year of college, then dropped out due to severe depression. Starting in the summer, he's going into a program that will work with him on independent living skills, social skills, executive function skills, and the skills he'll need for college. (He'll take a college course or two.) It's a program specifically for young people with Asperger's. This is a difficult time in anyone's life, because separating from one's parents and thinking of making a life of one's own can be scary. But for a young person with AS, I think this is doubly true. They often just don't have the skills to do that. At least in my house, there is a lot of anxiety around this issue.

Liz

On Feb 5, 2008, at 8:01 PM, Deborah wrote:

I'm kinda not up to speed so thought I'd reintroduce myself and try to catch up. I was told I need to talk to others in the same boat so I'm on this group hoping to not feel so overwhelmed.

My son has aspergers with high intelligence (145 IQ). He's almost 18 and in his last year of high school, whether or not he graduates. I'm working on selling my timeshare to give him extra school money. He has high anxiety and has been prescribed some type of valium and cymbalta (I think). The anti-depressant seems to have turned him a 180 and he is great at school now, listens and gets along MOSTLY.<snip>

[Guest guest]

No, actually it's in western Massachusetts. He'll start in the summer, and continue through next year, if all goes well. My 25 year old daughter is in Boston, so he'll have some family connection here.LizOn Feb 6, 2008, at 12:02 PM, Roxanna wrote:I can't believe it either - mine is 19 yo. I think it has helped that we have sort of built in a very slow transition. He is going to a career center for 2 years so it covers another 2 years for him. Then we will see what to do then. It's not like with typical kids who turn 18 and suddenly they are on their own or off to college. Where is the summer program - back in California? RoxannaAutism Happens

[Guest guest]

Toni,At least your boys will have each other, right? Do you think that will help them? The program is going into is very intensive and teaches social skills, how to read "cues" from other people, and generally how to function if you've got AS. It also teaches the basics of getting around - taking the bus, balancing your checkbook, making an appointment with the doctor, etc. They all see a therapist twice a week, and there's a psychiatrist on board for meds. It costs major big bucks. However, it's deductible as a medical expense. We'll be back in California by the end of the summer, so he's gonna be on his own (although his sister will be just a couple of hours away by bus.). He is barely agreeing, but I think he knows that the situation will be dire without it.LizOn Feb 6, 2008, at 2:05 PM, Toni wrote:wow, I wish my kids would agree to do something like that, if we even have something like that here. I am afraid of what is going to happen come fall when the boys are supposed to start school and live on campus.... Re: ( ) reintroductionHi Deb,There are a few of us with older kids with AS on this listserv. I've got an almost 20 (can you old timers believe it???) year old with AS. He's had one year of college, then dropped out due to severe depression. Starting in the summer, he's going into a program that will work with him on independent living skills, social skills, executive function skills, and the skills he'll need for college. (He'll take a college course or two.) It's a program specifically for young people with Asperger's. This is a difficult time in anyone's life, because separating from one's parents and thinking of making a life of one's own can be scary. But for a young person with AS, I think this is doubly true. They often just don't have the skills to do that. At least in my house, there is a lot of anxiety around this issue.Liz

[Guest guest]

Liz – Do you mind telling the name of the program?

It may be something we need to look into at some point. We put Tyler into

a private school this year specifically for kids with Aspergers, PDD-NOS,

ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, etc. and he is doing awesome – taking a

rigorous curriculum and making all A’s & B’s. He should

be a senior but we had him placed as a junior to give him another year to

mature and hopefully learn needed skills for life and college. He wants

to go to ITT (college specifically for computers) and there is a branch here in

Houston so he can live at home. But, I am so worried about other needed

life skills – transportation (has a license but doesn’t drive on

his own), balancing a checkbook, making appointments, etc., etc. We may need

to look into a program like this, too.

From:

[mailto: ] On

Behalf Of Liz Bohn

Sent: Wednesday, February 06, 2008 2:52 PM

Subject: Re: ( ) reintroduction

Toni,

At least your boys will have each other, right? Do you think

that will help them? The program is going into is very intensive and

teaches social skills, how to read " cues " from other people, and

generally how to function if you've got AS. It also teaches the basics of

getting around - taking the bus, balancing your checkbook, making an

appointment with the doctor, etc. They all see a therapist twice a week, and

there's a psychiatrist on board for meds. It costs major big bucks. However,

it's deductible as a medical expense. We'll be back in California by the end of

the summer, so he's gonna be on his own (although his sister will be just a

couple of hours away by bus.). He is barely agreeing, but I think he knows that

the situation will be dire without it.

Liz

On Feb 6, 2008, at 2:05 PM, Toni wrote:

wow, I wish my kids would agree to do

something like that, if we even have something like that here. I am afraid of

what is going to happen come fall when the boys are supposed to start school

and live on campus....

Re: ( ) reintroduction

Hi Deb,

There are a few of us with older

kids with AS on this listserv. I've got an almost 20 (can you old timers

believe it???) year old with AS. He's had one year of college, then dropped out

due to severe depression. Starting in the summer, he's going into a program

that will work with him on independent living skills, social skills, executive

function skills, and the skills he'll need for college. (He'll take a college

course or two.) It's a program specifically for young people with Asperger's.

This is a difficult time in anyone's life, because separating from one's

parents and thinking of making a life of one's own can be scary. But for a

young person with AS, I think this is doubly true. They often just don't have

the skills to do that. At least in my house, there is a lot of anxiety around

this issue.

Liz

[Guest guest]

,The name of the program is the College Internship Program at the Berkshire Center (in Lee, Massachusetts).http://www.berkshirecenter.org/ They also have programs somewhere in Indiana, somewhere in Florida, and in Berkely, CA. This just happens to be the one we're most familiar with.LizOn Feb 6, 2008, at 11:04 PM, wrote:Liz – Do you mind telling the name of the program? It may be something we need to look into at some point. We put Tyler into a private school this year specifically for kids with Aspergers, PDD-NOS, ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, etc. and he is doing awesome – taking a rigorous curriculum and making all A’s & B’s. He should be a senior but we had him placed as a junior to give him another year to mature and hopefully learn needed skills for life and college. He wants to go to ITT (college specifically for computers) and there is a branch here in Houston so he can live at home. But, I am so worried about other needed life skills – transportation (has a license but doesn’t drive on his own), balancing a checkbook, making appointments, etc., etc. We may need to look into a program like this, too.

[Guest guest]

Ohmygosh! So you are leaving him there? Are you a nervous wreck about it or calm and collected? I would be a wreck personally. <g>

RoxannaAutism Happens

Re: ( ) reintroduction

No, actually it's in western Massachusetts. He'll start in the summer, and continue through next year, if all goes well. My 25 year old daughter is in Boston, so he'll have some family connection here.

Liz

On Feb 6, 2008, at 12:02 PM, Roxanna wrote:

I can't believe it either - mine is 19 yo. I think it has helped that we have sort of built in a very slow transition. He is going to a career center for 2 years so it covers another 2 years for him. Then we will see what to do then. It's not like with typical kids who turn 18 and suddenly they are on their own or off to college.

Where is the summer program - back in California?

RoxannaAutism Happens

[Guest guest]

That's nothing compared to the wreck that he is about it. I am reasonably calm about it at the moment, but I'm sure that when the time comes, I'll be a complete wreck, and will be calling his caseworker every five minutes. He REALLY doesn't want to do it, because he doesn't know anybody there, and I won't be there to help him, etc etc. I haven't given up yet, though. His shrink, his dad, and I all think that this is a really good placement for him. I think if he can just get over the initial hurdle, he will be fine.LizOn Feb 11, 2008, at 10:26 PM, Roxanna wrote:Ohmygosh! So you are leaving him there? Are you a nervous wreck about it or calm and collected? I would be a wreck personally. <g> RoxannaAutism Happens Re: ( ) reintroductionNo, actually it's in western Massachusetts. He'll start in the summer, and continue through next year, if all goes well. My 25 year old daughter is in Boston, so he'll have some family connection here.LizOn Feb 6, 2008, at 12:02 PM, Roxanna wrote:I can't believe it either - mine is 19 yo. I think it has helped that we have sort of built in a very slow transition. He is going to a career center for 2 years so it covers another 2 years for him. Then we will see what to do then. It's not like with typical kids who turn 18 and suddenly they are on their own or off to college. Where is the summer program - back in California? RoxannaAutism Happens

[Guest guest]

that's the hard part, getting them over the hurdle... making them take the plunge and trying to get them to see that we only want what is absolutely best FOR THEM and would not just throw them in somewhere and let them sink.. n is starting to OBSESS already because he doesn't want to take classes in college that aren't interesting to him.. He wants to start out taking classes that go toward his degree and 'skip' the rest...the basics...

I hope you can get him over the hurdle and he really starts to enjoy it and understand that in the long run he is going to be so much better off knowing how to take care of the 'everyday stuff' , life skills. Good luck and keep us posted, Liz. Toni

Re: ( ) reintroduction

No, actually it's in western Massachusetts. He'll start in the summer, and continue through next year, if all goes well. My 25 year old daughter is in Boston, so he'll have some family connection here.

Liz

On Feb 6, 2008, at 12:02 PM, Roxanna wrote:

I can't believe it either - mine is 19 yo. I think it has helped that we have sort of built in a very slow transition. He is going to a career center for 2 years so it covers another 2 years for him. Then we will see what to do then. It's not like with typical kids who turn 18 and suddenly they are on their own or off to college.

Where is the summer program - back in California?

RoxannaAutism Happens

[Guest guest]

I will keep my fingers crossed that he stays with it long enough to make a friend or two. It really is scarey to be on your own like that. But good for him for trying something new! Wow, so now you will have an "empty nest" at home! All that free time...I am getting jealous as I think about it. lol.

RoxannaAutism Happens

Re: ( ) reintroduction

No, actually it's in western Massachusetts. He'll start in the summer, and continue through next year, if all goes well. My 25 year old daughter is in Boston, so he'll have some family connection here.

Liz

On Feb 6, 2008, at 12:02 PM, Roxanna wrote:

I can't believe it either - mine is 19 yo. I think it has helped that we have sort of built in a very slow transition. He is going to a career center for 2 years so it covers another 2 years for him. Then we will see what to do then. It's not like with typical kids who turn 18 and suddenly they are on their own or off to college.

Where is the summer program - back in California?

RoxannaAutism Happens