MY INTRODUCTION

[Guest guest]

One of my students is from Farmington Hills.

All of my students are from Oakland

County. My mom

doesn’t live too far from you.

She lives in West

Bloomfield. What a small world. You sound like you

have a very interesting job. I think is such a blessing when one likes

their job.

I have tried to watch TV when I am on the

treadmill. I just find it boring. I love to roller blade when it is

warm and sunny. I love to ski when it is cold and snowy.

Have a great evening.

Patrice

From:

Dahlstrom [mailto:volleyjen0416@...]

Sent: Sunday, January 02, 2005

9:10 PM

Subject: RE: My

Introduction

Hi Patrice, I know where Warren is, I live East (maybe a little North too) of you

in Farmington Hills.

I bet those twins keep you busy I work

as a sign language interpreter for an agency. I usually interpret for

Deaf college students though....I love me job too!

Sorry that you and your

treadmill don't get along.....hmmm I usually listen to music or watch tv while

I'm riding it, works for me.

Take care,

Patrice Deckard <pdeckard@...> wrote:

Hi ,

Welcome to the group. I am from MI

too. I live in Warren. I have a

great hubby and 15 year old twin sons. They are great and keep me very

busy. I teach high school World History and English.

My students range from 13-20 and they are

emotionally impaired. I love my job. I try to exercise 3-5 days per

week. I like DVD/VHS and my recumbent bike. I do not like my

treadmill. LOL

Patrice

From:

[mailto:volleyjen0416@...]

Sent: Sunday, January 02, 2005

5:21 PM

Subject: [Exercise

Videos] My Introduction

Hi Everyone! I guess I

should introduce myself.

I just joined your group

My name is and I live in

Michigan. I'm single, 39 and I live with my two crazy Siamese

cats

LOL... I LOVE playing volleyball in case you can't

tell by my email

address and I enjoy bowling on a league every

other week.

I am great at starting exercise

programs but not great at being

consistant...not good especially since I want to

lose 80 lbs....

I hope that I can help all of

you to achieve your weight

loss/fitness goals and that you will help me to be

successful in

reaching my goals.

Take care,

P.S. I did exercise on Saturday, I walked 30

minutes on my

treadmill, not much I know but it's a start!

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

hi jennifer!! i want to welcome you to this fabulous group! it is good

to meet you and i hope that you will post often and tell us all about your

workouts.

*carolyn.

(age 41, living in ontario canada with my husband, 2 young sons, 2 dogs, 2 cats)

--

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Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.

Version: 7.0.296 / Virus Database: 265.6.7 - Release Date: 12/30/2004

[Guest guest]

Poppy,

Did the Dr. diagnose eczema for the patches on her legs and did he/she prescribe

something i.e. eledil. If so, do NOT apply. I read a post on this group not long

ago warning about the dangers (including cancer)of eledil. Welcome to the group.

I'm sure one of our members can offer you a natural alternative to bring her

relief if needed.

Anita

Poppy <tezzkatt@...> wrote:I've been lurking for a few days here.

Hi! I'm Poppy, I'm 33 and my husband and I have one daughter who is 19 months

old now. I've always had mixed feelings about vaccinations and did some

previous research, but have tried looking at all sides. My husband was pretty

pro vax as his mom is so we did start out vaccinating our girl. She didn't get

the MMR and chicken pox vaccines at 12 months because they accidently made her

appointment before her birthday and for paper work reasons didn't want to do

them then....I was very apprehensive about those vaccines and think the chicken

pox one is kind of dumb anyway since I obviously come from the generation that

still got the chicken pox and it was fine...I had it when I was in 6th grade...

Anyway, they forgot about those two shots until her 18 month visit so along with

the DTaP she was due for they wanted to give those too without a second thought

of how many vaccines that was and it made me angry and while I compromised with

my husband and let them do the DTaP I refused the other two, especially after

seeing the handout of the side effects of the MMR...knowing that what they give

you is the whitewashed version anyway...

I made my husband do more research online and we decided that it is very

unlikely she will be getting any more shots. She's acctually pretty healthy and

doing well developementally and has hardly ever been sick at all and really only

the " sniffles " here and there. At 19 months she's still happily breastfeeding

too.

She does have some eczema patches on her legs though, but other than that has

been pretty healthy despite a bit of a tramatic birth experience for us.

Okay that is all for now

-Poppy

[Guest guest]

Yes the Dr (well, the nurse practitioner, the dr. is too busy to acctually see

patients it seems) did diagnose the eczema, but did not prescribe anything

thankfully. It isn't that bad at this point really.

Poppy

Re: my introduction

Poppy,

Did the Dr. diagnose eczema for the patches on her legs and did he/she

prescribe something i.e. eledil. If so, do NOT apply. I read a post on this

group not long ago warning about the dangers (including cancer)of eledil.

Welcome to the group. I'm sure one of our members can offer you a natural

alternative to bring her relief if needed.

Anita

Poppy <tezzkatt@...> wrote:I've been lurking for a few days here.

Hi! I'm Poppy, I'm 33 and my husband and I have one daughter who is 19 months

old now. I've always had mixed feelings about vaccinations and did some

previous research, but have tried looking at all sides. My husband was pretty

pro vax as his mom is so we did start out vaccinating our girl. She didn't get

the MMR and chicken pox vaccines at 12 months because they accidently made her

appointment before her birthday and for paper work reasons didn't want to do

them then....I was very apprehensive about those vaccines and think the chicken

pox one is kind of dumb anyway since I obviously come from the generation that

still got the chicken pox and it was fine...I had it when I was in 6th grade...

Anyway, they forgot about those two shots until her 18 month visit so along

with the DTaP she was due for they wanted to give those too without a second

thought of how many vaccines that was and it made me angry and while I

compromised with my husband and let them do the DTaP I refused the other two,

especially after seeing the handout of the side effects of the MMR...knowing

that what they give you is the whitewashed version anyway...

I made my husband do more research online and we decided that it is very

unlikely she will be getting any more shots. She's acctually pretty healthy and

doing well developementally and has hardly ever been sick at all and really only

the " sniffles " here and there. At 19 months she's still happily breastfeeding

too.

She does have some eczema patches on her legs though, but other than that has

been pretty healthy despite a bit of a tramatic birth experience for us.

Okay that is all for now

-Poppy

[Guest guest]

Thats good.

Anita

Poppy <tezzkatt@...> wrote:

Yes the Dr (well, the nurse practitioner, the dr. is too busy to acctually see

patients it seems) did diagnose the eczema, but did not prescribe anything

thankfully. It isn't that bad at this point really.

Poppy

Re: my introduction

Poppy,

Did the Dr. diagnose eczema for the patches on her legs and did he/she

prescribe something i.e. eledil. If so, do NOT apply. I read a post on this

group not long ago warning about the dangers (including cancer)of eledil.

Welcome to the group. I'm sure one of our members can offer you a natural

alternative to bring her relief if needed.

Anita

Poppy <tezzkatt@...> wrote:I've been lurking for a few days here.

Hi! I'm Poppy, I'm 33 and my husband and I have one daughter who is 19 months

old now. I've always had mixed feelings about vaccinations and did some

previous research, but have tried looking at all sides. My husband was pretty

pro vax as his mom is so we did start out vaccinating our girl. She didn't get

the MMR and chicken pox vaccines at 12 months because they accidently made her

appointment before her birthday and for paper work reasons didn't want to do

them then....I was very apprehensive about those vaccines and think the chicken

pox one is kind of dumb anyway since I obviously come from the generation that

still got the chicken pox and it was fine...I had it when I was in 6th grade...

Anyway, they forgot about those two shots until her 18 month visit so along

with the DTaP she was due for they wanted to give those too without a second

thought of how many vaccines that was and it made me angry and while I

compromised with my husband and let them do the DTaP I refused the other two,

especially after seeing the handout of the side effects of the MMR...knowing

that what they give you is the whitewashed version anyway...

I made my husband do more research online and we decided that it is very

unlikely she will be getting any more shots. She's acctually pretty healthy and

doing well developementally and has hardly ever been sick at all and really only

the " sniffles " here and there. At 19 months she's still happily breastfeeding

too.

She does have some eczema patches on her legs though, but other than that has

been pretty healthy despite a bit of a tramatic birth experience for us.

Okay that is all for now

-Poppy

[Guest guest]

Hi Dawn,

We went thru similiar experiences with the pediatrician for our daughter, Eva,

now 23 months. I finally was able to insist on blood tests that showed she had

an elevated sed rate. We were then referred to a pediatric rhematologist who

suspects that Eva has .

As a parent who has experience(d) the same frustrations, I would try to have

some blood work done and or see a ped. rheumatologist or some other specialist -

Infectious Di

Dawn Hehman <dmhehman@...> wrote:

Hi All,

My name is Dawn and my son is Colton. He has had fevers that get as

high as 104 or 105 about every 6 weeks since he was 6 months old.

My pediatrician keeps saying it's viruses and usually doesn't want

to see him unless he's at about a 104 or he's had it for 5 days.

So, when I take him on the 5th day, she says it's a virus and it

goes away the next day, confirming her diagnosis. Often he's at

something like 103 for 5 days so she never sees him. Two visits

ago, I insisted on seeing anyone in the office when she wasn't

available. The on call pediatrician suggested . When I asked

my pediatrician about it she said sarcastically, " What is that? It

isn't real. " Then seriously, said it was nothing because there's no

cure for it. Some very small babies take steriods for it. But she

definitely felt Colton is just a sensitive baby that keeps getting

viruses. The next time he had a fever we took him in because (we

found the magic ticket to see the pediatrician) he was pulling on

his ears and might have an ear infection. I told her I marked the

last fever on the calendar and this one definitely started 3 days

short of 6 weeks since the last one. She said casually, oh maybe he

does have fever cycles. But then diagnosed this as a bronchial

infection. So maybe it was something different this time. Usually

he has a fever and maybe some vomiting when it gets up to 104, but

no other symptom at all.

On the other side of this I have my husband's family. They swear he

did the same thing as a baby and it was diagnosed. It is teething!

No need to worry.

So, my mother and I have been the lone worriers about his kid since

he was 6 months old. He's now almost 22 months. Between episodes

he his happy and healthy. Even when he's at 101 and 102 he plays

and acts normally. Only when it gets like 103 does he get clingy

and whiny.

So, I'm hear to learn what is. What symptoms there are other

than a fever. Is it hereditary? How long does it last? And what

can be done about it? I'm wondering if I should switch

pediatricians, or am I just paranoid. If the doctor isn't the least

bit worried, why should I be? If it is , is it no big deal?

My husband must have survived this disorder and he is rarely to

never sick now. At the same time, to have my baby have this high

fever for DAYS scares the heck out of me over and over every time it

happens. I am so sad for him and can't imagine why it isn't

affecting his development. Or is it and I just can't see it?

Thanks for having this site where I can find out so much!

Dawn

---------------------------------

[Guest guest]

I was convinced that my daughter, Mackenzie had a fever syndrome

(fevering every 5-6 weeks for probably over a year, documented since

July 2004). But the pediatrician always said it was a virus. I

finally got fed up and brought a bunch of information printed from

the internet to a doctor's visit when she was fevering (1st day of

fever) and insisted that he " rule out " . He glanced at it and

said he had never heard of it and said that he thought it was unlikely

that is what she had. While he was running a flu and strep test, he

looked through the documents and found the prednisone information. He

had a sample of Orapred and gave it to her (I suspect to prove to me I

was wrong and get me to back off). Within 30 minutes her appetite was

back, and within 2 hours her 104 fever was down to 98.6. Her fever

always runs 4-5 days, and having it go away in less than 24 hours is

fantastic!

That proved to him it wasn't just a virus, though we don't know for

sure if it is or another fever syndrome. I am armed with a

prescription for Orapred so that I can give it to her if I need to. I

hate knowing more about this than my doc at this point. I'm still

weighing my options about what to do and will likely switch

pediatricians because I don't like how we've been treated so far....

Dawn Howe (Broomfield, CO)

mother to Mackenzie, 3 years old (fevers)

Sierra (6 years), and Cody (9 months)

>

> Hi All,

>

> My name is Dawn and my son is Colton. He has had fevers that get

as

> high as 104 or 105 about every 6 weeks since he was 6 months old.

> My pediatrician keeps saying it's viruses and usually doesn't want

> to see him unless he's at about a 104 or he's had it for 5 days.

> So, when I take him on the 5th day, she says it's a virus and it

> goes away the next day, confirming her diagnosis. Often he's at

> something like 103 for 5 days so she never sees him. Two visits

> ago, I insisted on seeing anyone in the office when she wasn't

> available. The on call pediatrician suggested . When I asked

> my pediatrician about it she said sarcastically, " What is that? It

> isn't real. " Then seriously, said it was nothing because there's

no

> cure for it. Some very small babies take steriods for it. But she

> definitely felt Colton is just a sensitive baby that keeps getting

> viruses. The next time he had a fever we took him in because (we

> found the magic ticket to see the pediatrician) he was pulling on

> his ears and might have an ear infection. I told her I marked the

> last fever on the calendar and this one definitely started 3 days

> short of 6 weeks since the last one. She said casually, oh maybe

he

> does have fever cycles. But then diagnosed this as a bronchial

> infection. So maybe it was something different this time. Usually

> he has a fever and maybe some vomiting when it gets up to 104, but

> no other symptom at all.

>

> On the other side of this I have my husband's family. They swear

he

> did the same thing as a baby and it was diagnosed. It is teething!

> No need to worry.

>

> So, my mother and I have been the lone worriers about his kid since

> he was 6 months old. He's now almost 22 months. Between episodes

> he his happy and healthy. Even when he's at 101 and 102 he plays

> and acts normally. Only when it gets like 103 does he get clingy

> and whiny.

>

> So, I'm hear to learn what is. What symptoms there are other

> than a fever. Is it hereditary? How long does it last? And what

> can be done about it? I'm wondering if I should switch

> pediatricians, or am I just paranoid. If the doctor isn't the

least

> bit worried, why should I be? If it is , is it no big deal?

> My husband must have survived this disorder and he is rarely to

> never sick now. At the same time, to have my baby have this high

> fever for DAYS scares the heck out of me over and over every time

it

> happens. I am so sad for him and can't imagine why it isn't

> affecting his development. Or is it and I just can't see it?

> Thanks for having this site where I can find out so much!

>

> Dawn

[Guest guest]

Hi Dawn,

I went through the same thing. The pediatrician was always telling me that my

sons fevers were related to something viral. After a year another pediatrician

I had seen in the same office recommended that I see a contagious and infections

specialist. I did and i finally received an answer. was diagnosed as

having . It was just an extreme weight off my shoulders to finally come to

a conclusion about why my son was fevering every 2-3 weeks for a year.

has been on Cimetidine for 6 months now and doing terrific. It took 3 months to

notice any results, but I am thrilled to say we are starting week 18 fever free.

Unfortunately when I went back to my pediatrician he didn't know what was

either. I gave him all the tools he needed in order to find out more and I can

only hope he is using and passing them on to the group so families do not have

to go through what we have with not knowing. Good Luck!!!

ann Mom to Age 6

Middletown, NY

Re: my introduction

I was convinced that my daughter, Mackenzie had a fever syndrome

(fevering every 5-6 weeks for probably over a year, documented since

July 2004). But the pediatrician always said it was a virus. I

finally got fed up and brought a bunch of information printed from

the internet to a doctor's visit when she was fevering (1st day of

fever) and insisted that he " rule out " . He glanced at it and

said he had never heard of it and said that he thought it was unlikely

that is what she had. While he was running a flu and strep test, he

looked through the documents and found the prednisone information. He

had a sample of Orapred and gave it to her (I suspect to prove to me I

was wrong and get me to back off). Within 30 minutes her appetite was

back, and within 2 hours her 104 fever was down to 98.6. Her fever

always runs 4-5 days, and having it go away in less than 24 hours is

fantastic!

That proved to him it wasn't just a virus, though we don't know for

sure if it is or another fever syndrome. I am armed with a

prescription for Orapred so that I can give it to her if I need to. I

hate knowing more about this than my doc at this point. I'm still

weighing my options about what to do and will likely switch

pediatricians because I don't like how we've been treated so far....

Dawn Howe (Broomfield, CO)

mother to Mackenzie, 3 years old (fevers)

Sierra (6 years), and Cody (9 months)

>

> Hi All,

>

> My name is Dawn and my son is Colton. He has had fevers that get

as

> high as 104 or 105 about every 6 weeks since he was 6 months old.

> My pediatrician keeps saying it's viruses and usually doesn't want

> to see him unless he's at about a 104 or he's had it for 5 days.

> So, when I take him on the 5th day, she says it's a virus and it

> goes away the next day, confirming her diagnosis. Often he's at

> something like 103 for 5 days so she never sees him. Two visits

> ago, I insisted on seeing anyone in the office when she wasn't

> available. The on call pediatrician suggested . When I asked

> my pediatrician about it she said sarcastically, " What is that? It

> isn't real. " Then seriously, said it was nothing because there's

no

> cure for it. Some very small babies take steriods for it. But she

> definitely felt Colton is just a sensitive baby that keeps getting

> viruses. The next time he had a fever we took him in because (we

> found the magic ticket to see the pediatrician) he was pulling on

> his ears and might have an ear infection. I told her I marked the

> last fever on the calendar and this one definitely started 3 days

> short of 6 weeks since the last one. She said casually, oh maybe

he

> does have fever cycles. But then diagnosed this as a bronchial

> infection. So maybe it was something different this time. Usually

> he has a fever and maybe some vomiting when it gets up to 104, but

> no other symptom at all.

>

> On the other side of this I have my husband's family. They swear

he

> did the same thing as a baby and it was diagnosed. It is teething!

> No need to worry.

>

> So, my mother and I have been the lone worriers about his kid since

> he was 6 months old. He's now almost 22 months. Between episodes

> he his happy and healthy. Even when he's at 101 and 102 he plays

> and acts normally. Only when it gets like 103 does he get clingy

> and whiny.

>

> So, I'm hear to learn what is. What symptoms there are other

> than a fever. Is it hereditary? How long does it last? And what

> can be done about it? I'm wondering if I should switch

> pediatricians, or am I just paranoid. If the doctor isn't the

least

> bit worried, why should I be? If it is , is it no big deal?

> My husband must have survived this disorder and he is rarely to

> never sick now. At the same time, to have my baby have this high

> fever for DAYS scares the heck out of me over and over every time

it

> happens. I am so sad for him and can't imagine why it isn't

> affecting his development. Or is it and I just can't see it?

> Thanks for having this site where I can find out so much!

>

> Dawn

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

My introduction

Hi everyone,

My name is Darla Donley. I live in Tennesse

but I'm from

Michigan. We are from a

large city in Michigan and now live in a

very small town in Tennessee Our youngest

son, Dakota, doesn't have Autism that we know of. He

does have a few tendencies like Apraxia and

SID. We haven't had him

officially diagnosed

Hi Dakota, welcome to the group. This is a

diverse group so if you have any questions feel free to ask and someone should

have a thought. Your son is young so my recommendation is to read to him lots

and get down on the floor and play. Playing will give you lots of insight and I

think is one of the best ‘therapies’ for kids..Gail

[Guest guest]

Hi Darla this is a great group, welcome. i am a single mom to Lucas

who's 9. We live in Canada, ontario. My son is not officially dx

although suspected aspegers. He also has learning dissabillities so

he's not typical of aspegers. Anyways it sounds like you will have

a lot in common regardless of the dx.

dandyliondawn

>

>

>

> My introduction

>

> Hi everyone,

> My name is Darla Donley. I live in Tennesse but I'm from

> Michigan. We are from a large city in Michigan and now live in a

> very small town in Tennessee Our youngest son, Dakota, doesn't

have

> Autism that we know of. He

> does have a few tendencies like Apraxia and SID. We haven't had

him

> officially diagnosed

>

> Hi Dakota, welcome to the group. This is a diverse group so if you

have

> any questions feel free to ask and someone should have a thought.

Your

> son is young so my recommendation is to read to him lots and get

down on

> the floor and play. Playing will give you lots of insight and I

think is

> one of the best 'therapies' for kids..Gail

> _____

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome Darla,

I am also from Ontario,Canada.

My son is 14, he has many signs of being an AS,we still don`t know.

We are now seeing the psychiatrist in January,it has been a long

journey in trying to know what is wrong with him. He is very

brilliant,but has definitely something that is different.

This group has helped me and encouraged me throughout the few months

I have been on it. Even though, I don`t always post a lot of things

I would like to say,I learn and get encouraged by reading about

children who have similar problems.

lolo

-- In Autism and Aspergers Treatment , " dandyliondawn "

<ddoherty@r...> wrote:

>

> Hi Darla this is a great group, welcome. i am a single mom to

Lucas

> who's 9. We live in Canada, ontario. My son is not officially dx

> although suspected aspegers. He also has learning dissabillities

so

> he's not typical of aspegers. Anyways it sounds like you will

have

> a lot in common regardless of the dx.

>

> dandyliondawn

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> >

> >

> >

> > My introduction

> >

> > Hi everyone,

> > My name is Darla Donley. I live in Tennesse but I'm from

> > Michigan. We are from a large city in Michigan and now live in

a

> > very small town in Tennessee Our youngest son, Dakota, doesn't

> have

> > Autism that we know of. He

> > does have a few tendencies like Apraxia and SID. We haven't had

> him

> > officially diagnosed

> >

> > Hi Dakota, welcome to the group. This is a diverse group so if

you

> have

> > any questions feel free to ask and someone should have a

thought.

> Your

> > son is young so my recommendation is to read to him lots and get

> down on

> > the floor and play. Playing will give you lots of insight and I

> think is

> > one of the best 'therapies' for kids..Gail

> > _____

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi dandyliondawn,

That's cute, your name. Anyway my son, Marty, has lots of problems besides autism, and he is not Aspergers. He was a very normal baby up to about age 2, talked, walked, and did everything a child normal bright child that age does, and then he started having epileptic seizures one day. Nobody knows why, he has had all the tests, etc.

So then they started him on drugs to try and control the seizures, but none ever really worked, and some made him much worse. It was an awful experience. When he was just 3 the "experts" told me to put him into the state institution and forget we had ever had him, but I wouldn't think of such a thing to do to him.

So he went to special ed school, all drugged up and out of it most of the time. I think a lot of his so called "retardation" was because of the drugs he took. Anyway I got him off of most of them, and then he became aware of things, but his behavior was really bad. He had been in a fog for years and had not learned much at all.

Did the IEP route, all that, the special aides for him, the mainstreaming in public school, had the due process hearing, and then he was kicked out when he was 18, got really upset one day, what they called "violent and aggressive" but I think he just could not cope with things at all. And I tried to tell them that, the banging lockers, and noisy teenagers, etc.

So I had him home, a violent boy that age!! But we got through it together, I refused to "send him somewhere," I was his mother, and we had determined to see it through.

And then one day the violence stopped. I am a Christian and so I prayed a lot!!! He has not been violent in many years now. He is 41 years old now, sweet guy, but the seizures have had their toll, as he has serious cerebral palsy symptoms and cannot walk on his own now, has no balance.

He still has a few seizures a month, 3 or 4, and he does not talk, stopped talking years ago, wears Depends, but goes to the bathroom a couple of times a day, and has his bowel movements there, thank goodness. Let's see, he has a Peg tube in his stomach and we feed him Ultracal from a pump. This is because over the years it became harder for him to swallow and so he choked a lot, and was always in danger of aspiration pneumonia.

But it was good when he got he food tube because his health greatly improved overall, he gained weight, and his seizures went down, and his resistance to infection got much better, we should have done it sooner actually. He can walk now standing straight up, used to bend over terribly, and sits straight, but he still needs me or somebody else to assist, or he would fall down.

Anyway I do love him with all of my heart, he is just a sweetheart to me, and I can tell you I made the right decision in keeping him home with me all these years to be cared for and protected. I also have two other sons, a bit older than Marty. They are Tommy & Jeff, ages 45, and 43, and I have a daughter, Tara, who is 35.

She has 3 children who I take care of while she works. I was married for 31 years, and then was divorced for 10 before my ex-husband died, Marty's and my other children's father. But we do have a sweet man who lives here with us, and who does most of the care of Marty now, so I don't have to.

Oh yes, what does he do all day? Well he plays with an assortment of shoe laces he has. He puts them in and out of his fingers mostly all day long. He works very hard and is very tired at the end of the day. This is typical autistic behavior. Otherwise he is very alert, looks up often, hears everything, looks at t.v., and what I like best is how the children and he interact. He really loves his niece and two little nephews, and they love him.

So everything has worked out just fine for us, and I praise the Lord for it too!!

My love to you all,

Carolyn

My introduction> > Hi everyone,> My name is Darla Donley. I live in Tennesse but I'm from > Michigan. We are from a large city in Michigan and now live in a > very small town in Tennessee Our youngest son, Dakota, doesn't have> Autism that we know of. He > does have a few tendencies like Apraxia and SID. We haven't had him > officially diagnosed > > Hi Dakota, welcome to the group. This is a diverse group so if you have> any questions feel free to ask and someone should have a thought. Your> son is young so my recommendation is to read to him lots and get down on> the floor and play. Playing will give you lots of insight and I think is> one of the best 'therapies' for kids..Gail> _____>

[Guest guest]

Hi Tilly,

Welcome to ! I am Rose, I am 48yrs old and live in Portland

Oregon in the US. Like you I have epilepsy only mine is bi-lateral and

was diagnosed when I was 17 yrs old. I also have agoraphobia with

panic disorder. I have three sons, two stepsons, 16 and 18

and one birth son 17. If you want add me to your messenger...I

am wolflady_1957 on messenger.

Hugs,

Rose

[Guest guest]

Hi Tilly and welcome, I am also very new to this group. My name is

Shelarean, my nickname is Amethyst Rose, and my user name is

Therashaetha, which is how I've have signed all messages I have posted

here, also feel free to add me to your messenger if you wish.

I know nothing at all about Epilepsy, but I can identify with the

manic depression. I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, at the time I am

currently going through tests for Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus, which

according to my primary care doctor I could possibly have both due to

the symptoms I am having. I also am Bipolar, have Obsessive/Compulsive

Disorder, and Panic Disorder, after an isurance change I have not been

back to the Psychiatrist, I have to find a new one due to insurance

coverage, but anyway before the insurance change she was evaluating

trying to figure out if I had Schizoaffective Disorder. So sometimes I

feel like I am falling apart.

Anyway welcome to the group, I hope you get the support you are

looking for here. Hope to get to know you better and chat with you on

messenger if you would like to.

Take care,

Shelarean

[Guest guest]

Hi Tilly, Australia is some place that i wish I could go someday. It seems that parents are the worst when it comes to denial. I think that they find it hard to believe that there is something wrong with their baby! I am new to the group also. So far I have felt great just being able to talk about thing that others can relte to. Kim H.Tilly <empress_tilly@...> wrote: Name, State you live in? My name is Tilly and I live in the ACT in um.. Australia1. What is your diagnosis? I was diagnoised with late onset, Juvenile temperal lobe Epilepsy in early 2001 (3 days before my 18th birthday!). I have also suffered with manic depression and eating disorders since i was about 13. But it seems the most debilitating disorder i have is agoraphobia which has

gradually intensified over the last few years.2. Are you taking any medications? I am presently on Lamictal for epilepsy (my neurologist wants to put me back on Epilum too). At the moment I am not taking anything for the depression as it seems that nothing i do take works. I have tried quite a cocktail though... Zoloft, Desyrel, Prozac, Luvox etc etc...3. How are you presently feeling? I feel lonely at the moment, I can't find anyone to chat to. My boyfriend is great but there is only so much he can do.4. Have you been hospitalized? Not for quite a while... thank the gods!5. Have you attempted suicide? Thought about it during high-school, have had the feather scratches on my wrist, but never went through with it (obviously).6. Are you a self-injurer? Not on purpose, but i have this tick that happens when i get nervous where i wring my wrists and often rub the skin off. I don't even notice doing it until it is too

late and the skin is red raw.7. Are you married? nope, everyone around me seems to be getting married though... sigh... always the bridesmaid, never the bride.8. If so, how long?9. Do you have any children, or plan on having children? I don't really want kids (so i keep telling myself). I have been told by my doctor that "with my condition it is not advised to try". I had a miscarrage last year, it was proably for the best, but it still knocked with the selfesteem a bit.10. Do you have a good family support system? My boyfriend is great, my best friend is just that... the BEST friend you could ever want, my dad is in denile and my mum thinks the doctors are on crack and don't know what they are talking about (all 4 of them?).11. What do you feel will best benefit you from joining our group? Support and friendship.12. What are you looking for the most in a group? I need someone to chat to, someone who has a (however

small) understanding of what i am going thru. 13. Do you have hobbies? Reading is a big one, camping, climbing and caving (there is something satisfying about being alone in a very tight "squeese" 60ft underground, in the dark, and all you can hear is the pounding of your heart in your ears)14. What do you do for a living, if anything? I am a receptionist at a medical centre and soon to be a student (i hope... i think) at the University of Canberra studing nursing. (I want to be one of the nice nurses who really cares about you when you are all by yourself in the hospital bed staring at the white roof)15. Are you on disability? I am on a low income health care benefit, so i get my medicine cheeper and doctor's bills arn't as nasty.Well, that is me...I hope someone, anyone, responds.Tilly~~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~~The Being Sick CommunityMessage

Archives-/messagesChat:- Scheduled Chats at /chatBookmarks:-Add a website URL you have found useful./linksPersonal Complaints or problems:-Please contact a moderator email: -owner Subscription Details:-1) Individual email - means that every email sent to the list you receive.2) Daily Digest - sends you 25 messages in one single email for you to browse. This is an excellent option if you receive alot of email.3) Web only/No mail - means that you can pop into groups at your convenience and receive no email.To modify your subscription settings please visit:- /joinTo subscribe or unsubscribe please email:--subscribe -unsubscribe This group is not intended to

diagnose or treat illnesses. No one on this group is qualified to diagnose medical conditions. If you feel you need medical attention, seek the advice of a qualified physician.~~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~~When nothing is sure, everything is possible.--- Margaret Drabble~~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~~

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group. My name is Martha. I have nerve and spine disease,

epilepsy, MVP, arthritis and migraines. I've been married for 24+ years and

have two grown children who live outside the home. Again, Welcome to the

group.

Re: My Introduction

> Hi Tilly,

> Welcome to ! I am Rose, I am 48yrs old and live in Portland

> Oregon in the US. Like you I have epilepsy only mine is bi-lateral and

> was diagnosed when I was 17 yrs old. I also have agoraphobia with

> panic disorder. I have three sons, two stepsons, 16 and 18

> and one birth son 17. If you want add me to your messenger...I

> am wolflady_1957 on messenger.

>

> Hugs,

> Rose

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ~~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~~

> The Being Sick Community

>

>

> Message Archives-/messages

>

> Chat:- Scheduled Chats at

> /chat

>

> Bookmarks:-

> Add a website URL you have found useful.

> /links

>

> Personal Complaints or problems:-

> Please contact a moderator

> email: -owner

>

> Subscription Details:-

> 1) Individual email - means that every email sent to the list you receive.

> 2) Daily Digest - sends you 25 messages in one single email for you to

browse. This is an excellent option if you receive alot of email.

> 3) Web only/No mail - means that you can pop into groups at your

convenience and receive no email.

>

> To modify your subscription settings please visit:-

> /join

>

> To subscribe or unsubscribe please email:-

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>

> This group is not intended to diagnose or treat illnesses. No one on this

group is qualified to diagnose medical conditions. If you feel you need

medical attention, seek the advice of a qualified physician.

> ~~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~~

> When nothing is sure, everything is possible.

>

> --- Margaret Drabble

>

> ~~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~~

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi! Welcome to thr group. :0) I think you will like it here, there are some great people to talk to. That's great that you want to be a nurse, I wanted to for a long time, but I couldn't go through with it. It turned out not to be something I would be that good at. I want to do something though that helps people, even if its just listening to someone. Sometimes just letting someone talk about whats happening with them and let them get out everything can mean a whole lot to that person. That's kinda why I wanted to go into counseling or something like that. Sorry to keep this short, just wanted to say hi. Hope you are doing ok. AbbyTilly <empress_tilly@...> wrote: Name, State you live in? My name is Tilly and I live in the ACT in um.. Australia1. What is your diagnosis? I was diagnoised

with late onset, Juvenile temperal lobe Epilepsy in early 2001 (3 days before my 18th birthday!). I have also suffered with manic depression and eating disorders since i was about 13. But it seems the most debilitating disorder i have is agoraphobia which has gradually intensified over the last few years.2. Are you taking any medications? I am presently on Lamictal for epilepsy (my neurologist wants to put me back on Epilum too). At the moment I am not taking anything for the depression as it seems that nothing i do take works. I have tried quite a cocktail though... Zoloft, Desyrel, Prozac, Luvox etc etc...3. How are you presently feeling? I feel lonely at the moment, I can't find anyone to chat to. My boyfriend is great but there is only so much he can do.4. Have you been hospitalized? Not for quite a while... thank the gods!5. Have you attempted suicide? Thought about it during high-school, have had the feather

scratches on my wrist, but never went through with it (obviously).6. Are you a self-injurer? Not on purpose, but i have this tick that happens when i get nervous where i wring my wrists and often rub the skin off. I don't even notice doing it until it is too late and the skin is red raw.7. Are you married? nope, everyone around me seems to be getting married though... sigh... always the bridesmaid, never the bride.8. If so, how long?9. Do you have any children, or plan on having children? I don't really want kids (so i keep telling myself). I have been told by my doctor that "with my condition it is not advised to try". I had a miscarrage last year, it was proably for the best, but it still knocked with the selfesteem a bit.10. Do you have a good family support system? My boyfriend is great, my best friend is just that... the BEST friend you could ever want, my dad is in denile and my mum thinks the doctors are on crack

and don't know what they are talking about (all 4 of them?).11. What do you feel will best benefit you from joining our group? Support and friendship.12. What are you looking for the most in a group? I need someone to chat to, someone who has a (however small) understanding of what i am going thru. 13. Do you have hobbies? Reading is a big one, camping, climbing and caving (there is something satisfying about being alone in a very tight "squeese" 60ft underground, in the dark, and all you can hear is the pounding of your heart in your ears)14. What do you do for a living, if anything? I am a receptionist at a medical centre and soon to be a student (i hope... i think) at the University of Canberra studing nursing. (I want to be one of the nice nurses who really cares about you when you are all by yourself in the hospital bed staring at the white roof)15. Are you on disability? I am on a low income health care benefit,

so i get my medicine cheeper and doctor's bills arn't as nasty.Well, that is me...I hope someone, anyone, responds.Tilly~~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~~The Being Sick CommunityMessage Archives-/messagesChat:- Scheduled Chats at /chatBookmarks:-Add a website URL you have found useful./linksPersonal Complaints or problems:-Please contact a moderator email: -owner Subscription Details:-1) Individual email - means that every email sent to the list you receive.2) Daily Digest - sends you 25 messages in one single email for you to browse. This is an excellent option if you receive alot of email.3) Web only/No mail - means that you can pop into groups at your convenience and receive no email.To modify your

subscription settings please visit:- /joinTo subscribe or unsubscribe please email:--subscribe -unsubscribe This group is not intended to diagnose or treat illnesses. No one on this group is qualified to diagnose medical conditions. If you feel you need medical attention, seek the advice of a qualified physician.~~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~~When nothing is sure, everything is possible.--- Margaret Drabble~~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~~

[Guest guest]

Hi! Welcome to thr group. :0) I think you will like it here, there are some great people to talk to. That's great that you want to be a nurse, I wanted to for a long time, but I couldn't go through with it. It turned out not to be something I would be that good at. I want to do something though that helps people, even if its just listening to someone. Sometimes just letting someone talk about whats happening with them and let them get out everything can mean a whole lot to that person. That's kinda why I wanted to go into counseling or something like that. Sorry to keep this short, just wanted to say hi. Hope you are doing ok. AbbyTilly <empress_tilly@...> wrote: Name, State you live in? My name is Tilly and I live in the ACT in um.. Australia1. What is your diagnosis? I was diagnoised

with late onset, Juvenile temperal lobe Epilepsy in early 2001 (3 days before my 18th birthday!). I have also suffered with manic depression and eating disorders since i was about 13. But it seems the most debilitating disorder i have is agoraphobia which has gradually intensified over the last few years.2. Are you taking any medications? I am presently on Lamictal for epilepsy (my neurologist wants to put me back on Epilum too). At the moment I am not taking anything for the depression as it seems that nothing i do take works. I have tried quite a cocktail though... Zoloft, Desyrel, Prozac, Luvox etc etc...3. How are you presently feeling? I feel lonely at the moment, I can't find anyone to chat to. My boyfriend is great but there is only so much he can do.4. Have you been hospitalized? Not for quite a while... thank the gods!5. Have you attempted suicide? Thought about it during high-school, have had the feather

scratches on my wrist, but never went through with it (obviously).6. Are you a self-injurer? Not on purpose, but i have this tick that happens when i get nervous where i wring my wrists and often rub the skin off. I don't even notice doing it until it is too late and the skin is red raw.7. Are you married? nope, everyone around me seems to be getting married though... sigh... always the bridesmaid, never the bride.8. If so, how long?9. Do you have any children, or plan on having children? I don't really want kids (so i keep telling myself). I have been told by my doctor that "with my condition it is not advised to try". I had a miscarrage last year, it was proably for the best, but it still knocked with the selfesteem a bit.10. Do you have a good family support system? My boyfriend is great, my best friend is just that... the BEST friend you could ever want, my dad is in denile and my mum thinks the doctors are on crack

and don't know what they are talking about (all 4 of them?).11. What do you feel will best benefit you from joining our group? Support and friendship.12. What are you looking for the most in a group? I need someone to chat to, someone who has a (however small) understanding of what i am going thru. 13. Do you have hobbies? Reading is a big one, camping, climbing and caving (there is something satisfying about being alone in a very tight "squeese" 60ft underground, in the dark, and all you can hear is the pounding of your heart in your ears)14. What do you do for a living, if anything? I am a receptionist at a medical centre and soon to be a student (i hope... i think) at the University of Canberra studing nursing. (I want to be one of the nice nurses who really cares about you when you are all by yourself in the hospital bed staring at the white roof)15. Are you on disability? I am on a low income health care benefit,

so i get my medicine cheeper and doctor's bills arn't as nasty.Well, that is me...I hope someone, anyone, responds.Tilly~~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~~The Being Sick CommunityMessage Archives-/messagesChat:- Scheduled Chats at /chatBookmarks:-Add a website URL you have found useful./linksPersonal Complaints or problems:-Please contact a moderator email: -owner Subscription Details:-1) Individual email - means that every email sent to the list you receive.2) Daily Digest - sends you 25 messages in one single email for you to browse. This is an excellent option if you receive alot of email.3) Web only/No mail - means that you can pop into groups at your convenience and receive no email.To modify your

subscription settings please visit:- /joinTo subscribe or unsubscribe please email:--subscribe -unsubscribe This group is not intended to diagnose or treat illnesses. No one on this group is qualified to diagnose medical conditions. If you feel you need medical attention, seek the advice of a qualified physician.~~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~~When nothing is sure, everything is possible.--- Margaret Drabble~~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~~

[Guest guest]

Congratulations and best wishes to your best friend! Premature and Down

syndrome can be a rough combination. Been there, done that. But I don't have

any personal experience breastfeeding anybody, just not built right I guess.

But La Leche League has some info and a pamphlet.

http://www.lalecheleague.org/FAQ/down.html

http://www.lalecheleague.org/NB/NBJulAug98p105.html

http://www.lalecheleague.org/Web_store/web_store.cgi?product=Pamphlet%20and%

20Information & 20Sheets & cart_id=7597695_14045

Breastfeeding a Baby with Down Syndrome

Newly revised pamphlet providing education and support for breastfeeding a

baby with Down Syndrome.

No 528-24, $2.50

-- Bob, dad to Charlie, his getting badly out of date web page,

http://home.earthlink.net/~wrblack/

[Guest guest]

Hi,

My DD Sammy is 5 months and exclusively breastfed. I hope to get her to

two and a half years, but my nursling babies only usually make it to 15

months before they wean themselves. ( once their feet hit the ground

they forgot about me)

I have NO experience with Premies.. BUT.. if the baby is home.. Or if

the mom is able to nurse in the NICU…

( pump if you can.. I never had luck with supply on pump alone. My son

had problems nursing)

Long answer short.. Treat the baby as if she were just any other sweet

baby. Do not assume she will have problems nursing, but don’t be shocked

if she does and know your options beforehand. Have a plan. How long do

you want to continue Breast feeding. Know that answer. And try to stick

to it. I believe the immunities to be invaluable, esp for a baby with

Downs.

Get information on Ecological breastfeeding, or Baby led.. do not keep a

schedule. Mine that I did try to feed every four hours.. ended up on

bottles. ( not the end of the world.. but It broke my heart.. ya gotta

do what ya gotta do)

Watch wets, not so much poop diapers. One wet diaper per day of age 5

days should be 5 pee diapers.. up to 6-7 ( read on for more info)

Watch weight gain. BUT remember breast babies are not always fast

gainers. ¼ a lb for 2 days I think.. check the LLL for that one.. but

you can tell if they are filling out..

Keep the baby on the breast as much as possible. I had a LC tell me once

“ every time that baby opens is mouth, Bust it in the face” Yes I was

appalled at first but the shock value of the play on words ( bust=

chest like a bust in a museum ) made me remember that every time I saw

her nursing air, smacking lips, rooting no matter how softly, sucking

her tongue ( more below ) I offered the breast. My life is such that I

can sort of just let her stay there. Unless I am cooking food.

My DD at first had trouble nursing laying down, but got that quick. I

was able to catch cat naps while she ate.--that was awesome those first

days. My Sammy does tend to choke- or get toomuch… more often when in

the traditional nursing hold. She actually eats better while lying

down..

BREAST FED BABIES DO HAVE TO BURP AT TIMES. If you notice squirmyness..

burp. Someone told me nurslings do not have to burp.. I think it was

from the LLL.. but all mine burp like college boys.. my DH calls them

little milk sacs.. LOL.. when mine squirm… they either have to poop or

burp.

My Sammy was a Sleeper. I don’t know if that is common among Downs

babies or not, but she loved to sleep. She eats and sleeps at the same

time A LOT in the beginning. As long as her latch was strong I let her

stay there. Yes this ment sometimes sitting for more than an hour. So

bring a book, Get a headset for your phone. ETC.. I don’t do this all

day mind you..but In those first weeks I did blot out two hours a day or

anytime at night to allow her to nurse to her content. ( one hr in am

one in pm)

I had to wash her hair in order to wake her up good. Warm wash rag on

the face worked sometimes – skin to skin helped- I had to work at

waking her up to latch. ( I had to do this with another of my 6 children

too. My Son ( non ds) was a real sleeper.

I did end up using a nipple shield the first three days. Little mouth,

big toungue, Plus my build.. She learned quick to curl her tounge.

Yes she had sloppy latch, but we just kept trying. I hand express a bit

the first three days- week and made sure she got 4 oz from a pacifier

medicine dispenser ( it’s a cup with a screw on nipple for medicine)

That perked her up a bit, made her stronger.

I also noticed she would “pacifiy “ on her own tongue. She Puts it

against the roof of her mouth, and bites it. So .. it would keep her

from waking.. that need to suck would already be being satisfied. By One

month though she had it down pat.. but then .. that’s the same for ANY

nursing baby. It takes them a while to learn.

Of course with that nipple shield.. well I misused it. I would wake her

sometimes by putting it on, and using its rigidity to slip it in her

mouth. She would just start nursing even though she was asleep. ( much

like one would try to force a bottle or pacifier into a sleeping babies

mouth) but it worked.

It takes more energy for them to eat, but if your friend is willing to

make a go of it.. Like I said.. just keep the baby on the breast as much

as you can.

Some people don’t like babies to “ pacifiy” at the breast. ( letting

them sleep and snack) but the breast never actually dries between

feedings, there is aways a trickle and every drop counts for something.

It tricks em into getting nursiment while satisfying their need to suck.

Plus your friend will find that allowing her baby to pacify like this

will allow for cluster nursing. The baby will occasionally flip its

tounge and stimulate the milk flow.. this will occasionally lead to

another letting down of the milk, and the baby will be forced to swallow

it or let go. Sometimes one or the other, and sometimes both.. occur.

Sometimes it wakes em up and the relatch.

Count wet diapers, not so much dirty. Breastmilk is not wasted by the

body, and poop is excess or waste. So long as your getting the right

amount of wet diapers.. now my dd liked to cheat. She must have a

bladder the size of an adult.. becaue initially she would only go 4

times a day.. but two of those were SOAKERS. The diaper could not hold

it.. So I counted it as two.

She has doubled her birth weight at four months. And growing right on

schedule. Nursing keeps her awake now during the say. She sleeps all

night and slept 6 hours at a time from th beginning ( she was an

sleeper) So ..

Anyhow.. I am making a book here so feel free to email with any

specifics.

Downs specific benifits.. she will be giving her baby valuable mouth

strength. It will or supposedly will improve speech later in life. The

touch, movement and the sensations should help her baby too. and don’t

forget immunities.

Steph

" Truth is not determined by a majority vote. "

-Cardinal ph Ratzinger

http://360./rnscarlson

my introduction

My best friend just gave birth nearly 9 weeks early to

a baby girl with DS. I'm looking for information

about breastfeeding a baby with DS. Has anyone on the

list done it and for how long? Any tips, suggestions,

etc. would be great.

Thanks!

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I did it for a year with no problems. He was my firstborn and we figured it

out together. I know some children have a weak suck but had no

difficulties. So I can't really give you any tips - since there weren't any

problems. in Dallas

my introduction

> My best friend just gave birth nearly 9 weeks early to

> a baby girl with DS. I'm looking for information

> about breastfeeding a baby with DS. Has anyone on the

> list done it and for how long? Any tips, suggestions,

> etc. would be great.

> Thanks!

>

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

" We have been sporting a bumper sticker from the ThinkTwice website,

and my husband has been having fun prodding people to the website.

Mostly he gets asked about it at the nursing home where he works as a

nurse's aide. "

Hi Judy!

We've got one of those bumper stickers as well. I love getting people

thinking about the subject.

I have 3 children. The oldest 8, was fully vaccinated, my 3 yr. old stopped

receiving them at her 2 yr. check up, and my 8mo. old hasn't had any shots at

all! I struggled with being a non-vaxer at first, but now I am COMPLETELY at

peace with our decision. This group has been a great reassurance.

Welcome!

~Connie in S.C.

---------------------------------

Stay in the know. Pulse on the new .com. Check it out.

[Guest guest]

Welcome, Judy!

Kay

My introduction

> Hi all,

>

> My name is Judy and I have four children, with one due in

> October. Sheri asked me to post an intro, so I will do so here, even

> though at this point I expect to read more than post.

> Judy

[Guest guest]

For transitioning, prepare him, prepare him, prepare him, and then

prepare yourself for the possibility that all that preparation may

not work.

When my son was younger, he didn't transition well at all. Kicking,

screaming, hysterics, meltdowns. I could tell you stories...Now, at

20, he still struggles, but he's much, much better. Sometimes it

takes letting him sort of melt down over the change and letting him

know you understand why he's so upset and just accepting his being

upset and loving him through it, then talking to him about it later

when he's calm. Sometimes it takes forcing him to deal with the

change and being tough on the outside, because when he's an adult, no

one except you will be loving him through his transition meltdowns.

We all know that with our kids there are rarely instantaneous

miracles, and we have to work at this way more than with a regular

kid. Hang in there.

Theresa Mesa

Mesa Design House

http://mesadesignhouse.com

909-335-9710

Hours: By appointment only

On Dec 13, 2006, at 7:04 AM, wrote:

> Hello,

> My name is Colleen, and I'm the mom to 2 terrific children: a 10

> year old girl and a 4 year old boy. Before having my daughter, I

> was an elementary school teacher. Before having my son, I ran a

> licensed family daycare at home. From the time my son was born, I

> recognized that he was different from other children I'd worked

> with. At his 3rd birthday, his vocabulary was very minimal and he

> had a long-term fixation on music CD's and anything else that would

> spin. If we tried to get him to leave the house without at least 10

> CD's stuck on his thumb, we risked a total meltdown. I spoke to our

> family doctor about possible autism, but was told to wait and see

> what his preschool teacher would say when we enrolled him in

> preschool in the fall (5 months later). Between then and the start

> of the school year, his vocabulary exploded and he was at a level

> much higher than most of his classmates. However, his teacher asked

> us if we would consider having the school system evaluate him for

> special needs. Her main concern was with his inability to handle

> any changes in routine. We had him observed by the school's " Project

> Find " psychologist, and evaluated for special needs. His issues were

> deemed to be mild, and didn't qualify him

> for extra help. There was some talk of possible Asperger's then.

> Things seemed to progress well last year, but completely slid back

> this year with the introduction of a new teacher and new

> classmates. The worst time was when I went away with my daughter

> for 3 days in early November. My son became very angry each of

> those days in the classroom, knocking over chairs and kicking his

> teacher. So, back to the Project Find team we went (at his

> teacher's strong request). He's doing much better now (since I've

> been back home for a month now). He was observed in the classroom

> by a school psychologist, who found that he often gets " stuck " on

> projects. I also see that he also gets very anxious when something

> doesn't turn out like he wants it to (for example, if his letters

> don't look exactly like the typed version of them). Socially, he

> seems to do well. He does speak a bit formally and his intoneation

> is different from other children. He looks forward to playing with

> others, though and seems to empathize well with other kids. This

> year, the

> psychologist recommended that we network with other parents who have

> similar children to learn some tools we can teach him to help him.He

> has not been officially tested for Aspergers, but the school team

> says he definitly shows some signs of it. I get the feeling that the

> school system really doesn't know what to do with him because he

> seems to need some help, but doesn't qualify for special assistance

> yet from them. My biggest concern is for him starting kindergarten

> next year. It's going to be a difficult transition for him with so

> many more children (there are only 11 in his preschool class, and

> will be around 25 in kindergarten).

>

> Any advice for helping him transition into new situations or

> routines? Also, we could use some advice on if we should seek

> outside help (a behavior therapist, maybe?), or should we continue

> to work with the school system? Is it a good idea to have him take

> an Autism test to find out for sure? He's getting to a point where

> he's very sensitive about this and becomes gets ashamed when he's

> had an outburst in class, or hears someone talking about him... so

> we don't want to put him through any more than we need to.

>

> Thanks in advance for your help!

> -Colleen

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Colleen and welcome to the group!!

My son is 9 and was dx with aspergers when he was 7. One thing we do to help the transision to a new classroom is that we visit the classroom and meet the new teacher before school starts. We do this usually in June, when the school year is ending. That way he doesn't get anxious about the new school year. His summers go much smoother once he knows what his new classroom is like, what the desks are like (for the past 2 years the teachers have let him pick his desk too) They have been wonderful, letting him spend time looking at the books and other resources in the classroom as well as talking with him and getting to know him.

The other thing that makes school easier for is the teacher puts up a general schedule for the day. He does much better when he knows what's coming next. I guess in kindergarten, your son won't read but maybe the teacher could do it with pictures.

One last thing, we have asked the teachers to let know if there will be a change in plans. For example, if they have been good and will skip math today and get a movie as a treat, it's a great surprise for the rest of the class but it makes a bit crazy!! So, in the morning, they will tell about the change and that it is a secret. That way he doesn't spoil it for the rest of the class and he can handle what's coming.

Good luck to you! I hope your son's teachers are as supportive as 's have been.

Estevan, Saskatchewan

Canada

-- My introduction

Hello,My name is Colleen, and I'm the mom to 2 terrific children: a 10 year old girl and a 4 year old boy. Before having my daughter, I was an elementary school teacher. Before having my son, I ran a licensed family daycare at home. From the time my son was born, I recognized that he was different from other children I'd worked with. At his 3rd birthday, his vocabulary was very minimal and he had a long-term fixation on music CD's and anything else that would spin. If we tried to get him to leave the house without at least 10 CD's stuck on his thumb, we risked a total meltdown. I spoke to our family doctor about possible autism, but was told to wait and see what his preschool teacher would say when we enrolled him in preschool in the fall (5 months later). Between then and the start of the school year, his vocabulary exploded and he was at a level much higher than most of his classmates. However, his teacher asked us if we would consider having the school system evaluate him for special needs. Her main concern was with his inability to handle any changes in routine. We had him observed by the school's "Project Find" psychologist, and evaluated for special needs. His issues were deemed to be mild, and didn't qualify him for extra help. There was some talk of possible Asperger's then. Things seemed to progress well last year, but completely slid back this year with the introduction of a new teacher and new classmates. The worst time was when I went away with my daughter for 3 days in early November. My son became very angry each of those days in the classroom, knocking over chairs and kicking his teacher. So, back to the Project Find team we went (at his teacher's strong request). He's doing much better now (since I've been back home for a month now). He was observed in the classroom by a school psychologist, who found that he often gets "stuck" on projects. I also see that he also gets very anxious when something doesn't turn out like he wants it to (for example, if his letters don't look exactly like the typed version of them). Socially, he seems to do well. He does speak a bit formally and his intoneation is different from other children. He looks forward to playing with others, though and seems to empathize well with other kids. This year, the psychologist recommended that we network with other parents who have similar children to learn some tools we can teach him to help him.He has not been officially tested for Aspergers, but the school team says he definitly shows some signs of it. I get the feeling that the school system really doesn't know what to do with him because he seems to need some help, but doesn't qualify for special assistance yet from them. My biggest concern is for him starting kindergarten next year. It's going to be a difficult transition for him with so many more children (there are only 11 in his preschool class, and will be around 25 in kindergarten). Any advice for helping him transition into new situations or routines? Also, we could use some advice on if we should seek outside help (a behavior therapist, maybe?), or should we continue to work with the school system? Is it a good idea to have him take an Autism test to find out for sure? He's getting to a point where he's very sensitive about this and becomes gets ashamed when he's had an outburst in class, or hears someone talking about him... so we don't want to put him through any more than we need to.Thanks in advance for your help!-Colleen

Behind every successful woman is a substantial amount of coffee. ~ Piro