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Hello List Members!

Sharon invited me to join this list as we were both on another list full of controversy! I am a 43 year old mother of 3 sons, and have a PhD (just last August) in early childhood education. My 22 year old son has mild ADD (takes Adderall and is in college), my 10 year old is brilliant and "typical", and my 7-year-old is wonderful, but AS and ADHD. He takes Ritalin (zero concentration academically without it) and is in a "normal" first grade class with no IEP, etc. He has a wonderful teacher who is "looping" up to 2nd with his class next year. Yeah!! Charlie (the 7-year-old) came home this week with an award as "Math Champion" of his class. He makes all "satisfactory" or "excellent" on his report cards, except for the occasional "needs to improve" in "listens well" or "uses time well" (not surprising, huh??)Remarkable, but that is the way he is. He learns in "chunks" as someone put it. He didn't baby talk, but started with compound words and sentences at approaching age threee, couldn't count to 10 last year, but is now the "math champion", etc. etc. I adore this child, but am still learning to understand him!!!!

His obsession is lightbulbs. He has hundreds of all sizes and shapes in his room. I asked his doctor if we should encourage, discourage or ignore. He said it did not much matter as the obsession would persist until he acquires a new one. He is already interested in all things mechanical. He will probably be an engineer like his dad and grandpa. These genetics are something, aren't they??

His doctor says his AS is"mild" and his prognosis is "excellent." I hope he is correct. We are trying the gluten free and dairy free thing (no change so far), and also B6. I also plan to try vitamin A, which I hear is good for the visual stimulation thing.

I welcome your comments. I am completely intrigued by this!!

Best regards,

Betty Jo Marshall