Guest guest Posted June 21, 2007 Report Share Posted June 21, 2007 Dear Eloisa, I looked back through the message archives as saw that Sierra began to present new behaviors at age 3 1/2, and that you are in a metropolitan area where doctors should be well-skilled in determining this dual diagnosis. As difficult as it is to have even another name to deal with, it is good to know so that you can take the appropriate steps to help her. Not knowing, and not implementing proven therapies for autism would make her life so much more difficult and frustrating for her and you. You know, I hope, that Sierra is not the only one. Keedy, on list, has been very open about her experience with her daughter who has both Charge and autism, and is deaf. She is a treasure trove of information, and as Kendra is 20 now, she has many years experience, and is certainly willing to share what she knows about the field in general, and what helped Kendra specifically, and also where to go to get the help and information that you'll need. She is also pursuing a masters in communication (which she'll have to explain further), but is currently teaching children like Sierra how to communicate. We see on list how impactful effective communication is in helping to reduce difficult behaviors, no matter what the diagnosis might be. --- I don't know first hand, but would guess that it will be paramount that all involved in Sierra's care and education must always consider and appropriately manage both diagnoses, and not attempt to address just one or the other, or to put one before the other. We always want a whole child approach. --- I don't mean to minimize the challenge in any way, but in talking to other Moms, the best thing that can happen is to know early on what you and she are dealing with, so that you don't lose the early interventions that can make such a significant difference. ---- I hope you get lots of feedback, and can set up a team of professionals who will support Sierra to the fullest. in Ma. ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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