Introduction from Mom of Aspey

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone,

I have a 7 year old son who has been diagnosed with Aspergers. I am

not 100% sure it is aspergers but he does present like the text book

for the most part.

Our son is quite bright but he lives in a black and white world.

This was not really a problem until this year (we'll stressful for

us but not a " real " issue) when he has started to interact with

other kids without me being there to help him know what to say or

how to react.

His teacher has been great but I think he is at risk of being the

kid the teacher blames everything on - this is a concern because I

know that the first reaction to him is not usually the right one.

Nothing is as it seems with him and his reaction to people and

events usually has a good reason behind it- not always the best

reason but in his mind it is how he has interprets things.

In Canada it seems once your child is 6 the system is done with you -

except for school OT which is not really helpful in his case. I am

considering finding an OT who specializes in Sensory Intergration

therapy. Does anyone think this would be beneficial at this age?

I am frustrated because I don't have a support group and there is

not one in our town. Most people just think his behaviour is

strange or that he is not listening - being good etc.. Sometimes

they may be right but not most of the time.

Can anyone suggest a book that might help me understand him better

and/or strategies to help him socially? I know he is not going to

be " like the other kids " but he is a liked kid - very likable and I

want that to remain if it is possible.

One other note - We also have a 10 year old daughter who is gifted

and possibly NLD - we are not sure because we can't seem to get our

doctor to agree to a referral. We also suspect she has a joint

disorder.

This past year I have worked a lot and am realizing as we come to

the end of the school year that my kids require more from me than

perhaps their peers parents may have to give. Has anyone else had

this realization? What have you done to support and advocate for

your child? Modified your work schedule? Changed other aspects of

your life?

Thanks for letting me introduce and vent. I am frustrated and hope

I am able to get and give to this group.

Warmest regards,

Helen

[Guest guest]

Hi Helen. Glad to have you join our group. I think the OT would be

beneficial for your son. It has helped my 9 year old with emotional regulation

and

being able to stay on task. What I have done to help with gaining support is

to go to work at a Parent Information Training Center (each state is

federally mandated to have one) in my state. I work with families and

professionals

around educating and informing them of IDEA and other issues. I also work

alot in the area of Transition (age 14 and up). I plan workshops, and

trainings. I also work directly with families who are having issues in special

education (attend IEPs, mediations and due process etc). I wasn't sure at

first

if I would be overloaded with my problems and other's problems...but I have

been doing it now for almost 2 years and enjoy it. Pam