Guest guest Posted February 14, 2010 Report Share Posted February 14, 2010 1) Peoples opinions will vary but generally it seems to do more harm then good to discourage obsessions. Legos can help with creativity and making friends too, things that will help him later on in life. 2) Definately don't stop him from doing what he likes to do, but if it gets to the point where he no longer likes it near as much and wants to quit... I donno. From: caitlinwray@...Date: Mon, 15 Feb 2010 01:42:02 +0000Subject: ( ) Two Questions I am in the early stages of researching Aspergers (my son was diagnosed 4 days ago) but there are two questions I would really really appreciate an answer for if you've had any experience with these areas: 1) should we be actively limiting or discouraging his intense fascinations? Currently it is Lego, and mainly star wars lego. Is limiting or avoiding his fascinations good or bad for him? 2) should we be reconsidering the music lessons he's been getting (used to be suzuki violin and he recently moved to piano - his own request) - does this just add more stress and pressure and require more mental effort that he could otherwise be redirecting to managing his Aspergers? Or is this good for him? Thanks very much!!!! CaitlinEmbracing change as a blessing in disguise at www.welcome-to-normal.com Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. Get it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2010 Report Share Posted February 15, 2010 Hi Caitlin, Our 9yo aspie son LOVES star wars legos. He also loves certain video games. Fro instance yesterday, after church he played this one video game for almost 4 hours. I made him take the dog for a walk with me where he found his friends and they played in the snow for the rest of the afternoon. I would encourage the music lessons. That can be a productive outlet. Our neighborhood is filled with kids, so they also get him outside playing sports. That can be difficult, at times, but it has been a learning experience for him too. I've had him involved in baseball since he was 4 years old. The kid loves to hit things so he has excels at baseball. He tried basketball this winter because some of his friends were doing it. It's been a good social outlet. Boys tend to emphasize sports and physical activity and de-emphasize other behaviors so it's really helped him understand more what is socially acceptable. I'd encourage your son to play sports at this age if that is possible for you. Geo From: Caitlin <caitlinwray@...> Sent: Sun, February 14, 2010 8:42:02 PMSubject: ( ) Two Questions I am in the early stages of researching Aspergers (my son was diagnosed 4 days ago) but there are two questions I would really really appreciate an answer for if you've had any experience with these areas: 1) should we be actively limiting or discouraging his intense fascinations? Currently it is Lego, and mainly star wars lego. Is limiting or avoiding his fascinations good or bad for him? 2) should we be reconsidering the music lessons he's been getting (used to be suzuki violin and he recently moved to piano - his own request) - does this just add more stress and pressure and require more mental effort that he could otherwise be redirecting to managing his Aspergers? Or is this good for him? Thanks very much!!!! CaitlinEmbracing change as a blessing in disguise at www.welcome- to-normal. com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2010 Report Share Posted February 15, 2010 I am not a professional, but as a parent of a boy with AS who also has narrow 'obessions' I will just tell you what we've been told in our experience. Firstly, since you are in the early stages as you say i would not recommend any severely drastic changes since you will probably be having some professional help in the close future and they can better guide you regarding your child's specific needs. as for curbing the obsessions; what we were told regarding for example my sons desire to count EVERYTHING, - we were told, let him count, so long as it is not interfering with normal behavior. ie; if he was playing on the floor by himself anyway and he wants to count all the squares on the wall so be it. but if were reading a book and i can't turn the page because he needs to first count everything on the page then i have to say 'no, its not counting time now, its reading time,' and go on. So i guess if your son is playing Lego instead of blocks or cars I'd say leave him be. but when he's doing Lego in place of eating or sleeping or what have you, then I'd put my foot down... but mainly i would say don't panic - nothing terrible will happen if you don't make the exactly right move right away- give yourself time, get some professionals to see him and help you, and try as hard as you can to get every bit of help and guidance from them as you can. best of luck, hope this helped, > > > I am in the early stages of researching Aspergers (my son was diagnosed > 4 days ago) but there are two questions I would really really appreciate > an answer for if you've had any experience with these areas: > > 1) should we be actively limiting or discouraging his intense > fascinations? Currently it is Lego, and mainly star wars lego. Is > limiting or avoiding his fascinations good or bad for him? > > 2) should we be reconsidering the music lessons he's been getting (used > to be suzuki violin and he recently moved to piano - his own request) - > does this just add more stress and pressure and require more mental > effort that he could otherwise be redirecting to managing his Aspergers? > Or is this good for him? > > Thanks very much!!!! > > Caitlin > Embracing change as a blessing in disguise at www.welcome-to-normal.com > <http://www.welcome-to-normal.com> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2010 Report Share Posted February 15, 2010 Hi, According to my personal experience with m aspie girl, music has help her to relieve stress and anxiety. I called her music class "music therapy". It cost me 100 dollars a month, it includes the rental of the clarinet. She is into piano too, but I just can afford one music class. You will be surprise that music does have to be stressful with the right teacher. My daugther's teacher is just 17, she does not put any stress on my daugther. Sometimes I wish my girl could practice more, but she she loves the class more than practicing. Music sounds a good idea to me, the only problem : be ready to buy a lot of ear plug for yourself....LOL ( ) Two Questions :)I am in the early stages of researching Aspergers (my son was diagnosed4 days ago) but there are two questions I would really really appreciatean answer for if you've had any experience with these areas:1) should we be actively limiting or discouraging his intensefascinations? Currently it is Lego, and mainly star wars lego. Islimiting or avoiding his fascinations good or bad for him?2) should we be reconsidering the music lessons he's been getting (usedto be suzuki violin and he recently moved to piano - his own request) -does this just add more stress and pressure and require more mentaleffort that he could otherwise be redirecting to managing his Aspergers?Or is this good for him?Thanks very much!!!!CaitlinEmbracing change as a blessing in disguise at www.welcome-to-normal.com<http://www.welcome-to-normal.com> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2010 Report Share Posted February 15, 2010 Hi Caitlin, I say,,,,,if he loves it, let him do it. We all have things that we like better than other things, right? If I could, I'd veg out at the end of the day to the TV. So,,,,if he likes it and has an interest,,,,go for it. Sure,,,you gotta learn as you age, to do other things,,,,but I always tell my kids that when you're home, you should be able to relax.....and that means doing what you want. Just my opinion. It really is simple. Just treat others kindly and with respect. Robin From: Caitlin <caitlinwray@...>Subject: ( ) Two Questions Date: Sunday, February 14, 2010, 7:42 PM I am in the early stages of researching Aspergers (my son was diagnosed 4 days ago) but there are two questions I would really really appreciate an answer for if you've had any experience with these areas: 1) should we be actively limiting or discouraging his intense fascinations? Currently it is Lego, and mainly star wars lego. Is limiting or avoiding his fascinations good or bad for him? 2) should we be reconsidering the music lessons he's been getting (used to be suzuki violin and he recently moved to piano - his own request) - does this just add more stress and pressure and require more mental effort that he could otherwise be redirecting to managing his Aspergers? Or is this good for him? Thanks very much!!!! CaitlinEmbracing change as a blessing in disguise at www.welcome- to-normal. com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2010 Report Share Posted February 15, 2010 Just another parent here, so these are just my thoughts/opinions 1. Generally, my feeling about obsessions is whether or not it is impairing their ability to function normally and to do other things. Kids should also have some free time to do things they want to do. So I think if they want to play legos 24-7 and refuse to do other things, it is a problem but spending an hour or two a day playing with them isn't an issue. I use the stuff my son is obsessed with as reinforcers to get him to do things that I want him to do. Also, both Star Wars and Legos might help them socialize with peers who are also interested in them. 2. Generally, I feel that any extracurricular activity I can get my son to engage in is a good thing, and music probably has a lot of benefits because they are working on fine motor skills, coordination, and other areas these kids often need to work at. The more activities I can get him excited about, the better. It helps with self esteem and probably decreases the singular focus in only one thing. With my son, he doesn't have many interests, so one of my goals is to get him excited in as many things as possible. - > > > I am in the early stages of researching Aspergers (my son was diagnosed > 4 days ago) but there are two questions I would really really appreciate > an answer for if you've had any experience with these areas: > > 1) should we be actively limiting or discouraging his intense > fascinations? Currently it is Lego, and mainly star wars lego. Is > limiting or avoiding his fascinations good or bad for him? > > 2) should we be reconsidering the music lessons he's been getting (used > to be suzuki violin and he recently moved to piano - his own request) - > does this just add more stress and pressure and require more mental > effort that he could otherwise be redirecting to managing his Aspergers? > Or is this good for him? > > Thanks very much!!!! > > Caitlin > Embracing change as a blessing in disguise at www.welcome-to-normal.com > <http://www.welcome-to-normal.com> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2010 Report Share Posted February 15, 2010 Wow, Lego's are a popular obsession! My 5year old aspie cannot stop playing with his Legos. His first obsession was vacuum cleaners around the age of 2 but then the legos gradually worked their way in and not its the top. He constantly build planes and crashes them. he loves trains almost as much as legos so he will build trains as well and he has lots of videos about trains. It amazes me what he can build with his imagination. Everything is so life-like! This week the library here is having their first Lego club event so we are checking that out. Matty is so excited to show off his lego skills! > > > > > > I am in the early stages of researching Aspergers (my son was diagnosed > > 4 days ago) but there are two questions I would really really appreciate > > an answer for if you've had any experience with these areas: > > > > 1) should we be actively limiting or discouraging his intense > > fascinations? Currently it is Lego, and mainly star wars lego. Is > > limiting or avoiding his fascinations good or bad for him? > > > > 2) should we be reconsidering the music lessons he's been getting (used > > to be suzuki violin and he recently moved to piano - his own request) - > > does this just add more stress and pressure and require more mental > > effort that he could otherwise be redirecting to managing his Aspergers? > > Or is this good for him? > > > > Thanks very much!!!! > > > > Caitlin > > Embracing change as a blessing in disguise at www.welcome-to-normal.com > > <http://www.welcome-to-normal.com> > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 16, 2010 Report Share Posted February 16, 2010 My daughter " played " with legos thru high school!! It was a stress reliever. I remember the distinctive sound of rummaging thru all the legos.....you all know the sound! Jo > > > > > > > > > I am in the early stages of researching Aspergers (my son was diagnosed > > > 4 days ago) but there are two questions I would really really appreciate > > > an answer for if you've had any experience with these areas: > > > > > > 1) should we be actively limiting or discouraging his intense > > > fascinations? Currently it is Lego, and mainly star wars lego. Is > > > limiting or avoiding his fascinations good or bad for him? > > > > > > 2) should we be reconsidering the music lessons he's been getting (used > > > to be suzuki violin and he recently moved to piano - his own request) - > > > does this just add more stress and pressure and require more mental > > > effort that he could otherwise be redirecting to managing his Aspergers? > > > Or is this good for him? > > > > > > Thanks very much!!!! > > > > > > Caitlin > > > Embracing change as a blessing in disguise at www.welcome-to-normal.com > > > <http://www.welcome-to-normal.com> > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 17, 2010 Report Share Posted February 17, 2010 AAArrrrrggghhhh,, yes I know that sound!!!! Gregor takes a shine to one piece of lego for a few weeks, his latest is a small scorpion, it goes everywhere with him, he falls asleep with it in his hand, takes it swimming, takes it to school. If he can't find it, it is mayhem! The house gets turned upside down. From: seaglass278 <seaglass278@...>Subject: ( ) Re: Two Questions Date: Tuesday, 16 February, 2010, 16:15 My daughter "played" with legos thru high school!! It was a stressreliever. I remember the distinctive sound of rummaging thru allthe legos.....you all know the sound! Jo> > >> > > > > > I am in the early stages of researching Aspergers (my son was diagnosed> > > 4 days ago) but there are two questions I would really really appreciate> > > an answer for if you've had any experience with these areas:> > > > > > 1) should we be actively limiting or discouraging his intense> > > fascinations? Currently it is Lego, and mainly star wars lego. Is> > > limiting or avoiding his fascinations good or bad for him?> > > > > > 2) should we be reconsidering the music lessons he's been getting (used> > > to be suzuki violin and he recently moved to piano - his own request) -> > > does this just add more stress and pressure and require more mental> > > effort that he could otherwise be redirecting to managing his Aspergers?> > > Or is this good for him?> > > > > > Thanks very much!!!!> > > > > > Caitlin> > > Embracing change as a blessing in disguise at www.welcome- to-normal. com> > > <http://www.welcome- to-normal. com>> > >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 17, 2010 Report Share Posted February 17, 2010 My 9yo is the same way with legos. i have to say that he now spends less time with them. give him lots of other options of people to play with and things to do. he may come back to legos because it soothes him. but i'm sure he's capable of happily doing many other things. geo - ( ) Re: Two Questions Date: Tuesday, 16 February, 2010, 16:15  My daughter " played " with legos thru high school!! It was a stress reliever. I remember the distinctive sound of rummaging thru all the legos.....you all know the sound! Jo > > > > > > > > > I am in the early stages of researching Aspergers (my son was diagnosed > > > 4 days ago) but there are two questions I would really really appreciate > > > an answer for if you've had any experience with these areas: > > > > > > 1) should we be actively limiting or discouraging his intense > > > fascinations? Currently it is Lego, and mainly star wars lego. Is > > > limiting or avoiding his fascinations good or bad for him? > > > > > > 2) should we be reconsidering the music lessons he's been getting (used > > > to be suzuki violin and he recently moved to piano - his own request) - > > > does this just add more stress and pressure and require more mental > > > effort that he could otherwise be redirecting to managing his Aspergers? > > > Or is this good for him? > > > > > > Thanks very much!!!! > > > > > > Caitlin > > > Embracing change as a blessing in disguise at www.welcome- to-normal. com > > > <http://www.welcome- to-normal. com> > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 17, 2010 Report Share Posted February 17, 2010 I actually spent a whole weekend a few months ago sorting my sons legos. We now have a dozen plastic storage boxes with lids of various shape that get stacked in the closet. This way he can find what he is looking for a lot easier and I am not constantly on the floor searching for that elusive, yet absolutely necessary piece. The down side is I end up having to clean them up more than I care for but that is a work in progress. Over the weekend we took his current fave plane piecees plus a couple handfuls from each container and "made up" a new lego set. He and I are both very happy with it !! From: seaglass278 <seaglass278>Subject: ( ) Re: Two Questions Date: Tuesday, 16 February, 2010, 16:15 My daughter "played" with legos thru high school!! It was a stressreliever. I remember the distinctive sound of rummaging thru allthe legos.....you all know the sound! Jo> > >> > > > > > I am in the early stages of researching Aspergers (my son was diagnosed> > > 4 days ago) but there are two questions I would really really appreciate> > > an answer for if you've had any experience with these areas:> > > > > > 1) should we be actively limiting or discouraging his intense> > > fascinations? Currently it is Lego, and mainly star wars lego. Is> > > limiting or avoiding his fascinations good or bad for him?> > > > > > 2) should we be reconsidering the music lessons he's been getting (used> > > to be suzuki violin and he recently moved to piano - his own request) -> > > does this just add more stress and pressure and require more mental> > > effort that he could otherwise be redirecting to managing his Aspergers?> > > Or is this good for him?> > > > > > Thanks very much!!!!> > > > > > Caitlin> > > Embracing change as a blessing in disguise at www.welcome- to-normal. com> > > <http://www.welcome- to-normal. com>> > >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 17, 2010 Report Share Posted February 17, 2010 How old is your son? My son is 7, in 2nd grade (Asperger's and ADD diagnosed at 5) and very into Lego, he also takes Suzuki Violin (me too, I'm loving it!). Lego is very age appropriate for 7 year olds, and all his boy friends are also into Lego right now. Obsessions are only problematic when they get in the way of doing other things. My son is reading fine, but a reluctant reader, drawn to non-fiction (which is time consuming to track down specific to grade level...) Lately I'm wanting to limit his Lego time to begin pushing " independent reading time " at home. My son is very auditory, and making music I think will be a good tool for him for calming, not to mention all other benefits, though progress is very slow! Violin is something we do together (a good thing), and he never complains about practice or lessons, though it is a challenge to find an opening in his Lego play. We only do 5 min a day violin practice. - > > > I am in the early stages of researching Aspergers (my son was diagnosed > 4 days ago) but there are two questions I would really really appreciate > an answer for if you've had any experience with these areas: > > 1) should we be actively limiting or discouraging his intense > fascinations? Currently it is Lego, and mainly star wars lego. Is > limiting or avoiding his fascinations good or bad for him? > > 2) should we be reconsidering the music lessons he's been getting (used > to be suzuki violin and he recently moved to piano - his own request) - > does this just add more stress and pressure and require more mental > effort that he could otherwise be redirecting to managing his Aspergers? > Or is this good for him? > > Thanks very much!!!! > > Caitlin > Embracing change as a blessing in disguise at www.welcome-to-normal.com > <http://www.welcome-to-normal.com> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 17, 2010 Report Share Posted February 17, 2010 oh Legos. I love them. Hunter just the other day said " mom, remember, I put together that lego dozer in the van. it was hard but I did it! " Why do I love legos? Because putting together that lego dozer occupied Hunter on a despised 2 hour drive home from my parents' house one day. He's going to be 12, but I think I really should invest in more legos. He wants to go back to Legoland at Mall of America so he can buy more legos. Hmmm in SD > > > > > > > > > > > > I am in the early stages of researching Aspergers (my son was diagnosed > > > > 4 days ago) but there are two questions I would really really appreciate > > > > an answer for if you've had any experience with these areas: > > > > > > > > 1) should we be actively limiting or discouraging his intense > > > > fascinations? Currently it is Lego, and mainly star wars lego. Is > > > > limiting or avoiding his fascinations good or bad for him? > > > > > > > > 2) should we be reconsidering the music lessons he's been getting (used > > > > to be suzuki violin and he recently moved to piano - his own request) - > > > > does this just add more stress and pressure and require more mental > > > > effort that he could otherwise be redirecting to managing his Aspergers? > > > > Or is this good for him? > > > > > > > > Thanks very much!!!! > > > > > > > > Caitlin > > > > Embracing change as a blessing in disguise at www.welcome- to-normal. com > > > > <http://www.welcome- to-normal. com> > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 17, 2010 Report Share Posted February 17, 2010 1) Only limit what interferes with regular life. You know, "everything in moderation" is a good guide. You can sometimes even use his area of interest in learning things as well, which can help or hurt, depending on the child. My ds was obsessed with time/numbers, for instance and so they gave him a timer to use at his desk. Well, it was a bad idea for him because he hyperfocused on it and would not move until it went off, etc. Another kid might do great with an idea like that. So you are his mom and you get to decide what is "too much." Try to get him to engage with other things and other people along the way. 2) Why stop music lessons? I guess from your question, you think he should spend more time in therapy? Or in play? Or social skill lessons? But I think music lessons have their own rewards as well. So if he likes it, keep it! Roxanna "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." E. Burke ( ) Two Questions I am in the early stages of researching Aspergers (my son was diagnosed 4 days ago) but there are two questions I would really really appreciate an answer for if you've had any experience with these areas: 1) should we be actively limiting or discouraging his intense fascinations? Currently it is Lego, and mainly star wars lego. Is limiting or avoiding his fascinations good or bad for him? 2) should we be reconsidering the music lessons he's been getting (used to be suzuki violin and he recently moved to piano - his own request) - does this just add more stress and pressure and require more mental effort that he could otherwise be redirecting to managing his Aspergers? Or is this good for him? Thanks very much!!!! Caitlin Embracing change as a blessing in disguise at www.welcome-to-normal.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 18, 2010 Report Share Posted February 18, 2010 In my infinate wisdom I let my son dismantle an old computer at the weekend, out of the whole thing he kept a large fan, small fan and all the screws, the screws are his favourite thing to play with for now, at least its a break from the lego. From: seaglass278 <seaglass278>Subject: ( ) Re: Two Questions Date: Tuesday, 16 February, 2010, 16:15 My daughter "played" with legos thru high school!! It was a stressreliever. I remember the distinctive sound of rummaging thru allthe legos.....you all know the sound! Jo> > >> > > > > > I am in the early stages of researching Aspergers (my son was diagnosed> > > 4 days ago) but there are two questions I would really really appreciate> > > an answer for if you've had any experience with these areas:> > > > > > 1) should we be actively limiting or discouraging his intense> > > fascinations? Currently it is Lego, and mainly star wars lego. Is> > > limiting or avoiding his fascinations good or bad for him?> > > > > > 2) should we be reconsidering the music lessons he's been getting (used> > > to be suzuki violin and he recently moved to piano - his own request) -> > > does this just add more stress and pressure and require more mental> > > effort that he could otherwise be redirecting to managing his Aspergers?> > > Or is this good for him?> > > > > > Thanks very much!!!!> > > > > > Caitlin> > > Embracing change as a blessing in disguise at www.welcome- to-normal. com> > > <http://www.welcome- to-normal. com>> > >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 18, 2010 Report Share Posted February 18, 2010 Hee hee!! I love it!!!! Friends of ours have dropped off old car radios, camera's and even old cassette tapes. he he. One of my "typical" sons loves doing this stuff. he he. Then,,,,for weeks, we find little parts all over the house. He keeps the "good" stuff in my big mixing bowls. Sigh...... It really is simple. Just treat others kindly and with respect. Robin From: seaglass278 <seaglass278>Subject: ( ) Re: Two Questions Date: Tuesday, 16 February, 2010, 16:15 My daughter "played" with legos thru high school!! It was a stressreliever. I remember the distinctive sound of rummaging thru allthe legos.....you all know the sound! Jo> > >> > > > > > I am in the early stages of researching Aspergers (my son was diagnosed> > > 4 days ago) but there are two questions I would really really appreciate> > > an answer for if you've had any experience with these areas:> > > > > > 1) should we be actively limiting or discouraging his intense> > > fascinations? Currently it is Lego, and mainly star wars lego. Is> > > limiting or avoiding his fascinations good or bad for him?> > > > > > 2) should we be reconsidering the music lessons he's been getting (used> > > to be suzuki violin and he recently moved to piano - his own request) -> > > does this just add more stress and pressure and require more mental> > > effort that he could otherwise be redirecting to managing his Aspergers?> > > Or is this good for him?> > > > > > Thanks very much!!!!> > > > > > Caitlin> > > Embracing change as a blessing in disguise at www.welcome- to-normal. com> > > <http://www.welcome- to-normal. com>> > >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 18, 2010 Report Share Posted February 18, 2010 My daughter went thru many many phases of fascinations, usually to do with drawing, animals, science. Tried sports, and would drop out after awhile. I never forced her to stay, maybe I should've but didn't. So now, looking back, I see that our small family got to learn quite a bit about a lot of different things! For instance, she was in science fair, and wanted to do something with an octopus. So then we end up owning an octopus for 12 months who was very social and not very big, nothing was ever simple!! But what I've learned looking back is that all these phases and interests lead her on toward what she wants to do for a living if she makes it thru college.....biology educator at an animal center of some kind.....zoo, SeaWorld, etc. She is a walking encyclopedia of animal facts now. I am not being neg. about " if " , just realistic. I hope with all my heart that things continue going OK for her at UCF, and she continues to learn how college " works " . The first year there about gave me PTSD. She lived alone in her own apartment, I was there quite a bit. She flunked out, and got her diagnosis. She is doing soooooo much better now!!! Jo > > > > > > > > > > > > I am in the early stages of researching Aspergers (my son was diagnosed > > > > 4 days ago) but there are two questions I would really really appreciate > > > > an answer for if you've had any experience with these areas: > > > > > > > > 1) should we be actively limiting or discouraging his intense > > > > fascinations? Currently it is Lego, and mainly star wars lego. Is > > > > limiting or avoiding his fascinations good or bad for him? > > > > > > > > 2) should we be reconsidering the music lessons he's been getting (used > > > > to be suzuki violin and he recently moved to piano - his own request) - > > > > does this just add more stress and pressure and require more mental > > > > effort that he could otherwise be redirecting to managing his Aspergers? > > > > Or is this good for him? > > > > > > > > Thanks very much!!!! > > > > > > > > Caitlin > > > > Embracing change as a blessing in disguise at www.welcome- to-normal. com > > > > <http://www.welcome- to-normal. com> > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 18, 2010 Report Share Posted February 18, 2010 1. I don't encourage or discourage my daughter's obsessions but I DO use them to help her branch out into either learning or other interests. For example, she has always loved animals. Then she focused on frogs and toads. We got toads as pets and got books out of the library and learned about amphibians and even reptiles.. how they lay eggs, etc. Her Lego obsession started at Christmas when she got a ton (and YES that sound brings back memories of my own childhood) and I use those little books to help increase her attention and visual skills as she builds things step by step. She wouldn't do these things if she wasn't obsessed with the topic! 2. I don't know about outside interests/lessons really. My daughter is 5 and loved the music movement class we used to go to and loves to sing and play instruments... She even makes up her own songs and some are pretty darn good and HILARIOUS. Can't afford music lessons but I'm looking forward to getting her into choir at school. She starts K in the fall. NERVOUS!! I'm nervous.. she can't wait!!! Jen > > > I am in the early stages of researching Aspergers (my son was diagnosed > 4 days ago) but there are two questions I would really really appreciate > an answer for if you've had any experience with these areas: > > 1) should we be actively limiting or discouraging his intense > fascinations? Currently it is Lego, and mainly star wars lego. Is > limiting or avoiding his fascinations good or bad for him? > > 2) should we be reconsidering the music lessons he's been getting (used > to be suzuki violin and he recently moved to piano - his own request) - > does this just add more stress and pressure and require more mental > effort that he could otherwise be redirecting to managing his Aspergers? > Or is this good for him? > > Thanks very much!!!! > > Caitlin > Embracing change as a blessing in disguise at www.welcome-to-normal.com > <http://www.welcome-to-normal.com> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 18, 2010 Report Share Posted February 18, 2010 Thanks Jen, I've had a few people point to the value in using their 'obsessions' to gradually broaden their horizons. I'm thinking of using Star Wars to branch out into learning about outer space, but I hadn't thought of using the instruction booklets as a tool for learning focus. That's brilliant! CaitlinEmbracing change as a blessing in disguise at www.welcome-to-normal.com--- In , "Whitewave" <jenuhferr@...> wrote:>> > > 1. I don't encourage or discourage my daughter's obsessions but I DO use them to help her branch out into either learning or other interests. For example, she has always loved animals. Then she focused on frogs and toads. We got toads as pets and got books out of the library and learned about amphibians and even reptiles.. how they lay eggs, etc. Her Lego obsession started at Christmas when she got a ton (and YES that sound brings back memories of my own childhood) and I use those little books to help increase her attention and visual skills as she builds things step by step. She wouldn't do these things if she wasn't obsessed with the topic!> > 2. I don't know about outside interests/lessons really. My daughter is 5 and loved the music movement class we used to go to and loves to sing and play instruments... She even makes up her own songs and some are pretty darn good and HILARIOUS. Can't afford music lessons but I'm looking forward to getting her into choir at school. She starts K in the fall. NERVOUS!! I'm nervous.. she can't wait!!!> > Jen > > > >> > > > I am in the early stages of researching Aspergers (my son was diagnosed> > 4 days ago) but there are two questions I would really really appreciate> > an answer for if you've had any experience with these areas:> > > > 1) should we be actively limiting or discouraging his intense> > fascinations? Currently it is Lego, and mainly star wars lego. Is> > limiting or avoiding his fascinations good or bad for him?> > > > 2) should we be reconsidering the music lessons he's been getting (used> > to be suzuki violin and he recently moved to piano - his own request) -> > does this just add more stress and pressure and require more mental> > effort that he could otherwise be redirecting to managing his Aspergers?> > Or is this good for him?> > > > Thanks very much!!!!> > > > Caitlin> > Embracing change as a blessing in disguise at www.welcome-to-normal.com> > <http://www.welcome-to-normal.com>> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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