Parenthood TV show

March 31, 2010

I asked our Child Specialist about the show and his opinion on it. Strangely for us, Max and my son are very much alike in that Jakob doesn't have a problem smiling or enjoying his baseball team. I was confused by my son's diagnoses because Jakob smiles, laughs, and enjoys some aspects of life. The Specialist told me to REMEMBER that not every child will have every symptom. He said based on the testing, therapy, and our family involvement, Jakob has been successful in learning to coop with his disorder and is fortunate. But, he said do not be alarmed when he has ups and downs. Which he has. Jakob is not "worse case scenario" and neither is Max on Parenthood. I doubt they could ever find an actor who could portray a child to the T. Either way, it has been VERY informative for my family and friends. TeamJakobSupport children with Aspergers,With your support their is no limit to Jakob's success!!

From: yadayada65 <donpark@...> Sent: Wed, March 31, 2010 7:33:00 AMSubject: ( ) Parenthood TV show

Hi everyone!!! Has anyone been watching the new show Parenthood that portrays a child who allegedly has Asperger's? I was excited that Asperger's would be represented on TV and hopeful that it would be portrayed realistically. Once again, I am disappointed. They have shown the processes of assessment and getting into a special school as though they take hours or days, 'Max' plays baseball and seems to be happy when the whole team crowds around him, yelling and touching him, etc. Some aspects have been good, especially the parents' reactions, etc., but...Has anyone else been watching it? Can anyone recommend any good shows or movies protraying Asperger's realistically?Donna

March 31, 2010

I was disappointed with the whole school story line also. One thing that stuck

out to me was that the parents pushed and pushed to have the principle just meet

their son because if she just saw how wonderful he was the lack of space for him

would just magically disapear. NOT reality at all. First there are not

wonderful magic Austim schools in every neighborhood. Second, most people

cannot just accept the extreme high cost of these schools. And third, I don't

think that it would be anywhere that easy to get a kid in midyear. So the show

did not do justice to the reatities of most families.

With that being said, obviously it is not a story about a kid with Aspergers it

is a show about parenthood and families and how they all interact and this

storyline is about illustrating how a special needs child impacts the rest of

the family, imediate and extended. From that perspective they are doing a

fairly good job. I expecially liked the scene when the dad is apologizing to

his daugter about missing her soccer game and she goes on to explain to her dad

how much her brothers problems have ALWAYS affected her life.

Vickie

>

> Hi everyone!!! Has anyone been watching the new show Parenthood that portrays

a child who allegedly has Asperger's? I was excited that Asperger's would be

represented on TV and hopeful that it would be portrayed realistically. Once

again, I am disappointed. They have shown the processes of assessment and

getting into a special school as though they take hours or days, 'Max' plays

baseball and seems to be happy when the whole team crowds around him, yelling

and touching him, etc. Some aspects have been good, especially the parents'

reactions, etc., but...Has anyone else been watching it? Can anyone recommend

any good shows or movies protraying Asperger's realistically?

>

> Donna

>

March 31, 2010

I have been watching it and do enjoy it, although I agree the evaluation and special school process went remarkably fast. That is TV, though.Have you seen Autism: The Musical? From: donpark@...Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2010 11:33:00 +0000Subject: ( ) Parenthood TV show

Hi everyone!!! Has anyone been watching the new show Parenthood that portrays a child who allegedly has Asperger's? I was excited that Asperger's would be represented on TV and hopeful that it would be portrayed realistically. Once again, I am disappointed. They have shown the processes of assessment and getting into a special school as though they take hours or days, 'Max' plays baseball and seems to be happy when the whole team crowds around him, yelling and touching him, etc. Some aspects have been good, especially the parents' reactions, etc., but...Has anyone else been watching it? Can anyone recommend any good shows or movies protraying Asperger's realistically?

Donna

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March 31, 2010

I never watch television anymore.. if I get to watch the news I am in heaven! But when I heard that there was going t be a show that had even in the smallest way represents a child with AS I was ALL over it. To make it better the dad of that child was in a show "Six Feet Under" many years ago and I really enjoyed that show. Anyway. I am totally hooked on this show. I am not a night owl so I Tivo it and watch it on Sundays lol I too was a bit disappointed at the unrealistic portrayal of this child with AS just getting into a school in like days.. um WOW I have been searching and fighting for years! But the events leading up to his dismissal from public school.. spot on! I have sen the link for this show to everyone I know because even in some small way they are representing the impact of everyone's world that is associated with a child who has AS. I have a the holiday letter matted on my kitchen wall for all to read when they enter my home because it is holidays and gatherings that mainly bring to light my sons Aspergers. I often see people standing at the wall reading this on their way back out to the deck with the party is held from a bathroom break, etc The more we encourage and create awareness the better!! ( ) Re: Parenthood TV show

I was disappointed with the whole school story line also. One thing that stuck out to me was that the parents pushed and pushed to have the principle just meet their son because if she just saw how wonderful he was the lack of space for him would just magically disapear. NOT reality at all. First there are not wonderful magic Austim schools in every neighborhood. Second, most people cannot just accept the extreme high cost of these schools. And third, I don't think that it would be anywhere that easy to get a kid in midyear. So the show did not do justice to the reatities of most families.

With that being said, obviously it is not a story about a kid with Aspergers it is a show about parenthood and families and how they all interact and this storyline is about illustrating how a special needs child impacts the rest of the family, imediate and extended. From that perspective they are doing a fairly good job. I expecially liked the scene when the dad is apologizing to his daugter about missing her soccer game and she goes on to explain to her dad how much her brothers problems have ALWAYS affected her life.

Vickie

>

> Hi everyone!!! Has anyone been watching the new show Parenthood that portrays a child who allegedly has Asperger's? I was excited that Asperger's would be represented on TV and hopeful that it would be portrayed realistically. Once again, I am disappointed. They have shown the processes of assessment and getting into a special school as though they take hours or days, 'Max' plays baseball and seems to be happy when the whole team crowds around him, yelling and touching him, etc. Some aspects have been good, especially the parents' reactions, etc., but...Has anyone else been watching it? Can anyone recommend any good shows or movies protraying Asperger's realistically?

>

> Donna

>

March 31, 2010

Keep in mind that the autism rate in Bay Area CA (where they live) is way above the national average. There are a lot of autism schools down there. As for it being full, does a school ever truly become full? I mean inserting one more kid into the class is going to just drive it over the limit? The high cost is crazy, but does it really seem like anyone in that family is strapped for cash (except the unemployed mom)? It would be nice to show what the average family goes through, but in this show it makes sense that they wouldn't. As for the baseball scene, I don't know that its that unrealistic for someone with a mild case of Asperger's. I see a lot of myself in Max and getting that many friends all at once would make me a happy kid too. Though would his teammates really all of a sudden be that nice? I suppose maybe at 8.

From: baneline1@...Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:30:36 +0000Subject: ( ) Re: Parenthood TV show

I was disappointed with the whole school story line also. One thing that stuck out to me was that the parents pushed and pushed to have the principle just meet their son because if she just saw how wonderful he was the lack of space for him would just magically disapear. NOT reality at all. First there are not wonderful magic Austim schools in every neighborhood. Second, most people cannot just accept the extreme high cost of these schools. And third, I don't think that it would be anywhere that easy to get a kid in midyear. So the show did not do justice to the reatities of most families.With that being said, obviously it is not a story about a kid with Aspergers it is a show about parenthood and families and how they all interact and this storyline is about illustrating how a special needs child impacts the rest of the family, imediate and extended. From that perspective they are doing a fairly good job. I expecially liked the scene when the dad is apologizing to his daugter about missing her soccer game and she goes on to explain to her dad how much her brothers problems have ALWAYS affected her life. Vickie>> Hi everyone!!! Has anyone been watching the new show Parenthood that portrays a child who allegedly has Asperger's? I was excited that Asperger's would be represented on TV and hopeful that it would be portrayed realistically. Once again, I am disappointed. They have shown the processes of assessment and getting into a special school as though they take hours or days, 'Max' plays baseball and seems to be happy when the whole team crowds around him, yelling and touching him, etc. Some aspects have been good, especially the parents' reactions, etc., but...Has anyone else been watching it? Can anyone recommend any good shows or movies protraying Asperger's realistically?> > Donna>

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March 31, 2010

I agree with these comments being made regarding the Parenthood show. One thing that also struck me as unlikely was the scene where the principal finally meets Max and apparently CAN see just how great he is. My Aspie son would clam up if introduced to a stranger like that, and it's doubtful that the principal could see the true person that we, as parents, see at home, At least not in a 5 or 10 minute visit.

I also noticed at the end of one of the episodes, most of the families were in a swimming pool, all playing together. And Max seemed to be quite comfortable with all the splashing and noise. Not true in my experience.

just my 2 cents

March 31, 2010

My daughter does the clam up thing. We had an appt with her Developmental Ped today and she wont speak at all to him. She will only Mime things or write them down on one those doodle pad things. She refuses to talk to him and will only point and we've been seeing him for a year. However, my daughter loves splashing in a pool, but can't stand noise from other things. On Mar 31, 2010, at 2:23 PM, iamgr8ful wrote:

I agree with these comments being made regarding the Parenthood show. One thing that also struck me as unlikely was the scene where the principal finally meets Max and apparently CAN see just how great he is. My Aspie son would clam up if introduced to a stranger like that, and it's doubtful that the principal could see the true person that we, as parents, see at home, At least not in a 5 or 10 minute visit.

I also noticed at the end of one of the episodes, most of the families were in a swimming pool, all playing together. And Max seemed to be quite comfortable with all the splashing and noise. Not true in my experience.

just my 2 cents

“Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes... the ones who see things differently -- they're not fond of rules... You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things... they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.” - Steve Jobs

March 31, 2010

I live in the Bay Area and I can assure you there are NOT a ton of resources for Asperger kids here. Nothing more than anywhere else. I live in San . We have the same struggles as the rest of the population. Unless you are severely Autistic or mentally disabled you don't get much. San s Regional Center a county dept that offers services for those with disabilities does NOT cover ASperger Syndrome at all. Most OT's do not accept insurance so you have to pay out of pocket for everything and get reimbursed later and only if you have a medical diagnosis other than Aspergers. We play the game here just like everyone else. And its not as easy as it is portrayed on that show.There are schools that work with Autistic kids, but most Asperger kids dont fit into that mold. So there aren't specific schools that cater to Asperger kids, unless your talking North Bay. But I've searched and have found very little around here for the amount of Asperger kids there are. And the only camps they offer for Asperger kids are ones that are for 12 years and up. There is one camp but its a 1.5 hour drive away. Anyway, my two cents as a person who lives in the bay area and still struggles to find resources for my daughter. On Mar 31, 2010, at 9:56 AM, G wrote:

Keep in mind that the autism rate in Bay Area CA (where they live) is way above the national average. There are a lot of autism schools down there. As for it being full, does a school ever truly become full? I mean inserting one more kid into the class is going to just drive it over the limit? The high cost is crazy, but does it really seem like anyone in that family is strapped for cash (except the unemployed mom)? It would be nice to show what the average family goes through, but in this show it makes sense that they wouldn't. As for the baseball scene, I don't know that its that unrealistic for someone with a mild case of Asperger's. I see a lot of myself in Max and getting that many friends all at once would make me a happy kid too. Though would his teammates really all of a sudden be that nice? I suppose maybe at 8.

From: baneline1msnDate: Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:30:36 +0000Subject: ( ) Re: Parenthood TV show

I was disappointed with the whole school story line also. One thing that stuck out to me was that the parents pushed and pushed to have the principle just meet their son because if she just saw how wonderful he was the lack of space for him would just magically disapear. NOT reality at all. First there are not wonderful magic Austim schools in every neighborhood. Second, most people cannot just accept the extreme high cost of these schools. And third, I don't think that it would be anywhere that easy to get a kid in midyear. So the show did not do justice to the reatities of most families.With that being said, obviously it is not a story about a kid with Aspergers it is a show about parenthood and families and how they all interact and this storyline is about illustrating how a special needs child impacts the rest of the family, imediate and extended. From that perspective they are doing a fairly good job. I expecially liked the scene when the dad is apologizing to his daugter about missing her soccer game and she goes on to explain to her dad how much her brothers problems have ALWAYS affected her life. Vickie>> Hi everyone!!! Has anyone been watching the new show Parenthood that portrays a child who allegedly has Asperger's? I was excited that Asperger's would be represented on TV and hopeful that it would be portrayed realistically. Once again, I am disappointed. They have shown the processes of assessment and getting into a special school as though they take hours or days, 'Max' plays baseball and seems to be happy when the whole team crowds around him, yelling and touching him, etc. Some aspects have been good, especially the parents' reactions, etc., but...Has anyone else been watching it? Can anyone recommend any good shows or movies protraying Asperger's realistically?> > Donna>

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“Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes... the ones who see things differently -- they're not fond of rules... You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things... they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.” - Steve Jobs

March 31, 2010

We have a large family, 5 kids ourself, my sister has 4, and another

sister with 2 so at gatherings there are 19 ppl, 11 of them being 13

and under so, though she can get overstimulated and though she has

trouble with chaotic crowds elsewhere, she can enjoy herself (well as

much as she actually enjoys herself) at family gatherings, similiar to

what is portrayed. She also plays baseball and did ok, much better

than we expected after her so excitedly wanting to play soccer twice

previously and that being a nightmare.

There is so much variation I don't think much of what is portrayed in

this fictional character can be said to be unrealistic. I do think

things went faster to work for tv and, as someone else said, this is

not the main focus of the show. But considering all that I think it

does pretty well. The 1st episode hit home so badly I cried.

On 3/31/10, iamgr8ful <iamgr8ful@...> wrote:

> I agree with these comments being made regarding the Parenthood show. One

> thing that also struck me as unlikely was the scene where the principal

> finally meets Max and apparently CAN see just how great he is. My Aspie son

> would clam up if introduced to a stranger like that, and it's doubtful that

> the principal could see the true person that we, as parents, see at home, At

> least not in a 5 or 10 minute visit.

> I also noticed at the end of one of the episodes, most of the families were

> in a swimming pool, all playing together. And Max seemed to be quite

> comfortable with all the splashing and noise. Not true in my experience.

>

> just my 2 cents

>

--

Sent from my mobile device

-mommy to Emma, Becca, ,

and

Girl Scout cookies are coming!

March 31, 2010

My son is more social and in one on one situations with adults, many can see how well intentioned and bright he is, so that didn't bother me. He also loves to swim and splash so he would've done that too, but he would've had to be told when to stop splashing because he's like a switch - once you flip it on, it'll eventually need to be flipped off too. He has a hard time knowing when to stop, completely misses the social cues until the other person is irritated. Overall, I really like the show. I think the portrayal of Max's parents is pretty spot on.Sent via BlackBerry by AT&TFrom: iamgr8ful <iamgr8ful@...>Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:23:11 -0500< >Subject: Re: ( ) Re: Parenthood TV show I agree with these comments being made regarding the Parenthood show. One thing that also struck me as unlikely was the scene where the principal finally meets Max and apparently CAN see just how great he is. My Aspie son would clam up if introduced to a stranger like that, and it's doubtful that the principal could see the true person that we, as parents, see at home, At least not in a 5 or 10 minute visit.I also noticed at the end of one of the episodes, most of the families were in a swimming pool, all playing together. And Max seemed to be quite comfortable with all the splashing and noise. Not true in my experience.just my 2 cents

March 31, 2010

I must admit I have only done research online but I have found quite a few schools that I would want to work at down there. Springstone, Orion Academy, Bayhill, Spectrum Center, mood-Bell, Star Academy, Sterne, Laurel, and etc. and thats after 10 minutes of research. I get that much of that is expensive and could be a distance away (but does is really look like the Braverman's have trouble with money). Now while you may say thats not a ton of resources, I would have to travel several hours to find ANY resources for asperger's to Chicago (which still doesn't have much, and past that you have to go clear to Ohio to get real resources). I could be wrong but compared to most places, Bay Area is pretty well equipped.

From: kabob@...Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:07:31 -0700Subject: Re: ( ) Re: Parenthood TV show

I live in the Bay Area and I can assure you there are NOT a ton of resources for Asperger kids here. Nothing more than anywhere else. I live in San . We have the same struggles as the rest of the population. Unless you are severely Autistic or mentally disabled you don't get much. San s Regional Center a county dept that offers services for those with disabilities does NOT cover ASperger Syndrome at all. Most OT's do not accept insurance so you have to pay out of pocket for everything and get reimbursed later and only if you have a medical diagnosis other than Aspergers. We play the game here just like everyone else. And its not as easy as it is portrayed on that show.

There are schools that work with Autistic kids, but most Asperger kids dont fit into that mold. So there aren't specific schools that cater to Asperger kids, unless your talking North Bay. But I've searched and have found very little around here for the amount of Asperger kids there are. And the only camps they offer for Asperger kids are ones that are for 12 years and up. There is one camp but its a 1.5 hour drive away.

Anyway, my two cents as a person who lives in the bay area and still struggles to find resources for my daughter.

On Mar 31, 2010, at 9:56 AM, G wrote:

Keep in mind that the autism rate in Bay Area CA (where they live) is way above the national average. There are a lot of autism schools down there. As for it being full, does a school ever truly become full? I mean inserting one more kid into the class is going to just drive it over the limit? The high cost is crazy, but does it really seem like anyone in that family is strapped for cash (except the unemployed mom)? It would be nice to show what the average family goes through, but in this show it makes sense that they wouldn't. As for the baseball scene, I don't know that its that unrealistic for someone with a mild case of Asperger's. I see a lot of myself in Max and getting that many friends all at once would make me a happy kid too. Though would his teammates really all of a sudden be that nice? I suppose maybe at 8.

From: baneline1msnDate: Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:30:36 +0000Subject: ( ) Re: Parenthood TV show

I was disappointed with the whole school story line also. One thing that stuck out to me was that the parents pushed and pushed to have the principle just meet their son because if she just saw how wonderful he was the lack of space for him would just magically disapear. NOT reality at all. First there are not wonderful magic Austim schools in every neighborhood. Second, most people cannot just accept the extreme high cost of these schools. And third, I don't think that it would be anywhere that easy to get a kid in midyear. So the show did not do justice to the reatities of most families.With that being said, obviously it is not a story about a kid with Aspergers it is a show about parenthood and families and how they all interact and this storyline is about illustrating how a special needs child impacts the rest of the family, imediate and extended. From that perspective they are doing a fairly good job. I expecially liked the scene when the dad is apologizing to his daugter about missing her soccer game and she goes on to explain to her dad how much her brothers problems have ALWAYS affected her life. Vickie>> Hi everyone!!! Has anyone been watching the new show Parenthood that portrays a child who allegedly has Asperger's? I was excited that Asperger's would be represented on TV and hopeful that it would be portrayed realistically. Once again, I am disappointed. They have shown the processes of assessment and getting into a special school as though they take hours or days, 'Max' plays baseball and seems to be happy when the whole team crowds around him, yelling and touching him, etc. Some aspects have been good, especially the parents' reactions, etc., but...Has anyone else been watching it? Can anyone recommend any good shows or movies protraying Asperger's realistically?> > Donna>

Hotmail is redefining busy with tools for the New Busy. Get more from your inbox. Sign up now.

“Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes... the ones who see things differently -- they're not fond of rules... You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things... they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.” - Steve Jobs

The New Busy is not the old busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox. Get started.

March 31, 2010

My daughter is like a switch as well. Gets on MY nerves sometimes :-D when I can't get her to stop. On Mar 31, 2010, at 5:06 PM, smacalli@... wrote:

My son is more social and in one on one situations with adults, many can see how well intentioned and bright he is, so that didn't bother me. He also loves to swim and splash so he would've done that too, but he would've had to be told when to stop splashing because he's like a switch - once you flip it on, it'll eventually need to be flipped off too. He has a hard time knowing when to stop, completely misses the social cues until the other person is irritated. Overall, I really like the show. I think the portrayal of Max's parents is pretty spot on.Sent via BlackBerry by AT & TFrom: iamgr8ful <iamgr8fulgmail>

Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:23:11 -0500< >Subject: Re: ( ) Re: Parenthood TV show

I agree with these comments being made regarding the Parenthood show. One thing that also struck me as unlikely was the scene where the principal finally meets Max and apparently CAN see just how great he is. My Aspie son would clam up if introduced to a stranger like that, and it's doubtful that the principal could see the true person that we, as parents, see at home, At least not in a 5 or 10 minute visit.

I also noticed at the end of one of the episodes, most of the families were in a swimming pool, all playing together. And Max seemed to be quite comfortable with all the splashing and noise. Not true in my experience.

just my 2 cents

“Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes... the ones who see things differently -- they're not fond of rules... You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things... they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.” - Steve Jobs

March 31, 2010

I see that one/off switch in my son too, he takes things to far sometimes. For the most part, it has brought our family closer and have taught them a few tricks on how to approach Jake in certain situations. So its been positive for us. TeamJakobSupport children with Aspergers,With your support their is no limit to Jakob's success!!

From: "smacalli@..." <smacalli@...> Sent: Wed, March 31, 2010 8:06:59 PMSubject: Re: ( ) Re: Parenthood TV show

My son is more social and in one on one situations with adults, many can see how well intentioned and bright he is, so that didn't bother me. He also loves to swim and splash so he would've done that too, but he would've had to be told when to stop splashing because he's like a switch - once you flip it on, it'll eventually need to be flipped off too. He has a hard time knowing when to stop, completely misses the social cues until the other person is irritated. Overall, I really like the show. I think the portrayal of Max's parents is pretty spot on. Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

From: iamgr8ful <iamgr8fulgmail (DOT) com>

Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:23:11 -0500

< >

Subject: Re: ( ) Re: Parenthood TV show

I agree with these comments being made regarding the Parenthood show. One thing that also struck me as unlikely was the scene where the principal finally meets Max and apparently CAN see just how great he is. My Aspie son would clam up if introduced to a stranger like that, and it's doubtful that the principal could see the true person that we, as parents, see at home, At least not in a 5 or 10 minute visit.I also noticed at the end of one of the episodes, most of the families were in a swimming pool, all playing together. And Max seemed to be quite comfortable with all the splashing and noise. Not true in my experience.just my 2 cents

April 1, 2010

that is true, mine would have had to be told repeatedly to settled down on things like splashing and even then telling doesnt necesarily (or usually) work.

But like as someone else said, 1 on 1 arent necesarily better for my dd, sometimes she does better but when she would go to her therapist she would shut down, doesnt talk or acknowledge his exhistance fro a good 15 mins with the developmental ped and the school psychologist, nurse etc say she only give sthem the bare minimum

On Wed, Mar 31, 2010 at 8:06 PM, <smacalli@...> wrote:

My son is more social and in one on one situations with adults, many can see how well intentioned and bright he is, so that didn't bother me. He also loves to swim and splash so he would've done that too, but he would've had to be told when to stop splashing because he's like a switch - once you flip it on, it'll eventually need to be flipped off too. He has a hard time knowing when to stop, completely misses the social cues until the other person is irritated. Overall, I really like the show. I think the portrayal of Max's parents is pretty spot on. Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

From: iamgr8ful <iamgr8ful@...>

Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:23:11 -0500

< >

Subject: Re: ( ) Re: Parenthood TV show

I agree with these comments being made regarding the Parenthood show. One thing that also struck me as unlikely was the scene where the principal finally meets Max and apparently CAN see just how great he is. My Aspie son would clam up if introduced to a stranger like that, and it's doubtful that the principal could see the true person that we, as parents, see at home, At least not in a 5 or 10 minute visit.

I also noticed at the end of one of the episodes, most of the families were in a swimming pool, all playing together. And Max seemed to be quite comfortable with all the splashing and noise. Not true in my experience.

just my 2 cents

-- -mommy to Emma, Becca, , and Girl Scout cookies are coming!

April 1, 2010

dh is the one that gets on my nerves, WHY would you wind the kids up, knowing becca will see and want to particiopate then gets wound up and you know you cant unwind her without at least much much effort if not confrontation or a lesser outcome

On Wed, Mar 31, 2010 at 8:12 PM, Byrne <kabob@...> wrote:

My daughter is like a switch as well. Gets on MY nerves sometimes :-D when I can't get her to stop.

On Mar 31, 2010, at 5:06 PM, smacalli@... wrote:

My son is more social and in one on one situations with adults, many can see how well intentioned and bright he is, so that didn't bother me. He also loves to swim and splash so he would've done that too, but he would've had to be told when to stop splashing because he's like a switch - once you flip it on, it'll eventually need to be flipped off too. He has a hard time knowing when to stop, completely misses the social cues until the other person is irritated. Overall, I really like the show. I think the portrayal of Max's parents is pretty spot on.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

From: iamgr8ful <iamgr8ful@...>

Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:23:11 -0500

< >

Subject: Re: ( ) Re: Parenthood TV show

I agree with these comments being made regarding the Parenthood show. One thing that also struck me as unlikely was the scene where the principal finally meets Max and apparently CAN see just how great he is. My Aspie son would clam up if introduced to a stranger like that, and it's doubtful that the principal could see the true person that we, as parents, see at home, At least not in a 5 or 10 minute visit.

I also noticed at the end of one of the episodes, most of the families were in a swimming pool, all playing together. And Max seemed to be quite comfortable with all the splashing and noise. Not true in my experience.

just my 2 cents

“Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes... the ones who see things differently -- they're not fond of rules... You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things... they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.” - Steve Jobs

-- -mommy to Emma, Becca, , and Girl Scout cookies are coming!

April 1, 2010

My son has no problem talking to anyone. He just talks about things that interest him and doesn't always consider that his audience might not need to hear a 5-minute explanation of all of the things his YuGiOh card can do. He's getting better to some degree with peers, but it's a slow improvement. With adults though, I think he's often very endearing to them. He's very kind and when he realizes what's going on, he's considerate and positive.

"Over-optimism is waiting for you ship to come in when you haven't sent one out."

From: Durocher <funwith4@...> Sent: Thu, April 1, 2010 6:49:21 AMSubject: Re: ( ) Re: Parenthood TV show

that is true, mine would have had to be told repeatedly to settled down on things like splashing and even then telling doesnt necesarily (or usually) work.

But like as someone else said, 1 on 1 arent necesarily better for my dd, sometimes she does better but when she would go to her therapist she would shut down, doesnt talk or acknowledge his exhistance fro a good 15 mins with the developmental ped and the school psychologist, nurse etc say she only give sthem the bare minimum

On Wed, Mar 31, 2010 at 8:06 PM, <smacalli (DOT) com> wrote:

My son is more social and in one on one situations with adults, many can see how well intentioned and bright he is, so that didn't bother me. He also loves to swim and splash so he would've done that too, but he would've had to be told when to stop splashing because he's like a switch - once you flip it on, it'll eventually need to be flipped off too. He has a hard time knowing when to stop, completely misses the social cues until the other person is irritated. Overall, I really like the show. I think the portrayal of Max's parents is pretty spot on. Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

From: iamgr8ful <iamgr8fulgmail (DOT) com>

Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:23:11 -0500

< >

Subject: Re: ( ) Re: Parenthood TV show

I agree with these comments being made regarding the Parenthood show. One thing that also struck me as unlikely was the scene where the principal finally meets Max and apparently CAN see just how great he is. My Aspie son would clam up if introduced to a stranger like that, and it's doubtful that the principal could see the true person that we, as parents, see at home, At least not in a 5 or 10 minute visit.I also noticed at the end of one of the episodes, most of the families were in a swimming pool, all playing together. And Max seemed to be quite comfortable with all the splashing and noise. Not true in my experience.just my 2 cents

-- -mommy to Emma, Becca, , and Girl Scout cookies are coming!

April 1, 2010

We also are assuming that he showed the lady "good stuff" to get put into the school, showing his problems would work just as well.

From: smacalli@...Date: Thu, 1 Apr 2010 07:42:57 -0700Subject: Re: ( ) Re: Parenthood TV show

My son has no problem talking to anyone. He just talks about things that interest him and doesn't always consider that his audience might not need to hear a 5-minute explanation of all of the things his YuGiOh card can do. He's getting better to some degree with peers, but it's a slow improvement. With adults though, I think he's often very endearing to them. He's very kind and when he realizes what's going on, he's considerate and positive.

"Over-optimism is waiting for you ship to come in when you haven't sent one out."

From: Durocher <funwith4gmail> Sent: Thu, April 1, 2010 6:49:21 AMSubject: Re: ( ) Re: Parenthood TV show

that is true, mine would have had to be told repeatedly to settled down on things like splashing and even then telling doesnt necesarily (or usually) work.

But like as someone else said, 1 on 1 arent necesarily better for my dd, sometimes she does better but when she would go to her therapist she would shut down, doesnt talk or acknowledge his exhistance fro a good 15 mins with the developmental ped and the school psychologist, nurse etc say she only give sthem the bare minimum

On Wed, Mar 31, 2010 at 8:06 PM, <smacalli (DOT) com> wrote:

My son is more social and in one on one situations with adults, many can see how well intentioned and bright he is, so that didn't bother me. He also loves to swim and splash so he would've done that too, but he would've had to be told when to stop splashing because he's like a switch - once you flip it on, it'll eventually need to be flipped off too. He has a hard time knowing when to stop, completely misses the social cues until the other person is irritated. Overall, I really like the show. I think the portrayal of Max's parents is pretty spot on. Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

From: iamgr8ful <iamgr8fulgmail (DOT) com>

Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:23:11 -0500

< >

Subject: Re: ( ) Re: Parenthood TV show

I agree with these comments being made regarding the Parenthood show. One thing that also struck me as unlikely was the scene where the principal finally meets Max and apparently CAN see just how great he is. My Aspie son would clam up if introduced to a stranger like that, and it's doubtful that the principal could see the true person that we, as parents, see at home, At least not in a 5 or 10 minute visit.I also noticed at the end of one of the episodes, most of the families were in a swimming pool, all playing together. And Max seemed to be quite comfortable with all the splashing and noise. Not true in my experience.just my 2 cents

-- -mommy to Emma, Becca, , and Girl Scout cookies are coming!

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April 1, 2010

I just want to say that I live in the Bay Area, in the North Bay, and have to

agree with that it is really hard to find services for AS kids in the Bay

Area. What we do have in the North Bay are a lot of small, informal groups where

parents get together to try to figure things out together. I get email from

various support groups and have often wished I lived in the South Bay so I could

attend some of the programs and classes offered there by Parents Helping

Parents.

My local Regional Center does not cover Aspergers. My health insurance does not

provide services related to Aspergers so I pay out of pocket for therapy for my

son. The school districts in California are always strapped for cash and our

local school district only provides special ed services for 2% of the student

population, when the national average is 17%. No wonder that it took years for

me to get past the gatekeepers in the school district so my son could get an IEP

and then a few years more to actually get the services promised in the IEP.

My son eventually went to a high school for kids with AS with the school

district paying the bill (but only after my son had a complete mental breakdown

from being bullied at the public school and only after I went to a lawyer for

help). His private school was about a 45 minute drive away, but it literally

saved his life. There's another high school for AS kids in the North Bay, but

that is a little over an hour away from us, plus about $10,000 more per year.

Most people have no idea what it is like to have a child who has so much

potential and yet keeps falling through the cracks. The TV shows make living

with AS look so easy when it can be so very hard. And yet I'm really glad to see

TV shows have characters that have autism or are a bit different. I'd like to

see more shows with AS characters. I think it will result in more acceptance and

opportunities for our children. Seeing a child with AS on TV helps people like

some of my relatives or my neighbors start to think about my child from a more

sympathetic point of view. Think about the old TV shows or the old movies and

the stereotypes they used, especially for minorities. I'm hoping that over time,

the stereotypes about AS will fade away and people with AS will be seen as being

bit different, but not less than.

April 1, 2010

""Most people have no idea what it is like to have a child who has so much

potential and yet keeps falling through the cracks.""You just expressed my No. 1 frustration. It is so incredibly hard. We have been hearing since preschool that my ds is "so bright" and teachers love her...but she keeps messing up in little ways....forgets to hand in homework, forgets to bring home things she needs to complete assignments, rushes and messes up on tests and so on. I feel your pain! From: tamaoki_s@...Date: Thu, 1 Apr 2010 17:29:03 +0000Subject: ( ) Re: Parenthood TV show

I just want to say that I live in the Bay Area, in the North Bay, and have to agree with that it is really hard to find services for AS kids in the Bay Area. What we do have in the North Bay are a lot of small, informal groups where parents get together to try to figure things out together. I get email from various support groups and have often wished I lived in the South Bay so I could attend some of the programs and classes offered there by Parents Helping Parents.

My local Regional Center does not cover Aspergers. My health insurance does not provide services related to Aspergers so I pay out of pocket for therapy for my son. The school districts in California are always strapped for cash and our local school district only provides special ed services for 2% of the student population, when the national average is 17%. No wonder that it took years for me to get past the gatekeepers in the school district so my son could get an IEP and then a few years more to actually get the services promised in the IEP.

My son eventually went to a high school for kids with AS with the school district paying the bill (but only after my son had a complete mental breakdown from being bullied at the public school and only after I went to a lawyer for help). His private school was about a 45 minute drive away, but it literally saved his life. There's another high school for AS kids in the North Bay, but that is a little over an hour away from us, plus about $10,000 more per year.

Most people have no idea what it is like to have a child who has so much potential and yet keeps falling through the cracks. The TV shows make living with AS look so easy when it can be so very hard. And yet I'm really glad to see TV shows have characters that have autism or are a bit different. I'd like to see more shows with AS characters. I think it will result in more acceptance and opportunities for our children. Seeing a child with AS on TV helps people like some of my relatives or my neighbors start to think about my child from a more sympathetic point of view. Think about the old TV shows or the old movies and the stereotypes they used, especially for minorities. I'm hoping that over time, the stereotypes about AS will fade away and people with AS will be seen as being bit different, but not less than.

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April 1, 2010

My son is very much like max on the show as well. He doesn't have problems with

people touching him, he more touches too much. We haven't tried sports yet. I

do see a lot of him in that character. I guess that's why it is a " spectrum "

dissorder. If you've met one kid with asperger's you've met one kid with

aspergers, they are all different.

>

> I asked our Child Specialist about the show and his opinion on it. Strangely

for us, Max and my son are very much alike in that Jakob doesn't have a problem

smiling or enjoying his baseball team. I was confused by my son's diagnoses

because Jakob smiles, laughs, and enjoys some aspects of life. The Specialist

told me to REMEMBER that not every child will have every symptom. He said based

on the testing, therapy, and our family involvement, Jakob has been successful

in learning to coop with his disorder and is fortunate. But, he said do not be

alarmed when he has ups and downs. Which he has.Â Jakob is not " worse case

scenario " and neither is Max on Parenthood. I doubt they could ever find an

actor who could portray a child to the T.Â Either way, it has been VERY

informative for my family and friends.Â

> Â TeamJakob

> Support children with

> Aspergers,

> With your support their is

> no limit to Jakob's success!!

>

> ________________________________

> From: yadayada65 <donpark@...>

>

> Sent: Wed, March 31, 2010 7:33:00 AM

> Subject: ( ) Parenthood TV show

>

> Â