Re: How to respond to odd advice??

[Guest guest]

I understand the confusing you seem to be having. There is a such thing as

ASDs... they are diagnoses that are used to figure out approximately what

symptom a child has in order to help that child with negatives in their lives.

That said, I believe that it is possible to improve a child's symptoms to the

point that they don't fit the criteria for Asperger's anymore (my daughter

almost one of those... now officially " mild Asperger's " at 5 after 3 years of

services to help her. We do a lot of things other than the traditional stuff and

a lot of things a naturopath might recommend could be very helpful. I've learned

a lot about homeopathy in particular but I really need to find a good

constitutional practitioner. It really does work well if applied correctly. Diet

has played a huge role for us.

So " cure " is the word of contention. If someone is looking to get their child

out of a label (which really really bothers some people more than the disorder

itself), then I think it can be done in high functioning kids in some cases. Is

my daughter like a typical 5 year old even though she is almost off the

spectrum? NO WAY. If she loses her diagnosis because she doesn't fit all of the

official criteria (which could be broadened in the future who knows)... doesn't

mean she wouldn't be my little Aspie running around. Right now I'm struggling to

keep her speech language services (she needs other services but they are

refusing and I'm fighting) because the spec ed preschool teachers are so

'dazzled' by her typical behaviors that they are ignoring the bad deficits she

has in other areas. It's driving me crazy...

Jen

>

> I just heard from a friend whose daughter was diagnosed with autism a few

years back. I had contacted her to ask if she knew of a way to connect with

other parents of AS kids. Her advice back to me was really strange. Her

opinion is that autism is not real- it is a condition caused by vaccinations

that can be cured. She said my daughter is probably having issues because she

got a flu shot this year.

> Now this is an intelligent woman who I have known since our kids were born,

and I respect her insight on most issues, but this just seems off to me. I know

there is the huge debate over vaccines, and although I lean toward that not

being the cause, I don't actually know. So I don't really know how to respond

or if I even need to. She emailed me all sorts of links to naturopaths and diet

pages, anti-vaccine info and so on, but this doesn't seem to be the right path

for me.

> First of all, my daughter has been experiencing odd behaviors since birth so

it was certainly not caused by a flu shot last October. Secondly, I don't

believe this can or necessarily should be cured. From the research I've read

recently, the brain of a person with Asperger's is actually structured

differently than an NT person. That's pretty recent research. But I guess my

point is that yes my daughter has problems I believe are associated with AS, but

she also has amazing insight and an eye for detail that I think come from that

same place. Wouldn't " curing " her take away the good as well as the bad if this

is all caused by AS?

> I feel that she needs more support and guidance and because she is so

intelligent, I believe that she could respond well to behavioral therapies and

that there are resources out there that can help her lessen her rigidity, etc.

I'm not saying it will be quick or easy, but I also don't want to get sucked

into believing something can be.

> Any thoughts? I'm feeling a little like I'm going crazy right now.

>

>

[Guest guest]

, you have touched on a lot of issues, some medical, some philosophical.  I'm sure you are going to get a wide variety of answers.  I won't touch on all of them, but just the issues that stuck out to me.  Personally, I do believe that vaccines can cause these illnesses but I think they are just part of the force pulling the trigger so to speak.  (Genetics load the gun and environment pulls the trigger is a common phrase in the biomedical world.)  When you start reading what is in vaccines and what an impact they have on the very small bodies of our pre-term babies, infants, toddlers. etc. you can understand why so many people are passionate about the damage vaccines can do.  You say she's had trouble since birth, did you by chance get a flu shot when you were pregnant or shortly before?  There are doctors in the biomedical world that believe that autism is an immune-response.  Fix the immunity issue and you " fix " the autism.  That's a really short way of saying it but I've talked to too many people that have followed the biomedical route and lost their diagnosis to not believe it.  And the biomedical route isn't just about immunity but it truly is about correcting the issues that our environment (chemicals in food, in household cleaners, laundry, soap, shampoo, carpet, mattresses, clothing, paint, etc.) overloads our bodies with.  And our kids are getting the brunt of it.  Because if the toxic overload is high in our bodies, think what it is in theirs.  Not only have autism rates soared since the 80s, but so have allergies, asthma, and ADHD.  And they all are impacted by chemicals and heavy metals.  

I posted yesterday about going gluten-free and what a difference it made for us.  This is only ONE step in our biomedical route but it's one that has made a dramatic positive change in our lives. 

McAllisterFB:  www.facebook.com/healfrominsideoutTwitter:  www.twitter.com/healinginside

Blog:  http://healingfrominsideout.blogspot.comReiki II practitioner, #1 alternative treatment recommended by Dr. OzHerbal consultations 

On Tue, Mar 23, 2010 at 9:41 PM, lisakrobb <lisakrobb@...> wrote:

 

I just heard from a friend whose daughter was diagnosed with autism a few years back. I had contacted her to ask if she knew of a way to connect with other parents of AS kids. Her advice back to me was really strange. Her opinion is that autism is not real- it is a condition caused by vaccinations that can be cured. She said my daughter is probably having issues because she got a flu shot this year.

Now this is an intelligent woman who I have known since our kids were born, and I respect her insight on most issues, but this just seems off to me. I know there is the huge debate over vaccines, and although I lean toward that not being the cause, I don't actually know. So I don't really know how to respond or if I even need to. She emailed me all sorts of links to naturopaths and diet pages, anti-vaccine info and so on, but this doesn't seem to be the right path for me.

First of all, my daughter has been experiencing odd behaviors since birth so it was certainly not caused by a flu shot last October. Secondly, I don't believe this can or necessarily should be cured. From the research I've read recently, the brain of a person with Asperger's is actually structured differently than an NT person. That's pretty recent research. But I guess my point is that yes my daughter has problems I believe are associated with AS, but she also has amazing insight and an eye for detail that I think come from that same place. Wouldn't " curing " her take away the good as well as the bad if this is all caused by AS?

I feel that she needs more support and guidance and because she is so intelligent, I believe that she could respond well to behavioral therapies and that there are resources out there that can help her lessen her rigidity, etc. I'm not saying it will be quick or easy, but I also don't want to get sucked into believing something can be.

Any thoughts? I'm feeling a little like I'm going crazy right now.

-- McAllisterFB:  www.facebook.com/healfrominsideoutTwitter:  www.twitter.com/healinginside

Blog:  http://healingfrominsideout.blogspot.comReiki II practitioner, #1 alternative treatment recommended by Dr. OzHerbal consultations

[Guest guest]

I would not talk about this with this women any more.

I make the mistake of trying to explain things to people that

are not going to change their minds.

I am surprised how many therapists there are that have

ignored my concerns and gave me ridiculous advice.

We had a Asperger expert last spring tell me to hold

my daughter down and force her to take medication. That

I was the parent and in charge. Hmm I told him my daughter

was oppositional and that this would escalate her emotions yet he didn't care.

He ridgidly too held on to his beliefs. I switched after

spending too much money trying to reason with him and found

the Yale Parent Child Clinic that is experts in oppostional

beahvior. They got the problem immediately and knew what the

solution was. And we have had very good results.

My point is don't waste time ( I know it is easy to get drawn into

debates I do to) with people that can't help you. Move on and

find people that can.

good luck,

Pam

>

> I just heard from a friend whose daughter was diagnosed with autism a few

years back. I had contacted her to ask if she knew of a way to connect with

other parents of AS kids. Her advice back to me was really strange. Her

opinion is that autism is not real- it is a condition caused by vaccinations

that can be cured. She said my daughter is probably having issues because she

got a flu shot this year.

> Now this is an intelligent woman who I have known since our kids were born,

and I respect her insight on most issues, but this just seems off to me. I know

there is the huge debate over vaccines, and although I lean toward that not

being the cause, I don't actually know. So I don't really know how to respond

or if I even need to. She emailed me all sorts of links to naturopaths and diet

pages, anti-vaccine info and so on, but this doesn't seem to be the right path

for me.

> First of all, my daughter has been experiencing odd behaviors since birth so

it was certainly not caused by a flu shot last October. Secondly, I don't

believe this can or necessarily should be cured. From the research I've read

recently, the brain of a person with Asperger's is actually structured

differently than an NT person. That's pretty recent research. But I guess my

point is that yes my daughter has problems I believe are associated with AS, but

she also has amazing insight and an eye for detail that I think come from that

same place. Wouldn't " curing " her take away the good as well as the bad if this

is all caused by AS?

> I feel that she needs more support and guidance and because she is so

intelligent, I believe that she could respond well to behavioral therapies and

that there are resources out there that can help her lessen her rigidity, etc.

I'm not saying it will be quick or easy, but I also don't want to get sucked

into believing something can be.

> Any thoughts? I'm feeling a little like I'm going crazy right now.

>

>

[Guest guest]

While I do believe there is a connection to toxins in our environment (of which

vaccines are just one) and the bodies of children who are diagnosed with autism,

I think your friend went too far with you. I'm guessing you know it comes from

a place of love and caring from her. I've had all kinds of advice across the

years. I take what works for me - and leave the rest behind. It is not

necessary for you to argue with her - just tell her thank you for caring.

As far as looking at autism as a gift instead of a curse, there are many who

would agree with you.

>

> I just heard from a friend whose daughter was diagnosed with autism a few

years back. I had contacted her to ask if she knew of a way to connect with

other parents of AS kids. Her advice back to me was really strange. Her

opinion is that autism is not real- it is a condition caused by vaccinations

that can be cured. She said my daughter is probably having issues because she

got a flu shot this year.

> Now this is an intelligent woman who I have known since our kids were born,

and I respect her insight on most issues, but this just seems off to me. I know

there is the huge debate over vaccines, and although I lean toward that not

being the cause, I don't actually know. So I don't really know how to respond

or if I even need to. She emailed me all sorts of links to naturopaths and diet

pages, anti-vaccine info and so on, but this doesn't seem to be the right path

for me.

> First of all, my daughter has been experiencing odd behaviors since birth so

it was certainly not caused by a flu shot last October. Secondly, I don't

believe this can or necessarily should be cured. From the research I've read

recently, the brain of a person with Asperger's is actually structured

differently than an NT person. That's pretty recent research. But I guess my

point is that yes my daughter has problems I believe are associated with AS, but

she also has amazing insight and an eye for detail that I think come from that

same place. Wouldn't " curing " her take away the good as well as the bad if this

is all caused by AS?

> I feel that she needs more support and guidance and because she is so

intelligent, I believe that she could respond well to behavioral therapies and

that there are resources out there that can help her lessen her rigidity, etc.

I'm not saying it will be quick or easy, but I also don't want to get sucked

into believing something can be.

> Any thoughts? I'm feeling a little like I'm going crazy right now.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Thanks for your input. There is so much to consider. I did get a flu shot

while pregnant, and I would do it again, as I have an auto-immune disorder

myself and along with that I have severely lowered immunity. We have quite the

history of auto-immune disorders in both of our families, so both my kids have

been and will continue to be vaccinated. I've read both sides of the literature

on this, but for us it really comes down to the lesser of two evils. Since the

chance of one or both of my kids developing auto-immune disorders and having

lowered immunity is incredibly high based on family history, I believe I put

them at higher risk by Not vaccinating them.

I should say I totally respect people's rights to make their own decisions on

this issue. I just don't think there is one right answer for all families out

there on this one. There are so many more variables for most of us, that I

think all we can do is take listen to the experiences of others, but then weigh

that carefully against our own situations and go from there.

The diet piece is something I think is really worth looking into for my family.

My husband has Asperger's too- he's in the diagnostic process as well, but we're

pretty sure that he's an aspie. So sure I'm not actually sure why we are

pursuing diagnosis for him?? Anyway, I think a change in diet could have a

positive impact on his behaviors as well as those of my kids. I feel like that

is somewhere on my " to do " list, but not right at the top. So I appreciate the

advice on that, and I will get to doing more research on that piece someday soon

here.

Thanks again. It really does help to get everyone's perspectives on this.

>

> >

> >

> > I just heard from a friend whose daughter was diagnosed with autism a few

> > years back. I had contacted her to ask if she knew of a way to connect with

> > other parents of AS kids. Her advice back to me was really strange. Her

> > opinion is that autism is not real- it is a condition caused by vaccinations

> > that can be cured. She said my daughter is probably having issues because

> > she got a flu shot this year.

> > Now this is an intelligent woman who I have known since our kids were born,

> > and I respect her insight on most issues, but this just seems off to me. I

> > know there is the huge debate over vaccines, and although I lean toward that

> > not being the cause, I don't actually know. So I don't really know how to

> > respond or if I even need to. She emailed me all sorts of links to

> > naturopaths and diet pages, anti-vaccine info and so on, but this doesn't

> > seem to be the right path for me.

> > First of all, my daughter has been experiencing odd behaviors since birth

> > so it was certainly not caused by a flu shot last October. Secondly, I don't

> > believe this can or necessarily should be cured. From the research I've read

> > recently, the brain of a person with Asperger's is actually structured

> > differently than an NT person. That's pretty recent research. But I guess my

> > point is that yes my daughter has problems I believe are associated with AS,

> > but she also has amazing insight and an eye for detail that I think come

> > from that same place. Wouldn't " curing " her take away the good as well as

> > the bad if this is all caused by AS?

> > I feel that she needs more support and guidance and because she is so

> > intelligent, I believe that she could respond well to behavioral therapies

> > and that there are resources out there that can help her lessen her

> > rigidity, etc. I'm not saying it will be quick or easy, but I also don't

> > want to get sucked into believing something can be.

> > Any thoughts? I'm feeling a little like I'm going crazy right now.

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

> --

> McAllister

> FB: www.facebook.com/healfrominsideout

> Twitter: www.twitter.com/healinginside

> Blog: http://healingfrominsideout.blogspot.com

> Reiki II practitioner, #1 alternative treatment recommended by Dr. Oz

> Herbal consultations

>

[Guest guest]

I agree that symptoms can be improved dramatically. That is exactly why I'm

pursuing this diagnosis for my daughter. Even if she for some reason isn't

diagnosed with AS, I will still pursue services for her because life is just too

hard for her right now. It just shouldn't be that way for a 6 year old.

I'll be very surprised if we don't walk away with an AS diagnosis, and even if

we get one, I haven't quite figured out how to approach the school with it.

I was a public school teacher for 10 years before my kids were born, and so I

know there are great resources we could access for her, but I also know there

are some unqualified staff out there too. So I feel like I really need to feel

out the situation before diving in with the school district head on with this.

I also feel like I have the luxury of being able to say that because my daughter

does great at school. They really see only minor issues at this point.

However, it takes every ounce of energy she has to make it through the school

day and seem " normal " . She just falls apart completely when she gets home.

So I guess I have a lot of thinking to do on this. I do want the diagnosis

though, because without it, it'll be next to impossible to get the school to

make accomodations for her, and I know the social side of school gets tougher

each year for most kids and I don't know how long she'll be able to maintain her

behavior in school.

So I guess I'm saying, I don't expect a cure. I don't think there is an actual

cure- even if the symptoms are resolved- I'm not sure that's a permanent fix.

Also, I don't have an issue with labels because I know they'll open doors to

services for her, but I also don't want the whole world to know what her label

is. I don't even know if that makes any sense to anyone but me.

Thanks for letting me try to sort out my thoughts on this.

> >

> > I just heard from a friend whose daughter was diagnosed with autism a few

years back. I had contacted her to ask if she knew of a way to connect with

other parents of AS kids. Her advice back to me was really strange. Her

opinion is that autism is not real- it is a condition caused by vaccinations

that can be cured. She said my daughter is probably having issues because she

got a flu shot this year.

> > Now this is an intelligent woman who I have known since our kids were born,

and I respect her insight on most issues, but this just seems off to me. I know

there is the huge debate over vaccines, and although I lean toward that not

being the cause, I don't actually know. So I don't really know how to respond

or if I even need to. She emailed me all sorts of links to naturopaths and diet

pages, anti-vaccine info and so on, but this doesn't seem to be the right path

for me.

> > First of all, my daughter has been experiencing odd behaviors since birth so

it was certainly not caused by a flu shot last October. Secondly, I don't

believe this can or necessarily should be cured. From the research I've read

recently, the brain of a person with Asperger's is actually structured

differently than an NT person. That's pretty recent research. But I guess my

point is that yes my daughter has problems I believe are associated with AS, but

she also has amazing insight and an eye for detail that I think come from that

same place. Wouldn't " curing " her take away the good as well as the bad if this

is all caused by AS?

> > I feel that she needs more support and guidance and because she is so

intelligent, I believe that she could respond well to behavioral therapies and

that there are resources out there that can help her lessen her rigidity, etc.

I'm not saying it will be quick or easy, but I also don't want to get sucked

into believing something can be.

> > Any thoughts? I'm feeling a little like I'm going crazy right now.

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

You are absolutely right .  Everyone has their own path.  I don't pass judgement on anyone for everyone is different.  I just want to share what has worked for us and if you can put it in your tool box as another tool in this fight, then that's good.    If you don't ever use that tool, that's OK too.  But let me know if you have questions about the diet.  I'm happy to help.  

Oh, autoimmune disorders can actually be caused by gluten.  When you're doing your reading on gluten, make sure and keep an eye out for that relationship.   McAllister

FB:  www.facebook.com/healfrominsideoutTwitter:  www.twitter.com/healinginsideBlog:  http://healingfrominsideout.blogspot.com

Reiki II practitioner, #1 alternative treatment recommended by Dr. OzHerbal consultationsOn Wed, Mar 24, 2010 at 8:03 PM, lisakrobb <lisakrobb@...> wrote:

 

Hi ,

Thanks for your input. There is so much to consider. I did get a flu shot while pregnant, and I would do it again, as I have an auto-immune disorder myself and along with that I have severely lowered immunity. We have quite the history of auto-immune disorders in both of our families, so both my kids have been and will continue to be vaccinated. I've read both sides of the literature on this, but for us it really comes down to the lesser of two evils. Since the chance of one or both of my kids developing auto-immune disorders and having lowered immunity is incredibly high based on family history, I believe I put them at higher risk by Not vaccinating them.

I should say I totally respect people's rights to make their own decisions on this issue. I just don't think there is one right answer for all families out there on this one. There are so many more variables for most of us, that I think all we can do is take listen to the experiences of others, but then weigh that carefully against our own situations and go from there.

The diet piece is something I think is really worth looking into for my family. My husband has Asperger's too- he's in the diagnostic process as well, but we're pretty sure that he's an aspie. So sure I'm not actually sure why we are pursuing diagnosis for him?? Anyway, I think a change in diet could have a positive impact on his behaviors as well as those of my kids. I feel like that is somewhere on my " to do " list, but not right at the top. So I appreciate the advice on that, and I will get to doing more research on that piece someday soon here.

Thanks again. It really does help to get everyone's perspectives on this.

>

> >

> >

> > I just heard from a friend whose daughter was diagnosed with autism a few

> > years back. I had contacted her to ask if she knew of a way to connect with

> > other parents of AS kids. Her advice back to me was really strange. Her

> > opinion is that autism is not real- it is a condition caused by vaccinations

> > that can be cured. She said my daughter is probably having issues because

> > she got a flu shot this year.

> > Now this is an intelligent woman who I have known since our kids were born,

> > and I respect her insight on most issues, but this just seems off to me. I

> > know there is the huge debate over vaccines, and although I lean toward that

> > not being the cause, I don't actually know. So I don't really know how to

> > respond or if I even need to. She emailed me all sorts of links to

> > naturopaths and diet pages, anti-vaccine info and so on, but this doesn't

> > seem to be the right path for me.

> > First of all, my daughter has been experiencing odd behaviors since birth

> > so it was certainly not caused by a flu shot last October. Secondly, I don't

> > believe this can or necessarily should be cured. From the research I've read

> > recently, the brain of a person with Asperger's is actually structured

> > differently than an NT person. That's pretty recent research. But I guess my

> > point is that yes my daughter has problems I believe are associated with AS,

> > but she also has amazing insight and an eye for detail that I think come

> > from that same place. Wouldn't " curing " her take away the good as well as

> > the bad if this is all caused by AS?

> > I feel that she needs more support and guidance and because she is so

> > intelligent, I believe that she could respond well to behavioral therapies

> > and that there are resources out there that can help her lessen her

> > rigidity, etc. I'm not saying it will be quick or easy, but I also don't

> > want to get sucked into believing something can be.

> > Any thoughts? I'm feeling a little like I'm going crazy right now.

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

> --

> McAllister

> FB: www.facebook.com/healfrominsideout

> Twitter: www.twitter.com/healinginside

> Blog: http://healingfrominsideout.blogspot.com

> Reiki II practitioner, #1 alternative treatment recommended by Dr. Oz

> Herbal consultations

>

--

[Guest guest]

You hit it right on the head Pam. I guess I'm wondering how I respond to this.

This woman is a part of a mommy group that got together when my daughter was

born, and although our kids don't remember each other anymore, the moms still

try to get together every couple of months for dinner and so on and share mommy

stories. So I don't want to alienate this woman, but part of me feels compelled

to explain my side of the story.

In my heart I know that's not a great idea. This person was only trying to

help, and she has every right to her own opinions on the issue. I would

probably just muddy the waters of friendship with this one. It's probably best

to just thank her for her input if it comes up next time I see her, and let it

go at that.

I'm going to continue down the path we've started here and there's no point in

arguing that with anyone. We finally get to start our pre-assessments on

Monday. I'm anxiously awaiting this. It seems like the closer we get to an

answer (or the start of one anyway) the worse the behaviors have gotten. That

may all be in my head, but it sure seems like that.

Today I was trying to play catch with the kids and we weren't playing for more

than a minute before one got upset that we weren't following the " rules " . I was

like guys there are no rules, we're just tossing the ball and catching it. Then

the other one says oh let's make this rule.... and then the other one jumps in

with a new rule.. and on and on. I finally had to say No more rules or I'm not

playing. Let's just throw it and catch it and have fun. Holy buckets!! It

made me wonder again if my youngest has true signs of Asperger's or if he just

copies his sister. It's so hard to tell sometimes.

> >

> > I just heard from a friend whose daughter was diagnosed with autism a few

years back. I had contacted her to ask if she knew of a way to connect with

other parents of AS kids. Her advice back to me was really strange. Her

opinion is that autism is not real- it is a condition caused by vaccinations

that can be cured. She said my daughter is probably having issues because she

got a flu shot this year.

> > Now this is an intelligent woman who I have known since our kids were born,

and I respect her insight on most issues, but this just seems off to me. I know

there is the huge debate over vaccines, and although I lean toward that not

being the cause, I don't actually know. So I don't really know how to respond

or if I even need to. She emailed me all sorts of links to naturopaths and diet

pages, anti-vaccine info and so on, but this doesn't seem to be the right path

for me.

> > First of all, my daughter has been experiencing odd behaviors since birth so

it was certainly not caused by a flu shot last October. Secondly, I don't

believe this can or necessarily should be cured. From the research I've read

recently, the brain of a person with Asperger's is actually structured

differently than an NT person. That's pretty recent research. But I guess my

point is that yes my daughter has problems I believe are associated with AS, but

she also has amazing insight and an eye for detail that I think come from that

same place. Wouldn't " curing " her take away the good as well as the bad if this

is all caused by AS?

> > I feel that she needs more support and guidance and because she is so

intelligent, I believe that she could respond well to behavioral therapies and

that there are resources out there that can help her lessen her rigidity, etc.

I'm not saying it will be quick or easy, but I also don't want to get sucked

into believing something can be.

> > Any thoughts? I'm feeling a little like I'm going crazy right now.

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much. That is great advice. I know she cares. It just was too much

for me to take in at this particular time.

> >

> > I just heard from a friend whose daughter was diagnosed with autism a few

years back. I had contacted her to ask if she knew of a way to connect with

other parents of AS kids. Her advice back to me was really strange. Her

opinion is that autism is not real- it is a condition caused by vaccinations

that can be cured. She said my daughter is probably having issues because she

got a flu shot this year.

> > Now this is an intelligent woman who I have known since our kids were born,

and I respect her insight on most issues, but this just seems off to me. I know

there is the huge debate over vaccines, and although I lean toward that not

being the cause, I don't actually know. So I don't really know how to respond

or if I even need to. She emailed me all sorts of links to naturopaths and diet

pages, anti-vaccine info and so on, but this doesn't seem to be the right path

for me.

> > First of all, my daughter has been experiencing odd behaviors since birth so

it was certainly not caused by a flu shot last October. Secondly, I don't

believe this can or necessarily should be cured. From the research I've read

recently, the brain of a person with Asperger's is actually structured

differently than an NT person. That's pretty recent research. But I guess my

point is that yes my daughter has problems I believe are associated with AS, but

she also has amazing insight and an eye for detail that I think come from that

same place. Wouldn't " curing " her take away the good as well as the bad if this

is all caused by AS?

> > I feel that she needs more support and guidance and because she is so

intelligent, I believe that she could respond well to behavioral therapies and

that there are resources out there that can help her lessen her rigidity, etc.

I'm not saying it will be quick or easy, but I also don't want to get sucked

into believing something can be.

> > Any thoughts? I'm feeling a little like I'm going crazy right now.

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Ring the doorbell or use your other phone to call in so that it beeps. White

lies, I know, but will get you off the hook that moment in time. I also find to

never bring up the subject myself and to focus all my questions on the other

person helps get them 'off my back.' It seems only when I complain about

something do these kinds of friends want to fix it for me. Sometimes I just

want to complain and not have anybody fix anything.

>

> Thanks so much. That is great advice. I know she cares. It just was too much

for me to take in at this particular time.

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the heads up on autoimmune diseases and gluten. I didn't know that.

I'll have to really take a close look at that. I'm about half way through a

pretty intense grad class for an additional teaching. It ends at the end of

April, then I'll have more time to look into it.

> > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > I just heard from a friend whose daughter was diagnosed with autism a

> > few

> > > > years back. I had contacted her to ask if she knew of a way to connect

> > with

> > > > other parents of AS kids. Her advice back to me was really strange. Her

> > > > opinion is that autism is not real- it is a condition caused by

> > vaccinations

> > > > that can be cured. She said my daughter is probably having issues

> > because

> > > > she got a flu shot this year.

> > > > Now this is an intelligent woman who I have known since our kids were

> > born,

> > > > and I respect her insight on most issues, but this just seems off to

> > me. I

> > > > know there is the huge debate over vaccines, and although I lean toward

> > that

> > > > not being the cause, I don't actually know. So I don't really know how

> > to

> > > > respond or if I even need to. She emailed me all sorts of links to

> > > > naturopaths and diet pages, anti-vaccine info and so on, but this

> > doesn't

> > > > seem to be the right path for me.

> > > > First of all, my daughter has been experiencing odd behaviors since

> > birth

> > > > so it was certainly not caused by a flu shot last October. Secondly, I

> > don't

> > > > believe this can or necessarily should be cured. From the research I've

> > read

> > > > recently, the brain of a person with Asperger's is actually structured

> > > > differently than an NT person. That's pretty recent research. But I

> > guess my

> > > > point is that yes my daughter has problems I believe are associated

> > with AS,

> > > > but she also has amazing insight and an eye for detail that I think

> > come

> > > > from that same place. Wouldn't " curing " her take away the good as well

> > as

> > > > the bad if this is all caused by AS?

> > > > I feel that she needs more support and guidance and because she is so

> > > > intelligent, I believe that she could respond well to behavioral

> > therapies

> > > > and that there are resources out there that can help her lessen her

> > > > rigidity, etc. I'm not saying it will be quick or easy, but I also

> > don't

> > > > want to get sucked into believing something can be.

> > > > Any thoughts? I'm feeling a little like I'm going crazy right now.

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > --

> > > McAllister

> > > FB: www.facebook.com/healfrominsideout

> > > Twitter: www.twitter.com/healinginside

> > > Blog: http://healingfrominsideout.blogspot.com

> > > Reiki II practitioner, #1 alternative treatment recommended by Dr. Oz

> > > Herbal consultations

> > >

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

> --

>

[Guest guest]

I totally understand you so much wanting these women to understand.

I was in a very similar situation. I continued to meet

with women that we had previously had a playgroup with my daughter and their

kids from about the age of 4 thru the age of 10. I did share my daughter's

school struggles with the group, but they really didn't understand and held some

very strong opinions that special ed was negatively effecting taxes and the

school budget. Gulp. That was hard to listen to. Painful.

I did become friends with another mother that has an autistic son.

I really like this women but her son does not have the anxiety

or behavioral issues my daughter does. And she is not for medication

but for gluten free diets. I have not tried to explain to her

that some kids really have a true panic disorder. I don't

fell upset at all like I did with the other group of women.

I feel that she just has not had to deal with severe panic.

Also because we met and talk 1:1 I don't feel a group is

going against what is good for my daughter. It is just one

woman's opinion in this case.

I know that feeling you are talking about though. I hope you find

some very nice understanding people to talk to.

And good luck with the assessment. It is hard to DX Asperger Syndrome if it is

not obvious. But the example you give is a good example

one about children being very ridgid in play. AS kids are

very ridgid, can't cope with change, are very obessive in their

interests to the point of a meltdown if you stop the often have

anxiety, sensory issues, and some of LDs that are not

obvious. You may figure out your child has AS before the

professionals do. That sometimes happens.

Pam

Pam

> > >

> > > I just heard from a friend whose daughter was diagnosed with autism a few

years back. I had contacted her to ask if she knew of a way to connect with

other parents of AS kids. Her advice back to me was really strange. Her

opinion is that autism is not real- it is a condition caused by vaccinations

that can be cured. She said my daughter is probably having issues because she

got a flu shot this year.

> > > Now this is an intelligent woman who I have known since our kids were

born, and I respect her insight on most issues, but this just seems off to me.

I know there is the huge debate over vaccines, and although I lean toward that

not being the cause, I don't actually know. So I don't really know how to

respond or if I even need to. She emailed me all sorts of links to naturopaths

and diet pages, anti-vaccine info and so on, but this doesn't seem to be the

right path for me.

> > > First of all, my daughter has been experiencing odd behaviors since birth

so it was certainly not caused by a flu shot last October. Secondly, I don't

believe this can or necessarily should be cured. From the research I've read

recently, the brain of a person with Asperger's is actually structured

differently than an NT person. That's pretty recent research. But I guess my

point is that yes my daughter has problems I believe are associated with AS, but

she also has amazing insight and an eye for detail that I think come from that

same place. Wouldn't " curing " her take away the good as well as the bad if this

is all caused by AS?

> > > I feel that she needs more support and guidance and because she is so

intelligent, I believe that she could respond well to behavioral therapies and

that there are resources out there that can help her lessen her rigidity, etc.

I'm not saying it will be quick or easy, but I also don't want to get sucked

into believing something can be.

> > > Any thoughts? I'm feeling a little like I'm going crazy right now.

> > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Pam. It is hard to talk about with people who don't understand. Even my

own family does not get what I'm talking about with Anika's meltdowns. They all

live out of state, so they don't see it. Although when they were up for

Thanksgiving, she had a major meltdown and later, after she had gone to bed, my

mom says to me, " That came out of nowhere. Nothing happened. Seriously -

there was absolutely no warning. " That was the first time I felt like they got

a glimpse of our day to day life.

We also have the extreme anxiety and panic to the point where she will take off

running when she is scared. Then she realizes she has run away from us and gets

more panicky. It can take well over an hour, sometimes two, to get her

completely settled down again. Luckily we have very kind neighbors, who

although they don't really get why she does these things, they are just used to

her meltdowns and panic attacks and if they are judgmental about it, they keep

it to themselves.

That must have been really hard to have friends take a political type stance

against special ed when they knew your child was in these services. I sometimes

wonder if people hear themselves when they speak and if they have any idea of

the impact their words have on others. Take care! Talk to you soon.

> > > >

> > > > I just heard from a friend whose daughter was diagnosed with autism a

few years back. I had contacted her to ask if she knew of a way to connect with

other parents of AS kids. Her advice back to me was really strange. Her

opinion is that autism is not real- it is a condition caused by vaccinations

that can be cured. She said my daughter is probably having issues because she

got a flu shot this year.

> > > > Now this is an intelligent woman who I have known since our kids were

born, and I respect her insight on most issues, but this just seems off to me.

I know there is the huge debate over vaccines, and although I lean toward that

not being the cause, I don't actually know. So I don't really know how to

respond or if I even need to. She emailed me all sorts of links to naturopaths

and diet pages, anti-vaccine info and so on, but this doesn't seem to be the

right path for me.

> > > > First of all, my daughter has been experiencing odd behaviors since

birth so it was certainly not caused by a flu shot last October. Secondly, I

don't believe this can or necessarily should be cured. From the research I've

read recently, the brain of a person with Asperger's is actually structured

differently than an NT person. That's pretty recent research. But I guess my

point is that yes my daughter has problems I believe are associated with AS, but

she also has amazing insight and an eye for detail that I think come from that

same place. Wouldn't " curing " her take away the good as well as the bad if this

is all caused by AS?

> > > > I feel that she needs more support and guidance and because she is so

intelligent, I believe that she could respond well to behavioral therapies and

that there are resources out there that can help her lessen her rigidity, etc.

I'm not saying it will be quick or easy, but I also don't want to get sucked

into believing something can be.

> > > > Any thoughts? I'm feeling a little like I'm going crazy right now.

> > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Great advice. Sometimes it really is better just to cut it off politely and

preserve our own sanity. Especially when pounding our heads against the wall.

I know exactly what you mean about wanting to just complain sometimes. I try

not too, but sometimes I just feel sorry for myself and my family and want to

just vent for a few minutes before jumping back into life:)

> >

> > Thanks so much. That is great advice. I know she cares. It just was too

much for me to take in at this particular time.

>