Re: Just joined your group

[Guest guest]

Bless your heart, Eddie! I'm a single mom of a 14-yr-old son w/ Aspergers and an NT (neuro-typical) 9-yr-old daughter. I know it's hard. I have family near by who are very helpful. I hope you have support, too!

From: Eddie L <mensana_88@...> Sent: Mon, January 10, 2011 3:23:58 PMSubject: ( ) Just joined your group

Hello everyone,I just joined this support group and I thought it would be polite to introduce myself. I have a 14 year old boy that is in the process of being diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. We do not have the words on paper yet, but several psychologists that saw all said he has it 100%. I am a single father of three (my wife passed away 4 years ago). Luckily, my other two boys (9 & 7) are Ok. I am facing some challenges that will be the subject of my next set of posts, but for the time being I just wanted to say hi to all of you here. I am glad I found you and I look forward to learn a lot from your own experience.All the best,Eddie

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group, Eddie. Please ask away as you've got a lot of issues facing you and we'll give you lots of feedback. Make sure you tell us which state you live in as a member may be able to give you more specific info. unique to your state regulations.

[Guest guest]

Welcome Eddie,

I'm pretty new here also, but learning fast from people who are very wise and encouraging.

Sandy in Va

In a message dated 1/10/2011 7:00:41 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, mensana_88@... writes:

Hello everyone,I just joined this support group and I thought it would be polite to introduce myself. I have a 14 year old boy that is in the process of being diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. We do not have the words on paper yet, but several psychologists that saw all said he has it 100%. I am a single father of three (my wife passed away 4 years ago). Luckily, my other two boys (9 & 7) are Ok. I am facing some challenges that will be the subject of my next set of posts, but for the time being I just wanted to say hi to all of you here. I am glad I found you and I look forward to learn a lot from your own experience.All the best,Eddie

[Guest guest]

Welcome Eddie, this is a great group, and I will help with my advice whenever I can, my son is 8 Dyslexic, possibly AS receiving all the accommodations at school.again, welcome and Happy New Year!From: Eddie L <mensana_88@...> Sent: Mon, January 10, 2011 4:23:58 PMSubject: ( ) Just joined your group

Hello everyone,

I just joined this support group and I thought it would be polite to introduce myself. I have a 14 year old boy that is in the process of being diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. We do not have the words on paper yet, but several psychologists that saw all said he has it 100%. I am a single father of three (my wife passed away 4 years ago). Luckily, my other two boys (9 & 7) are Ok. I am facing some challenges that will be the subject of my next set of posts, but for the time being I just wanted to say hi to all of you here. I am glad I found you and I look forward to learn a lot from your own experience.

All the best,

Eddie

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group, Eddie...I think you will find lots of good info and great support from this group. My own son was not officially dx until age 11, so I kind of understand where you're coming from. It's so much better if they get a dx when they are younger. Nonetheless, you will get answers to your questions here and will have a safe place to vent. Blessings on your day, Gail

( ) Just joined your group

Hello everyone,

I just joined this support group and I thought it would be polite to introduce myself. I have a 14 year old boy that is in the process of being diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. We do not have the words on paper yet, but several psychologists that saw all said he has it 100%. I am a single father of three (my wife passed away 4 years ago). Luckily, my other two boys (9 & 7) are Ok. I am facing some challenges that will be the subject of my next set of posts, but for the time being I just wanted to say hi to all of you here. I am glad I found you and I look forward to learn a lot from your own experience.

All the best,

Eddie

[Guest guest]

Welcome Eddie! This is a great group of people, with so much experience I learn something new everyday.

Look forward to your posts,

Cathleen

From: Eddie L <mensana_88@...> Sent: Mon, January 10, 2011 1:23:58 PMSubject: ( ) Just joined your group

Hello everyone,I just joined this support group and I thought it would be polite to introduce myself. I have a 14 year old boy that is in the process of being diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. We do not have the words on paper yet, but several psychologists that saw all said he has it 100%. I am a single father of three (my wife passed away 4 years ago). Luckily, my other two boys (9 & 7) are Ok. I am facing some challenges that will be the subject of my next set of posts, but for the time being I just wanted to say hi to all of you here. I am glad I found you and I look forward to learn a lot from your own experience.All the best,Eddie

[Guest guest]

HI Eddie,

Welcome! And good luck on this new adventure...

Tammy

[Guest guest]

Hi Eddie,

Welcome to the group! My hat goes off to you. I hope you find great support and a place to turn to with this group. I have three children, two grown and out on their own, one with ADHD and one with ADD and my youngest son is 13 with Asperger's/ADHD/SI.

We all have our good days and our bad days. I hope we can help you celebrate your good and ease the bad. :-)

ne

From: Eddie L <mensana_88@...>Subject: ( ) Just joined your group Date: Monday, January 10, 2011, 4:23 PM

Hello everyone,I just joined this support group and I thought it would be polite to introduce myself. I have a 14 year old boy that is in the process of being diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. We do not have the words on paper yet, but several psychologists that saw all said he has it 100%. I am a single father of three (my wife passed away 4 years ago). Luckily, my other two boys (9 & 7) are Ok. I am facing some challenges that will be the subject of my next set of posts, but for the time being I just wanted to say hi to all of you here. I am glad I found you and I look forward to learn a lot from your own experience.All the best,Eddie

[Guest guest]

Hi Eddie! I'm (a mom) and, due to divorce, raised my 3 sons alone. I

also got my AS son diagnosed about that same age...let's see, in 8th grade.

I'd always felt he had some of the traits, but felt " not enough. " Turned out he

did! He also has a diagnosis of OCD. His OCD began in 6th grade.

This is a great group! Many days I just read and empathize, but post some too.

My son's 21 now, attending college. He has a twin (not identical) who is

" typical " and older brother, 25.

Welcome,

>

> Hello everyone,

>

> I just joined this support group and I thought it would be polite to introduce

myself. I have a 14 year old boy that is in the process of being diagnosed with

Asperger Syndrome. We do not have the words on paper yet, but several

psychologists that saw all said he has it 100%. I am a single father of

three (my wife passed away 4 years ago). Luckily, my other two boys (9 & 7) are

Ok. I am facing some challenges that will be the subject of my next set of

posts, but for the time being I just wanted to say hi to all of you here. I am

glad I found you and I look forward to learn a lot from your own experience.

>

> All the best,

> Eddie

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Eddie,

Nice to meet you. My name is Robin and my 27 year old daughter is autistic. She

is also schizoaffective bipolar type. Her meds are working great so not only

would you not know she was autistic upon first meeting her she seems very normal

in all respects. If you haven't read some of my earlier post my daughter has

gone from having almost no language (just a few words at the age of 5) to now

speaking at autism and mental health conferences. She made gains the doctors

said she would never make. So I have been through a lot with her and the schools

and doctors. My son was diagnosed with severe ADHD at the age of 3 and he is

also dylexic and ODD. The schools gave up on him saying he was incapable of

learning and that instead of academics they would just put him in some kind of

program where he would learn some type of skill so he could get a job. Today he

not only graduated DeVry University with honors but he also got his Masters and

graduated with honors as well. We never gave up on either kid and while it was

hard work it was worth it. Today my son is developing an app for the smart phone

to teach social and life skills to autistics and developmentally delayed

children.

Good to have you here and if you have any questions just ask.

Robin

>

> Hello everyone,

>

> I just joined this support group and I thought it would be polite to introduce

myself. I have a 14 year old boy that is in the process of being diagnosed with

Asperger Syndrome. We do not have the words on paper yet, but several

psychologists that saw all said he has it 100%. I am a single father of

three (my wife passed away 4 years ago). Luckily, my other two boys (9 & 7) are

Ok. I am facing some challenges that will be the subject of my next set of

posts, but for the time being I just wanted to say hi to all of you here. I am

glad I found you and I look forward to learn a lot from your own experience.

>

> All the best,

> Eddie

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Eddie,

Nice to have you here.I'm sorry to hear about your wife.I am a single mom of 2 boys.My oldest(hes oh most 13 years old) is diagnoised with aspergers and adhd.My youngest(7 years old) is diagnoised with adhd and asthma.I have had a tough time with schools over the years.At this time its going alright with the school.My oldest has had behavior issues,which has gotten better;and attitude problems which I'm sure has to do with his age.Take care.Christie Speckel >> Hello everyone,> > I just joined this support group and I thought it would be polite to introduce myself. I have a 14 year old boy that is in the process of being diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. We do not have the words on paper yet, but several psychologists that saw all said he has it 100%. I am a single father of three (my wife passed away 4 years ago). Luckily, my other two boys (9 & 7) are Ok. I am facing some challenges that will be the subject of my next set of posts, but for the time being I just wanted to say hi to all of you here. I am glad I found you and I look forward to learn a lot from your own experience.> > All the best,> Eddie>

[Guest guest]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome you had for me. I knew this place was awesome as soon as I joined and got a chance to read some of the messages posted. Message like the one below give me a lot of hope that someday my son will be able to live an independent life, as fulfilled as possible.

Some more background on our case. Someone asked in which state are we living. In fact, we are living in Canada, in the Greater Toronto Area (we live in the suburbs, but I work in downtown Toronto). , my 14 year son is on the waiting list for a full developmental assessment. Word is that in February his turn will come up. Will see. He was placed on the waiting list last year, after the public school had a psycho-educational assessment. The resulting report stopped short of giving a diagnosis, but suggested that Asperger may be a possibility. I had him enrolled in several therapy sessions (with various therapists) and they all agreed that most likely has Asperger. was in grade 8 (last year of the public school he was going to) when they conducted the assessment. The assessment was mainly ordered to figure out which high school would be the best fit

for him. They came up with a program that did not give him any chance at getting a high-school diploma and that after years of assurances that most likely will go to University. I had to step in and as a result, I have him now in a private school where he seems to enjoy himself much better than the previous school. The school caters to kids with special education needs. He is not doing grade 9 but a transition programme where he is working towards his first two credits, but also does grade 8 and 7 stuff. He will require an extra year, but I do not have a problem with that.

The assessment done last year was not the first one. He had one done when he was in grade 2. The conclusion of that assessment was that had ADHD and Non-Verbal Learning Disability. As a result he was placed in a special education class. Following the assessment done by the school, I went private and I did another assessment with a registered psychologist. This report confirmed the findings of the school report, without identifying as an Asperger child. This is where I really get mad because we missed so many years not knowing what he’s going through and without focusing on his real problem. My mind cannot comprehend how a registered psychologist holding a Ph.D. can miss all the signs that point to the real diagnosis. Anyway, that’s in the past and I do not want to waste any more energy trying to figure out why it

happened.

You asked me if I get any support. Yes, my mother practically moved in. I still need to work to provide for the family and could not afford to stay at home. I also got engaged recently and will re-marry in the summer. My fiancé is a wonderful person and she is trying very hard to adjust to our reality. can be quite a handful at times and in many cases a feel helpless and disarmed. Like many of you say, there are good days and bad days and when the bad days struck, we all need some one to rally the troops, put second winds in our sails and get us going. I hope you guys can give me the advice, hope and confidence that I can pull this one through.

Only the best,Eddie

From: stephen <robindeutsch@...>Subject: ( ) Re: Just joined your group Received: Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 12:31 AM

Hi Eddie,Nice to meet you. My name is Robin and my 27 year old daughter is autistic. She is also schizoaffective bipolar type. Her meds are working great so not only would you not know she was autistic upon first meeting her she seems very normal in all respects. If you haven't read some of my earlier post my daughter has gone from having almost no language (just a few words at the age of 5) to now speaking at autism and mental health conferences. She made gains the doctors said she would never make. So I have been through a lot with her and the schools and doctors. My son was diagnosed with severe ADHD at the age of 3 and he is also dylexic and ODD. The schools gave up on him saying he was incapable of learning and that instead of academics they would just put him in some kind of program where he would learn some type of skill so he could get a job. Today he not only graduated DeVry University with honors but he also got his Masters and

graduated with honors as well. We never gave up on either kid and while it was hard work it was worth it. Today my son is developing an app for the smart phone to teach social and life skills to autistics and developmentally delayed children.Good to have you here and if you have any questions just ask.Robin>> Hello everyone,> > I just joined this support group and I thought it would be polite to introduce myself. I have a 14 year old boy that is in the process of being diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. We do not have the words on paper yet, but several psychologists that saw all said he has it 100%. I am a single father of three (my wife passed away

4 years ago). Luckily, my other two boys (9 & 7) are Ok. I am facing some challenges that will be the subject of my next set of posts, but for the time being I just wanted to say hi to all of you here. I am glad I found you and I look forward to learn a lot from your own experience.> > All the best,> Eddie>

[Guest guest]

Robin, Thank you so much for sharing your story!! Gives parents like me who are kids are just little tykes yet , and just beginning this journey a lot of hope to never give up, our kids should not be tossed a side because they may have more challenges they need to over come then other children!! You must be so proud!! I big tip of the hat to you!! :)MeaghanFrom: stephen

<robindeutsch@...> Sent: Tue, January 11, 2011 12:31:08 AMSubject: ( ) Re: Just joined your group

Hi Eddie,

Nice to meet you. My name is Robin and my 27 year old daughter is autistic. She is also schizoaffective bipolar type. Her meds are working great so not only would you not know she was autistic upon first meeting her she seems very normal in all respects. If you haven't read some of my earlier post my daughter has gone from having almost no language (just a few words at the age of 5) to now speaking at autism and mental health conferences. She made gains the doctors said she would never make. So I have been through a lot with her and the schools and doctors. My son was diagnosed with severe ADHD at the age of 3 and he is also dylexic and ODD. The schools gave up on him saying he was incapable of learning and that instead of academics they would just put him in some kind of program where he would learn some type of skill so he could get a job. Today he not only graduated DeVry University with honors but he also got his Masters and graduated with honors as

well. We never gave up on either kid and while it was hard work it was worth it. Today my son is developing an app for the smart phone to teach social and life skills to autistics and developmentally delayed children.

Good to have you here and if you have any questions just ask.

Robin

>

> Hello everyone,

>

> I just joined this support group and I thought it would be polite to introduce myself. I have a 14 year old boy that is in the process of being diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. We do not have the words on paper yet, but several psychologists that saw all said he has it 100%. I am a single father of three (my wife passed away 4 years ago). Luckily, my other two boys (9 & 7) are Ok. I am facing some challenges that will be the subject of my next set of posts, but for the time being I just wanted to say hi to all of you here. I am glad I found you and I look forward to learn a lot from your own experience.

>

> All the best,

> Eddie

>

[Guest guest]

Robin,You must be so proud!!! congratulations and tell us, how did you do it? did you homeschool your children? or you had to fight like we are with the IEP's and the teachers.again congratulations, From: Meaghan Larson <meaghanlarson@...> Sent: Tue, January 11, 2011 12:55:14 PMSubject: Re: ( ) Re: Just joined your group

Robin, Thank you so much for sharing your story!! Gives parents like me who are kids are just little tykes yet , and just beginning this journey a lot of hope to never give up, our kids should not be tossed a side because they may have more challenges they need to over come then other children!! You must be so proud!! I big tip of the hat to you!! :)MeaghanFrom: stephen

<robindeutsch@...> Sent: Tue, January 11, 2011 12:31:08 AMSubject: ( ) Re: Just joined your group

Hi Eddie,

Nice to meet you. My name is Robin and my 27 year old daughter is autistic. She is also schizoaffective bipolar type. Her meds are working great so not only would you not know she was autistic upon first meeting her she seems very normal in all respects. If you haven't read some of my earlier post my daughter has gone from having almost no language (just a few words at the age of 5) to now speaking at autism and mental health conferences. She made gains the doctors said she would never make. So I have been through a lot with her and the schools and doctors. My son was diagnosed with severe ADHD at the age of 3 and he is also dylexic and ODD. The schools gave up on him saying he was incapable of learning and that instead of academics they would just put him in some kind of program where he would learn some type of skill so he could get a job. Today he not only graduated DeVry University with honors but he also got his Masters and graduated with honors as

well. We never gave up on either kid and while it was hard work it was worth it. Today my son is developing an app for the smart phone to teach social and life skills to autistics and developmentally delayed children.

Good to have you here and if you have any questions just ask.

Robin

>

> Hello everyone,

>

> I just joined this support group and I thought it would be polite to introduce myself. I have a 14 year old boy that is in the process of being diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. We do not have the words on paper yet, but several psychologists that saw all said he has it 100%. I am a single father of three (my wife passed away 4 years ago). Luckily, my other two boys (9 & 7) are Ok. I am facing some challenges that will be the subject of my next set of posts, but for the time being I just wanted to say hi to all of you here. I am glad I found you and I look forward to learn a lot from your own experience.

>

> All the best,

> Eddie

>

[Guest guest]

Wow Eddie, I can relate to your story. It is frustrating when you know your

child needs help but gets misdiagnosed. We were stationed in Germany for seven

years. From when my son was 3 to 10. I have two older kids as I mentioned, a son

with ADD now 23 and in the Army and a daughter with ADHD now 21 and in nursing

school. When my youngest was diagnosed with ADHD at 5 I knew something was

different, since I already had two kids diagnosed and it didn't quite fit. So

when he was also diagnosed at 7 with Sensory Integration Disorder it made more

sense but something was still missing. A therapist suggested he has Aspergers at

age 8 and after researching it, it sounded right. But the school did an

evaluation as well as the Psychology clinic and said he didn't have Aspergers.

But their assessments were almost purely based on brief observations.

When we finally came back to the states I had him retested and finally got the

right dx and the right medication. He began to do so much better. He has been

re-dx since with the same dx three times. It is so upsetting when I think of all

the time we lost in getting him the proper help. I think sometimes he might not

be struggeling like he is now if I had been able to get him the right help

sooner. But I can't let myself dwell on that or I get stuck.

We are currently having a lot of issues with the school. It's exasperating that

we now have the right dx but the wrong school district.

I'm glad to hear your getting married to such a great person. She must be to

take on such a great responsibility. I wish you both all the best.

Glad to have you here in the group.

> >

> > Hello everyone,

> >

> > I just joined this support group and I thought it would be polite to

introduce myself. I have a 14 year old boy that is in the process of being

diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. We do not have the words on paper yet, but

several psychologists that saw all said he has it 100%. I am a single

father of three (my wife passed away 4 years ago). Luckily, my other two boys (9

& 7) are Ok. I am facing some challenges that will be the subject of my next set

of posts, but for the time being I just wanted to say hi to all of you here. I

am glad I found you and I look forward to learn a lot from your own experience.

> >

> > All the best,

> > Eddie

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group, Eddie. And, you are right...we can not dwell on the past. The past is past and can't be changed. We can only move on and forward. You have the dx now and can learn as much as possible about AS. AS you read and post, things will fall into place. As we say...it is a roller coaster ride with highs and lows. And, you will find, that what worked yesterday may not work tomorrow. But, enjoy the great days and when the difficult days show up...just remember those special moments. And, of course, you can always post. We are all in the same boat...some of have been there, some are going thru it right now and some will go thru it in the future. One thing for sure...we are all here for each other.

My son was dx with ADHD in 3rd grade and then in the middle of 6th his DX changed to Asperger's. He was never officially dx with Sensory Integration Dysfunction but he has that as well along with learning disabilities especially with reading.

In 6th grade he was 2 years below reading level. He was just getting by....he used all kinds of techniques ...looking at the pictures etc. in order to understand. When I think about it ...he was very resourceful to be where he was. He was placed in the Reading program...and now he is in 9th grade and on the PSSA's (state mandated tests) he missed being Advanced in reading for his age by 5 points. To me that is awesome. Your child will grow by leaps and bounds if put in the right program with teachers who understand. My son has grown so much these past two years (8th and 9th grades) because he is finally maturing and because he has had great teachers, great casemanagers and an Assistant Principal who truly cares. He has a reading teacher who he can go to any time he needs to...in fact he went to her today. He is learning to advocate for himself and curb his anger/fustration. So, what I am really

trying to say is that even though your son was dx late....he can still do well and catch up ....especially if he is in the right school with good teachers.

Jan

"In the Midst of Difficulty lies Opportunity" Albert Einstein

Success is not measured by one's position but by the obstacles one has overcome to obtain that position

From: s_hansen34 <s_hansen34@...> Sent: Tue, January 11, 2011 9:21:43 PMSubject: ( ) Re: Just joined your group

Wow Eddie, I can relate to your story. It is frustrating when you know your child needs help but gets misdiagnosed. We were stationed in Germany for seven years. From when my son was 3 to 10. I have two older kids as I mentioned, a son with ADD now 23 and in the Army and a daughter with ADHD now 21 and in nursing school. When my youngest was diagnosed with ADHD at 5 I knew something was different, since I already had two kids diagnosed and it didn't quite fit. So when he was also diagnosed at 7 with Sensory Integration Disorder it made more sense but something was still missing. A therapist suggested he has Aspergers at age 8 and after researching it, it sounded right. But the school did an evaluation as well as the Psychology clinic and said he didn't have Aspergers. But their assessments were almost purely based on brief observations. When we finally came back to the states I had him retested and finally got the right dx and the right

medication. He began to do so much better. He has been re-dx since with the same dx three times. It is so upsetting when I think of all the time we lost in getting him the proper help. I think sometimes he might not be struggeling like he is now if I had been able to get him the right help sooner. But I can't let myself dwell on that or I get stuck. We are currently having a lot of issues with the school. It's exasperating that we now have the right dx but the wrong school district. I'm glad to hear your getting married to such a great person. She must be to take on such a great responsibility. I wish you both all the best. Glad to have you here in the group. > >> > Hello everyone,> > > > I just joined this support group and I thought it would be polite to introduce myself. I have a 14 year old boy that is in the process of being diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. We do not have the words on paper yet, but several psychologists that saw all said he has it 100%. I am a single father

of three (my wife passed away 4 years ago). Luckily, my other two boys (9 & 7) are Ok. I am facing some challenges that will be the subject of my next set of posts, but for the time being I just wanted to say hi to all of you here. I am glad I found you and I look forward to learn a lot from your own experience.> > > > All the best,> > Eddie> >>

[Guest guest]

Hi Robin!

Thank you so much for your post. Like Meagan said hearing stories like yours gives us renewed hope that our kids will get there too. Not that I don't think my son will be just fine. It's the journey that gets so complicated sometimes when you're fighting the school. It makes you wonder if there is light at the end of the tunnel.ne

From: stephen <robindeutsch@...>Subject: ( ) Re: Just joined your group Date: Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 1:31 AM

Hi Eddie,Nice to meet you. My name is Robin and my 27 year old daughter is autistic. She is also schizoaffective bipolar type. Her meds are working great so not only would you not know she was autistic upon first meeting her she seems very normal in all respects. If you haven't read some of my earlier post my daughter has gone from having almost no language (just a few words at the age of 5) to now speaking at autism and mental health conferences. She made gains the doctors said she would never make. So I have been through a lot with her and the schools and doctors. My son was diagnosed with severe ADHD at the age of 3 and he is also dylexic and ODD. The schools gave up on him saying he was incapable of learning and that instead of academics they would just put him in some kind of program where he would learn some type of skill so he could get a job. Today he not only graduated DeVry University with honors but he also got his Masters and

graduated with honors as well. We never gave up on either kid and while it was hard work it was worth it. Today my son is developing an app for the smart phone to teach social and life skills to autistics and developmentally delayed children.Good to have you here and if you have any questions just ask.Robin>> Hello everyone,> > I just joined this support group and I thought it would be polite to introduce myself. I have a 14 year old boy that is in the process of being diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. We do not have the words on paper yet, but several psychologists that saw all said he has it 100%. I am a single father of three (my wife passed away

4 years ago). Luckily, my other two boys (9 & 7) are Ok. I am facing some challenges that will be the subject of my next set of posts, but for the time being I just wanted to say hi to all of you here. I am glad I found you and I look forward to learn a lot from your own experience.> > All the best,> Eddie>