Leesita - good for you ! I know that sense of finally knowing what road you are on
When my son was diagnosed at age 7, I didn't think having a label would mean much, since I was already an expert on our child. However, learning about autism definitely did help me hone that expertise -- especially understanding the meltdowns and sensory issues.
So here are my best links on those subjects (ignore the yellow highlighting) plus my two favorite sites for general info/articles. If any of the links don't work, try deleting the blank spaces. If it still doesn't work, let me know.
Sensory-related checklists/charts:
http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/sensory-processin g-disorder-checklist.html - for identifying sensory symptoms
http://www.tsbvi.edu/Outreach/seehear/archive/mannerism.html #Chart - for identifying self-stimulating behaviors ("stims") under various sensory categories
Meltdown resources:
http://www.jambav.com/modules/specialneeds/specialneeds.php? id=8 - Temper Tantrum Report (for documenting and analyzing meltdowns)
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=iv -ppiep&msg=2462.1& An unreliable link to an article called "Thoughtful Response to Agitation, Escalation and Meltdowns in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders." I am copying this article to a separate post below.
http://www.isec2005.org.uk/isec/abstracts/papers_m/myles_b.s html - "The Cycle of Tantrums, Rage, and Meltdowns in Children and Youth with Asperger Syndrome, High-Functioning Autism, and Related Disabilities" which is an article by Professor Brenda Smith Myles, with a list of 7 strategies you can use in the rumbling stage (ie agitation and escalation towards a meltdown/rage).
http://www.autism-pdd.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=16187&am p;am p;KW=inside+scoop - " 'Meltdowns': The inside scoop (or rant)" which is a popular topic on our forum started by Stickboy26.
General info:
http://www.nas.org.uk/ - National Autistic Society in the UK
http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/fmain1.html
Good luck with everything. Let me know if there's anything specific you want to learn about -- chances are I have a link for that, too.
I just want to comment on an above post. Having ASD does NOT mean your child will be like Bill Gates. In fact, it is almost definite he will NOT be. First of all, as far as anyone knows Bill Gates does NOT have an ASD. He is very intelligent and definitely has some quirks - but it is highly disputed that he is on the spectrum.
In addition - I doubt if one in a million of our kids will ever achieve that level of success. There is not even that much of a chance for NT kids either!
This does not mean he will not be successful and/or do great things - that is always a possibility. Not a probability, but a possibility and a good goal to aim for. It involves a LOT of work along the way though!
Our kids ARE very special and often, some have special talents. But, it takes a lot of hard work on all of our parts to help them become good, functioning members of society. There are a lot of issues to overcome and work on - depending on your child. My son is VERY bright and that has been confirmed by many professionals. However, he can't yet tie his shoes, can't draw a square or triangle and is having issues using both eyes to focus to read. He has an extremely difficult time catching and throwing a ball - he is at a 3 year-old level in this skill (he is 6). He has been in OT and PT since he was not quite 4 years old. I still firmly believe he will be a successful member of society. He has a great desire to be social and has worked EXTREMELY hard at learning social skills. He recently made two friends down the street (they are twin boys who are a year younger than he is) the week after we moved here. Which totally amazes me! These boys are here every chance they can get and seem to really enjoy playing with my son. This is the result of a ton of hard work on all of our parts - ds can function socially (for the most part) with kids who are a year younger than he is. At least at this point...
Leesita, Welcome to the board. I think by reading posts here, you will educate yourself a LOT. It would help if we knew your child's age and tentative diagnosis. Are they thinking PDD-NOS or Asperger's? I'm assuming this because if he had classic autism, it is usually noticed before age 3. And, to have a bipolar diagnosis already, I would be utterly shocked if that had occurred before age 3 - as I would definitely question the diagnosing professional's ability if they diagnose bipolar before age 3. That is a diagnosis not usually given in childhood, but definitely should not before age 6! It is becoming a more common diagnosis in childhood very recently though.
For Asperger's Syndrome, read anything by Tony Attwood. Also, the OASIS Guide to Asperger's Syndrome.
There is also a thread on here - pretty recent, I think - that has 14 pages or more of book recommendations. You might want to check that out. If you join your state Autism Society chapter - they often have libraries you can check books out and that way you don't spend a fortune on books. You can also check at your local library and try to access some through inter-library loan if they don't have much.
I'm sorry if I am coming across as discouraging to you - that is not intended. You are on the right path and go from there. I think the chances are higher that your son will be successful if he has a mom like you who wants to educate herself and help in any way she can. But, it also depends on HIS abilities and desires as well. This is a great place for support and advice - come back often!
Good luck to you and welcome - hope to hear more from you soon!
Hello Everyone,
The last time I was on this message board prior to the two messages today, I was
That was such a relief. No I am not saying I am happy that my little boy is Autistic, I am happy to finally know what I am really working with. I realize that behviors that my son is exhibiting are not only frustrating to us all but downright gutwrenching for me because I am not educated about this disorder, which makes me feel like a looser of a parent. Everytime, I say this I feel a little more of the load being lifted and my parenting esteem goes up. I feel like I have regained some of the control that Autism has taken away from me as a parent.
I want to learn as much about PDD as I can. I feel the more I learn about this disorder the more I can teach my Ethan. Thank you all for listening. I just had to get that out. If anyone could recommend some good places to start educating myself, I would appreciate it.
Thank You All
How old is he now?
I know how you feel alittle bit. My son was dx'd bipolar at 5y. He also "fit" the criteria for ASD. But we were just "watching and waiting" to dx that. After ALL those bipolar meds and none really worked very well, we finally dx'd him with HFA at 6y. I took him off meds and went to a DAN dr. He did have to start his risperdal again within 3 mo of no meds. A few months after that--I wanted him to have something for the impulsiveness. After trying ADHD stimulants--which all made his anxiety go up-----we tried Strattera. Worked great.
So at 7y---he was still dx'd with HFA and ADHD, anxiety/OCD-------AND...Bipolar dx gone!!!
I actually was sooooo happy to finally get the ASD dx!! I much would have my child ASD then bipolar. It's may always be something that may come up at puberty....it's in Dh's distant family(uncle/cousin) and right now--my 11y dd is dx'd bipolar(I'm questioning it every day) I'm so relieved that my son is ASD. I see it as I have a very special child--that someday he may be the next "Bill Gates". My son actually got ASD ruled out at 3y--because he had good eye contact and wanted to make friends. I still thought he was on the spectrum. He's just a "wait and see" kind of kid. Like you---I started researching as soon as we got teh HFA dx. I should had before that---but at that time I was into the bipolar stuff and researching that!! If you don't know about it--- www.bpkids.org website is awesome!
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