New to the board? Introduce Yourself | Autism PDD

I'm Chrissy.  I have 3 sons.  Chris who is 5, Arek who is 4, and Dylynn who is 2.  Chris was diagnosed with PDD this past March also ADHD.  Although we knew something was different with him since he was about 9 months old.  Arek and Dylynn are normal kids so far.  Dylynn has speech issues but its more he doesnt feel the need to talk at the moment. 

My husband is currently stationed in Korea.  I'm in Oklahoma with the kids.  He's been gone since March and wont be back until this coming March.  So I've been trying to get everything worked out for Chris alone which kinda sucks. 

Chris is such a loving kid.  We have ups and then we have downs and sometimes major downs.  We have issues we're still trying to work out which is the part that drains me mentally.  He goes to school and is in a special kindergarden class for delayed kids.  There is other children in the class that have Autism so it helps. He gets speech therapy at school and I have a meeting next week to set up physical therapy.    

Uhhhhh I have no clue what else to tell you... Just ask.  :)  I'm really glad I found this forum!

Chrissy[/QUOTE]

Welcome. Glad you found the board. There is alot of help here. Just ask start a thread do a search. It sounds like you are doing a great job.

Welcome Newbies!

Lovely to see you on board - I know the feeling of searching for support and advice.

Best wishes,

Elissa 

Guru's what are the chances of getting better.

I am unsure what you mean by, "chances of getting better."  I would venture to guess that as your babe matures you will see progess in many areas and who knows what the future will bring.

Post on the board in sections that pertain to specific areas of curiousity for you and you will be sure to get responses that will help you in this journey.

All the best.

Hi, i am a 16 yr old girl and i was recently diagnosed with pdd-nos. I have problems leaving the house and i dont have any friends. My mother is supportive although sometimes she tries to pretend im normal and says i dont have a disability. Then what do i have? My mothers boyfriend thinks im just acting up and wanting attention. He doesn't belive there is anything wrong with me.

I like reading everyones posts on this forum because i hope one day i can have a happy family with normal children. I can't wait to have a family of my own even though im probably too young to be wanting thatHi my name is Jennifer and my son is now 15 years old and has autism.  I found this board during a search for information about IEPs.  So glad I found this site and look forward to reading and learning with everyone!

Hi Jennifer,

Welcome, and good to hear you've found this place!

Elissa

I'm Valerie, and my son Billy has just turned 4. He has a PDD-NOS dx, and has HUGE issues with auditory hypersensitivity. He's also completely excellent and a joy to be around!

Looking forward to learning from all of you.

Cheers,

Hi Valerie,

I am sure that Billy is a pleasure to be around - welcome and we look forward to hearing from you.

Cheers

Elissa

Hi everyone! My name is Jen, my daughter Katelynne is 9. She has an array of behavioral issues. I came here to read and learn from all of you! Last year she was dx Bipolar/ADHD/OCD. I wasnt happy with the treatment program and meds, we went to a new Dr and therapist. We have seen the new therapist and she is telling me to read all I can on Asperger's syndrome. I am looking up everything online here at school! Some of it fits, some not at all! Im priniting out assessments and fact sheets as fast as the printer will spit them out! if anyone has any suggestions I would LOVE your insight!

*Kate has had SEVERE temper issues since she was 2. Throwing large items. hole in the wall, head banging, pulling her own hair, biting herself.

* walked and talked early. Walking at 9mths. 25 words by 13 mths.

* is soical. Has self esteem issues. She thinks everyone hates her.

* resonded well to gluten free diet!

* is under weight.

* is failing in school.

* gets frustrated over anything!

*super picky about foods. does not like sticky things!

* no eye contact when talking to her, even if you try to make her.

*only likes to be touched when she initates

*constantly anxious

* picks at scabs, cuts, dry skin, nails

* freaks out about the way clothes feel

* arranges the refrigerator and cupboards weekly, has to put items i pick out in the shopping cart in her own order

* tunes you out in conversation

* wants something now! no patience

Thats all I can throw together at this point! Any feedback would be great!! We have another therapy appointment Wednesday! I will check back then! Have a great week!

Jen

You should look into Risperdal. My daughter had many of the same characteristics but now I can hardly tell she's autistic.

Here's a link to a college paper I wrote on the medication.

Autism spectrum disorders are a growing concern. Autism affects one in every 150 children. People with autism spectrum disorders “show varying degrees of impairment in communication skills, social interactions, and restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior” (NIMH, 2004, Para 1). Autism “is known as a “spectrum” disorder because there is a wide variation in how it affects individuals” (Ullman, K., 2007, Para 5). “All children with ASD demonstrate deficits in 1) social interaction, 2) verbal and nonverbal communication, and 3) repetitive behaviors or interests” (NIMH, 2004, Para 10).

"Many of these kids present families with very serious challenges," he said. "Parents have to educate themselves about the disorder, and then access health care, occupational and speech therapy, special education and possibly applied behavioral analysis to help the children develop skills. Even then, the children may still present behavioral problems” (Schafer Autism Report, 2002, Para 2).

“Though increasingly sophisticated educational programs and behavior therapy are considered important elements of treatment for children with autism, the safety and effectiveness of medication is being analyzed for children with behaviors that can place particular strain on families” (Schafer Autism Report, 2002, Para 2).  It has recently been discovered that Risperdal can be used safely and effectively in the treatment of adolescent autism.

“A team of researchers has found that the drug risperidone, considered effective in treating adults with schizophrenia, is safe for children and reduces severe behavioral symptoms in youths with autism” (Schafer Autism Report, 2002, Para 1).

"Risperidone is popular in clinical circles, and this is one of those times when a drug's popularity is for a good reason," he said. "It was gratifying to see that the children taking the medication showed marked improvement in irritability, and even to show signs of clinically meaningful but smaller changes in other behaviors, such as over activity and repetitive behaviors" (Schafer Autism Report, 2002, Para 2).

"The response to risperidone ranks among the most positive ever observed in children with autism for a drug treatment," said McCracken, a professor of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences and director of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (NIMH, 2007, Para 5).

“Past research into the effect of risperidone on children with autism found the medication effective for short-term treatment of aggressive behaviors related to autism in children” (NIMH, 2007, Para 10).

Although effective, medication contains the potential of side effects.

“The use of powerful medications in young children is a controversial area. Medications given when the brain is developing may possibly have a permanent effect on the development of neurotransmitter systems. Some medications may be very harmful, but there is also a possibility that some may be beneficial.  One must always balance risk versus benefit. A good rule of thumb is that a medication should have an obvious, fairly dramatic effect” (Grandin, T., 2000, Para 59).

 “before medications are considered, a comprehensive program should be in place that includes:
o a clear definition of the problem behavior
o an assessment of the causes of the behavior
o a specific response to the behavior, such as ignoring or interrupting
o a way to count each time the behavior occurs
o teaching alternatives, such as language and play
o opportunities to participate in a wide variety of activities
o rewards for good behavior, and
o a plan to regularly review and modify the program

Once a program has been implemented for at least a few weeks, physicians and parents may consider medications” (Harchik, A., 2005, Para 4). “[We found] that risperidone may be beneficial for various aspects of autism including irritability, repetition and hyperactivity,” …but the drug’s benefits may be offset by its side effects, with weight gain the most prominent” (Ullman, K., 2007, Para 3). “It is not known how long the medication needs to be continued — potentially for a lifetime” (Ullman, K., 2007, Para 13).

New genetic testing can predict the effectiveness and indicate the required dosage of medications like Risperdal.  “Finding the right drug and the right dose is part of the art of medicine. A genetic test designed to help doctors determine just that is being sold by The Mayo Clinic, it announced this week. The test is part of a new science called pharmacogenetics” (Silberner, J., 2007, Para 1).

The patient was prescribed Risperdal, but it was not effective. He started having tremors. “He would just shake all over, unable to focus," according to his mother "I would give him his medication; he would sit on my lap and just be a zombie. That's the only way I can describe what he looked like" (Silberner, J., 2007, Para 7). A normal dose of Risperdal was actually an overdose for Jacob.” His mother agreed to “start him back on the drug -- at an extra-low dose” (Silberner, J., 2007, Para 10). It was then judged to be affective. Now he's not near as aggressive as he has been," Flood says. "I don't have bruises on me now" (Silberner, J., 2007, Para 11).

When necessary and taken under proper supervision, Risperdal can be beneficial to the adolescent who is seriously affected by autistic disorder. Risperdal has been a miracle drug for my daughter, effectively assuaging her autistic symptoms so that she can relate to me normally.

References

Grandin, T., (2000) My experiences with visual thinking sensory problems and communication difficulties, Retrieved July 22, 2007, from http://www.autism.org/temple/visual.html

Harchik, A., (2005), Autism and medications, Retrieved July 22, 2007, from http://www.newsforparents.org/expert_autism_and_medications. html

McCracken, J.T, McGough, J., Shah, B., Cronin, P., Hong, D., Aman, M.G., Arnold, E., Lindsay, R., Nash, P, Hollway, J., McDougle, C.J., Posey, D., Swiezy, N., Kohn, A., Scahill, L., Martin, A ., Koenig, K ., Volkmar, F ., Carroll, D .,Lancor, A., Tierney, E., Ghuman, J., Gonzalez, N. M., Grados, M., Vitiello, B ., Ritz, L., Davies, M., Robinson, J., McMahon, D., (2002), Risperidone in children with autism and serious behavioral problems, Retrieved July 22, 2007, from http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abstract/347/5/314

Moyer, P., (2007), Risperdal called effective against agitation in autism for months, Retrieved July 22, 2007, from http://www.medpagetoday.com/Pediatrics/Autism/tb/1308

NIMH, (2004), Autism spectrum disorders (pervasive developmental disorders), Retrieved July 22, 2007, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/autism.cfm

NIMH, (2007), Multi-Site NIMH study finds antipsychotic risperidone safe and effective as intermediate term treatment for autism, Retrieved July 22, 2007, from http://www.hmnews.org/article2525.html

Schafer Autism Report, (2002), Risperidone effective in treating children with autism, Retrieved July 22, 2007, from http://www.autismonline.org/research.htm

Silberner, J., (2007), Gene test promises to rind right drug, right dose, Retrieved July 22, 2007, from http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5568710 &ft=1&f=3

Ullman, K., (2007), Antipsychotic drug controls some symptoms in autism disorder, Retrieved July 22, 2007, from http://www.cfah.org/hbns/getDocument.cfm?documentID=1430

Hi Jen (eeyoregirl) and Anne (whooper)!

Welcome!

Both of your stories sound similar to mine in ways - it took us a while to come to a diagnosis of ASD. We share our story on our blog http://www.managingautism.com (under the category of 'In the beginning') so please stop by and check it out.

Elissa

I know how difficult it can be to move with a child on the spectrum.  My son has moved many times because of my job in the military.  My reccomendation to you, if you are not already doing this, is to get your son into counseling.  There are so many issues to deal with as an ASD child, but that is now compounded with the loss of his father, regardless of how many problems he may have had with him.  My son was dx at age 9 (he is 11 now) and his father refused to admit that there were any problems with his son.  I later found out that he had been hitting the kids when I was deployed or away for my job.  Shawn really struggled with our seperation.  He was already in therapy, but he really started working through some anger issues in therapy once the cat was out of the bag (so to speak).  I know that some may not stress the importance of counseling when it comes to dealing with ASD children, but when you have other issues in addition to the ASD (ie seperation or death in the family) working with a counselor (especially one that has experience with ASD children) can be very helpful for your child.

As far as the adult time...I also know how tiring it can be to fly solo on the parenting a special needs child.  I suggest getting in touch with the local Autism Society of America (ASA) chapter to find out if they have a respite program in your area.  ( http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer) If there is not a chapter in your area the site also has links to find local resources.

I also want to say grats on finding a guy that is willing to step up to the plate with your son.  I have also been blessed with such a man (unfortunately he is not living in the area right now).  I understand your NEED for some adult time.  I would really try to get in touch with ASA to try to work out some time for you.

Good luck and God Bless

I am new to the board.  I have a newly 4 year old diagnosed ASD at 3.  He seems to me to be pretty high functioning - but as he gets older some aggressive behaviors are starting to appear - really not major - but makes me fear the small things getting worse...any suggestions - he is in ABA, public preK, and speech and O.C. therapy.

In addition, I have a newly two year old who has been talking since about 8 mos.  She speaks in very good sentences - and shows empathy - and the constant need for attention.  She seems way above her age in adaptive and language skills.  But, she has started to flap her hands and hit things for pressure input, I am guessing - however, she talks back and forth with me and children - no other red flags.  My son does not flap his hands, so she is not copying him - does this indicate things to come?

Thank you.

Hi There!

I'm Chrissy.  I have 3 sons.  Chris who is 5, Arek who is 4, and Dylynn who is 2.  Chris was diagnosed with PDD this past March also ADHD.  Although we knew something was different with him since he was about 9 months old.  Arek and Dylynn are normal kids so far.  Dylynn has speech issues but its more he doesnt feel the need to talk at the moment. 

My husband is currently stationed in Korea.  I'm in Oklahoma with the kids.  He's been gone since March and wont be back until this coming March.  So I've been trying to get everything worked out for Chris alone which kinda sucks. 

Chris is such a loving kid.  We have ups and then we have downs and sometimes major downs.  We have issues we're still trying to work out which is the part that drains me mentally.  He goes to school and is in a special kindergarden class for delayed kids.  There is other children in the class that have Autism so it helps. He gets speech therapy at school and I have a meeting next week to set up physical therapy.    

Uhhhhh I have no clue what else to tell you... Just ask.  :)  I'm really glad I found this forum!

Chrissy

Hi everyone!

I'm Monica, I have three boys, J who just turned 4, and 2.5 yo ID twin boys O and D.  The twins have been receiving speech since they were 18 months, and Ed services since 2 yo. Danny also receives OT and will be starting ABA shortly.  They both attend EI preschool. We don't have an official diagnosis yet, but it looks like Danny will have a diagnosis of PDD. Owen has made huge improvements and will probably be in an integrated pre-school next year! 

I work with autistic children in a special ed school, doing OT.  I think because of my work I was able to pick up on some of the "red flags" early and although mild, I saw that Danny had some key signs.  Because he is doing so well and his signs are inconsistent our neurologist wanted to wait for an official dx until he is a bit older.  She doesn't feel that Owen will be on the spectrum at all.

I look forward to reading and sharing experiences with everyone!

Monica

Hi my name is Lahni

My 3yr old was diagnosed with Aspergers or on the spectrum, but I still dont feel like it fits. I have no one to talk to who are you supposed to find out answers or questions i may have I hope this board will be the place

Hello Everyone,

My name is Jennifer. I am Mommy to 2 year old Damien who was diagnosed with Autism/PDD yesterday (11/12/07).  His Doctor said that he is very mild, and with treatment should show improvement. 

Right now I feel like I am lost somewhere without a map and a flashlight.  I am glad that I found you guys, I really need help and support right now. 

A WARM WELCOME to the November Newbies... Minny, Sugar & Spice, dolphin4spence & Rockabillychick !!! 

I'm sure you'll find this community equally warm and informative... If you have the time then you can throw in a Search for certain topics that you're looking to get info on. Or you can even join in the existing threads to put in your thoughts or to throw in a question. There'll be lots of abbreviations... so don't feel too shy to ask what they are. And finally if there's a particular topic that you wish to discuss on, then you can even start a new thread.... Parents Section would be good... coz that's where you generate more attention. 

Once you start typing... and joining in the discussions... you can't waiy to come back to this Board the next day !!! Happy Hunting for Info !!!

Btw, my wife and I have two boys... Daniel, 8 yr, ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) and Jordan, 6 yr, NT (Neuro Typical aka Normal)

Hi. I think this forum is great, but I'm new to this online message board thing.

I've been doing a lot of reading online about ASD because I strongly suspect my 3.75 year old stepdaughter, Hannah, falls in the spectrum.  I also feel very helpless because I am limited in what I can do as only the stepmom and since her father and I only see her every other weekend it's hard to make things happen with repsect to a diagnosis. Hannah's mother is not convinced that there is a probblem with Hannah's development. Her delayed speech is being blamed on frequent ear infections as an infant making it hard for her to hear.

I have some questions about what the signs of autism include. One of them is fixation on certain objects. Do slippers count? Hannah must put her slippers on as soon as she comes in the house and wont take them off to sleep. When she's playing and one falls off, she stops to put it on. Because of her speech delay she couldn't tell me what was wrong and she started getting really upset at the dinner table. It took me a while to realize that her slipper fell off and that's why she stopped eating and started acting irritable.

Also Hannah wont eat sweet foods. The sweetest thing she eats is Corn Pops. She turns away cookies, ice cream, cake and chocolate. Do you think this is an ASD thing or just a food preference?

You all seem really knowledgable. I thank you for your opinions in advance.

Hey Stepmom

Fixation can be something to be concerned about. The speech is def a issue she should be fluent by now at almost 4. The best thing for your hubby to do is to take the lead and hopefully MOM will follow she is probably in denial especially with so much talk now about autism all over the news and stuff.

GOOD LUCK

Hi everyone!
My name is Geneva and my oldest son, Jacob, has been diagnosed PDD/Mildly autistic. He turned 4 in September. I started to ask questions of the pediatrician over 2 yrs ago when he did develop language as fast as other kids. BUt he has has 3 open heart surgeries to correct Tetralogy of Fallot, so they wrote it off as normal regression and recovery. At his 4 yr check up I basically yelled at the doctor to write a referral for SOMETHING. See, we have TRICARE, and I like to call it NIGHTMARE....because getting services that they cannot easily label is hell. We also just moved back to North Carolina, which I just realized is not the best place to find services. I am searching for a DAN doctor now. My son is recieving speech therapy through the school system ( only twice a week) and privately for 30 minutes a week. It breaks my heart that I wasn;t able to get him any help sooner....I have put some hours in recently...studying the options and other people's stories. My kid can only get 4 hours a week and he needs more like 40! Also, I hear talk of the window..........when exactly is that?My goodness...I am ranting.....but this is all new to me. I am just hoping to find some encouragement, education and a place to let it all out.....

:)

Again happy to have found this site!

Welcome annesean and mom2jake. There is alot of help and support here. You both sound very busy. Thank you for coming to the forum.

Hi annesean and mom2jake,

Welcome, and lovely to have you both here.

You'll find lots of great support here on the forum, all you have to do is ask (or vent if you need to!).

Looking forward to hearing more from you both!

Elissa

Hi Anne!! Welcome!! Hope you like it!!!

Momtojake,

I too have tricare the nightmare..lol! Isnt it fun?!   I also live in North carolina!!!  I can tell you - the DAN docs are in Wilmington and Southern Pines!! Would love to hear more from ya!!!!

www.myspace.com/draimanwoman

Michelle

Hi Shannon,

It does become a bit of a crazy world, I'm constantly feeling overwhelmed with it all. And like you, I'm never sure what my next move is going to be either!

We tried the gluten and casien free diet with our son and it has certainly made a big difference in calming his hyperactivity and aggressiveness. We explain a bit about what we did on our blog http://www.managingautism.com. Check it out if you like, and hopefully it may help in some way.

Best regards, Elissa  Hi!  I am Stormy C.  I have a son who is Asberger's Syndrome with ADHD.  My husband and I are both professionals in the field of education for exceptional children also.  My husband is well published for his research in the field of Autism.  Our son is a joy.  Even though we have to carefully plan things so that he is prepared for them, he is an absolute joy!  We love him so much.  He is also really smart and has overcome many obstacles, including learning to speak.  He still sounds like he's from eastern Europe, but that's okay.  Its so much better than when we didn't understand him at all.  We also have a daughter who is pure joy to us as well.  She has no disabilities but gets into trouble easy.  Fortunately, our son's autism makes him follow rules to the letter so he looks out for his sister.  I am very happy with my family and I hope I can be of some help to people in this forum.  Because my husband is a professional in the field, please allow me to remain anonymous.  I hope I can be of help. My 25 month old son has just been dx with autism. About 6 months ago I started noticing things. He was not interested in playing with other children. I had to engage him to play even with me. He never really played with toys. He would sit with his cars and spin the wheels. He never acknowledged his grandma, didn't seem to care who held him, or when I or my husband left. Then he started head banging, ignoring, spinning around, himself and everything he could, flapping his hands. He won't eat with a fork. Won't talk, stopped playing patty cake with me.
So I started reading, and crying, and crying. Last friday we took him to the doctor, she stayed with him an hour and at the end of that hour told my husband and I that our son is autistic.
He's my baby, I love him and will do whatever I have to, to keep from losing any more of him. But I'm heart broken too. It's all bottled up in me. I cry alot. Right now I'm just trying to get a handle on this, learn and start to help my son. 1 ShyCladBoy39364.7780671296To ShyCladBoy:

It may not seem this way, but this is the point at which things start getting better. The more you know the more you will be amazed by your child. I have learned a lot about life from my son who is now 22. The toughest part for me was not knowing what his diagnosis was until he was 19! Things may seem challenging and heart wrenching but it is also rewarding in ways you didn't expect.
Hey Everyone,

My name is Kristi, and my 2 year old, Korban has been diagnosed with ASD within the past month. I SO saw it coming, as i have a very close friend with 2 asd boys. I also have a very maternal and bossy 5 year old daughter McKayla, and both of them are as sweet as the day is long.

I look forward to getting to know you all, as we embark on this ... adventure that we call autism.

Hugs!
Kristi

Hi mom210293,

I live in a rural area as well and I often feel isolated from people who understand what our lives are like (living with a child with autism).  Going out in public can often be a challenge in itself and people can be very judgemental.

I have found online support to be wonderful.  I know it's not face to face and it's not like having someone nearby but since I have been blogging (www.managingautism.com) and on the forum I at least feel like I am not alone.

Hopefully we can chat some more - stay in touch!

Cheers, Elissa

Don't feel like you're alone.  I know it can be totally devastating when you first get a diagnosis, and you can feel like your whole world is falling down around you, but like DrLareau says, when it gets to this point, it eventually has to start getting better.

I know I cried many tears - of both grief and frustration that things just weren't how they should be.  And I still feel grief sometimes for what other people have that I don't.  But your child is still beautiful and special and there really are plenty of rewards and you will find things to celebrate.

Try and stay strong and remember that there is plenty of support.  Feel free to drop by my blog http://www.managingautism.com where I talk more about what I went through when we first had our diagnosis.

I look forward to chatting with you more.

Cheers, Elissa.  Hello, Elissa -
Thanks for your response. It is just so overwhelming to go onto these forums and see how many people are affected by autism. It does help me in seeing that I am not alone.
I don't think that my daughter's school system has ever had a student quite like her - bright but with behavioral problems. The special education department has been very good to her, though. I really can't complain.
It is very hard to be strong here with my daughter the way she is since the town is so small and also so ignorant in a lot of ways. I am fairly well known around town and so I feel people "whisper" about my daughter.
Anyway, I find myself wondering why it was me with the special needs child instead of some of those who just seem to have it made in their lives. I question God alot. Hi,

I'm Jen, mum to 3 year old Liam.  He was diagnosed with PDD-NOS about a year ago.  He is very high functioning and will probably eventually be considered  Aspergers.  He is also Hyperlexic, he blows my mind every day with all he knows and learns.  We are in MA and Liam is in a great pre-school program that was created for him this year. 

I am also pregnant with number 2, a girl due Jan 15th.  I have been lurking for a month or so.  I keep meaning on registering but forget until there is a post I really want to respond to.  I can't wait to get to know all of you.

Hugs to all!
Jen
Hello Everybody!

Glad to have found this forum and to find out we are not alone. I am the father of an Aspy who is now attending a specialized school in Massachusetts. I really miss him. I had no idea how difficult it would be without him. Anyway, to occupy my time I put together a web page that has what I consider to be a collection of the best articles I could find on autism. As a retired physician I tried to find the most relevant research articles--things that have appeared in medical journals that seem to ring true to me. If you have the time I would appreciate any feedback you could give. The web address is http://www.drlareau.com/autism.html. Looking forward to reading ALL the posts on this website.

Hello everyone.  My name is Amy, and my daughter Laura is almost 4 years old.  I've been searching for more information regarding PDD and found this site.  Laura hasn't been diagnosed yet - her pediatrician told me that she feels she definitely has a PDD, and has almost all the symptoms of autism.  Laura will be going to UVA (University of Virginia) in February for a full evaluation.  I wish they could have scheduled it sooner, as I want to get whatever help for Laura that she needs.  She's already in speech therapy, and her preschool has requested an evaluation for her from the School Board.  I'm so new to this, so I'll probably have lots of questions for everyone here. 

Thanks!

Amy

Hi Melissa, welcome aboard!

Sounds like you definately have your hands full but also it sounds as if you can handle pretty much anything thrown your way!  Way to go!

Your kids are lucky to have you for their mom!

[QUOTE=4UDonette]Hello,
I have a 3 year old PDDNOS daughter.  She is in a special needs preschool and working with speech therapists.  She struggles mostly with speech and processing information.  I am finding myself diving into books and info and now this site with so many questions.  I am interested in the gfcf diet and am finding very little resources in my small town.  I am looking forward to learning all I can from the people and resources on this site.
[/QUOTE]

Hi Welcome aboard.  I dont' know much about the gfcf diet.  Hopefully some of the others can.

I'm so impressed that you managed to get her dx'd early and into a special needs preschool etc.  That is great!

Hi all!!!

I am new to the boards as well!! I told our story in the other section too! I have two wonderful boys, 7 and 9. My nine year old had mild to moderate Autism and Pierre Robin Syndrome.

We are a military family and stay busy..lol!   I cant wait to meet all of you!!!!!

As for anyone interested, I have the 2 GFCF cookbooks that we are no longer using and I would be more than happy to mail them out to someone who could use them!!

Take care,

Michelle Shaver

Hi and welcome, I haven't heard of Pierre Robin syndrome, so I'm off to look it up. 

To Michael, Mommyofone or anyone else currently going through this school stuff,

In Maine, the Autism Society of Maine will provide you with an advocate free of charge. I know they have a program for training people to be what is called an Information Specialist but they also have access to professional advocates.

Try the Autism Society in your state for more information. 

Good luck!  It shouldn't be so hard to get what our children need. It should be a cooperative effort on the part of the school and parents for the child but it always seems to become an "us against the school system" fight. Someday maybe things will change. Until then we as parents MUST try to work with the schools and when we can't then we have to fight.

HI!

My name is Rachel and I am a newbie.  My son, Caleb, is 3 yrs old.  We are currently in the waiting process of a dx.  Caleb is the love of my life.  He is speech delayed.  We are currently enrolled in the local school program for speech help and they will also be giving him another dx if possible.  I am also waiting for a meeting with a developmental specialist.  This will apparently take several mos. 

I never dreamed i would be dealing with autism/spectrum issues.  Everyone's attitude has been that I need to chill out and that Caleb will talk when he is ready.  There is more going on with Caleb than speech.  After doing a bunch of research, and reconnecting with a friend who has a son on the spectrum, i started looking into autism and realized that i have finally figured out what is going on. 

I am still at the place where I am feeling pretty overwhelmed and alone.  I am so grateful to realize what is going on; I am ready to get started NOW.  Yesterday. 

My son is smart.  He knows his alphabet, the phonetics, and is slowly starting to apply a letter to a word...P, the p says P...p...p...popcorn.  He can count and LOVES numbers.  He loves puzzles.  He loves singing, even though alot of what he sings is hard to understand.  He picks up songs super quickly.  He also memorizes alot of movies.  He can't use a sentence.  he knows alot of words though so he says things.  juice please, bubble tubby, iluyou,his buddies names, etc. 

my son is a sweetie with a beautiful smile and a quirky, lovable personality.  he is also incredibly tempermental and i have a hard time with any and all discipline.  i don't know what to do about all of that because nothing works.  i don't know how much is defiance or how much isn't clearly understood.  he also wants his way or the highway ALL THE TIME.  he LOVES his buddies and they play very well together physically.  haircuts are torture and washing hair at tubby time is too.  meltdowns are intense. seriously. WOAH.

i have been reading up in this place and feel like i am right where i belong, finally.  i am so excited!  My son is the best thing that has ever happened to me, regardless of our differences.  I hope that i can connect with you guys on this journey.  the hardest thing is feeling so alone.  we just do life differently.  i want to be Caleb's advocate and help him any way I can.  I want him to be happy and healthy.  He is awesome and I am glad to be here!

Rachel

My daughter is 5 years old, she was diagnosed with speech delays at age 2 and PDD-NOS at age 4.  She was born full term, but jaundiced, with most development on track, except for speech.  She also was kind of a "loner" kid, played by herself, lined up the toys, didn't follow me around the house.  She did show signs of hyperlexia at a young age, once she could articulate words.  No speech before 2, she started intensive speech therapy at 2 1/2 and made strides about every 6 months or so.  At age 4 her new pediatrician spotted signs of PDD and referred her the the behavioral specialist.  As a new mom, I couldn't see all the signs, although I knew she was different from other kids.  Now she is in the regular class at school, with speech and fine motor therapy included.  She still has meltdowns when the schedule deviates, prefers to sleep on the floor or in her camping tent and it is strange watching her try to play soccer, as she tends to stand and look in the opposite direction when she isn't spinning

I have had great experiences with our health care provider and the local school district.  Great site!

Hi all,