Autism, cont...

[Maddie]

I wanted to open a thread for continued discussion of Autism and related disorders, the new childhood epidemics, and share our stories and ideas, etc.

heres Miranda, shes 7 now, and she has really grown since the initial thread began, in so many wonderful ways. She whacked her hair again and she won't let me fix it up and pretty, whats a momma to do? lol

and shes learning to read now..... :smile2:

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff157/AmandaRosexxx/mirandatg.jpg

[Kim L.]

Good to see Miranda again! Kids have their own very definite ideas about their hair, their clothes (with my daughter, it was mismatched socks for years), don't they?

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

Great to see you, Miranda, lookin' cool!!!

Thankee for starting this thread again, Amanda. It proved so informative before, especially to me who knew nothing at all about the subject until I came across your thread.

The mixture of first-hand stories and great links was very educational, I thought.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Dana]

She is so cute Amanda, and has grown alot!
I think she looks alot like you! :)

[Anni M]

She certainly has good taste in reading material, AmandaRose! I'm pleased to finally meet your little one. :smile2: She has a sweet, sweet face.
How lucky to have a mum like you!

[donna1982]

You have a lovely daughter AmandaRose! I'm glad to see she's doing well. I have a 2 year old son with Down syndrome. His name is Chayse and he's doing great! I became familiar with autism as I educated myself about Down syndrome and because I love Jenny McCarthy. Autism occurs more frequently in children with DS than the typical population, and my husband and I run a support group for new parents so it's one of the things we talk about. Isn't Jenny's book, Louder Than Words, fabulous? I watched her on the Ellen show and she said her son (Evan) asked her over dinner one day if she remembers when he was shy. She said "yes, why were you shy?" And he said, " I just couldn't get my words out." It just about broke my heart!

[blackandgoldbutterfly]

your daughter is so cute...

[Maddie]

Good to see Miranda again! Kids have their own very definite ideas about their hair, their clothes (with my daughter, it was mismatched socks for years), don't they?

Yes don't they Kim?! and I thought after three boys, the little girl was gonna let me dress her up and stuff but nooooo :laugh: and thats too funny about the socks .

[Maddie]

Hi,

Great to see you, Miranda, lookin' cool!!!

Thankee for starting this thread again, Amanda. It proved so informative before, especially to me who knew nothing at all about the subject until I came across your thread.

The mixture of first-hand stories and great links was very educational, I thought.

Long days and pleasant nights

Thank YOU John for such heartwarming support, for her and all the many other children and parents. and thats such a sweet banner. :)

[Maddie]

She is so cute Amanda, and has grown alot!
I think she looks alot like you! :)

thank youuuu Dana, and I try to make us look alike, one day we were going out, dressed very similar, well, just alike, lol, and my oldest son, 17, said 'MOM! she looks like you! Stoppitttttt! !!! :oo:

[Maddie]

She certainly has good taste in reading material, AmandaRose! I'm pleased to finally meet your little one. :smile2: She has a sweet, sweet face.
How lucky to have a mum like you!

and thank you sweet miss AnniM, we might as well start her out with the best haven't we? lol.

you know, she can't actually read him yet, but she knows his name on sight.... and his pictures, she calls him Teeben King..... and she knows he rocks! :smile2:

[Maddie]

You have a lovely daughter AmandaRose! I'm glad to see she's doing well. I have a 2 year old son with Down syndrome. His name is Chayse and he's doing great! I became familiar with autism as I educated myself about Down syndrome and because I love Jenny McCarthy. Autism occurs more frequently in children with DS than the typical population, and my husband and I run a support group for new parents so it's one of the things we talk about. Isn't Jenny's book, Louder Than Words, fabulous? I watched her on the Ellen show and she said her son (Evan) asked her over dinner one day if she remembers when he was shy. She said "yes, why were you shy?" And he said, " I just couldn't get my words out." It just about broke my heart!

Donna, thank you. Its lovely to meet you and best wishes and hugs for you and Chayse, I am glad too to hear that he is doing well also! We would love to see his picture if you would like to share it. I think its awesome that you are leading a support group, that is caring and touching, I know you are helping alot of new parents. I have not yet had the pleasure of reading Jenny McCarthy's new book, yet, its on my list, but I have seen her on numerous programs and throughout the internet, and cant be more proud and pleased of how she is speaking out and being heard, even by the CDC in Atlanta, did you catch that? and that is very touching what you say that her son Evan said to her, I think I would just fall to pieces if and when my little girl ever touches on reality in quite that way, to 'tell me about it', it will make me so happy and wanna cry at the same time too. We have moments when she will repeat something over and over and over and I still can't understand and she gets really frustrated, upset and somtimes to tears, and it breaks my heart when that happens, but thankfully its not that often.

[donna1982]

I know what you mean. I feel so sorry for Chayse when he is trying to tell me something and I can't quite get it. Sign language has been a huge success for him and my older 3 kids (ages 8, 6, and 3) learn it at the same time as Chayse so it is very helpful. I wasn't aware that the CDC was listening to Jenny McCarthy, but I am glad to hear it! It's about time that they are FINALLY listening to someone.

[Kim L.]

Yes don't they Kim?! and I thought after three boys, the little girl was gonna let me dress her up and stuff but nooooo :laugh: and thats too funny about the socks .

You know what? She's in college and she still does it!

[SKfan2006]

Amanda your daughter is so cute and she really does have good taste even though i don't have that book yet. i had gotten three new SK books over the break and they are Dolores, Firestarter, and Nightmares & Dreamscapes. and it's so true that kids have their own idea for fashion. for me i had the same hairdo for 17 years and my sister convinced me to change it and i love it. it used to be long and shaggy and now it's short and spiky.

[Maddie]

I know what you mean. I feel so sorry for Chayse when he is trying to tell me something and I can't quite get it. Sign language has been a huge success for him and my older 3 kids (ages 8, 6, and 3) learn it at the same time as Chayse so it is very helpful. I wasn't aware that the CDC was listening to Jenny McCarthy, but I am glad to hear it! It's about time that they are FINALLY listening to someone.


Thats wonderful that you are able to communicate with Chayse thru signing! They began Miranda with it too, but she became so verbal that it kind of just slipped out of her therapy almost immediately. It seems her problems lie in her inability to pronounce certain letters and then getting mixed up on words. I don't think theyre probably 'listening' to Jenny McCarthy at the CDC, but more that she has their attention. I think it was out of difficulty having them return calls that she phoned their offices from a stage in Atlanta recently and she did some talking from there....'and I'll shutup if you..... and I'll shutup if you....' :grinning:

[Maddie]

Amanda your daughter is so cute and she really does have good taste even though i don't have that book yet. i had gotten three new SK books over the break and they are Dolores, Firestarter, and Nightmares & Dreamscapes. and it's so true that kids have their own idea for fashion. for me i had the same hairdo for 17 years and my sister convinced me to change it and i love it. it used to be long and shaggy and now it's short and spiky.

thank you :smile2: I want it long and she wants it short, I guess Im going to have to give in and let her have it her way after all. I bet your hair looks great! Oh and Nightmares and Dreamscapes , you'll love that, its my favorite short story collection, especially the clever sneaky author bit , which I can't mention, but you'll see.

oh and about hair, I have a friend in Missouri, last year, her 8 yr old daughter, shes autistic, she cut her hair with scissors all the way to the scalp, big bald spots, bangs.... completely gone too. lol. and all she could do was set a hairband on her head to decorate it, there was nothing else her mom could do but we laughed and laughed. All kids gotta try to do this. :laugh:

I dont think I ever did the hair, but I took a small, like rope, and went back and forth across my forehead for a while, in a mirror, and then did the same thing to my chin, below the lip, well, next day, I had these huge like friction burn sores, right on my forehead and chin, they matched, and I had to go to school of course and you know my parents were so embarrassed like 'why did you do that???' and I still dont know why I did it. lol

[Maddie]

I was thinking, about how all these learning and communication disorders and conditions are deemed as disabilities by much of society though the children are not in fact, disabled.

[JohnDalglish]

I was thinking, about how all these learning and communication disorders and conditions are deemed as disabilities by much of society though the children are not in fact, disabled.

Hi,

I couldn't agree more - it baffles me that otherwise intelligent and well-informed people can still talk about autism as a 'disability', when it can be such a positive trait if channelled properly.

I know that there is learned debate about these diagnosis, but where would Western music be without J. S. Bach, art without Michelangelo and Leonardo and physics without Einstein?

Disabled?

Long days and pleasant nights

[Cola]

I have learned so much about autisim and how it affects loved ones in these threads Amanda Rose :) - My knowledge on the topic is very limited and its nice to read these posts even if I don't contribute much!!

[donna1982]

I agree with you completely. It seems like if society as a whole would focus on Abilites rather than Disabilites everyone else would follow suit. Chayse is obviously slower than the typical 2 year old, but it drives me crazy when people refer to him as disabled or sick!

[Maddie]

I agree with you completely. It seems like if society as a whole would focus on Abilites rather than Disabilites everyone else would follow suit. Chayse is obviously slower than the typical 2 year old, but it drives me crazy when people refer to him as disabled or sick!



I knowww Donna, it drives me crazy too! and hearing them referred to that way is so not fair to them. They deserve to be believed in and those references are degrading them as the young, smart and fully capable people that they really are. My little girl, she talks, and I am sooo thrilled, she didn't even say momma til she was 3, it doesnt even matter that she may 'sound' like a 3 or 4 year old now at 7 to people who don't know her. Our kids are not sick or disabled at all and I agree with you that more of society should definitely focus on their unlimited 'Abilities' and the sky is the only real limit. :smile2:

[Maddie]

Hi,

I couldn't agree more - it baffles me that otherwise intelligent and well-informed people can still talk about autism as a 'disability', when it can be such a positive trait if channelled properly.

I know that there is learned debate about these diagnosis, but where would Western music be without J. S. Bach, art without Michelangelo and Leonardo and physics without Einstein?

Disabled?

Long days and pleasant nights

I couldn't agree with you more either John. Although its much speculation, still its speculated about so many great achievers based on their recorded behavior traits and characteristics...they weren't the average Joes. :wink2:

I love the way you put that about being channelled properly, I agree! If they are labled disabled, how much motivation and encouragement could one intend to apply?

[Maddie]

I have learned so much about autisim and how it affects loved ones in these threads Amanda Rose :) - My knowledge on the topic is very limited and its nice to read these posts even if I don't contribute much!!


Thank you Cola :smile2: I appreciate knowing that. I didn't know a thing about it either, until I had to. I feel it can knock on anyones door, anytime, and I feel like I should share what I know, and grateful to so many who share with me. thank you so much sweetie. :love:

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff157/AmandaRosexxx/autismteddy2.jpg

[Ayla]

On the other side of the disability conversation...My ex (who is autistic for those who dont know) *did* view himself as disabled. Not mentally or anything like that, but socially. He and i spoke about his frustrations, especially when he was younger, at knowing that he was doing something wrong but not being able to understand what it was or how to make it better. He's the smartest guy i know, soaks up knowledge like a sponge but there are some things he just cant do. it took him 2 years to remember my mothers name. he's 25 doesn't know the order of the months. he was in his late teens before he figured out the order of the days of the week. He knows its wrong to smack someones hand away if they lay it on his shoulder but he still doesn't really understand the why of it being wrong. he sees this as a disability.

i dont necessarily agree with him on this but i thought it was a perspective most people are not normally privy too.

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

Love the teddy, Amanda.

And the general feeling seems to be that public awareness of autism, and how it affects everyone, needs a lot done to counter-act the ignorance of remarks like 'disabled'.

And I agree completely with Cola - I knew absolutely zilch about the subject until Amanda started this thread - so as far as the SKMB goes, you've done a great job on Autism Awareness, Amanda. Kudos!

Long days and pleasant nights

[scotts_girl]

hey there girl,Miranda is looking so big and just as cute as ever i wish you both all the best for 2008 by the way:biggrin2: keep on reading Miranda

[Cola]

thats a lovely Tedy Amanda :love:

[donna1982]

Amanda,

I was just wondering if you've ever been to www.cafepress.com ? They have all sorts of unique items about Autism awareness, Down syndrome awareness, and many other things. I found a really neat bumper sticker that says: Ha Ha! My kid has more chromosomes than yours!

And I also found a shirt for Chayse that says: You laugh because I'm different, but I laugh because you're all the same.

You should check it out.

[motherwolf]

:cool2::smile2:
I wanted to open a thread for continued discussion of Autism and related disorders, the new childhood epidemics, and share our stories and ideas, etc.

heres Miranda, shes 7 now, and she has really grown since the initial thread began, in so many wonderful ways. She whacked her hair again and she won't let me fix it up and pretty, whats a momma to do? lol

and shes learning to read now..... :smile2:

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff157/AmandaRosexxx/mirandatg.jpg Amanda Rose you have a most beautiful child! I'm sure that she is an absolute joy! She sure looks like she is. I have a cousin that I am close to, whose son has a very mild form of autism. Forgive me I have a hard time keeping up with terms and names of specific things. What I do know is the love and dedication it takes to progress along with these special children and to help them every way possible. God bless you both! Y'all are in my prayers!

[Maddie]

On the other side of the disability conversation...My ex (who is autistic for those who dont know) *did* view himself as disabled. Not mentally or anything like that, but socially. He and i spoke about his frustrations, especially when he was younger, at knowing that he was doing something wrong but not being able to understand what it was or how to make it better. He's the smartest guy i know, soaks up knowledge like a sponge but there are some things he just cant do. it took him 2 years to remember my mothers name. he's 25 doesn't know the order of the months. he was in his late teens before he figured out the order of the days of the week. He knows its wrong to smack someones hand away if they lay it on his shoulder but he still doesn't really understand the why of it being wrong. he sees this as a disability.

i dont necessarily agree with him on this but i thought it was a perspective most people are not normally privy too.


Hi Ayla :smile2: thanks for sharing that, its interesting to hear all the different perspectives, the view Im expressing here is just as the mom of a young one and others feeling that way about her, she may someday be able to express things about herself in this regard, and I sure hope so! that she may acknowledge and express strengths or weakness in any areas, that would be so wonderful. I love learning new things from the adults and young adults and its always so encouraging! Thank you Ayla.

[Maddie]

Amanda,

I was just wondering if you've ever been to www.cafepress.com ? They have all sorts of unique items about Autism awareness, Down syndrome awareness, and many other things. I found a really neat bumper sticker that says: Ha Ha! My kid has more chromosomes than yours!

And I also found a shirt for Chayse that says: You laugh because I'm different, but I laugh because you're all the same.

You should check it out.


hi Donna, no I haven't but I am going to have a look, I love the shirt you got for Chayse! how cute! I know hes adorable in it. I saw what you were saying about Autism and Down Syndrome, how 10 % with DS have both. I want to say thank you for enlightening me, all of us, on Down Syndrome, I've been reading up on it and know more about it now too, our kids are much alike in so many ways. :smile2:

[Maddie]

:cool2::smile2: Amanda Rose you have a most beautiful child! I'm sure that she is an absolute joy! She sure looks like she is. I have a cousin that I am close to, whose son has a very mild form of autism. Forgive me I have a hard time keeping up with terms and names of specific things. What I do know is the love and dedication it takes to progress along with these special children and to help them every way possible. God bless you both! Y'all are in my prayers!

motherwolf, thank you :smile2: she is a joy, and she keeps me laughing, one day Im going to write down all the adventures of it. To have us in your prayers is extremely thoughtful, and I appreciate it! :love:

[Cola]

motherwolf, thank you :smile2: she is a joy, and she keeps me laughing, one day Im going to write down all the adventures of it. To have us in your prayers is extremely thoughtful, and I appreciate it! :love:

Thats what life is all about Amanda Rose - the laughing -it keeps us young :love:

[motherwolf]

:cool2::smile2:
motherwolf, thank you :smile2: she is a joy, and she keeps me laughing, one day Im going to write down all the adventures of it. To have us in your prayers is extremely thoughtful, and I appreciate it! :love: Might could be good stuff for a great childrens book! Or a 'chicken soup' book for parents!! All kids are so great at pulling at our heartstrings, wading them up like kite strings and dragging us around by them! And making us love every hairpulling minute of it!:biggrin2:

[Kim L.]

:cool2::smile2: All kids are so great at pulling at our heartstrings, wading them up like kite strings and dragging us around by them! And making us love every hairpulling minute of it!:biggrin2:

So true! Nothing compares to the love we have for our children--so deep and strong it hurts sometimes.

[Maddie]

:cool2::smile2: Might could be good stuff for a great childrens book! Or a 'chicken soup' book for parents!! All kids are so great at pulling at our heartstrings, wading them up like kite strings and dragging us around by them! And making us love every hairpulling minute of it!:biggrin2:

So true! don't you love the times you can sit back and laugh at things that were catastrophic at the time, my oldest has put me thru so much, ready or not, had to be ready for anything, he once beat our gas meter with a brick, til it started going ssssssssssssssssss, yep, whole damn fire department and half the police force, our entire road was blocked off for hours, and... all he wanted was the clock. :eyebrow:

[motherwolf]

:cool2::rofl:
So true! don't you love the times you can sit back and laugh at things that were catastrophic at the time, my oldest has put me thru so much, ready or not, had to be ready for anything, he once beat our gas meter with a brick, til it started going ssssssssssssssssss, yep, whole damn fire department and half the police force, our entire road was blocked off for hours, and... all he wanted was the clock. :eyebrow:DAAAAMN!!! Oh! Thats a good one!!! I haven't laughed that hard in awhile! It's one of those things that isn't funny, but yes it is so damn funny and you tell /type it so well!!!( parents understand these things!sometimes you got to laugh to keep from crying) I stand in awe of your foritude! I have to worry about joe doing crap like that out of temper, but thank God in heaven Jax hasn't done anything like that!(Yet!!!) OH Crap that cracked me up!!!!:rofl:

[motherwolf]

:cool2::smile2:
So true! Nothing compares to the love we have for our children--so deep and strong it hurts sometimes.YESSSS!!!

[Maddie]

So true! don't you love the times you can sit back and laugh at things that were catastrophic at the time, my oldest has put me thru so much, ready or not, had to be ready for anything, he once beat our gas meter with a brick, til it started going ssssssssssssssssss, yep, whole damn fire department and half the police force, our entire road was blocked off for hours, and... all he wanted was the clock. :eyebrow:


I had meant to also say to the previous post that I had thought of that, about Chicken soup like, and how the siblings of the kids with learning disorders, any of them in my opinion, they go extra miles sometimes for that one, and its not so easy sometimes, that being their mother, you try to be fair. Just the other day Miranda 'destroyed' her 15 yr old brothers glasses, for the 3rd time, he can't see without them, she twists them to pieces, frames and all, (which obviously he left them within her reach again so partly his fault) and she laughs hysterically when he gets upset.

When my 10 yr old gets hurt or upset(and hes extremely dramatic) she laughs hysterically and I have to go, she doesn't really mean it, but she can't stop honestly laughing, and he says its not fair shes laughing. I am proud of them for tolerating some of these behaviors that she has and I know other parents must feel the same way. One thing thats odd to me about this trait where she laughs at 'upsetting' situations, is that when she was a baby, she always sounded like she was crying, when she was laughing, always. and another thing is that, she has all these strange fears, like for instance the appearance of the sky, but shes not afraid to walk out into a busy street filled with traffic.

[Kim L.]

my oldest has put me thru so much, ready or not, had to be ready for anything, he once beat our gas meter with a brick, til it started going ssssssssssssssssss, yep, whole damn fire department and half the police force, our entire road was blocked off for hours, and... all he wanted was the clock. :eyebrow:

:rofl:

[donna1982]

Amanda,

I didn't know if you knew: the CBS evening news with Katie Couric is having a special about Autism tonight. I only caught the tail end of what it's about, but thought you might be interested.

[Maddie]

Amanda,

I didn't know if you knew: the CBS evening news with Katie Couric is having a special about Autism tonight. I only caught the tail end of what it's about, but thought you might be interested.

Thank you Donna, I didn't know about that, I will definitely check that out. :love:

[Tery]

Ran across this diary with an interesting link...

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/1/9/19519/94492/285/433992

[motherwolf]

:cool2::down::laugh:
I had meant to also say to the previous post that I had thought of that, about Chicken soup like, and how the siblings of the kids with learning disorders, any of them in my opinion, they go extra miles sometimes for that one, and its not so easy sometimes, that being their mother, you try to be fair. Just the other day Miranda 'destroyed' her 15 yr old brothers glasses, for the 3rd time, he can't see without them, she twists them to pieces, frames and all, (which obviously he left them within her reach again so partly his fault) and she laughs hysterically when he gets upset.

When my 10 yr old gets hurt or upset(and hes extremely dramatic) she laughs hysterically and I have to go, she doesn't really mean it, but she can't stop honestly laughing, and he says its not fair shes laughing. I am proud of them for tolerating some of these behaviors that she has and I know other parents must feel the same way. One thing thats odd to me about this trait where she laughs at 'upsetting' situations, is that when she was a baby, she always sounded like she was crying, when she was laughing, always. and another thing is that, she has all these strange fears, like for instance the appearance of the sky, but shes not afraid to walk out into a busy street filled with traffic.Right now, I have so much to say. But I cannot find the words to convey my thoughts and feelings in a succinct manner. Maybe I will be able to tommorrow. But for now: All children are so special. And these kids that we call "special", (to be polite and kind) ARE SO different, so unique and so SPECIAL. What sets them 'apart' is so endearing and draws US close to them. Like moths to a flame. It's so hard for adults ( but a labor of love and joy) But the siblings who do not have that parental encoding, They astound us too. They may be frustrated and upset most of the time, but HOW they do endure! And endure out of LOVE. Oh, how the world should follow the example of children, ALL children. And in the 'succinct' words of Forest, Forest Gump. "That is all I've got to say about that." For now. I don't think this is offensive, I most certainly do not intend to offend. It's just what I feel right now, I and wanted to let it out.

[Maddie]

Ran across this diary with an interesting link...

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/1/9/19519/94492/285/433992

Thank you so much for the link Tery, it is very interesting. Deletions and/or duplications of Chromosome 16 found. I had noticed that it is extra Chromosome 21 with Down Syndrome recently. Its wonderful to hear that some progress are being made with findings in the genetic studies. :smile2:

[Maddie]

:cool2::down::laugh:Right now, I have so much to say. But I cannot find the words to convey my thoughts and feelings in a succinct manner. Maybe I will be able to tommorrow. But for now: All children are so special. And these kids that we call "special", (to be polite and kind) ARE SO different, so unique and so SPECIAL. What sets them 'apart' is so endearing and draws US close to them. Like moths to a flame. It's so hard for adults ( but a labor of love and joy) But the siblings who do not have that parental encoding, They astound us too. They may be frustrated and upset most of the time, but HOW they do endure! And endure out of LOVE. Oh, how the world should follow the example of children, ALL children. And in the 'succinct' words of Forest, Forest Gump. "That is all I've got to say about that." For now. I don't think this is offensive, I most certainly do not intend to offend. It's just what I feel right now, I and wanted to let it out.

I agree with you motherwolf. :smile2: and I can't see anyone being offended by use of the word special, and that all kids are special and I had worried that some might think that I didn't think that all kids are special or mine is special and theirs is not, etc, lol, silly me. Forrest Gump always brings a smile doesn't he? :love:

[Maddie]

Amanda,

I didn't know if you knew: the CBS evening news with Katie Couric is having a special about Autism tonight. I only caught the tail end of what it's about, but thought you might be interested.

Donna, I got busy and totally missed this program! Heres a link with a brief summary of its focus for anyone interested.

http://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/jeff-poor/2008/01/08/cbs-evening-news-does-180-thimerosal-autism-link

[Cola]

:cool2::down::laugh:Right now, I have so much to say. But I cannot find the words to convey my thoughts and feelings in a succinct manner. Maybe I will be able to tommorrow. But for now: All children are so special. And these kids that we call "special", (to be polite and kind) ARE SO different, so unique and so SPECIAL. What sets them 'apart' is so endearing and draws US close to them. Like moths to a flame. It's so hard for adults ( but a labor of love and joy) But the siblings who do not have that parental encoding, They astound us too. They may be frustrated and upset most of the time, but HOW they do endure! And endure out of LOVE. Oh, how the world should follow the example of children, ALL children. And in the 'succinct' words of Forest, Forest Gump. "That is all I've got to say about that." For now. I don't think this is offensive, I most certainly do not intend to offend. It's just what I feel right now, I and wanted to let it out.

Children really are angels - then society messes them all up :(

[MadamMack]

Children really are angels - then society messes them all up :(

So very true . . .

[motherwolf]

:cool2:
I agree with you motherwolf. :smile2: and I can't see anyone being offended by use of the word special, and that all kids are special and I had worried that some might think that I didn't think that all kids are special or mine is special and theirs is not, etc, lol, silly me. Forrest Gump always brings a smile doesn't he? :love:


Children really are angels - then society messes them all up :(


So very true . . . Thanks Amanda! Sometimes I don't know when to shut up when the words just arn't coming out quite right! Yes Forest does!!! And very silly you!!! In the short time I've been reading your posts I would never have gotten that idea Love!!! Oh dear 'Cola! But we can do so much as far as damage control! Can't let it get us down if we can't do it all!!! Our kids are all gonna be fine Love!!! I have seen some of the best Mothers here that I'll probably ever see in my whole life!!! Good Morning! Hope y'all had good weekends!!!!:smile2:

[onedartlou]

My son (Sam) is also 7 and has autism! No chance of getting anywhere near his hair!! He will allow one woman at school to cut it and that is it! He looked like a girl for the first 5 years of his life!

That's great to hear that Miranda is learning to read, Sam is getting there slooooowwwlllyyy! He is far too busy playing with his pirates!! What is Miranda's obsession??

[Maddie]

Hello, its nice to meet you! :smile2: Sam sounds like an adorable little thing, I love long hair too, on boys and girls, lol. Miranda is reading at Kindergarten level slowlllyyy too, not any SK just yet as I indicated with the pics, but Im gonna hook her up. Her obsessions, we have been thru so many, objects, but lately, Strawberry Shortcake, the doll, toys, dvds, she has changed her name to Miranda Strawberry, and actually cried because I wouldnt put this on all of her belongings and papers in her bookbag. :laugh: Her favorite of these dvds is 'Cookin' up Fun', and she has an obsession with food, with any and all programs that have food, or people eating, she had allready been doing internet searches on images for certain things like cupcakes, birthday cakes, happy meals, lol, and she saves these to an album, and constantly she changes the screen saver on the computer, with foods. lol. and so lately, I have noticed, that shes looping sections on dvds she watches frequently, to play segments over and over .....

ex: My Little Pony, one of the ponies eats an entire cake while the other ponies stand watching in disbelief, and then eats a second cake, entirely, and then belches and asks for 'more', which of course there is no more... and then it repeats. another ex: Ninja Turtles movie.... theres these 4 guys all watching a hockey game and theyre all gathered around the tv and all have bags of chips and popcorn, drinks, and theyre cramming it all into their mouths, its flying everywhere and theyre yelling and cheering, and then it repeats. Lol. Shes always been heavy for her age, though not appearing to be, but right now, I cant pick her up anymore, doc said not to cut down on anything she eats, but just the portions, but shes very insistent on eating too much, so thats I have to say an obsession of hers, and another one is time, clocks and she has her own calender, and she always knows what time it is and what day it is, which had been a worry of mine that she might not distinguish time properly, shes better than I am, lol.

What grade is Sam in? Miranda is in the first, though I didnt put her into Kindergarten until she was 6, cause she couldn't talk and tell me things I waited that out as long as possible, so shes a year behind her age group but she might catch up, but at least now she can 'tell me what she had for lunch' stuff like that, before that , she couldn't answer questions and stuff, and in this cruel world we can't let them out cause you cant trust people. The verbal process has been slow but the achievements have been amazing. Is Sam verbal or do you sign? I would love to hear more about him, thank you for introducing him!

[motherwolf]

:cool2::smile2:
My son (Sam) is also 7 and has autism! No chance of getting anywhere near his hair!! He will allow one woman at school to cut it and that is it! He looked like a girl for the first 5 years of his life!

That's great to hear that Miranda is learning to read, Sam is getting there slooooowwwlllyyy! He is far too busy playing with his pirates!! What is Miranda's obsession??


Hello, its nice to meet you! :smile2: Sam sounds like an adorable little thing, I love long hair too, on boys and girls, lol. Miranda is reading at Kindergarten level slowlllyyy too, not any SK just yet as I indicated with the pics, but Im gonna hook her up. Her obsessions, we have been thru so many, objects, but lately, Strawberry Shortcake, the doll, toys, dvds, she has changed her name to Miranda Strawberry, and actually cried because I wouldnt put this on all of her belongings and papers in her bookbag. :laugh: Her favorite of these dvds is 'Cookin' up Fun', and she has an obsession with food, with any and all programs that have food, or people eating, she had allready been doing internet searches on images for certain things like cupcakes, birthday cakes, happy meals, lol, and she saves these to an album, and constantly she changes the screen saver on the computer, with foods. lol. and so lately, I have noticed, that shes looping sections on dvds she watches frequently, to play segments over and over .....

ex: My Little Pony, one of the ponies eats an entire cake while the other ponies stand watching in disbelief, and then eats a second cake, entirely, and then belches and asks for 'more', which of course there is no more... and then it repeats. another ex: Ninja Turtles movie.... theres these 4 guys all watching a hockey game and theyre all gathered around the tv and all have bags of chips and popcorn, drinks, and theyre cramming it all into their mouths, its flying everywhere and theyre yelling and cheering, and then it repeats. Lol. Shes always been heavy for her age, though not appearing to be, but right now, I cant pick her up anymore, doc said not to cut down on anything she eats, but just the portions, but shes very insistent on eating too much, so thats I have to say an obsession of hers, and another one is time, clocks and she has her own calender, and she always knows what time it is and what day it is, which had been a worry of mine that she might not distinguish time properly, shes better than I am, lol.

What grade is Sam in? Miranda is in the first, though I didnt put her into Kindergarten until she was 6, cause she couldn't talk and tell me things I waited that out as long as possible, so shes a year behind her age group but she might catch up, but at least now she can 'tell me what she had for lunch' stuff like that, before that , she couldn't answer questions and stuff, and in this cruel world we can't let them out cause you cant trust people. The verbal process has been slow but the achievements have been amazing. Is Sam verbal or do you sign? I would love to hear more about him, thank you for introducing him! I admire you both. Again, some of the best mothers I will ever know! My cousins child ,"T.", is very "particular" about many things, and deviation from certain things upset him terribly. And he is very particular and selective about how, when and for whom he shows affection. One of the happiest experiences I've had with this child, was when one day ( after spending the day with his Gran, Jax and me) he spontaneously chose to run at me (on hearing that we would have to be leaving for home soon) and bury his head in my lap and give me a very quick cuddle and giggle! Definately out of the ordinary for him. My Aunt let me know how that was so out of the norm for him and also, the way he interacted with Jax. Most children, he has no use for. He didn't like the company of other kids for the longest time.I still don't understand it all but I want to, and am trying! I am a very affectionate person, especially with kids, and I went out of my way to restrain myself with T. For fear of over whelming him. My patience paid off big time! I really loved getting a hug from him! It was too short though! Poor T. had (he's grown out of alot of them) certain steps and routines that he was very adamant about sticking to, come hell or high water! And as things changed around him, he had to give alot up before he was ready to. It could be heartbreaking. T. has also been very much known to "play things " over and over. DVD's or tapes, or parts of those things, he's grown out of that some and has now moved on to piano playing that he does well. And like alot of other things, he does it alot better than he's "supposed to". My cousin is very diligent in knowing how to care for him, and steer him in the proper ways. I'm still trying to learn. Thats why I'm still trying to follow this thread. (and T. had big issues with the haircutting too)

[Maddie]

:cool2::smile2:

I admire you both. Again, some of the best mothers I will ever know! My cousins child ,"T.", is very "particular" about many things, and deviation from certain things upset him terribly. And he is very particular and selective about how, when and for whom he shows affection. One of the happiest experiences I've had with this child, was when one day ( after spending the day with his Gran, Jax and me) he spontaneously chose to run at me (on hearing that we would have to be leaving for home soon) and bury his head in my lap and give me a very quick cuddle and giggle! Definately out of the ordinary for him. My Aunt let me know how that was so out of the norm for him and also, the way he interacted with Jax. Most children, he has no use for. He didn't like the company of other kids for the longest time.I still don't understand it all but I want to, and am trying! I am a very affectionate person, especially with kids, and I went out of my way to restrain myself with T. For fear of over whelming him. My patience paid off big time! I really loved getting a hug from him! It was too short though! Poor T. had (he's grown out of alot of them) certain steps and routines that he was very adamant about sticking to, come hell or high water! And as things changed around him, he had to give alot up before he was ready to. It could be heartbreaking. T. has also been very much known to "play things " over and over. DVD's or tapes, or parts of those things, he's grown out of that some and has now moved on to piano playing that he does well. And like alot of other things, he does it alot better than he's "supposed to". My cousin is very diligent in knowing how to care for him, and steer him in the proper ways. I'm still trying to learn. Thats why I'm still trying to follow this thread. (and T. had big issues with the haircutting too)



I am familiar with every single characteristic of T! and you describe them all so very perfectly. How old is he? He sounds like such a darling. Someone once personal messaged me on the old board for advice, as they were seeing someone who was a parent of a child with similar traits, and just wanted to know how to be prepared, how to act around that child., if and when they were to meet the child. They were allready educating themself with info which is mostly all that you can do, although one might wish to ask if the child fears a certain color as not to wear it, lol, this happened for us with green.... Shrek was terrifying, and the cucumber from veggie tales, lol. Just to expect things unexpected, as the case with all our kids all the time anyway, but she might ask that parent for any advice about fears and a general meeting. What a sweet feeling that must have been to know you gained Ts affection which was not an ordinary thing! Gaining affection is difficult from many of the kids, Miranda is almost too loving and affectionate at times, wants to hug everyone, and still tries to kiss her therapists, lol.

I probably dont have a great a handle on whats properly dealing with Autism but every day is a learning experience, like for instance today, she got upset with me while we were folding laundry together, something she LOVES to do, little miss mommy, she puts them all away, even the boys stuff, anyway, she got upset, because she for the first time wanted to play and get in the laundry basket with the clothes, and roll around, and toss them out, and I told her she couldn't help me do laundry if she was going to do that, so then, she took all her freshly folded laundry, just hers, and threw it in the trash. I didnt know this til she told me of course, I was still folding laundry, lol. Sooo, I got them out, went straight to the washer and put them all back in 'now, we have to wash them all over again' , and this truly broke her heart, but I dont think she will throw her clothes in the trash again, and I learned that its something she will do, lol.

while Im thinking of expecting the unexpected, and today, and ALL kids, I go to the freezer to take something out, and notice theres this substance dripping from the upper section to the lower section.... something dark and ooey, it looked like chocolate syrup, I put my finger in it... nope not sticky, well wtf is it Im wondering.... so I go asking the BOYs, the 10 year old , in the accelerated gifted program, goes, 'oooooo , Im sorry mom', 'but *what* is it?'! 'I forgot I put that up there...' 'Yea okay but WHAT is it?' 'uh its burnt motor oil, I was doing an experiment....' 'WHAT?!' not only what, but 'WHERE did you get it?', a kid down the street! Okay he wanted to see if it would freeze. NOPE it didnt'! and guess what, it only been up there at the back of the freezer in a glass container for 2 WEEKs! Okay, it wasn't funny at the time, now its funny. :laugh:

[motherwolf]

:cool2::biggrin2:
I am familiar with every single characteristic of T! and you describe them all so very perfectly. How old is he? He sounds like such a darling. Someone once personal messaged me on the old board for advice, as they were seeing someone who was a parent of a child with similar traits, and just wanted to know how to be prepared, how to act around that child., if and when they were to meet

I probably dont have a great a handle on whats properly dealing with Autism but every day is a learning experience, like for instance today, she got upset with me while we were folding laundry together, something she LOVES to do, little miss mommy, she puts them all away, even the boys stuff, anyway, she got upset, because she for the first time wanted to play and get in the laundry basket with the clothes, and roll around, and toss them out, and I told her she couldn't help me do laundry if she was going to do that, so then, she took all her freshly folded laundry, just hers, and threw it in the trash. I didnt know this til she told me of course, I was still folding laundry, lol. Sooo, I got them out, went straight to the washer and put them all back in 'now, we have to wash them all over again' , and this truly broke her heart, but I dont think she will throw her clothes in the trash again, and I learned that its something she will do, lol.

while Im thinking of expecting the unexpected, and today, and ALL kids, I go to the freezer to take something out, and notice theres this substance dripping from the upper section to the lower section.... something dark and ooey, it looked like chocolate syrup, I put my finger in it... nope not sticky, well wtf is it Im wondering.... so I go asking the BOYs, the 10 year old , in the accelerated gifted program, goes, 'oooooo , Im sorry mom', 'but *what* is it?'! 'I forgot I put that up there...' 'Yea okay but WHAT is it?' 'uh its burnt motor oil, I was doing an experiment....' 'WHAT?!' not only what, but 'WHERE did you get it?', a kid down the street! Okay he wanted to see if it would freeze. NOPE it didnt'! and guess what, it only been up there at the back of the freezer in a glass container for 2 WEEKs! Okay, it wasn't funny at the time, now its funny. :laugh: Damn!!! you are good girl!!!! I would have given in and tried to clean the clothes behind her back and played it off for her!!!! YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL HANDLE on how to deal with ANY child!!!!! My Mama told me when I first came to be a mother to "trust your instincts!!!" even if that meant ignoring what she said from experience!!! My Mama!!! The best!!! You trust your instincts b4 you trust anyone else or their opinion!!!! IMHO!!! ( Thank God in Heaven! That I don't have to deal with Therapists!!! They are too COLD and reserved for the likes of me!!!! Fault is all mine!!!)"T" is in fourth grade now!!! And from my own 'very little amount of experience' overly affectionate is sometimes easier to deal with than the 'detachement' thing!!! But I say that cause of how I am !!!! Thank Heaven "T" has not had a fear of any one color, BUT he has always had a great LOVE for YELLOW!!!! The brightest of yellows too!!!! Oh crap!! I'm rambling!!! 'Tis Mardi Gras and I'm in my cups a wee bit!! My Jax's homework is done, he is fed and clean and in bed! He always is first and now I am playing on the play ground!!! I did not expect to get a reply on this thread! And really wasn't prepared for deep discussion, but had to respond for I do admire and want to learn and share!!! Please forgive my intrusions!!! And thank you for your responses!! You have added to my confidence in myself as in my ability to interact with "T."!!! An outside opinion helps so much!!! (Fear not I would never hold you accountable for something I might blunder!!! Hope that makes sense!!!)Da and Gran tend to be abit over protective and know it all!!! I say this with love!!! But from what you have said, that you recognize the things I say ( and thankyou for saying that I described it well) I feel like I might be more sensitive and more of a help than I thought I was!!!! This thread is not about MEEE!!!! I am going away soon for awhile and even though it is not the best time to post here, I had to say something b4 I go!!!! Dear Miss Amanda! Do come by the Cantina every once in awhile! I think you are a great girl!!!! And thankyou again for letting me into your thread alittle and please give Miranda a cuddle and a kiss for me!!!! ( you don't have to tell her it's from any one other than you!!!! I just love kids!!! All kids!!! Especially afte having one of my own!!! OH! How that intensifies things and makes happy things SO MUCH CLEARER!!!!! Is that one of things that might make sense to another MOM!?!?! See you in 40 days and Thankee Sai Big-Big!!!! Again!!! Didn't mean to be a bother more than a help!!!YOUhave been a GREAT help to me!!! Long days and pleasant nights!!! MotherWolf! xox

[Maddie]

:cool2::biggrin2: Damn!!! you are good girl!!!! I would have given in and tried to clean the clothes behind her back and played it off for her!!!! YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL HANDLE on how to deal with ANY child!!!!! My Mama told me when I first came to be a mother to "trust your instincts!!!" even if that meant ignoring what she said from experience!!! My Mama!!! The best!!! You trust your instincts b4 you trust anyone else or their opinion!!!! IMHO!!! ( Thank God in Heaven! That I don't have to deal with Therapists!!! They are too COLD and reserved for the likes of me!!!! Fault is all mine!!!)"T" is in fourth grade now!!! And from my own 'very little amount of experience' overly affectionate is sometimes easier to deal with than the 'detachement' thing!!! But I say that cause of how I am !!!! Thank Heaven "T" has not had a fear of any one color, BUT he has always had a great LOVE for YELLOW!!!! The brightest of yellows too!!!! Oh crap!! I'm rambling!!! 'Tis Mardi Gras and I'm in my cups a wee bit!! My Jax's homework is done, he is fed and clean and in bed! He always is first and now I am playing on the play ground!!! I did not expect to get a reply on this thread! And really wasn't prepared for deep discussion, but had to respond for I do admire and want to learn and share!!! Please forgive my intrusions!!! And thank you for your responses!! You have added to my confidence in myself as in my ability to interact with "T."!!! An outside opinion helps so much!!! (Fear not I would never hold you accountable for something I might blunder!!! Hope that makes sense!!!)Da and Gran tend to be abit over protective and know it all!!! I say this with love!!! But from what you have said, that you recognize the things I say ( and thankyou for saying that I described it well) I feel like I might be more sensitive and more of a help than I thought I was!!!! This thread is not about MEEE!!!! I am going away soon for awhile and even though it is not the best time to post here, I had to say something b4 I go!!!! Dear Miss Amanda! Do come by the Cantina every once in awhile! I think you are a great girl!!!! And thankyou again for letting me into your thread alittle and please give Miranda a cuddle and a kiss for me!!!! ( you don't have to tell her it's from any one other than you!!!! I just love kids!!! All kids!!! Especially afte having one of my own!!! OH! How that intensifies things and makes happy things SO MUCH CLEARER!!!!! Is that one of things that might make sense to another MOM!?!?! See you in 40 days and Thankee Sai Big-Big!!!! Again!!! Didn't mean to be a bother more than a help!!!YOUhave been a GREAT help to me!!! Long days and pleasant nights!!! MotherWolf! xox

Oooo its been a while and I thought I replied to you here motherwolf, forgive me! I meant to! Thank you soooo much for all your input and advice, you are extremely valuable and informative, me and Im sure all the others appreciate you. And we are missing you!!!! Hope to see you back in here soon. :smile2:

[Maddie]

for anyone interested.....in updates on possible connections between Autism and vaccines......latest court case in Atlanta Ga approved compensation for family directly connecting vaccines to Autism, though indicating there had to have been an 'underlying condition' that was triggered. Right. Well maybe 1 out of 150 have an underlying condition as well and gov. med. pros to figure out a way to screen for it, though there were no other 'symptoms' for it, according to her parents, with this child than just being perfectly normal.

I watched an interview with the parents this morning, the father a Neurologist and the mother a Registered Nurse, and the father informed that the 'bottom line... is that they had a perfectly normal child, and she became ill as a result of vaccinations'..... and where 'many may believe this is unusual, he believes there are thousands of more cases, just like theirs'....

heres an MSN report....



http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23508982/

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

Thankee for the link, Amanda, very interesting. Will this create a legal precedent in the US, do you know?

Long days and pleasant nights

[Maddie]

Hi,

Thankee for the link, Amanda, very interesting. Will this create a legal precedent in the US, do you know?

Long days and pleasant nights

youre welcome :smile2: some are calling it a Landmark case, but I seriously doubt it. The CDC want to be sure everyone knows this was a 'special' kind of case, though the child's father indicates that its not.

[MadamMack]

for anyone interested.....in updates on possible connections between Autism and vaccines......latest court case in Atlanta Ga approved compensation for family directly connecting vaccines to Autism, though indicating there had to have been an 'underlying condition' that was triggered. Right. Well maybe 1 out of 150 have an underlying condition as well and gov. med. pros to figure out a way to screen for it, though there were no other 'symptoms' for it, according to her parents, with this child than just being perfectly normal.

I watched an interview with the parents this morning, the father a Neurologist and the mother a Registered Nurse, and the father informed that the 'bottom line... is that they had a perfectly normal child, and she became ill as a result of vaccinations'..... and where 'many may believe this is unusual, he believes there are thousands of more cases, just like theirs'....

heres an MSN report....



http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23508982/

I saw this report the other day on the AJC and I thought of you Amanda. I think it'll get a lot of needed attention.

I'm not certain if you have done this or not, but I feel that maybe you should create a beautiful web-site devoted completely to Autism. I'd like to see that and I think it may help the cause. I mean this from my heart.

[Maddie]

I saw this report the other day on the AJC and I thought of you Amanda. I think it'll get a lot of needed attention.

I'm not certain if you have done this or not, but I feel that maybe you should create a beautiful web-site devoted completely to Autism. I'd like to see that and I think it may help the cause. I mean this from my heart.

Thank you so much for thinking of us Charlotte, that means the world to me. What a very beautiful suggestion about a site just for Autism! I can't believe I have never thought of doing that, I think its a wonderful idea, and I will definetly do that and you will be the first to know about it! Thank you so much. :love:

[MadamMack]

Thank you so much for thinking of us Charlotte, that means the world to me. What a very beautiful suggestion about a site just for Autism! I can't believe I have never thought of doing that, I think its a wonderful idea, and I will definetly do that and you will be the first to know about it! Thank you so much. :love:

You have my support and I know you will do a great job. Again, I truly mean this from my heart . . .:love:

[JohnDalglish]

Hi Amanda,

Been reading through the report and I find several things very interesting about it. As it was settled out of court for an undisclosed sum (bought off?) there is no legal precedent involved, and no guilt apportioned, though why a multi-national drug company should pay money to keep it out of the courts kind of begs the question IMO.

Also it's the first time I've seen 'mitochondria' mentioned in the context of autism. Fascinating little guys, mitochondria, and I first became of their existence and function when reading Professor Bryan Sykes (leading researcher into mitochondrial DNA) brilliant book 'The Seven Daughters of Eve', which proves that we are ALL descended from just one woman, and showed me just how important mitochondria are for life.

Bryan Sykes

Mitochondria

Long days and pleasant nights

[Maddie]

Hi Amanda,

Been reading through the report and I find several things very interesting about it. As it was settled out of court for an undisclosed sum (bought off?) there is no legal precedent involved, and no guilt apportioned, though why a multi-national drug company should pay money to keep it out of the courts kind of begs the question IMO.

Also it's the first time I've seen 'mitochondria' mentioned in the context of autism. Fascinating little guys, mitochondria, and I first became of their existence and function when reading Professor Bryan Sykes (leading researcher into mitochondrial DNA) brilliant book 'The Seven Daughters of Eve', which proves that we are ALL descended from just one woman, and showed me just how important mitochondria are for life.

Bryan Sykes

Mitochondria

Long days and pleasant nights

Thanks for posting those info and links John. That whole thing confuses me, they used 'Mitochondria' in the sense to differentiate the case while admitting the Autism was 'triggered' by immunizations, but could this not apply to ALL children with Autism, as well...?

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

Well, mitochondria do an amazing job for us.

Until about a billion years ago they were free moving bacteria-like creatures, and then they got trapped in 'our' white blood cells, where there's 100 or so in each as we speak. As you know, the white blood cells do all the work and what the mitochondria do in there is kinda amazing - they're long, with lots of 'fronds' and what they do is catch a molecule of food (hamburger, say) in one frond, and a molecule of oxygen in another, and then burn the hamburger in the oxygen, producing heat.

So it's the mitochondria that convert the food we eat and the air we breathe into energy we can use, and the byproduct of heat is how we regulate our body temperature and enabled us to grow brains big enough to discover this stuff LOL

And we ONLY inherit mitochondria from our mothers - none at all from our fathers.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Anni M]

Keep chugging along, Amanda. Everytime I see your little girl... :love:

[Jordan]

Some interesting articles from Wired...
California Study Finds No Link Between Vaccines, Autism (1/8/08) (http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2008/01/california-stud.html)
The Truth About Autism: Scientists Reconsider What They Think They Know (2/25/08) (http://www.wired.com/medtech/health/magazine/16-03/ff_autism)
Take The AQ Test (12/01) (http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/9.12/aqtest.html)

There are a bunch more articles, but these are the ones I recall seeing. Interestingly enough, some Autistic bloggers are calling Wired the voice of the new autistic.

[Maddie]

Hi,

Well, mitochondria do an amazing job for us.

Until about a billion years ago they were free moving bacteria-like creatures, and then they got trapped in 'our' white blood cells, where there's 100 or so in each as we speak. As you know, the white blood cells do all the work and what the mitochondria do in there is kinda amazing - they're long, with lots of 'fronds' and what they do is catch a molecule of food (hamburger, say) in one frond, and a molecule of oxygen in another, and then burn the hamburger in the oxygen, producing heat.

So it's the mitochondria that convert the food we eat and the air we breathe into energy we can use, and the byproduct of heat is how we regulate our body temperature and enabled us to grow brains big enough to discover this stuff LOL

And we ONLY inherit mitochondria from our mothers - none at all from our fathers.

Long days and pleasant nights



So how is it that the existence of mitochondria affects the Atlanta decision?

and how does it make this particular case of Autism deserving in the way of compensation as a result of immunizations?

[Maddie]

Some interesting articles from Wired...
California Study Finds No Link Between Vaccines, Autism (1/8/08) (http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2008/01/california-stud.html)
The Truth About Autism: Scientists Reconsider What They Think They Know (2/25/08) (http://www.wired.com/medtech/health/magazine/16-03/ff_autism)
Take The AQ Test (12/01) (http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/9.12/aqtest.html)

There are a bunch more articles, but these are the ones I recall seeing. Interestingly enough, some Autistic bloggers are calling Wired the voice of the new autistic.


Wired Science! Thank you for the links to Wired, Jordan, its extremely informative! I had not seen the video of Baggs and that is very interesting to hear how one young adult, and surely many more, perceive us. Interesting point there in discussion was 'where are all the Autistic adults'. We know Autism has been around for many years, so where are they all. And wonder how the number of adults who have it now, compare with the number of children who have it now... and how that adult statistic is going to rise dramatically down the road here as our children grow, and one wonders if the number of children diagnosed with it , will at some point begin to decrease in a few years from now. , Im so glad that there is actually a 'community' on the internet and that they are actually communicating with each other there, its really wonderful.

[JohnDalglish]

So how is it that the existence of mitochondria affects the Atlanta decision?

and how does it make this particular case of Autism deserving in the way of compensation as a result of immunizations?

Hi,

Well, mitochondrial DNA mutates at a statistically measured rate, which is how it's used for dating. But don't think of the mutations as something negative (slow muties anyone?) - it's the evolutionary mutation of mitochondrial DNA that is the engine room for human (and other) evolution.

Many think that evolution has stopped with us, but that couldn't be more wrong. We are constantly evolving, for example, we're losing a toe on each foot, the appendix and wisdom teeth at the moment, because we no longer need them.

If, for example, Thimersol attacked mutant DNA then we would cease to evolve.

The ruling says that the patient's mitochondrial DNA differences were 'either present at birth or acquired later in life' and suggests that 'Thimersol caused the dysfunction'.

What Thimersol (mercury, one of the worst poisons on the planet) was going as a preservative in vaccines up until 2002 baffles me.

And although they have legally admitted nothing about it's presence, if it was harmless as they claim then why did they remove it in 2002?

Long days and pleasant nights

[brownmouse]

Amanda,

I was just wondering if you've ever been to www.cafepress.com ? They have all sorts of unique items about Autism awareness, Down syndrome awareness, and many other things. I found a really neat bumper sticker that says: Ha Ha! My kid has more chromosomes than yours!

And I also found a shirt for Chayse that says: You laugh because I'm different, but I laugh because you're all the same.

You should check it out.

That's awesome. My daughter has a rare genetic syndrome (Rubenstein- Taybi) and I always wanted to find tee-shirts like that. I'll have to go search! My favorite of hers was I (heart) me. And boy does she ever.

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

Oh, and thankee for these excellent links, Jordan - much appreciated!

Long days and pleasant nights

[brownmouse]

On the other side of the disability conversation...My ex (who is autistic for those who dont know) *did* view himself as disabled. Not mentally or anything like that, but socially. He and i spoke about his frustrations, especially when he was younger, at knowing that he was doing something wrong but not being able to understand what it was or how to make it better. He's the smartest guy i know, soaks up knowledge like a sponge but there are some things he just cant do. it took him 2 years to remember my mothers name. he's 25 doesn't know the order of the months. he was in his late teens before he figured out the order of the days of the week. He knows its wrong to smack someones hand away if they lay it on his shoulder but he still doesn't really understand the why of it being wrong. he sees this as a disability.

i dont necessarily agree with him on this but i thought it was a perspective most people are not normally privy too.

I can see where he is coming from. My daughter has a genetic syndrome(Rubenstein-Taybi) thus has mental retardation, autism, some physical disabilities(not many thank the Lord) and looks different- for lack of a better word. She has the syndromes features-wide spaced downward eyes, very high palette and over crowding of teeth, broad thumbs-signature sign of syndrome, smaller head, short stature, ...it goes on some and of course she beautiful!Anyway-
I would never say SHE is disabled but I do say that in certain circumstances she has some disabilities. For instance if she is swimming she doesn't have any disability as she is not limited there but as for riding a bike(she's 11 by the by) she definitely has a disability as she struggles tremendously with this activity. I also never refer to HER as mentally retarded but do not have an issue with saying she HAS mental retardation-though the word retardation is horribly abused.

[brownmouse]

Thank you so much for the link Tery, it is very interesting. Deletions and/or duplications of Chromosome 16 found. I had noticed that it is extra Chromosome 21 with Down Syndrome recently. Its wonderful to hear that some progress are being made with findings in the genetic studies. :smile2:

OK I'm really freaked out right now. You see my daughter's syndrome Rubenstein-Taybi IS the deletion or complete missing of chromosome16-she has a deletion and I know she has autism but I never heard of anyone having a 16th chromosome deletion and not having Rubenstein-Taybi but just autism. If any of these autistic persons with deletions also have broad thumbs, short stature, mental retardation and wide spaced downward eyes and broad beaky noses(tho my daughter doesn't have that nose, quite) they probably have Rubenstein- Taybi but it's pretty rare. An mri of her brain showed that some of her white matter and gray matter is intermixed which is what is probably causing the autism and mental retardation. Like Down Syndrome this syndrome has some health issues that we have to keep an eye on and it is not caused by anything but happens at conception. Anyway the 16 jumped out and grabbed me by the throat.

[Maddie]

I can see where he is coming from. My daughter has a genetic syndrome(Rubenstein-Taybi) thus has mental retardation, autism, some physical disabilities(not many thank the Lord) and looks different- for lack of a better word. She has the syndromes features-wide spaced downward eyes, very high palette and over crowding of teeth, broad thumbs-signature sign of syndrome, smaller head, short stature, ...it goes on some and of course she beautiful!Anyway-
I would never say SHE is disabled but I do say that in certain circumstances she has some disabilities. For instance if she is swimming she doesn't have any disability as she is not limited there but as for riding a bike(she's 11 by the by) she definitely has a disability as she struggles tremendously with this activity. I also never refer to HER as mentally retarded but do not have an issue with saying she HAS mental retardation-though the word retardation is horribly abused.

Hi Melissa, thank you for sharing!!! post her picture here anytime you like, we'd love to see her! I had recently become familiar here with connections between Down Syndrome and Autism, which Id had no idea, and I am not familiar with Rubinstein-Taybi, but I will be, thank you. :smile2: My daughter is 7. I understand completely about your views about 'disability' itself and if and when it relates with our children, cause we know most of their limitations, I just hated hearing that someone else said that, it was a comment that brought that issue up in my mind, when I was told that someone had referred to me as a 'mother of a disabled child' and all I could think of was some old battery with the cable cut or something, but thats me being dramatic I guess. lol. Its such a pleasure to meet you and Im looking forward to things we can learn from each other, and oooooo, are these girls bad or what? :smile2: do you have other children as well? I have 3 older boys, 17, 15 and 10, and this girl can fight, she can actually beat up her 10 year old brother now, of course I dont let her, really beat him up, but I have to pull her off him, lol.

[Maddie]

Hi,

Well, mitochondrial DNA mutates at a statistically measured rate, which is how it's used for dating. But don't think of the mutations as something negative (slow muties anyone?) - it's the evolutionary mutation of mitochondrial DNA that is the engine room for human (and other) evolution.

Many think that evolution has stopped with us, but that couldn't be more wrong. We are constantly evolving, for example, we're losing a toe on each foot, the appendix and wisdom teeth at the moment, because we no longer need them.

If, for example, Thimersol attacked mutant DNA then we would cease to evolve.

The ruling says that the patient's mitochondrial DNA differences were 'either present at birth or acquired later in life' and suggests that 'Thimersol caused the dysfunction'.

What Thimersol (mercury, one of the worst poisons on the planet) was going as a preservative in vaccines up until 2002 baffles me.

And although they have legally admitted nothing about it's presence, if it was harmless as they claim then why did they remove it in 2002?

Long days and pleasant nights


thank you John, its much easier to understand when you break it down, and you really know alot about it, very impressive. I too have wondered why then they 'took it out' and very suddenly following its peak of highest levels in the vaccine that brought much speculation about safety , along of course with huge rise in Autism, some have said it was taken out to prove their point, that its 'not' the problem, but on down the line this could reveal otherwise, how can we know.

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

And as no-one's mitochondria is tested at birth, and it would be prohibitively expensive and difficult to do anyway, they can have no knowledge of who may or may not be affected.

And anyway, we can only discover about 20% of what's to be learned about mitochondria, according to scientists, so it wouldn't do much good. And the defendants in the case admit that they don't know whether the mitochondria were mutant to begin with or whether they was damaged by the Thimersol anyway.

It would suggest to me that all autistic children suffering from autism have a case, and a case 'they' obviously don't want to take to court to boot.

Long days and pleasant nights

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

I meant to say 'all autistic children exposed to Thimersol in a vaccine have a case'.

Sorry.

Long days and pleasant nights

[brownmouse]

Hi Melissa, thank you for sharing!!! post her picture here anytime you like, we'd love to see her! I had recently become familiar here with connections between Down Syndrome and Autism, which Id had no idea, and I am not familiar with Rubinstein-Taybi, but I will be, thank you. :smile2: My daughter is 7. I understand completely about your views about 'disability' itself and if and when it relates with our children, cause we know most of their limitations, I just hated hearing that someone else said that, it was a comment that brought that issue up in my mind, when I was told that someone had referred to me as a 'mother of a disabled child' and all I could think of was some old battery with the cable cut or something, but thats me being dramatic I guess. lol. Its such a pleasure to meet you and Im looking forward to things we can learn from each other, and oooooo, are these girls bad or what? :smile2: do you have other children as well? I have 3 older boys, 17, 15 and 10, and this girl can fight, she can actually beat up her 10 year old brother now, of course I dont let her, really beat him up, but I have to pull her off him, lol.

Oh, trust me-I would not let that one pass, either!! I have had to 'lay down the law' with a few people. Recently a friend of mine was talking about the deli workers she manages at the grocery store where she works(I've known this girl for 35 years) and she starts referring to them as the r word(my daughter was not present, thank Goodness)- and THEN-and this is the part that made me lose it-she said they acted like they came straight from Metz***School-a school for children with special needs and a center for adults with special needs and I looked at her and was , like, WHAT?!?-I called her to the carpet on that one and believe it or not it took like 15 minutes to get her to see how that was offensive. I told her that my daughter may go there some day(it's near Cleveland which is where we are trying to move back to as my Mom has Alzhiemers-we were actually in town visiting and meeting up with the old gang who were still around-) Anyway -I was livid and my other friends were just looking at me like I was making a big deal out of nothing-They just kept their mouths shut-I can really command an audience when I want to, I guess::eyebrow: It IS so frustrating when people just do not get it. I am so happy with all the wonderful comments and support this board has shown for the differently-abled kids. :smile2:
Oh-I forgot, no she's our only -but not because of her differences or anything. We just love our small unit-for now-I still have a few years left to decide and I am thinking of adopting an older child when my daughter gets a bit older. We'll see where the path takes us. There really is no chance of having 2 children with this syndrome-the only parents I have heard of that have 2 are either identical twins or ,one family, adopted 2 children with the syndrome. And yeah they are just rotten:biggrin2:Boy do I have some funny stories! - Yours are petty great by the by- And the notes I get from school- Phew-I swear I could publish a hysterical coffee book out of those notes!

[Maddie]

Hi,

I meant to say 'all autistic children exposed to Thimersol in a vaccine have a case'.

Sorry.

Long days and pleasant nights


Well that is very interesting isnt it? Although no amount of money in the world can compensate if they, who force us to immunize, well it is that way where we live, and, if they are responsible some way I believe they should definitely have to take responsibility then. It is very clear that they word this recent court case in a way to steer any others from pursuing the issue.

[Maddie]

Oh, trust me-I would not let that one pass, either!! I have had to 'lay down the law' with a few people. Recently a friend of mine was talking about the deli workers she manages at the grocery store where she works(I've known this girl for 35 years) and she starts referring to them as the r word(my daughter was not present, thank Goodness)- and THEN-and this is the part that made me lose it-she said they acted like they came straight from Metz***School-a school for children with special needs and a center for adults with special needs and I looked at her and was , like, WHAT?!?-I called her to the carpet on that one and believe it or not it took like 15 minutes to get her to see how that was offensive. I told her that my daughter may go there some day(it's near Cleveland which is where we are trying to move back to as my Mom has Alzhiemers-we were actually in town visiting and meeting up with the old gang who were still around-) Anyway -I was livid and my other friends were just looking at me like I was making a big deal out of nothing-They just kept their mouths shut-I can really command an audience when I want to, I guess::eyebrow: It IS so frustrating when people just do not get it. I am so happy with all the wonderful comments and support this board has shown for the differently-abled kids. :smile2:
Oh-I forgot, no she's our only -but not because of her differences or anything. We just love our small unit-for now-I still have a few years left to decide and I am thinking of adopting an older child when my daughter gets a bit older. We'll see where the path takes us. There really is no chance of having 2 children with this syndrome-the only parents I have heard of that have 2 are either identical twins or ,one family, adopted 2 children with the syndrome. And yeah they are just rotten:biggrin2:Boy do I have some funny stories! - Yours are petty great by the by- And the notes I get from school- Phew-I swear I could publish a hysterical coffee book out of those notes!


It amazing the support this board shows all the children, it is genuine and heartwarming! I will post a link to the Original thread on the old board that this one has continued from and you can read thru it as you find the time, theres so many experiences in there, valuable input and informative links that so many brought in.

Speaking of spoiled, my little girl comes home everyday with prizes in her bookbag, (stuffed animals, puzzles, big prizes, lol) one for wearing her coat, one for wearing her hat, one for riding the bus, etc.... every day! and today is one of her teachers birthday, and she told me her teacher is going to be '6 years old', Lol, and she is going to 'wear a birthday hat'.... and I know she will! theyre gonna have a party , cause they spoil her too. lol, and on my birthday, which is coming faster than light, Im gonna have to wear one too. :P my parties are not getting smaller theyre getting much bigger lol I would love to hear some of your stories, and lol at the notes from school, I can just imagineee!!! :biggrin2:

[Maddie]

and heres the link to our previous discussions about Autism and related disorders that this thread continued from........ (I hope it works)


http://www.stephenking.com/cgi-bin/ib3/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=2;t=3830;hl=autism

[JohnDalglish]

Well that is very interesting isnt it? Although no amount of money in the world can compensate if they, who force us to immunize, well it is that way where we live, and, if they are responsible some way I believe they should definitely have to take responsibility then. It is very clear that they word this recent court case in a way to steer any others from pursuing the issue.

Hi,

Yes, it is devilishly cunningly worded, is it not?

The devil is in the detail.

And an appalling thought IMO that many lawyers are getting very rich indeed drafting this stuff.

Nonetheless, I think that by being purposefully vague they have left an open window through which another lawyer could crawl (no doubt leaving a trail of slime LOL), especially as it looks like they will go to almost any extent to prevent a legal judgement being made and a precedent being set.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Maddie]

Hi,

Yes, it is devilishly cunningly worded, is it not?

The devil is in the detail.

And an appalling thought IMO that many lawyers are getting very rich indeed drafting this stuff.

Nonetheless, I think that by being purposefully vague they have left an open window through which another lawyer could crawl (no doubt leaving a trail of slime LOL), especially as it looks like they will go to almost any extent to prevent a legal judgement being made and a precedent being set.

Long days and pleasant nights


thanks John for helping us understand all of this better, all very well put. Its going to be interesting to keep an eye on the aftermath and feedback, time will tell. :smile2:

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

You're very welcome, Amanda, it's the first thing that's ever cropped up in this thread that I've actually known anything at all about.

And it will indeed be 'interesting to keep an eye on the aftermath and feedback', cause I imagine lawyers will be studying it as we speak.

At least we can always rely on this thread to keep us updated on links etc.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Maddie]

Hi,

You're very welcome, Amanda, it's the first thing that's ever cropped up in this thread that I've actually known anything at all about.

And it will indeed be 'interesting to keep an eye on the aftermath and feedback', cause I imagine lawyers will be studying it as we speak.

At least we can always rely on this thread to keep us updated on links etc.

Long days and pleasant nights


Well your knowledge on such a complicated subject is very impressive! I've been thinking about the site Im going to put together and its going to be, unlike any of the others, I want it to be informative and also I want it to really rock, and my love of our man Stephen King will be making its appearance of course! I will post it in here when I get it going. :smile2:

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

I'll look forward to the site, Amanda.

I'm sure you'll keep us posted LOL

Long days and pleasant nights

[brownmouse]

AmandaRose
Is your daughter in a typical school? My girl is; she has her own aide throughout the day and her own I.E.P-individual education plan. I was wondering if you ever encounter problems with the school? I have had to deal with some throughout her pre-5th grade and now I am in an email 'discussion' about what inclusion really means and how the principal is an ass-sorry but I have been wanting to say that for awhile. It's his first year at this school, though older and I guess he wasn't warned about me :mad2: He had been nice and quiet all year but then he just had to go and open his big mouth!! I won't go into details but he did say that he thought the other students would be"traumatized" if my daughter were to have an 'accident' on the field trip and thus should not go. She is potty trained (tho the average age is 12 with RTS-her syndrome) but suffers from constipation -very common with her syndrome- and can, at times need to be given extra potty breaks.(she takes miralax frequently per doctors orders) He didn't think she would be able to on the trip-WHATEVER?!?-and should not go. OK , maybe I will get into this a bit. Did I mention that an i.e.p. is a contract with the school for what services my daughter is to get and written in there is extra breaks and trouble with constipation. Anyway-my husband- ever the one to smooth troubled waters -and not the one who had to talk to him -is kinda unsettled that I am not letting him get away with that and a few other things . I wondered if you have ever had to lower the boom on any teachers/admin.? You don't have to go into details if you don't want to. In general I love my daughter's school and her 'team' but every once in awhile there's some straightening out that needs to be done. It helps that I have a degree in El. Education(not special, tho). But it does give me a bit of a leg up. Although any parent of a special needs child learns all about education pretty fast. I think.
Just thought I'd see what you thought on this. Thanks. Oh and anyone with any ideas, comments please post.:smile2:

[motherwolf]

:cool2::biggrin2:
Oooo its been a while and I thought I replied to you here motherwolf, forgive me! I meant to! Thank you soooo much for all your input and advice, you are extremely valuable and informative, me and Im sure all the others appreciate you. And we are missing you!!!! Hope to see you back in here soon. :smile2: Hi Amanda Rose!!! Good to see you again!!! Nothing to forgive I just dropped that line or two on my last night of posting!!! Still looking around and catching up! The past few 'latest' pages have been very interesting!!! And I have been reading some things that I had missed before! Will come back to see y'all soon! I hope you and Miranda are very well!!! Give her a cuddle and a kiss for me!!!

[Maddie]

:cool2::biggrin2: Hi Amanda Rose!!! Good to see you again!!! Nothing to forgive I just dropped that line or two on my last night of posting!!! Still looking around and catching up! The past few 'latest' pages have been very interesting!!! And I have been reading some things that I had missed before! Will come back to see y'all soon! I hope you and Miranda are very well!!! Give her a cuddle and a kiss for me!!!


Helloooo motherwolf, so happy to see you too! We are doing very well, getting ready for the CRCT test, Miranda was on the 'CRCT Cheerleading team' at their pep rally this past Friday and she loved it! I do fear that shes not going to pass it, comprehension is difficult on the practice sheets we do, I just hope that if she fails, which of course then she remains in the first grade again, that she will be allowed to have her same loving teachers, even if she fails, she has learned ALOT this year and we can't be anything but proud for that! :wink2:

[motherwolf]

:cool2::biggrin2:
Helloooo motherwolf, so happy to see you too! We are doing very well, getting ready for the CRCT test, Miranda was on the 'CRCT Cheerleading team' at their pep rally this past Friday and she loved it! I do fear that shes not going to pass it, comprehension is difficult on the practice sheets we do, I just hope that if she fails, which of course then she remains in the first grade again, that she will be allowed to have her same loving teachers, even if she fails, she has learned ALOT this year and we can't be anything but proud for that! :wink2: Hey Amanda Rose!!! Glad to hear about Miranda!!! Oh I hope the best for her!!! I left a couple of books for her in the Cantina Library the other day!!! "T." is doing well! But right now has been being too hard on himself as far as homework! He's got the overachieving thing rearing its head! He has been very disappointed that he has brought home a A-!!!! And is working harder than ever! His dad says that it's OK though he's not being TOO hard on himself for the most part! I need to get an update from "T.'s" grandmother! LOL! My cousin isn't speaking to me right now! LOL! He started to 'pontificate' to me over an update on how my CubJax is doing and he wasn't asked to do so. Plus he was showing off! He can't help it, he IS very knowledgeable but not when it comes to MY child! I kind of went 'mother wolf' on him told him to put away all new and shiny big words that he's learned in recent years, that it wasn't very becoming! He considered that be verbally attacking him and publicly said he wouldn't be having any more discussion with me AT ALL e-mail or other wise if I did it again! LOL! I told him what to kiss! Begged forgiveness and apologized and I know I'll hear from him again, soon as he gets over himself! I told him not to be messing with perimenopausal women! He's still too young and inexperienced! I didn't hurt, I just bared my teeth alittle! LOL! And I was right! Anyway I still get to hear about "T." Hope to get to see him soon!!! They all stay really busy and have lots of soccer games and things going on! He is doing really well there too, but one day a while back got very frustrated and took off running for the parking lot. A new thing he had started doing when upset. With help from his coach and of course his wonderful Dad it is getting better! Just a few lines today 'Manda! Will see you soon! Need to catch up on more reading here too! Be well Love! And love to Miranda!!!:love:

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

Good luck to Miranda on the test, Amanda.

But the fact that she has 'learned A LOT' is very good news.

(((((((((((((((((((((Amanda and Miranda))))))))))))))))))

Long days and pleasant nights

[Maddie]

:cool2::biggrin2: Hey Amanda Rose!!! Glad to hear about Miranda!!! Oh I hope the best for her!!! I left a couple of books for her in the Cantina Library the other day!!! "T." is doing well! But right now has been being too hard on himself as far as homework! He's got the overachieving thing rearing its head! He has been very disappointed that he has brought home a A-!!!! And is working harder than ever! His dad says that it's OK though he's not being TOO hard on himself for the most part! I need to get an update from "T.'s" grandmother! LOL! My cousin isn't speaking to me right now! LOL! He started to 'pontificate' to me over an update on how my CubJax is doing and he wasn't asked to do so. Plus he was showing off! He can't help it, he IS very knowledgeable but not when it comes to MY child! I kind of went 'mother wolf' on him told him to put away all new and shiny big words that he's learned in recent years, that it wasn't very becoming! He considered that be verbally attacking him and publicly said he wouldn't be having any more discussion with me AT ALL e-mail or other wise if I did it again! LOL! I told him what to kiss! Begged forgiveness and apologized and I know I'll hear from him again, soon as he gets over himself! I told him not to be messing with perimenopausal women! He's still too young and inexperienced! I didn't hurt, I just bared my teeth alittle! LOL! And I was right! Anyway I still get to hear about "T." Hope to get to see him soon!!! They all stay really busy and have lots of soccer games and things going on! He is doing really well there too, but one day a while back got very frustrated and took off running for the parking lot. A new thing he had started doing when upset. With help from his coach and of course his wonderful Dad it is getting better! Just a few lines today 'Manda! Will see you soon! Need to catch up on more reading here too! Be well Love! And love to Miranda!!!:love:



hi motherwolf! Wonderful to hear more about T! thank you for sharing so much! how we would love to see a picture of him if you could ever get one for us! I didn't see the books for Miranda in the Cantina, I got lost in there, lol, but thank you so much, that is very sweet of you. T sounds to me like hes going to pull through this, some really do, and I think Miranda will too. :smile2: Have you ever heard of Dr. Temple Grandin? she today tells the story of having been on the inside looking out, not able to communicate, a very inspiring story is hers! Okay, I will talk to you again soon, and all our love to you and T!

[Maddie]

Hi,

Good luck to Miranda on the test, Amanda.

But the fact that she has 'learned A LOT' is very good news.

(((((((((((((((((((((Amanda and Miranda))))))))))))))))))

Long days and pleasant nights


Thank you so much John, still don't know how she did on that, its over now, but her teachers had her extremely excited, they 'partied' everyday afterwards which was wonderful cause it encouraged her to want to be there for it everyday.

And yes, thats right, no matter what she scores on that test, she actually learned and accomplished as much if not more than all of the other first graders. :wink2:

[Maddie]

National radio talk show, paranormal, alternative news host, Jeff Rense recently informed me that 1 out of every 66 boys will be diagnosed with Autism. We always hear of the 1 out of 150 something figure, and that most... are boys. Well theres the 'statistic' for the boys. and he feels very strongly that it is a result of government and their vaccines.

[motherwolf]

:cool2:
hi motherwolf! Wonderful to hear more about T! thank you for sharing so much! how we would love to see a picture of him if you could ever get one for us! I didn't see the books for Miranda in the Cantina, I got lost in there, lol, but thank you so much, that is very sweet of you. T sounds to me like hes going to pull through this, some really do, and I think Miranda will too. :smile2: Have you ever heard of Dr. Temple Grandin? she today tells the story of having been on the inside looking out, not able to communicate, a very inspiring story is hers! Okay, I will talk to you again soon, and all our love to you and T!I think I have heard of her before! Can you suggest a book title by her? I'm sure the cousin will definately know about her. He has got lots of stuff on Youtube I think. He e-mailed a link or two before. He's done some good vids like Annie and Purrrrtricia! But I don't think he has ever put T's story together with his face anywhere online before. So I really can't offer a public pic of T. Sorry! Got to protect those secret identities!LOL! I really just don't know how the cousin feels about stuff like that, I do know he is not ashamed of his condition or anything like that. I found out that T. used to have actual cards that he would learn facial expressions from and what emotions they represented. I'm sure you know what I mean! It's all starting to make sense to me now. (How instinctual behaviour HAS to be LEARNED.) Thanks Amanda Rose!

[donna1982]

National radio talk show, paranormal, alternative news host, Jeff Rense recently informed me that 1 out of every 66 boys will be diagnosed with Autism. We always hear of the 1 out of 150 something figure, and that most... are boys. Well theres the 'statistic' for the boys. and he feels very strongly that it is a result of government and their vaccines.

I always hear the figure 1 in 98 boys. Jeez! Why don't they make up their mind? Why will they not admit this is an epidemic? It just infuriates me!

[motherwolf]

:cool2:
National radio talk show, paranormal, alternative news host, Jeff Rense recently informed me that 1 out of every 66 boys will be diagnosed with Autism. We always hear of the 1 out of 150 something figure, and that most... are boys. Well theres the 'statistic' for the boys. and he feels very strongly that it is a result of government and their vaccines. I had heard about the relationship between vaccines and the increase in the different types of Autism! That is a very scary thing that NEEDS further investigation/research! IMHO. I suppose the pharmaceutical companies will be doing THEIR OWN research and get THEIR stories and statistics out as soon as possible to try to cover themselves. Again, IMHO. Just saw one news show (I think on Good Morning America) on it and have looked for more but haven't seen any yet.

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

All these conflicting statistics remind me of the old saying that 98% of statistics are made up on the spur of the moment - we DO badly need independent research into the subject, but we all know about pipers and tunes, don't we?

Any more news on Miranda's tests, Amanda?

Long days and pleasant nights

[MadamMack]

Hi,

All these conflicting statistics remind me of the old saying that 98% of statistics are made up on the spur of the moment - we DO badly need independent research into the subject, but we all know about pipers and tunes, don't we?

Any more news on Miranda's tests, Amanda?

Long days and pleasant nights

Very true . . .Are you still planning to create an Autism Only website?

[Kim L.]

:cool2:I think I have heard of her before! Can you suggest a book title by her? I'm sure the cousin will definately know about her.

Motherwolf, try "Thinking in Pictures" and "Animals in Translation"--both excellent. My dad has heard Dr. Grandin speak, not on autism but on packing plant design, and is very impressed. She uses her understanding of animals to help design low-stress ranches and feedlots.
She's actually giving a talk nearby on autism but I'll be out of town that day; otherwise I'd attend.

[Maddie]

Very true . . .Are you still planning to create an Autism Only website?

hi Madam,

Yes :smile2: I absolutely positively am, I have a lot of really cool ideas for it, and it will be different. I just unfortunately hadn't had the time just yet cause of some other commitments, I've been working on some other pages, getting some more experience.... this one for Jeff Rense, just launched....

www.myspace.com/jeff_rense

and this one, his friend....trying to do a live stream from his radio station to his page, wish me luck, lol

www.myspace.com/wwwkozmikradiocom

look closely you guys, my name are on these!!!!

and in case I didn't mention it, April is Autism Awareness month.

[Maddie]

Hi,

All these conflicting statistics remind me of the old saying that 98% of statistics are made up on the spur of the moment - we DO badly need independent research into the subject, but we all know about pipers and tunes, don't we?

Any more news on Miranda's tests, Amanda?

Long days and pleasant nights

hi John :smile2:

no we still don't know her results yet, I'm not sure how long it generally takes, but I have a feeling she probably is going to do better than she's expected too, but then again, the comprehension is difficult.... for instance...

if this is read to her.....lets go something like this.....

Dear Jan,

I hope you all had a lovely time at the picnic on Saturday, the weather was beautiful.

Anne

Where did Jan go....?

a) a picnic

b) a birthday party

c) to the beach

and Miranda is going to say the answer is b, just cause she loves birthday parties.

she can do math like a little whiz, but when its put into the forms of words and questions, 'this many' and 'that many', and then 'how many', theres our other barrier.

but its just going to take a little time on that part. but I wrote her a story the other night, she makes me do this, lol, and she always gives me a 'title', hands me paper and pen, and , I write, just make stuff up, always about 'her', and I tell you, I can read it to her once, and then she can read it right back to me!

so shes really into 'writing stories' right now, so Im hoping that she might be a writer someday. :smile2:

[Maddie]

:cool2:I think I have heard of her before! Can you suggest a book title by her? I'm sure the cousin will definately know about her. He has got lots of stuff on Youtube I think. He e-mailed a link or two before. He's done some good vids like Annie and Purrrrtricia! But I don't think he has ever put T's story together with his face anywhere online before. So I really can't offer a public pic of T. Sorry! Got to protect those secret identities!LOL! I really just don't know how the cousin feels about stuff like that, I do know he is not ashamed of his condition or anything like that. I found out that T. used to have actual cards that he would learn facial expressions from and what emotions they represented. I'm sure you know what I mean! It's all starting to make sense to me now. (How instinctual behaviour HAS to be LEARNED.) Thanks Amanda Rose!


hello there and thank you very much for the lovely pictures of T! and your Jax, what adorable handsome little boys!!! Completely understandable about posting out on public domains and natural caution. You know Miranda will also dart out into parking lots, or toward moving traffic , and it scares the hell out of me. Still working with her on that, Im glad to know T is making some progress on that one. I haven't read any of Temple Grandins books myself, I've seen her on interviews and read about her on the internet, but heres a link to info about her at da da da dummmm....lets hope Im spelling her name right, lol.

Temple Grandin

[Maddie]

I always hear the figure 1 in 98 boys. Jeez! Why don't they make up their mind? Why will they not admit this is an epidemic? It just infuriates me!

I agree with you Donna, can it not be more obvious? imagine future generations if this continues to just keep rising.

[Maddie]

OMG, has it been 6 months??? I thought I would pull this thread back up and for anyone who would like to discuss Autism and related and other conditions, would love to hear from you.

Many of you have asked how Miranda has been doing, Thank you each one and all for thinking of her. She is doing very very well. I was a bit upset a few weeks back when we were given an ultimatum at her annual 'IEP' meeting, pretty much - all special ed, or no special ed.... I had wanted her to have both you know. But its just as well cause the 2nd grade teacher wasn't willing to work with her at all.... Miranda didn't handle it very well at first, being told that she couldn't return to 'her class' , but seems to be adjusting perfectly now. I know that the extra tutoring is wonderful for her, I just had worried about the social impact, as many of you know, she is very outgoing and friendly.

Shes learning so much now, how to really read and write, slowly but its happening and you would not believe her vocabulary, shes talking up a storm. Guitar heroes is her favorite game, and lately shes trying to do gymnastics and routines, on the balance beam I made for her, lol, and she wants to do flips, I dunno, lol

heres a more updated photo, actually its the only one I have on hand here at work, but then again I lost everything on my home computer when it crashed....

here she is at her favorite store 'Ammans', we stop there 'everyday' to buy, hotfries

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff157/AmandaRosexxx/mirandacandy.jpg

[Dana]

She's grown, hasn't she!
She is so cute Amanda. I'm happy to hear of her progress. :smile2:

[SKfan2006]

she looks so cute in that picture. what would've made it better is if she had a cute animal with her.

[Agincourt Concierge]

She is a cutie! Wow! She sounds like she is doing really well.:smile2:

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

Great to see Miranda, she is indeed growing - her progress must be very gratifying for you, Amanda.

And good to see this thread up and about again.

Long days and pleasant nights

[brownmouse]

Miranda is beautiful! :love:

I'm not sure I like the sounds of this second grade teacher:glare: I'm sure you don't but I gotta say it anyway- don't let them (the school ) bully you into anything you are not happy with. Sometimes it is a matter of the squeaky wheel and all. I have had my share of battles with the school (some not so big, some heart breaking) and 'I here coma a tellin' you' (that is a a nice southern Ohio saying for you) once you head on up the ladder of command they start to see things your way. A great resource to have for knowing your rights is "Wrightslaw"-special education law book (email or paper)(it explains it in layman's terms- sorta- it is still confusing at times)- they have a whole bunch of info on our rights as parents of children with special needs. That's not to say you didn't make the best choice in listening to the school- sometimes they are right- (sometimes).
Anyway- you have a beautiful daughter and I am so glad she is doing well!

[Maddie]

ah, thank you guys sooo much, yes she has grown :) brownmouse, thank you , you know I know your input is very valuable indeed. I had been warned about these things, and that second grade teacher, oooh you and me too, omg, I wish I could show you guys a vid of this woman, Miranda 'loved' her though, and although there were to be 'modifications' on usual 2nd grade classwork, in conjunction with a few hours only of special ed each day, there were none, she was sending home TONS of homework every night, to write 10 spelling words 3 times each, then using each one in a sentence , 3 worksheets each night, and in particular.. worksheets about 'How Laws are Made'.... with huge paragraphs about Congress, Senate and House of Representatives right.... with 10 questions to follow... evening writing paragraphs... to Miranda.... a house... is a HOUSE, you can't even explain this, her therapists wrote letters to the teacher, she didn't respond.... I told them I was afraid that she was going to say 'If Miranda cant do the regular 2nd grade work, then she shouldn't be in the regular 2nd grade class'.... they said.... 'If shes a good teacher... she won't say that'... the teacher was putting big frowns cause all this work wasnt done, and the therapist was upset, she said 'Miranda works very hard to achieve, they shouldn't be putting these on all her stuff'...

Mirandas comprehension level was not possible to complete this work that the teacher was giving her... I addressed that, she wouldn't correspond back with me, except for to say.... 'just try to help her as much as you can'.... for a whole week... but the IEP meeting was 'coming up' and so I realized later she was just waiting for that, to get Miranda out, and I didn't want her in a class where she wasnt wanted. I do truly adore the special ed teacher... btw her students last year scored 'highest' on CRCTs of special need students in the state of Georgia... shes excellent... but Miranda also needed to be around 'a normal classroom setting' with her peers, for social reasons.

The way that it was presented to me..... at the meeting, the special ed teacher, had to have her full time , or none at all... cause of demand and need of her services of other kids, lined up.. that 'part time' was not her specialty... Miranda could remain in the reg. 2nd grade class and continue to do 'pre k' work on the computer, yea the 2nd grade teacher said this is what Miranda did, while the rest of the class did their work..... ! Surprize! yea she wasn't giving her the tons of stuff in the classroom, that she was sending home for homework...for 'me' to help her do. and that while she could remain there in the reg classroom with no hope from the teacher.... she could get pulled out for a few hours each day by 'another' special ed teacher, but this one only worked with children on their grade level.... and Miranda is not entirely. What I was facing then... was unbeneficial, hopeless change, which as you know Autistic children don't often respond well to changes in their routine... it was a mess....

The only other alternative I had would have been to remove her from the school entirely and that would have been devastating for her. So, knowing that the extra tutoring could only help her blossom, and assurance that she would not be 'contained' , but participating in many activities with other peers, I decided to give it a shot, and see how she handled it, she didn't handle it very well at first, she didn't want to go to school, she kept telling me, crying, that she wanted to go to 'Miss Kellys class'.... heartbreaking. Such a change should have been more gradual, letters from therapists again, for what they were worth.

It all depended on how she handled it, and Im so happy to say that it has worked out well after we got past the first week. I know that she is being paid specific attention to and also rewarded, you wouldn't believe how loaded her bookbag is at times from the 'prizebox', lol, and she has a happy face on her agenda every day, and, I just pray that it continues as well as this. Sorry for rambling on so, I got carried away.

brownmouse how is your little one doing??? its been so long since we talked, and really lovely hearing from you. :)

[CorbinKale]

OMG, has it been 6 months??? I thought I would pull this thread back up and for anyone who would like to discuss Autism and related and other conditions, would love to hear from you.


My 12 yo son has Asperger's Syndrome, a type of autism, coupled with ADHD. His early school experience was traumatic, too. For a period of months, he was forced to sit alone in the hallway, because he disrupted the class, but we weren't notified. He was called a discipline problem, or hyper, but no one could diagnose his problem accurately for five years. A few teachers made the situation worse, actually mocking him and making him an example of how NOT to be. With the classes in his school packed with 40 kids, the object was to just get them all through the system. There was no time for special attention to the 'problem kids'. He was unable to function in a social environment. He had no friends, was bullied and was withdrawing in despair. Every day was a new hell of failure and misery. It was frustrating and heartbreaking, beyond belief.

Finally, one of his pediatricians thought he might have Asperger's Syndrome and referred us to a specialist. It was like stepping into the sun after years in a dungeon. Everything, finally, made sense and he got the treatment he needed. Today, he is getting A's and B's in regular classes and tested out 168 on the IQ test. He has matured to the point where he can figure out proper social responses according to the situation, and has friends.

These past couple of years, he has really gotten his feet under him and the Asperger's has become a gift. Asperger's is a bit like 'Rainman' in the ability to focus incredibly, but without the other detrimental aspects. The biggest problem with Asperger's is the inability to interact on a social level. To intuit naturally like a normal person is not possible, but proper behavior and responses can be learned, with experience and coaching. With his ability to focus to a degree beyond normal, he can sit for hours and build a stick figure movie, one frame at a time and be perfectly happy. He even taught himself how to code his own simple games. He is in love with science and computers, a perfect match for his Asperger's. :)

As I said, the Asperger's Syndrome is a gift. The positive aspects of this 'disorder' FAR outweigh the negative aspects, and those can be overcome. Now,that he has the help and understanding of his teachers and family, he has blossomed from the kid that was doomed to failure, into having a reputation in school as 'the smart kid'.

[Maddie]

hi CorbinKale,its nice to meet you. :) your son sounds adorable. That is sooo sad about how he was treated before getting diagnosed! It reminds me of my daughters best friend, she was falling behind in classwork, etc, getting bad grades, pitching fits for unknown reasons, getting punished... and she spent a day with us, I told her mom she was 'alot' like Miranda in her behavior... so she had her tested, and the funny thing is, she gets no specific diagnosis that I know of, but , more prescribed therapy than Miranda receives... but much more understanding and no more punishment.

Miranda was diagnosed at 3 and so thank goodness I didn't have to go what you went through at school with no one knowing, I know how furious you must have been, him being put out in hallways and used as an example, I just can't imagine this. Asperger symptoms are much like Autism, one characteristic of it that Miranda didn't have was the social part, she is very friendly and outgoing, but our worst problems have been ..... the skies, bad weather especially, she has this sensitivity to barometric pressure I think, she 'knows' when rain or storms are coming long before... now, she 'watches the weather' everyday, but now she will put her fingers in her ears and talk to herself, assuringly, when the sun goes down.

I noticed very recently that one of her gifts seem to be with 'dates', she is obsessed with calenders, but just lately she surprized me twice by telling me dates.....

she has new school clothes that she refuses to wear, to this day, and I have repeatedly said to her, 'Miranda you picked these out, why won't you wear them?' and so the other day, when I said this.... she said... 'a thunderstorm'.... and I glanced at the window, sky was sunny, and I said 'thunderstorm'? but its sunny' and she said 'on August 2nd'.....so I thought.... mkay this is the day we did alot of shopping, 2 days before school started which started on the 4th... power out all over town and we had to drive home in weather that terrified her as you can imagine. At last I knew why she wont wear the clothes., and day before yesterday, a halloween kitty in her toybox, I said 'oh look Miranda' and she said.... 'Chad give me that..... on...August the 9th'.... and so I figure it one week after the storm and she was right again. :)

I am sooo thrilled for you and for your sons progress, he sounds really intelligent and so lucky to have a dad like you. We would love to see him if you would like to post his picture.

[SKfan2006]

that's so cool amanda. she should be a weather lady when she grows up. with the homework my teachers always gave me modded work but i always wanted to do more so my parents called the teacher and she said i could do the extra work.
corbinkale that's so horrible what your son had to go through. at least his problem wasn't terets. glad to see he's doing really well now.

[CorbinKale]

I don't post photos to the internet, as a long standing policy.

He had a bad experience on the bus ride home today. He was harrassed and punched by two bullies. He told the driver, but the driver just had him sit in a different seat. I called the driver at his house to see if he was going to enforce the rules. He says he is going to take care of it tomorrow. Seems like it would have been more appropriate to take care of it today... grrrr.

Anyway, he has one shot to fix it. If he doesn't, then I fix it. That probably won't end well, I am so mad, right now. I suffered bullies as a child, and I have no tolerance for it. If there is another incident, I go to the school, then the school board, then the police. I won't post anything beyond that for legal reasons.

He is doing so well now, it infuriates me that some random punks are willing to casually destroy the progress and joy he has achieved. He is a very skinny child and has no hope of fighting against these guys. I called a teacher at the school to get the information on these two, and they are huge. Tomorrow is going to be an interesting day.

[Maddie]

I don't post photos to the internet, as a long standing policy.

He had a bad experience on the bus ride home today. He was harrassed and punched by two bullies. He told the driver, but the driver just had him sit in a different seat. I called the driver at his house to see if he was going to enforce the rules. He says he is going to take care of it tomorrow. Seems like it would have been more appropriate to take care of it today... grrrr.

Anyway, he has one shot to fix it. If he doesn't, then I fix it. That probably won't end well, I am so mad, right now. I suffered bullies as a child, and I have no tolerance for it. If there is another incident, I go to the school, then the school board, then the police. I won't post anything beyond that for legal reasons.

He is doing so well now, it infuriates me that some random punks are willing to casually destroy the progress and joy he has achieved. He is a very skinny child and has no hope of fighting against these guys. I called a teacher at the school to get the information on these two, and they are huge. Tomorrow is going to be an interesting day.


Omg, I am so sorry to hear that happened to him, kids can be so cruel! a similar experience for me this past Friday, they had the 'Fall Festival' at school.... and are now currently on 'Fall break', until the 14th... well Miranda came home from the party sad, because some kids on the bus 'took her candy' ... when I ask her who.... she says 'everybody', not only me, but her brothers are angry too, and I can't address it til they return to school, but Im going to, and have the driver take a look at the film from the camera at the front which is always running... you should do this too, I don't know where you are but I believe this is mandatory nowadays, isn't it? and then we can see who did exactly what! these other kids need to know that they wont be getting away with such, these that took her candy probably didn't even think she would tell.... I dont know what I would do if someone hits her, I so feel for you and your son, and your family, and I know all well that you are going to handle it... its just that there is a part that can't be fixed when they scar the childrens mentality with all this cruelty and have such impact upon them and all their progress we work so hard to help them achieve. hugsss to you and yours.

[Maddie]

that's so cool amanda. she should be a weather lady when she grows up. with the homework my teachers always gave me modded work but i always wanted to do more so my parents called the teacher and she said i could do the extra work.
corbinkale that's so horrible what your son had to go through. at least his problem wasn't terets. glad to see he's doing really well now.

ya know what SKfan, I thought the same thing, she would make a really great meteorologist when she grows up, and shes definelty interested, and at her age, lol. Last year, when she had a reg classroom teacher that considered her an asset to her class.... she did this too, she always wanted the 'same thing' the others were doing, and her teacher would brag and brag. I love your input so much because I know that you have been there! I wonder if you have ever considered writing about it someday? Id buy! :)

[MadamMack]

I don't post photos to the internet, as a long standing policy.

He had a bad experience on the bus ride home today. He was harrassed and punched by two bullies. He told the driver, but the driver just had him sit in a different seat. I called the driver at his house to see if he was going to enforce the rules. He says he is going to take care of it tomorrow. Seems like it would have been more appropriate to take care of it today... grrrr.

Anyway, he has one shot to fix it. If he doesn't, then I fix it. That probably won't end well, I am so mad, right now. I suffered bullies as a child, and I have no tolerance for it. If there is another incident, I go to the school, then the school board, then the police. I won't post anything beyond that for legal reasons.

He is doing so well now, it infuriates me that some random punks are willing to casually destroy the progress and joy he has achieved. He is a very skinny child and has no hope of fighting against these guys. I called a teacher at the school to get the information on these two, and they are huge. Tomorrow is going to be an interesting day.

Don't get into trouble Corbin . . .

[MadamMack]

OMG, has it been 6 months??? I thought I would pull this thread back up and for anyone who would like to discuss Autism and related and other conditions, would love to hear from you.

Many of you have asked how Miranda has been doing, Thank you each one and all for thinking of her. She is doing very very well. I was a bit upset a few weeks back when we were given an ultimatum at her annual 'IEP' meeting, pretty much - all special ed, or no special ed.... I had wanted her to have both you know. But its just as well cause the 2nd grade teacher wasn't willing to work with her at all.... Miranda didn't handle it very well at first, being told that she couldn't return to 'her class' , but seems to be adjusting perfectly now. I know that the extra tutoring is wonderful for her, I just had worried about the social impact, as many of you know, she is very outgoing and friendly.

Shes learning so much now, how to really read and write, slowly but its happening and you would not believe her vocabulary, shes talking up a storm. Guitar heroes is her favorite game, and lately shes trying to do gymnastics and routines, on the balance beam I made for her, lol, and she wants to do flips, I dunno, lol

heres a more updated photo, actually its the only one I have on hand here at work, but then again I lost everything on my home computer when it crashed....

here she is at her favorite store 'Ammans', we stop there 'everyday' to buy, hotfries

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff157/AmandaRosexxx/mirandacandy.jpg

She's lovely . . .Are you still planning on doing a MySpace site for Autism?

[MadamMack]

. . .Hey, why don't you start a group! Maybe call it Miranda's Group.

[SKfan2006]

that's pretty bad what both your kids had to experience. corbinkale you should definatly tell the school since this stuff should never happen. if you go and talk to those kids you better demand them to tell you why they punched your son. as for miranda the best i can say is that she should hide her candy next time so some bigger kids can't find it.

[Maddie]

that's pretty bad what both your kids had to experience. corbinkale you should definatly tell the school since this stuff should never happen. if you go and talk to those kids you better demand them to tell you why they punched your son. as for miranda the best i can say is that she should hide her candy next time so some bigger kids can't find it.


one thing is for sure, candy being taken away can hardly compare to being physically abused and punched, except in a sense that its a beginning of bullying and could get worse to come if the kids get away with it. A very serious issue of attack, and CorbinKale, I wish you the very best of bringing this matter to light for your son and for his safety, that nothing like this ever happens again, the bus driver puts him in a different seat.... unbelievable, the bus driver, the bullying children and their parents, school officials, all need to know they are held accountable for this illegal activity and its not going to be ever tolerated!

[Maddie]

hi MadamMack, darling Char ;) , I was reading back over this thread and going ooooo sssshhhh I never have done that yet, I just lost the time, and then forgot all about it, but I do still want to do that page on Autism. and a group is a lovely idea too, I may not call it Mirandas though, but I would think of something clever lets hope.

[SKfan2006]

one thing is for sure, candy being taken away can hardly compare to being physically abused and punched, except in a sense that its a beginning of bullying and could get worse to come if the kids get away with it. A very serious issue of attack, and CorbinKale, I wish you the very best of bringing this matter to light for your son and for his safety, that nothing like this ever happens again, the bus driver puts him in a different seat.... unbelievable, the bus driver, the bullying children and their parents, school officials, all need to know they are held accountable for this illegal activity and its not going to be ever tolerated!

i know. i'm one of many who doesn't approve of bullying for any reason wheather the kid is a geek, nerd, foriegn, or just different. anything that looks like it might start a bullying problem should be stopped ASAP. i hope she doesn't get bullied since she is a sweet girl the way you talk about her.

[CorbinKale]

that's pretty bad what both your kids had to experience. corbinkale you should definatly tell the school since this stuff should never happen. if you go and talk to those kids you better demand them to tell you why they punched your son. as for miranda the best i can say is that she should hide her candy next time so some bigger kids can't find it.

No problems with the bullies these past two days, I am happy to report. I hoped that it could be solved at the lowest level. That way the bullies' parents aren't having to deal with their kids being kicked off the bus, causing more negative contact and worse repercussions. No way would I talk to those kids, either. They could say I threatened them, and I would get into trouble with the law. Plus, there is no good that could result from it. Any contact from me will be after all avenues for resolution within the system have failed. I will expend every effort to avoid that day.

There is an open house type of parent/teacher interface at the school tonight. While I have no particular issues to discuss, and I met the teachers before the school year began, I think there might be some benefit in my being seen by the students. Bullies are cowards, by nature. Perhaps some potential bullies will see my face before they decide it is a good idea to assault my son. Prevention is the best defense.

[SKfan2006]

let's hope so Corbin.
you know for bullies they only act mean is because the parents don't do anything to help them be good kids or just don't want to be considered weak.

[smjohn]

I don't post photos to the internet, as a long standing policy.

He had a bad experience on the bus ride home today. He was harrassed and punched by two bullies. He told the driver, but the driver just had him sit in a different seat. I called the driver at his house to see if he was going to enforce the rules. He says he is going to take care of it tomorrow. Seems like it would have been more appropriate to take care of it today... grrrr.

Anyway, he has one shot to fix it. If he doesn't, then I fix it. That probably won't end well, I am so mad, right now. I suffered bullies as a child, and I have no tolerance for it. If there is another incident, I go to the school, then the school board, then the police. I won't post anything beyond that for legal reasons.

He is doing so well now, it infuriates me that some random punks are willing to casually destroy the progress and joy he has achieved. He is a very skinny child and has no hope of fighting against these guys. I called a teacher at the school to get the information on these two, and they are huge. Tomorrow is going to be an interesting day.

I really feel for you on this, Corbin. Just recently, I was taking the trash out to the dumpster and all the kids in the neighborhood were playing kickball in the street. I didn't have my glasses on and when I looked at the kids I saw what I thought was a grown woman holding my 10 year old son's arm behind his back and screaming into his ear. I dropped the trash, expecting that I was about to start swinging. I called for the "woman" to come here and she started walking toward me. When I got closer to her I realized this was a teenager and asked how old she was. She said 14. I asked what she thought she was doing with her hands on my son and she said she was sick of hearing him "whine" about the game. All the other kids are his age. I asked her, if she doesn't want to hear kids whine, why isn't she playing with kids her own age. (I'd never seen her before this, but she apparently rides the same bus and my daughter had a little run in with her just before this, apparently she bullies other kids and my daughter stands up for them. Makes my heart swell:)) Anyway, she didn't have a very good answer for having my sons arm behind his back and screaming at him, of course. I told her to go home and stay on her own street and if I ever saw her hands on my son, or any of the other children on my street, we would take a walk to my next door neighbor, (a local police officer) and discuss it with him, then her parents. (Of course I know that dealing with most bullies parents is pointless, otherwise, the kids might not be bullies, but there is benefit in giving people a chance right?) OK, I've gone on a tangent, sorry. I HATE bullies. They have nothing better to do than compensate for their own insecurities by making others lives hell. It just pisses me off to no end. Sorry you and your son have experienced this.

[Kim L.]

[QUOTE=smjohn;221251]I really feel for you on this, Corbin. Just recently, I was taking the trash out to the dumpster and all the kids in the neighborhood were playing kickball in the street. I didn't have my glasses on and when I looked at the kids I saw what I thought was a grown woman holding my 10 year old son's arm behind his back and screaming into his ear. I dropped the trash, expecting that I was about to start swinging. I called for the "woman" to come here and she started walking toward me. When I got closer to her I realized this was a teenager and asked how old she was. She said 14. I asked what she thought she was doing with her hands on my son and she said she was sick of hearing him "whine" about the game. All the other kids are his age. I asked her, if she doesn't want to hear kids whine, why isn't she playing with kids her own age. (I'd never seen her before this, but she apparently rides the same bus and my daughter had a little run in with her just before this, apparently she bullies other kids and my daughter stands up for them. Makes my heart swell:)) Anyway, she didn't have a very good answer for having my sons arm behind his back and screaming at him, of course. I told her to go home and stay on her own street and if I ever saw her hands on my son, or any of the other children on my street, we would take a walk to my next door neighbor, (a local police officer) and discuss it with him, then her parents. (Of course I know that dealing with most bullies parents is pointless, otherwise, the kids might not be bullies, but there is benefit in giving people a chance right?) QUOTE]

Smjohn, good for you. Maybe no adult has ever talked to her like that.

[smjohn]

[QUOTE=smjohn;221251]I really feel for you on this, Corbin. Just recently, I was taking the trash out to the dumpster and all the kids in the neighborhood were playing kickball in the street. I didn't have my glasses on and when I looked at the kids I saw what I thought was a grown woman holding my 10 year old son's arm behind his back and screaming into his ear. I dropped the trash, expecting that I was about to start swinging. I called for the "woman" to come here and she started walking toward me. When I got closer to her I realized this was a teenager and asked how old she was. She said 14. I asked what she thought she was doing with her hands on my son and she said she was sick of hearing him "whine" about the game. All the other kids are his age. I asked her, if she doesn't want to hear kids whine, why isn't she playing with kids her own age. (I'd never seen her before this, but she apparently rides the same bus and my daughter had a little run in with her just before this, apparently she bullies other kids and my daughter stands up for them. Makes my heart swell:)) Anyway, she didn't have a very good answer for having my sons arm behind his back and screaming at him, of course. I told her to go home and stay on her own street and if I ever saw her hands on my son, or any of the other children on my street, we would take a walk to my next door neighbor, (a local police officer) and discuss it with him, then her parents. (Of course I know that dealing with most bullies parents is pointless, otherwise, the kids might not be bullies, but there is benefit in giving people a chance right?) QUOTE]

Smjohn, good for you. Maybe no adult has ever talked to her like that.

Probably not with any logic, anyway.

[CorbinKale]

AmandaRose,

Have you looked into a '504 Plan' for Miranda? If you aren't aware of that, it is a coordinated plan for kids with disabilities to help accomodate them in the schools. Things like needing extra time on tests due to inability to stay focused for long periods, etc. We got one approved for my son, and it really helped. He is now to the point where we don't use any of the recommended accomodations, but it is a great comfort to know they are present if he goes through a bad time, his meds become ineffective, or he gets transfered back to a school that is more geared to just pushing students through the system.

Just thought I'd mention it, because it isn't really advertised by the schools as an option.

[Maddie]

AmandaRose,

Have you looked into a '504 Plan' for Miranda? If you aren't aware of that, it is a coordinated plan for kids with disabilities to help accomodate them in the schools. Things like needing extra time on tests due to inability to stay focused for long periods, etc. We got one approved for my son, and it really helped. He is now to the point where we don't use any of the recommended accomodations, but it is a great comfort to know they are present if he goes through a bad time, his meds become ineffective, or he gets transfered back to a school that is more geared to just pushing students through the system.

Just thought I'd mention it, because it isn't really advertised by the schools as an option.

hi CorbinKale

Thank you for the information, I was not familiar with that, I did a search on it and saw this bit, is the reason I probably haven't ....

. Where can a school district, parent, or student get information on Section 504?

OCR provides technical assistance to school districts, parents, and students upon request.

I know that we need all the backup and support we can get. thanks for sharing that, I will be looking into it here. :)

Im glad to hear things have calmed a bit with the situation of your son and those bullies, I was thinking that they are probably not going to be 'showing up at the conference' you were speaking of, but it is a very rational and calm approach.

and smjohn, good for you too! I can imagine looking down the street and seeing someone, anyone, with a physical hold on your child, you must have lost it for a minute there inside, but you handled it perfectly. ;)

[Maddie]

i know. i'm one of many who doesn't approve of bullying for any reason wheather the kid is a geek, nerd, foriegn, or just different. anything that looks like it might start a bullying problem should be stopped ASAP. i hope she doesn't get bullied since she is a sweet girl the way you talk about her.

Skfan, thank you, I hope so too, she is a sweet girl, well sometimes shes not entirely, ask her brothers, lol. I remember you having some problems last year with some kids at school .... and your lunchbox, and a Stephen K book, I hope these issues you experienced have subsided... ?

[SKfan2006]

it was only for one day. i solved the lunchbox by putting it in my locker and for my book by keeping it on my person. and all those problems were from one person.

[CorbinKale]

Bullying update:

The bus driver was sick on Monday, so the bullies took advantage of the substitute driver and terrorized my boy. He told me as soon as he got home. I called the school the next morning and scheduled an appointment and outlined what had happened. I saw the Dean of Students at 1030. He had interviewed my son earlier in the day, and he went to the bus depot to review the video from the 3 cameras, which verified exactly what my son had charged. The bullies are banned from the bus now.

The boy had no problems today, but we are alert for retaliation, especially, from a proxy thug. These things tend to escalate, as was just shown. Every hostile act will be countered. My son is learning valuable lessons in human nature and how to face adversity. Good training!

[smjohn]

Bullying update:

The bus driver was sick on Monday, so the bullies took advantage of the substitute driver and terrorized my boy. He told me as soon as he got home. I called the school the next morning and scheduled an appointment and outlined what had happened. I saw the Dean of Students at 1030. He had interviewed my son earlier in the day, and he went to the bus depot to review the video from the 3 cameras, which verified exactly what my son had charged. The bullies are banned from the bus now.

The boy had no problems today, but we are alert for retaliation, especially, from a proxy thug. These things tend to escalate, as was just shown. Every hostile act will be countered. My son is learning valuable lessons in human nature and how to face adversity. Good training!

Good training and great lesson, however sad it is that we have to endure such events in our lives from other human beings. Sickening that your boy has to endure fear and intimidation from other CHILDREN, and at such a young age. It is definitely life changing, but it will make him a stronger and more compassionate person.

[Maddie]

hi CorbinKale,

I'm sorry to hear of the additional troubles with those kids, but so glad that it is being made clear to them that it will be known about, and they will be punished. and I agree with smjohn, that the intimidation is just sickening, that it will make the kids stronger, lets hope so.

[SKfan2006]

good to see those bullies gone from the bus.

[CorbinKale]

The ban was only for three days. The main bully has to sit right behind the driver now and the others are behaving. He is playing Runescape online with one of them right now! Kids are funny.

The main bully is not happy(still giving the stink-eye, but no words or physical action), but I guess his parents were not happy about having to arrange alternate school transportation, either. Hopefully, this goes no further. My son says things have been great at school and on the bus.

The boy expressed concerns that he was now known all over the school because these guys got the 3-day suspension from the bus, and he fears he is a bigger target now. I explained that it isn't easy to do the right thing, most times. He felt better when I pointed out how other kids that were victims of the bullies got relief because of his actions. That made him smile. :) He is a great son!

[Elizabetha]

My little brother had autism, i feel so bad for him because kids at school make fun of him. I also dissapoint myself by sometimes getting mad at him for the stuff he does, but i forget he has autism. Also i hate myself for, sometimes, i secretly wish that i had a normal brother and not the one i got. :(

[CorbinKale]

My little brother had autism, i feel so bad for him because kids at school make fun of him. I also dissapoint myself by sometimes getting mad at him for the stuff he does, but i forget he has autism. Also i hate myself for, sometimes, i secretly wish that i had a normal brother and not the one i got. :(

Don't hate your thoughts. We all suffer from being human, but that doesn't make us 'bad', in itself. It is our actions for which we are accountable.

[Maddie]

My little brother had autism, i feel so bad for him because kids at school make fun of him. I also dissapoint myself by sometimes getting mad at him for the stuff he does, but i forget he has autism. Also i hate myself for, sometimes, i secretly wish that i had a normal brother and not the one i got. :(


hi Elizabetha, thanks for sharing :) I agree with CorbinKale, dont feel guilty about those feelings, your life is affected by his condition also. You guys have it extra tough at times being their brothers and sisters, I am sooo aware of that with Miranda's three older brothers, she gets away with more than they did, or shes getting 'special' treatment, they btw treat her in no special way at all, they put up with a lot though, one of them whose glasses she has broken to pieces repeatedly, etc... they have felt that I love her more at times, which is heartbreaking for me to have them ever feel that way. I know they wish that she was normal too, but they also wouldnt trade her for another little sister in the world, cause there is a joy that she also brings, as Im sure your brother does also. Warmest wishes your way to you and your little brother and family. :)

[Maddie]

I just want to bring this thread back up for anyone who wants to talk about and share...or to inquire...

I recently did a thread in support of teachers while having a sad moment, since then, the teacher has called me, very upset, to inform me that she just found out my daughter will not be attending her usual school, that since this teacher is leaving, they are dividing the children in her class up, by grades, and shipping them to different schools. This particular teacher taught 1rst thru 5th grade levels.

now as a parent of a child with special needs, we have this right to decide what school our child will go to within our states as long as their needs can be met there, and we provide transportation... my problem is, that the teacher that will be filling in for the teacher that is leaving, is only going to be teaching 1rst and 2nd graders.... and my daughter has been promoted to 3rd.

Im going to make some contacts to try to see if theres anything I can do to stop this from happening, to change the school on her will be harmful to her progress, I know it. We had so many problems with attendance and tardiness even there in a place she loves and this teacher worked with us and helped us tremendously, but others may not, and that is 'her school'. :sad:

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

Well, that's a bit of a PITA for you and Miranda, Amanda, I hope you get a satisfactory outcome.

Keep us posted on developments.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Maddie]

hello again :smile2:

I came across an interesting article about a mom who says Marinol, a marijuana medication, is helping her Autistic son with whom they experience fitful rages and violent behaviors in his dark phases, and want to share that in here, fyi, or thoughts on ...

[http://www.momlogic.com/2009/11/can_marijuana_help_kids_with_autism.php


Miranda is doing very very well, and continues to progress in so many ways. Im going to post an update photo of her from home, how shes grown, maturing extremely quickly I have to add, at 9, a training bra has become a must and she refuses, and the fear of further maturing a dilemma in my mind at the moment.

One therapists has suggested a 'shot' to prevent a cycle from ever coming along which we can be sure can not be safe, IMO. Another suggests pre introducing her to the accessories.

Im wondering if anyone out here shares this troubled thought or have faced it?

I began a page for her, at myspace which is not completed, not about Autism itself as planned it became 'her' page, with her 'stuff' on it, :laugh: which I may post a link to here sometime soon. She wanted it to be just like 'mine' though in appearance per the 'profile image', which I found quite amusing. :wink2:

[Mookie]

Amanda, Your daughter has the most beautiful smile. And her hair looks fine to me. My oldest daughter at the start of Kindergarten (years ago) chopped her bangs to her scalp. She looked pretty funny. I have a sister who has Aspergers syndrome so I am familiar with that type of autism (though not all). Ty for starting this thread, as there is always something new to learn.

[CorbinKale]

Ahhh! Thanks for bumping this thread. I was going to because of a show I saw this weekend, and you saved me the trouble of finding it. The show was a 3 hour spot on 'Book TV' on CSPAN. This woman named Temple Grandin gave an incredible interview on autism and Asperger's Syndrome. I intend to read her books.

It airs again this next Saturday, but you can also watch it online. I found it completely fascinating and useful for helping my son deal with his AS.

http://www.booktv.org/Program/10695/In+Depth+Temple+Grandin.aspx

[Maddie]

Update.....

Autism is much more common than we previously thought... CDC. Latest report informs that Autism, now, affects about 1 in every 110 American children, a 57 percent increase over the last estimate in 2002 indicating 1 in every 153 affected, according to a report released yesterday (Dec 18) by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The study showed that autism is “an urgent public health concern,” CDC officials said, but they cautioned that the higher rate didn’t necessarily mean the disorder is growing more common.

The disturbing trend reflects greater awareness and diagnosis of "autism spectrum disorders," but may also mean more children are being exposed to the still-mysterious causes, said Catherine Rice, lead author of the CDC report and a behavioral health scientist at the CDC's National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities. The reason for the increase remains unclear.

[Maddie]

Update.....

Autism is much more common than we previously thought... CDC. Latest report informs that Autism, now, affects about 1 in every 110 American children, a 57 percent increase over the last estimate in 2002 indicating 1 in every 153 affected, according to a report released yesterday (Dec 18) by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The study showed that autism is “an urgent public health concern,” CDC officials said, but they cautioned that the higher rate didn’t necessarily mean the disorder is growing more common.

The disturbing trend reflects greater awareness and diagnosis of "autism spectrum disorders," but may also mean more children are being exposed to the still-mysterious causes, said Catherine Rice, lead author of the CDC report and a behavioral health scientist at the CDC's National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities. The reason for the increase remains unclear.




this is an article from the Age of Autism Daily Web Newspaper written with regard to the recent CDC update....though not in their favor, some may find enlightening, some information about how this statistic rating is done by state, touching on the fact that states with serious pollution concerns and/or aggressive vaccination policies have the highest rates of children with Autism such as NJ , Utah and West Virginia.



'There is no more unscientific position in public health today than the fiction that rising autism rates come from better diagnosing...'

http://www.ageofautism.com/2009/12/mark-blaxill-lies-damned-lies-and-cdc-autism-statistics.html?cid=6a00d8357f3f2969e20120a7762e09970b

[Maddie]

a quick add here is that where the statistic figure is listed as 1 in 100 as opposed to my previous post with 1 in 110, is that the CDC originally released the figure of 1 in 100 in late October, which they apparently had recalculated and rereleased in December as 1 in 110.

[Lencho_of_the_Apes]

You don't subscribe to the belief that mercury in children's vaccine injections could be a contributing factor? My casual look through the evidence on that subject was pretty persuasive for me...

On the subject of maturing... this probably isn't any concrete help at all, but there were some very interesting issues of a modern-classic (IMO) comic-book called Doom Patrol about a disturbed little girl named Dorothy and her phobias and distresses related to menstruation and maturing in general. Could be an interesting read for you , and might POSSIBLY be a way for you and Miranda to address her thoughts on the subject, if she's verbal enough & able to communicate at that level. If you're interested, I'll look up the issue numbers...

We all float down here.

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

Thankee for that update, Amanda - most informative.

And I'm baffled about the reasons for adding mercury as well, Lencho, I've never read a satisfactory explanation for the addition of a deadly poison to a childen's vaccine.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Mookie]

Hi,

Thankee for that update, Amanda - most informative.

And I'm baffled about the reasons for adding mercury as well, Lencho, I've never read a satisfactory explanation for the addition of a deadly poison to a childen's vaccine.

Long days and pleasant nights

My husband mentioned that he heard that the H1N1 vaccines contained mercury...I tried Google with that question and didn't get any answers.( My daughters both got the mist though) I don't know why mercury would be added to vaccines either. With all the pharmacological technology, surely there is an alternative.

[Maddie]

You don't subscribe to the belief that mercury in children's vaccine injections could be a contributing factor? My casual look through the evidence on that subject was pretty persuasive for me...

On the subject of maturing... this probably isn't any concrete help at all, but there were some very interesting issues of a modern-classic (IMO) comic-book called Doom Patrol about a disturbed little girl named Dorothy and her phobias and distresses related to menstruation and maturing in general. Could be an interesting read for you , and might POSSIBLY be a way for you and Miranda to address her thoughts on the subject, if she's verbal enough & able to communicate at that level. If you're interested, I'll look up the issue numbers...

We all float down here.


hi Lencho,

first of all Yes, I think thats a definetine possibility, I dont think anyone can rule it out as a matter of fact than anyone can prove it to be a fact. It is one of the few things that ALL these children have in common are that they are injected.

thanks for your suggestion, I did a search on that comic book series and found some information about it at Amazon, though she may not be comprehensive enough just yet, which is our biggest obstacle, she speaks beautifully though, at nine, shes probably more mindful of a 5 year old at this point but she continues to progress in communications which is a blessing of course.

[Maddie]

Hi,

Thankee for that update, Amanda - most informative.

And I'm baffled about the reasons for adding mercury as well, Lencho, I've never read a satisfactory explanation for the addition of a deadly poison to a childen's vaccine.

Long days and pleasant nights


supposedly from what Ive read about it the mercury is in the 'preservative' they use in the vaccines, called thimerosol, and the hepatitis series require more preservation than some others, but is to preserve the vaccines. and I agree with you about it being a deadly poison.

[Maddie]

My husband mentioned that he heard that the H1N1 vaccines contained mercury...I tried Google with that question and didn't get any answers.( My daughters both got the mist though) I don't know why mercury would be added to vaccines either. With all the pharmacological technology, surely there is an alternative.

I heard the same thing. I don't think that the recall of 800,000 vials of that stuff was beyond suspicion either. My thoughts are that if it were true that the recalled vaccine were not 'strong enough', then how come all others who received the 'less potent' vials were said sufficient?

[Mookie]

I heard the same thing. I don't think that the recall of 800,000 vials of that stuff was beyond suspicion either. My thoughts are that if it were true that the recalled vaccine were not 'strong enough', then how come all others who received the 'less potent' vials were said sufficient?

Yes that is suspicious!! We recently had a (H1N1) clinic here, where the entire batch they used has been recalled due to the vaccine being frozen. They are urging everyone to be re-vaccinated due to the ineffectiveness of the vaccine. Makes you wonder when/if they'll get it right.

[Maddie]

Yes that is suspicious!! We recently had a (H1N1) clinic here, where the entire batch they used has been recalled due to the vaccine being frozen. They are urging everyone to be re-vaccinated due to the ineffectiveness of the vaccine. Makes you wonder when/if they'll get it right.


Oh, That is so weird, local news around here informed that those who had received the' less potent' shots, did 'not' need to have them again. and I was amazed at how so many people seemed to be rushing out to have this when it was in testing stages still.

[Mookie]

Oh, That is so weird, local news around here informed that those who had received the' less potent' shots, did 'not' need to have them again. and I was amazed at how so many people seemed to be rushing out to have this when it was in testing stages still.

My husband and I did go back and forth as to whether we should let our girls get the vaccine. My entire family had a mild case of H1N1, before this clinic at their school. I didn't think that they needed to get one, because of that. What swayed me, is the nurse telling me that doctors were getting it twice, with different symptoms. I have read of one case where that happened, I think it's a rare occurrence.

[Maddie]

My husband and I did go back and forth as to whether we should let our girls get the vaccine. My entire family had a mild case of H1N1, before this clinic at their school. I didn't think that they needed to get one, because of that. What swayed me, is the nurse telling me that doctors were getting it twice, with different symptoms. I have read of one case where that happened, I think it's a rare occurrence.


I think its good that you were actually allowed to consider, I know health care professionals always encourage it, and they were really urging about that one, parents are only trying to do whats best for their children, and Im sure you did what is right for yours in your case, and this one will surely become another mandatory one in the near future.

[91rewoT]

What a surprise to find a thread about autism here on the MB! Your daughter is beautiful! I've been working with children who have autism for almost 20 years...they have so much to teach us.

[Mookie]

I think its good that you were actually allowed to consider, I know health care professionals always encourage it, and they were really urging about that one, parents are only trying to do whats best for their children, and Im sure you did what is right for yours in your case, and this one will surely become another mandatory one in the near future.

I too am glad that we had options. I do see, where this vaccine could become part of standard immunizations (children) in the future.

[Maddie]

heres Miranda busy doing her favorite thing yesterday evenin, that buggy is full of junks believe me! I wanted to show you guys how much shes grown, at 9 now, though she is standing on that rack thing at the bottom in that 3rd one, shes not quite that tall, yet. :smile2:

in that first one....' she is busy!' in that second one, 'what mommy?' .... and at last.... 'she rides happy '. :laugh:

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff157/AmandaRosexxx/mybabyshopping.jpg

and heres one I had played with that she liked ....

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff157/AmandaRosexxx/mirandalolly.jpg

for quite some time now shes a bit obsessed with food and pictures of food, I recently had to send a note to her teacher, asking if she would please send 'two' copies of any homework worksheets that mention foods, treats, candies, in word problems and/or especially pictures ....and you wouldnt believe how often this is, lol, but so that we can complete one to return to school and keep one at home. Miranda will come in from school with these worksheets handling them very carefully, she wont let me 'touch' them, and she wont 'dare' write on them as to not 'mess them up', shes been hiding them and cutting the pictures out, and most are so simple and not extravagant at all, one was just a tiny picture of a peanut in a math problem on a page of about 20, but because of that 'one', she refused to do any of the work on the page. When she brought home a sheet the other day with a large picture of a chef holding a tray 'full' of goodies titled 'What is your favorite place to Eat?' I just couldnt stop laughing about it.

her best friend, who doesnt have Autism, but shares some mild characteristics....is so much like her in this regard, over the weekend they were watching the movie 'Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs' and I overheard her friend say.... 'mmmmmm I wish I could eat that whole building'! :biggrin2: I met another mom at therapy who said her older Autistic daughter also had this fascination and fixation with treats and foods when she was younger and had eventually outgrown it.

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

Thankee for these great updated pics, Amanda, terrific to see them, my, how she's grown!.

She's very like you, please give her my love.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Mookie]

Amanda, Your daughter is beautiful. My sister who has Aspergers syndrome is obsessed with movies and music. She can remember the lines to every movie or song that she's ever heard..it is amazing. Your daughter looks like she's on top of the world doing her shopping! TY for sharing the pic's.:biggrin2:

[Maddie]

Thank you so much John, and Mookie :smile2: it is really something how some incapabilities and difficulties in some areas are accompanyed by such extraordinary abilities in other areas isnt it? Amazing it sure is, and like your sister, we get obsessed with movies too and she 'loops' them to play same scenes over and over. (I dont even know how to do this, lol) How old is your sister? John my coworker says 'Amanda you got her lookin like you'!, :laugh: I give her your love, she looks in here at times herself when I post pictures and is able to read now... and John, she knows you very very well right by your name as well as your pictures. :)

[AmandaBroadfoot]

Wow! I, too, was surprised to find a thread about autism on this message board. I'm the mother of an autistic 3 1/2 year old son, as well as a neurotypical 1-year-old daughter. Your daughter *is* gorgeous, Amanda, and it's always encouraging and inspiring to me to see happy, older autistic kids.

I look forward to keeping in touch!

[Maddie]

hi Amanda :smile2: thank you so much, Its lovely to meet you ! Well we would love to hear all about your little ones in here. the fun stuff, the hard stuff, the ups and downs, so please feel free to share as much as you like about them in here. Thank you about the thread, it was a continuation from one on a past board a few years ago, and though not many post as much out here, I do believe they drop by and I feel that maybe something we say can be enlightening or helpful, cause though not everyone has children with special needs, most everyone knows someone who does these days, and I love to hear from other moms and dads, I hope to hear from you soon! and to 91rewoT above, it is a pleasure to meet you too, theres something so special about you and what you do. Thanksss so much.

[91rewoT]

hi Amanda :smile2: thank you so much, Its lovely to meet you ! Well we would love to hear all about your little ones in here. the fun stuff, the hard stuff, the ups and downs, so please feel free to share as much as you like about them in here. Thank you about the thread, it was a continuation from one on a past board a few years ago, and though not many post as much out here, I do believe they drop by and I feel that maybe something we say can be enlightening or helpful, cause though not everyone has children with special needs, most everyone knows someone who does these days, and I love to hear from other moms and dads, I hope to hear from you soon! and to 91rewoT above, it is a pleasure to meet you too, theres something so special about you and what you do. Thanksss so much.You know, there really is so much we can all learn from children who have autism...every day at work, I think I learn more than I'm able to teach! I just attended a Statewide Transition Conference and got to hear Dr. Temple Grandin speak - I was overwhelmed with emotion! She has overcome so much and achieved amazing things in her life...listening to her speak was really an inspiration, and I came away with some different ideas and attitudes that will help me in my job. I haven't seen it yet, but HBO made a movie about her (with much of her input). It's on HBO right now, which I don't happen to have, so I'll have to wait for the video release in August. I thought you might be interested - check it out if you get a chance.

[Maddie]

omg that is so awesome that you got to hear her speak, thanks for sharing that! My coworker had informed me about the special and I too will have to catch it on dvd. Everyone should hear her story, how she explains how it felt to be 'unable to speak' at times when she wanted to and just couldn't.

Recently, Miranda told me something that I had hoped she someday would..... 'How' she broke her arm when she was 3 years old and she was completely non verbal. We knew she had 'fell' this was obvious but as she was walking out the room as we were running to her, no one knew exactly from where to where.... She told me she was jumping like the 'white cat'... that was a cat we had at that time named Misty which she adored, and as to how she was jumping from dresser to bed, or off the bed, she says she slipped jumping to the bed. I still am so thrilled that she has told me this.

Temple Grandin, such an amazing woman, a huge inspiration. One thing she says that I always remember, that the best thing her family ever did for her was treat her 'normal'. Me and another mom were talking yesterday about the wonder of whether they will be able to ever just walk into a McDonalds someday and place an order, and stuff like that. I got a note from teacher yesterday 'She has progressed so much in class, I am very Amazed!' , exact words, I cant be happier, its such a long road, but so many wonderful people I meet, I truly love and admire you and all who work with these children.

[rjt65]

I saw the last half or so of the HBO movie--a great moving movie.... I hope to catch it all... Claire Danes was awesome IMO.

HBO made movies are awesome, far surpassing anything the networks do.

http://www.hbo.com/movies?cmpid=s6#/movies/temple-grandin

[91rewoT]

omg that is so awesome that you got to hear her speak, thanks for sharing that! My coworker had informed me about the special and I too will have to catch it on dvd. Everyone should hear her story, how she explains how it felt to be 'unable to speak' at times when she wanted to and just couldn't.

Recently, Miranda told me something that I had hoped she someday would..... 'How' she broke her arm when she was 3 years old and she was completely non verbal. We knew she had 'fell' this was obvious but as she was walking out the room as we were running to her, no one knew exactly from where to where.... She told me she was jumping like the 'white cat'... that was a cat we had at that time named Misty which she adored, and as to how she was jumping from dresser to bed, or off the bed, she says she slipped jumping to the bed. I still am so thrilled that she has told me this.

Temple Grandin, such an amazing woman, a huge inspiration. One thing she says that I always remember, that the best thing her family ever did for her was treat her 'normal'. Me and another mom were talking yesterday about the wonder of whether they will be able to ever just walk into a McDonalds someday and place an order, and stuff like that. I got a note from teacher yesterday 'She has progressed so much in class, I am very Amazed!' , exact words, I cant be happier, its such a long road, but so many wonderful people I meet, I truly love and admire you and all who work with these children.
Hearing about Miranda talking to you makes me cry! (happy tears!). It's wonderful that she has progressed so much, she will continue to grow as long as she has the right supports and encouragement! You sound like a terrific parent - I see on a daily basis some of the challenges you face. (Give yourself a great big hug.) I think one of the best things you can do as a parent (and we can do in school) is to raise the bar of expectations for all of our kids - they tend to rise to it! A long time ago, I worked with a non-verbal child who had Down Syndrome and Autism. He was 10 when I met him - not toilet trained and would eat only a few specific foods. Mom's wish was that someday he would be able to eat at McDonalds with the whole family...in 4 years he was toilet trained and eating almost any kind of food you could think of - including a hamburger and french fries (each one delicately dipped in ketchup!) with the family at fast food places. It still makes me happy for them to think about it! Anyway, I guess my point is that you need to reach for the sky because you never know when you might catch a star...

[Maddie]

Hearing about Miranda talking to you makes me cry! (happy tears!). It's wonderful that she has progressed so much, she will continue to grow as long as she has the right supports and encouragement! You sound like a terrific parent - I see on a daily basis some of the challenges you face. (Give yourself a great big hug.) I think one of the best things you can do as a parent (and we can do in school) is to raise the bar of expectations for all of our kids - they tend to rise to it! A long time ago, I worked with a non-verbal child who had Down Syndrome and Autism. He was 10 when I met him - not toilet trained and would eat only a few specific foods. Mom's wish was that someday he would be able to eat at McDonalds with the whole family...in 4 years he was toilet trained and eating almost any kind of food you could think of - including a hamburger and french fries (each one delicately dipped in ketchup!) with the family at fast food places. It still makes me happy for them to think about it! Anyway, I guess my point is that you need to reach for the sky because you never know when you might catch a star...

Thank you sooo much, your words warm my heart, just like you hugged me! Im reaching for stars, and following rainbows. :smile2: What an awesome achievement for the little boy and his family, and for you! and sooo rewarding to be a part of that, I know you are so proud. You are so right about support and encouragement, and praise must be constant.

I remember when I first took Miranda to therapy, it was my wish just to hear her say 'mommy', and I told them that, and they said, 'she will', and it didnt take them long! It is so wonderful to hear achievements, I was talking to a mom at therapy the other day who was thrilled that her 6 year old daughter is not wetting her pullup as often at school just lately cause teachers are working so wonderfully with her, she is nonverbal but recently began mumbling sounds and is trying. It is amazing as you say how much we learn from them, its so true, I have incredible patience and great appreciations for so many little things that I never knew I could.

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

Great to see the new conrtrbuitors to the subject, Amanda.

Can I suggest you start a Social Group for Autism discussion and what WE can do to help?

Long days and pleasant nights

[Maddie]

Hi,

Great to see the new conrtrbuitors to the subject, Amanda.

Can I suggest you start a Social Group for Autism discussion and what WE can do to help?

Long days and pleasant nights

Yesss I would love to. :smile2: watch for it.

[91rewoT]

Thank you sooo much, your words warm my heart, just like you hugged me! Im reaching for stars, and following rainbows. :smile2: What an awesome achievement for the little boy and his family, and for you! and sooo rewarding to be a part of that, I know you are so proud. You are so right about support and encouragement, and praise must be constant.

I remember when I first took Miranda to therapy, it was my wish just to hear her say 'mommy', and I told them that, and they said, 'she will', and it didnt take them long! It is so wonderful to hear achievements, I was talking to a mom at therapy the other day who was thrilled that her 6 year old daughter is not wetting her pullup as often at school just lately cause teachers are working so wonderfully with her, she is nonverbal but recently began mumbling sounds and is trying. It is amazing as you say how much we learn from them, its so true, I have incredible patience and great appreciations for so many little things that I never knew I could.

Thank you for your kind words, Amanda! Seeing a child do something they have been struggling to learn to do, sometimes for years, is a reward like no other. I LOVE my job and the kids I am fortunate enough to work with!

There are so many things that people take for granted - a child calling their mother "mommy" is one of them. When you have to wait for these things to happen, sometimes wondering if they ever will, it makes it all the sweeter when they do! I can only imagine how your heart must have overflowed when Miranda first said "mommy"! What others take for granted, you will always appreciate.

I don't think I really need to tell you this, because I think you already know, (but sometimes it's good to have a cheerleader) - always believe Miranda can do things, and if someone tells you she can't, ask "why not?"! You will be her biggest advocate in life, until she can advocate for herself.

I'm so glad I found this thread! It's great talking to you!

[91rewoT]

Yesss I would love to. :smile2: watch for it.

I'll be waiting to join!!!

[Maddie]

Thank you for your kind words, Amanda! Seeing a child do something they have been struggling to learn to do, sometimes for years, is a reward like no other. I LOVE my job and the kids I am fortunate enough to work with!

There are so many things that people take for granted - a child calling their mother "mommy" is one of them. When you have to wait for these things to happen, sometimes wondering if they ever will, it makes it all the sweeter when they do! I can only imagine how your heart must have overflowed when Miranda first said "mommy"! What others take for granted, you will always appreciate.

I don't think I really need to tell you this, because I think you already know, (but sometimes it's good to have a cheerleader) - always believe Miranda can do things, and if someone tells you she can't, ask "why not?"! You will be her biggest advocate in life, until she can advocate for herself.

I'm so glad I found this thread! It's great talking to you!

your words bring me tears, of joy, youre a beautiful person. Thank you so much. I truly love talking to you, I know, that you really know, and your inspiration is so appreciated. What is so extra special about you and others who devote so much of your time with the kids, is that you are doing it by choice and such tremendous love to help others. As for me I didn't even know what Autism was until it reached out and touched me, well I take that back, I was familiar but only with it in Stephen's Annie from Rose Red and said, here and to him, I was sure glad my girl didn't have a temper. :laugh:

[Maddie]

RE:

I was familiar but only with it in Stephen's Annie from Rose Red and said, here and to him, I was sure glad my girl didn't have a temper. :laugh:

Nooooo I said I sure hoped shes not telekinetic cause she *does* have a temper,what am I saying, lol.

Stephen sure has quite a few awesome characters with special needs/gifts written into his stories over the years. :smile2:

[JohnDalglish]

[COLOR="black"]

Stephen sure has quite a few awesome characters with special needs/gifts written into his stories over the years. :smile2:

Hi,

Yes indeed!

Tom Cullen, Duddits - the list goes on.

I think he has a special level of empathy with these characters.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Maddie]

and what lasting impact the characters always have, theres an adorable member here that reminds me, via my own perception, of Duddits and his lunchbox and being picked on, and Carrie White I've thought of with regard to highschool and fears of natural occurrances greeted with cruelties, having a daughter, I dont remember there being a marked condition with her, but there must have been,

[91rewoT]

your words bring me tears, of joy, youre a beautiful person. Thank you so much. I truly love talking to you, I know, that you really know, and your inspiration is so appreciated. What is so extra special about you and others who devote so much of your time with the kids, is that you are doing it by choice and such tremendous love to help others. As for me I didn't even know what Autism was until it reached out and touched me, well I take that back, I was familiar but only with it in Stephen's Annie from Rose Red and said, here and to him, I was sure glad my girl didn't have a temper. :laugh:
I really do get more from the kids than I could ever give back to them...and I believe that God gives children with challenges to people for a reason - he doesn't trust just anyone to be parents to some of his most precious children, you know.:smile2:

[Mookie]

Hi,

Yes indeed!

Tom Cullen, Duddits - the list goes on.

I think he has a special level of empathy with these characters.

Long days and pleasant nights

That is an endearing quality. Special needs children are just that " Special". I have learned many things from my sister who has Aspergers syndrome. The biggest thing is patience and perseverance. She never stops learning or trying and she does it with joy. That simple joy that she has when she learns something new is awe inspiring. I think she has taught me more than I could ever teach her.

[Maddie]

I do feel blessed with her, as sure as we most all do with all of our children, but I've thought that, in light of her condition, she was definetly for me especially and I for her.

Mookie, forgive me, if I keep thinking that you are her mom, and youre her sister, am I confused, I cant re read back thru at this moment, lol, but I know one thing, youre a tremendous part of her accomplishments and joy! It so lovely to hear it!

We are just getting over Scarlet fever here, I was shocked to find she had this last week as suddenly it appeared, accompanying strep throat, apparently not serious but very contagious, shes finishing the meds now, but she was talking to herself in the mirror I was eavesdropping, 'omg Miranda, your face is pink!', tone changes and then... 'its okay honey you have a rash' 'dont worry, its going to go away soon'...

she talks to herself quite a bit and will refer to herself third person, her therapists say this is good for her to talk with herself cause it consoles and comforts.

[Mookie]

Mookie, forgive me, if I keep thinking that you are her mom, and youre her sister, am I confused, I cant re read back thru at this moment, lol, but I know one thing, youre a tremendous part of her accomplishments and joy! It so lovely to hear it!*************************Amanda, She's my sister but, I am 12 years older than she is and had/have a big part in helping my Mother with her. Her name is Rachel.

[Maddie]

Thanks, sorry for my confusing myself, I do that sometimes, lol. Its wonderful that youre able to be there for her in a motherly sense and then being her big sister too, theres that bond only you can share. I have three older boys and Autism is not a factor for them with their sister, most times they dont treat her as though she has it at all and dont consider it an excuse for her bad behaviors, their compassion shines thru at times though, theyre as responsible for spoiling her as I am, theyre good brothers, but they do teach her how to fight and play bad video games though. :laugh:

I would just love to hear more about Rachel, as much as you will like to share. :smile2:

[m@ria]

I have two sons,11 and 13,with Pdd NOS.They most likely got it through my husbands genes,now he's being tested also.
It's all fairly new to me.

When I saw this thread it was a huge surprise , didn't expect to find a subject like this here.
Thank you.

[Mookie]

Thanks, sorry for my confusing myself, I do that sometimes, lol. Its wonderful that youre able to be there for her in a motherly sense and then being her big sister too, theres that bond only you can share. I have three older boys and Autism is not a factor for them with their sister, most times they dont treat her as though she has it at all and dont consider it an excuse for her bad behaviors, their compassion shines thru at times though, theyre as responsible for spoiling her as I am, theyre good brothers, but they do teach her how to fight and play bad video games though. :laugh:

I would just love to hear more about Rachel, as much as you will like to share. :smile2:

My Sister Rachel who has Aspergers syndrome is an Savant she can remember songs and movie lines ( I mean "every word") and do huge puzzles that she has never seen before that would take the average person days to do. She is clumsy which is typical of Aspergers and has a hard time navigating things like steps/stairs etc. When she was an infant she seemed to be learning at a normal level, she crawled walked all at the typical age. But when she got into Kindergarten she started lashing out and biting the other children.(it was obvious that she wasn't learning at the same level as other children). At that time, not even the Dr.s could tell us why her behavior had become atypical. We were told that she may have a chemical imbalance in her brain. (They put her on Ritalin which made her a zombie.) It wasn't until the discovery of the Aspergers form of autism became known, that the Dr.s were able to tell us about it and we could put a name to it. We found a school for special needs children called Shiloh view and with the right help and understanding ( & great teachers) she began to thrive and to learn. In many ways at the age of 26 she is still very much childlike and needs help with many everyday basic things that we all take for granted. ( me too, until I see through her eyes) The admirable thing is ALL the things that she has learned to do on her own. If you can't tell I am proud of her. She has come a long way.........

[Maddie]

Thank you for sharing this :smile2: Isn't it just amazing how when we become aware there is a problem, that there are so many wonderful people right there to take your hand and help, getting there and realizing is a hard part. Someone with younger children said to me earlier here that they love seeing older happy children, and I have to say the same to you, that it is very inspiring to me the pleasure of knowing others that are older and into adulthood. Big hugsss to you and her, and your mom.

I met a girl at myspace, whom I thought something must be wrong with when she began messaging me, but I didnt know what.... observed her page and was puzzled, very beautiful girl, in her 20s but had her gradulation picture as display, lovesssss Stephen King, and then, she messaged me about an 'Autism' banner I have on my page and told me that her parents say that she has Autism, but she is better now. She works at Walmart, has a bank account, and even began doing some 'horror writing' on her blog, in the form of a soap opera, and the sex scenes, yes this shocked me, were in the form of 'oh, oh, uh, uh, ah'... lol, absolutely adorable, I need to check on her and see how shes doing.


I sooo feel you about their accomplishments outweighing their disadvantages and ultimate gratitude for things so normally taken for granted. When thinking ahead with worries, I try to remind myself of just how far we've come. Miranda, I thought was developing normally, I didn't realize that she wasnt ever looking at me or making eye contact, I do now when I think back about how she would look past me when I would bounce her on my lap and stuff, my mom did notice this and having seen a special program on Autism asked me if I thought she might have it, I looked it up and said 'noooo she doesnt have that!' , besides the fact that she wasnt speaking yet though.... walking was coming along fine and , once standing, she began to spin around and around all the time, she loved to extend objects, particularly shiny, out away from her and stare at it as she would go around, also that would begin crying in the car if you took a different road than a 'usual' on daily routine, stuff like that .... she had enough of the symptoms to receive the diagnosis.

It is amazing how so different the children all are, so many likenesses and yet no two are ever alike. Did Rachel outgrow the physical behaviors from earlier on? Miranda had stopped the spinning but just lately she is doing it again. The one thing that we continue to have a problem with overcoming is her fear of the sky. A grandmom at therapys grandson has this same obsession, always looking up at the sky.....

[Mookie]

Did Rachel outgrow the physical behaviors from earlier on? Miranda had stopped the spinning but just lately she is doing it again. The one thing that we continue to have a problem with overcoming is her fear of the sky. A grandmom at therapys grandson has this same obsession, always looking up at the Sky.=====================Amanda, you reminded me of something I forgot. Rachel is used to a routine as well, and if you deviate from it she get's upset. Her behaviors settled down; but I think it was due to the Ritalin not the normal course of growing out of it.( but who's to say she wouldn't have in time on her own?) Her fear (or obsession if you will) is not letting my Mother out of her sight....she used to be OK with Mom running to the store etc and my Dad being there but now if she thinks Mom is going somewhere she wants her keys. This has gotten more extreme in the last few years. But with time and patience it'll work itself out, I am sure. It's good to hear about Amanda and her progress....:grinning: each form of autism may be similar but each child is unique!

[91rewoT]

Hey Mookie! Thank you for sharing Rachel with us - you are so right about each child being unique! That is something I keep in mind with every child I work with who is on the Autism Spectrum. There are a lot of ideas out there for dealing with sensory issues, but I learned quickly that what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for another - and may even set them off. You really have to keep your mind open and always try to be looking for new things. This may sound really weird, but reading Stephen King stories has taught me to "think around corners". I think I use that at work. Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks for sharing...it's really good to see things from family members' perspectives.

[JohnDalglish]

This may sound really weird, but reading Stephen King stories has taught me to "think around corners".s.

Hi,

Not weird at all IMO, I think he has that effect.

And thankee all for the uplifting stories.

Long days and pleasant nights

[91rewoT]

Hi,

Not weird at all IMO, I think he has that effect.

And thankee all for the uplifting stories.

Long days and pleasant nights

Thank you John! And though this has nothing to do with the thread, I just realized from your post that it's possible to reply to a portion of someone's post without having the whole post quoted...but how the heck did you do that?! :eyebrow:

[Mookie]

Hey Mookie! Thank you for sharing Rachel with us - you are so right about each child being unique! That is something I keep in mind with every child I work with who is on the Autism Spectrum. There are a lot of ideas out there for dealing with sensory issues, but I learned quickly that what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for another - and may even set them off. You really have to keep your mind open and always try to be looking for new things. This may sound really weird, but reading Stephen King stories has taught me to "think around corners". I think I use that at work. Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks for sharing...it's really good to see things from family members' perspectives.

Thank You for doing what you do.......for without caring and understanding teachers/therapist who can and do think outside of the box, very little progress would be made. (IMO) There is no set treatment or therapy that works with every child. The right approach can make all the difference.

[Moderator]

And though this has nothing to do with the thread, I just realized from your post that it's possible to reply to a portion of someone's post without having the whole post quoted...but how the heck did you do that?! :eyebrow:

Just highlight what you don't want in the quoted text and delete it.

[Maddie]

I am wondering if anyone else has issues with 'time change'. We have for years, Miranda would know the clock was wrong by 'exactly one hour' by the setting of the sun, and change all the clocks, :laugh: , ever since she was 3, it would get confusing not knowing what the right time was for daysss.

this time, she was more aware though as we have explained this as best it can be, this time, she thought we we were going to 'skip 2:00' as in 'take it off the clock' because her grandmother had said we were 'losing an hour' , and she actually cried a moment about that, but I explained to her that it would still be there, and she intently stayed awake to help me change the time on all of the clocks at exactly 2:00 am this past weekend.

I haven't the time to start a social group as we had discussed, but hopefully I could do that sometime in the near future, and maintain. It is a joy having this discussion. When I posted the original Autism thread a fews years back on another board, I received a personal message from John Dalglish thanking me for opening it, having never even have heard of it, he was, and continues to have interests, concern, and compassion and care about this subject. Thank you John.

He shared with me a brilliant idea of his to create further awareness, a project that we call Autism and Horror. The idea was to initially include the message board and members here, but ultimately failed, due to misunderstandings. It may be so that some could harbor ill feeling today with regard to this subject matter as a result of that, but I hope not.

Anyway, I just want to share this with all of you that the project will continue and hopefully succeed in the future. A compilation of 'real life' horror stories from real horror writers, we have corresponded with several who agree to submit stories, it all lies in time and the fine details. Proceeds would not go to research, but instead to funding for 'books' for children, not only special needs schools but to all these public schools who are going extra miles to accommodate children in what is considered normal environment. Maybe even some books about weather and time changes :smile2:

[betsymae]

I would love to hear more about your Autism and Horror project. Sounds intriguing!

[JohnDalglish]

I would love to hear more about your Autism and Horror project. Sounds intriguing!

Hi,

Right, I'll get back to you next week with the story, have a great weekend!

Long days and pleasant nights

[Charms7]

Yoko Ono Given The Title As Global Autism Ambassador!

http://img.perezhilton.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/wenn5356864jb__oPt.jpg

Yo go, Yoko!!

Yoko Ono has been named the first Global Autism Ambassador by the Autism Speaks organization!!

The wife of the late John Lennon was given the title for creating a piece of art called Promise last year, as a dedication to World Autism Day, which is April 2nd.

While accepting the honor, she said:

"As an artist the concept of distance means nothing to me, you can bring the whole world together with a song, a painting or a single word and that is what I have tried to achieve with Promise and I hope it has been able to make a difference."

We're sure it did! What a lovely gesture!

Congratulations, bb!

From Perez Hilton's website: http://perezhilton.com/2010-04-01-yoko-ono-given-the-title-as-global-autism-ambassador

[Maddie]

thanksss for sharing that Charms! here, I found the art.....

http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/photo/gallery/090330/GAL-09Mar30-1801/media/PHO-09Mar30-156689.jpg

[JohnDalglish]

thanksss for sharing that Charms! here, I found the art.....

http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/photo/gallery/090330/GAL-09Mar30-1801/media/PHO-09Mar30-156689.jpg

Hi,

Aye very nice.

Looks like a picture of the sky (didn't God do that one? Or Microsoft?)

Mumblemumble Yoko etc.

Long days and pleasant nights

[boogerb53]

I have a two year old nephew we suspect may be autistic. He has the classic repetitive behavior. If you talk to him he rarely looks directly at you. He would rather play by himself than join in with others. He hasn't started talking. We are trying to encourage my neice to get the help he needs but her parents are not very encouraging. Thank God she lives in Arkansas with us where we can have a bigger influence on her.

[Maddie]

heres a tribute someone made for Autistic children and the people who love them.... its Sweet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2wRgSuTdJA

[Maddie]

I have a two year old nephew we suspect may be autistic. He has the classic repetitive behavior. If you talk to him he rarely looks directly at you. He would rather play by himself than join in with others. He hasn't started talking. We are trying to encourage my neice to get the help he needs but her parents are not very encouraging. Thank God she lives in Arkansas with us where we can have a bigger influence on her.

that is the exact same symptoms and experience I encountered, others could see it and I couldn't even after I researched it, I still didn't believe that she had it, but eventually, it came to be so. I guess sometimes its hard for parents to actually recognize this, or accept it, and as you and other family are aware,and working to help them become aware, they will come around to seeing it, as time rolls on they will have no choice, just hang in there for him. :smile2:

[Arrna]

My nephew (also my God son) has Aspergers which I believe is at the higher spectrum of Autism. He's such a bright beautiful boy, so thank you for posting this thread and bringing some awareness about this condition as it is so easily mis-understood :)

[JohnDalglish]

thank you for posting this thread and bringing some awareness about this condition as it is so easily mis-understood :)

Hi,

Ain't dat de troof?

Long days and pleasant nights

[SueC]

Hi all,

This is a very interesting thread and has made me think about my nephew. I think he may be autistic as he has a lot of symptoms that are mentioned here. He can be a loving child one minute and cuddling you but then he'll change and will start grabbing my sons clothes and clenching his teeth and pinching and squeezing their arms, he does hurt them and his sisters quite often. If you call him he'll ignores you but he doesn't have hearing problems as he's had hearing tests which are normal. He does make eye contact though but his speech is very slow and behind other children his age. Teachers at school seem to think he's really naughty but I'm convinced there's more to it than just naughtiness. He runs around screaming and having trantrums if he's not getting his own way or if his dad's not giving him 100% attention. It's very sad because his parents seem to be burying their heads in the sand where Lucas' behaviour is concerned and his dad won't even talk about his behaviour without getting defensive which I suppose is natural but how can people help him if he's denying there's a problem with his son? He used to be obsessed with hiding and playing in sheds and once here he was playing in our chicken shed and managed to break the lock on the door. If his dad took him out though, he screamed the house down. There are other symptoms but I don't know if it's because he's been allowed to get his own way too much and is very spoilt or maybe it is autism. Do these symptoms sound familiar to autism? He's nearly 5 and is only just beginning to talk properly and has only been out of nappies since about last September. I'm not sure how to bring up the subject with his parents though. :sad:

[Maddie]

Hi all,

This is a very interesting thread and has made me think about my nephew. I think he may be autistic as he has a lot of symptoms that are mentioned here. He can be a loving child one minute and cuddling you but then he'll change .... :sad:

thank you so much for sharing this SueC! Children on the Autism spectrum are not generally violent or aggressive, but I have heard of this tendancy in some, and based on what youre telling us about Lucas, its possible that he may have it, or he could suffer from a related condition, ..

heres a pretty good list of the symptoms of Autism from WebMD... and following that are the 'other related conditions' , an alphabet syndrome... I believe one or more may actually by symptomatic with aggression or violence, you could search those for specific symptoms. Im not really sure how to tell the father but than to give him some literature to read up on, if there is a condition , it may have to 'hit him', he and mom are probably not refusing to see these possibilities, but honestly can't. Lucky to have someone loving and concerned like you, that if he needs special care and treatment he can get it, its really sad to see children receive punishment instead, and also, hurting other children is a reason to check into it asap.

Autism - Symptoms
Core symptoms

The severity of symptoms varies greatly between individuals, but all people with autism have some core symptoms in the areas of:

Social interactions and relationships. Symptoms may include:

Significant problems developing nonverbal communication skills, such as eye-to-eye gazing, facial expressions, and body posture.
Failure to establish friendships with children the same age.
Lack of interest in sharing enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people.
Lack of empathy. People with autism may have difficulty understanding another person's feelings, such as pain or sorrow.
Verbal and nonverbal communication. Symptoms may include:
Delay in, or lack of, learning to talk. As many as 40% of people with autism never speak.1
Problems taking steps to start a conversation. Also, people with autism have difficulties continuing a conversation after it has begun.
Stereotyped and repetitive use of language. People with autism often repeat over and over a phrase they have heard previously (echolalia).
Difficulty understanding their listener's perspective. For example, a person with autism may not understand that someone is using humor. They may interpret the communication word for word and fail to catch the implied meaning.
Limited interests in activities or play. Symptoms may include:
An unusual focus on pieces. Younger children with autism often focus on parts of toys, such as the wheels on a car, rather than playing with the entire toy.
Preoccupation with certain topics. For example, older children and adults may be fascinated by video games, trading cards, or license plates.
A need for sameness and routines. For example, a child with autism may always need to eat bread before salad and insist on driving the same route every day to school.
Stereotyped behaviors. These may include body rocking and hand flapping.

Symptoms during childhood

Symptoms of autism are usually noticed first by parents and other caregivers sometime during the child's first 3 years. Although autism is present at birth (congenital), signs of the disorder can be difficult to identify or diagnose during infancy. Parents often become concerned when their toddler does not like to be held; does not seem interested in playing certain games, such as peekaboo; and does not begin to talk. Sometimes, a child will start to talk at the same time as other children the same age, then lose his or her language skills. They also may be confused about their child's hearing abilities. It often seems that a child with autism does not hear, yet at other times, he or she may appear to hear a distant background noise, such as the whistle of a train.

With early and intensive treatment, most children improve their ability to relate to others, communicate, and help themselves as they grow older. Contrary to popular myths about children with autism, very few are completely socially isolated or "live in a world of their own."

Other conditions

Autism is one of several types of pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs), also called autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It is not unusual for autism to be confused with other PDDs, such as Asperger's disorder or syndrome, or to have overlapping symptoms. A similar condition is called pervasive developmental disorder-NOS (not otherwise specified). PDD-NOS occurs when children display similar behaviors but do not meet the criteria for autism. It is commonly called just PDD. In addition, other conditions with similar symptoms may also have similarities to or occur with autism.

[Maddie]

heres a happy ending today ...... :smile2:


http://www.aolnews.com/nation/article/report-missing-autistic-florida-girl-nadia-bloom-found-alive/19437511

[ponygirl01]

Im not sure if i posted on here bebefore or not. But i worked in a group home with mentally and physically challenged kids. i was there for 9 years. A LOT of the kids tha ti worked with had one form of Autism or another. I have found that although they are usually in there own little world (and they are content being there), they are extremly intellegent. You jsut have to figure out the best and most interesting way (interestign to them) to use that intellegence. They do speak. you just have to listen. and i have even seen them interact well with others. Autistic children were some of my favorites. Right beside the kids with Down Syndrom.

[Mookie]

heres a happy ending today ...... :smile2:


http://www.aolnews.com/nation/article/report-missing-autistic-florida-girl-nadia-bloom-found-alive/19437511

Amanda, I couldn't help but think of Rachel when I read this. I am so happy that they found her. What a tough character she has, surviving in a swamp for 4 days.......Happy endings are a good thing....never have enough of those.

[Maddie]

Amanda, I couldn't help but think of Rachel when I read this. I am so happy that they found her. What a tough character she has, surviving in a swamp for 4 days.......Happy endings are a good thing....never have enough of those.

Mookie, I know what you mean, I immediately was thinking of Miranda when I read it, and how items missing with her were the camera, backpack and that one favorite book which likely inspired her outting, what a blessing of a miracle, and that was such a very dangerous swampland.

I read that there was no evidence of abduction but that they were still investigating, I did'nt see where it said that she was nonverbal, or is able to speak.

[Maddie]

Im not sure if i posted on here bebefore or not. But i worked in a group home with mentally and physically challenged kids. i was there for 9 years. A LOT of the kids tha ti worked with had one form of Autism or another. I have found that although they are usually in there own little world (and they are content being there), they are extremly intellegent. You jsut have to figure out the best and most interesting way (interestign to them) to use that intellegence. They do speak. you just have to listen. and i have even seen them interact well with others. Autistic children were some of my favorites. Right beside the kids with Down Syndrom.

hi there :smile2: thanks for sharing that, how very true, for what they lack ability in one area, makes up for in so many other incredibly intelligent ways, the 'extra sensory perception', is extraordinary with them.

I've wondered if they see and hear things sometimes, that we don't .... ? of a paranormal nature, anyone wonder or have an experience? I used to wonder this alot back when Miranda couldn't talk and would have these fearful meltdowns, which were often sky related (even a breeze, lol) but , other times I wasnt sure why.

[Mookie]

I read that there was no evidence of abduction but that they were still investigating, I did'nt see where it said that she was nonverbal, or is able to speak.

Amanda, apparently she is verbal:grinning. I read where she said to her rescuers " I'm glad you found me":wow: What a sweetie!

[JohnDalglish]

Amanda, apparently she is verbal:grinning. I read where she said to her rescuers " I'm glad you found me":wow: What a sweetie!

Hi,

Did anyone else think of The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon when they heard about this?

Long days and pleasant nights

[Maddie]

Hi,

Did anyone else think of The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon when they heard about this?

Long days and pleasant nights


John! Ya know I didnt! I cant believe I didn't, and similarities to that story are astounding!

[ponygirl01]

hi there :smile2: thanks for sharing that, how very true, for what they lack ability in one area, makes up for in so many other incredibly intelligent ways, the 'extra sensory perception', is extraordinary with them.

I've wondered if they see and hear things sometimes, that we don't .... ? of a paranormal nature, anyone wonder or have an experience? I used to wonder this alot back when Miranda couldn't talk and would have these fearful meltdowns, which were often sky related (even a breeze, lol) but , other times I wasnt sure why.

I have to add that, these kids often (depending on the child) can problem solve better than children who are normal. Dont ever give up... they do learn. i have seen it with my own eyes. i lived it for 9 years with kids ranging from 12 - 18 years old. they observe A LOT more than you think. they are JUST LIKE any other child. they are watching,observing, absorbing and learning EVERYTHING you do. Part of the issue is, getting them to display what they have observed. So many parents of Autistic children jsut give up. and THAT is what becaomes frustrating to the child. INTERACTING IS KEY!!!! Use sticker charts, grab bag, weekly reinforcers, daily reinforcers. Let them SEE the progress they have made.

Ponygirl

[womby wombles]

hi there :smile2: thanks for sharing that, how very true, for what they lack ability in one area, makes up for in so many other incredibly intelligent ways, the 'extra sensory perception', is extraordinary with them.

I've wondered if they see and hear things sometimes, that we don't .... ? of a paranormal nature, anyone wonder or have an experience? I used to wonder this alot back when Miranda couldn't talk and would have these fearful meltdowns, which were often sky related (even a breeze, lol) but , other times I wasnt sure why.

Hi, sorry to butt in here, but I have to agree with you in regards to this. My son Ryan is 8 and is autistic. I have had this long standing thought for a few years now, that he has an extra sense that we don't. An example of this is the very first time we went to our friends house (her son and my son went to the same child care centre as well as the same early intervention playgroup), he walked around the house and made his way to her and her hubby's bedroom where he proceeded to find her hubby's guitar and sat down and played it. The said guitar was not visible at all and was hidden under what she said was a big huge pile of washing. How on earth did he know it was there? we all laughed and all, but it made me think what other talents he may have. Maybe he is my own little version of Duddits lol.
He also communicates to 2 other autistic kids that he knows by merely looking at them and smiling and watching what they do. Maybe they know more about non verbal language then we assume that they do....

[Mookie]

[QUOTE=ponygirl01;368245]I have to add that, these kids often (depending on the child) can problem solve better than children who are normal.

Ponygirl, I can attest to that! My sister Rachel who is autistic, puts together these mammoth puzzles with itty bitty pieces. It would take me a week or more to do them. ( they are huge) But, she can do them amazingly fast. Another thing is, when she picks up a piece to place in the puzzle she automatically knows where it goes. I would have to study that piece match the color etc.......she doesn't!

[Maddie]

Special olympics 2010, my cam gave me problems, had to do stills of vids I took which I was unaware, lol, so not so clear..... and I just wanna say that, though these are some of the most seemingly unorganized events, though they are in fact extremely organized, they really are alot of fun, where else can you see parents racing each other down a track with their kids in wheelchairs? I didnt know they did that but, I thought it was sweet, added to the 'all for fun' and it definetly is that, as well as so inspirational and encouraging, the word cant doesnt exist and every childs a winner.

best friends
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3111/4561740171_e64e82aaa5.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3418/4562354570_b2be7e98dd.jpg

beautiful day, beautiful girl
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3027/4561718013_df14c51b91.jpg

50 yard dash
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3379/4562337086_4ed7db6b33.jpg


best teachers in the world! other at far left, we are blessed.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/4561701367_75497f0c01.jpg

[Maddie]

and just one more, a picture is worth a 1000 words isn't it? this little smile between these two in just a split second 'after' the click of the cam, having taken their picture, which of course was video as it turned out , and so I caught it :smile2:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3486/4562361558_803dc5c90e.jpg

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

Thankee for posting the pics, Amanda; Miranda looks like she's having a lot of fun, sounds like a great event!

Long days and pleasant nights

[Mookie]

Amanda, Absolutely right.... beautiful girl beautiful day! What a fantastic event, thank you so much for sharing these pictures.

[betsymae]

Great photos, Amanda! Thanks so much for posting them. Love the last one! Your daughter is a beauty!

[91rewoT]

Special Olympics is truly awesome - as are the people who donate their time to put the events together! Looks like Miranda had a great time! I love that last picture...glad the camera worked the way it did! Thanks for sharing!

[ponygirl01]

Okay. So the foloowing was left on a friends FB page. I thought that id share it with all of you...

People need to understand that children with special needs do not have an illness, so there is no cure & it's not contagious. They only want what we all want, to be accepted. Most of you probably won't copy and paste this. Will you do it and leave it on your status for at least an hour?

[MadamMack]

Walk Now for Autism Speaks
Atlanta Georgia
Sunday, May 23, 2010 (http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=329145)

[Maddie]

omg, I saw this on the news last night. A mom is outraged cause her 14 year old son has been charged with terroristic threats, a felony, for depiction of stick figures he drew on his worksheet in class, not more than an inch in height.. hes Autistic, in 8th grade with mental capacity of a 3rd grader, IQ 75.

the picture, not elaborate, is of one stick figure with a gun , with 'me' over it, pointing the 'gun' at the other stick figure with 'hartman' (teachers name) over it... and underneath he wrote.... 'Rest in pace'.

His mom insists that he is harmless and has no idea what is going on right now or what hes done wrong. She feels that the school system needs to use common sense in this case as opposed to their zero tolerance .

What do you guys think of this? I was thinking that there is without a doubt some reason this boy obviously does not like his teacher very much and maybe that should be an issue to look into as well .... ?

heres a link to the news article about it ....

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/news/14-year-old-autistic-boy-charged-051210

[91rewoT]

This is ridiculous. I work at a high school, in special education, and can I just say -- can we bring back common sense? It seems to have taken a permanent vacation! Good grief.

Just a guess, but I think maybe the teacher doesn't like this student very much (looking for a way to "get back at him") or she just isn't very good with/doesn't understand students who have special needs. Either way, she needs some help. Or a new job.

I hope common sense prevails and the case gets thrown out.

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

I was just searching for this thread and found it.

Long days and pleasant nights

[blunthead]

Hi. I'm a nurse doing pediatric home care. One of my boys has behavior consistent with autism, though he as yet has not been so diagnosed. He's a delight and I really love spending time with him. Everyone who knows him loves him. So far, the only word he seems to know is "Momma", but he has his own way of communicating "verbally", and he and I communicate in our own special way. Except for when he gets a bath, he's a very happy little boy!

[Maddie]

Thanks for bringing it up John. :smile2: I had been meaning to, I have to say to 91rewoT in her post above that I completely agree about that teacher we were discussing, I have to followup on that and see what ever happened...

We had talked earlier in the thread about certain developements (and prematurely) of our girls, how to approach or handle it, etc, and recently this nightmare did reveal itself, I say nightmare cause that is what it has been for us, Thankful ever I am that there has been and is no fear for Miranda about it, Im afraid though that I may have to go against my own best judgements of interfering with mother nature, because I feel mother nature is interfering with her childhood... Im really not sure what to do.

Her pediatrician has told me that 9 or 10 these days is not so bad, the ones they are worried about are the 5 and 6 year olds. Does anyone else find it horrifying that so many of our little girls are fully developing way too young?

[king family fan]

Very cute. My son was tested for autism and thank goodness he does have it but he has other issues. Just really wanted to say amanda Rose is cute and thanks for sharing.

[CorbinKale]

Thanks for bringing it up John. :smile2: I had been meaning to, I have to say to 91rewoT in her post above that I completely agree about that teacher we were discussing, I have to followup on that and see what ever happened...

We had talked earlier in the thread about certain developements (and prematurely) of our girls, how to approach or handle it, etc, and recently this nightmare did reveal itself, I say nightmare cause that is what it has been for us, Thankful ever I am that there has been and is no fear for Miranda about it, Im afraid though that I may have to go against my own best judgements of interfering with mother nature, because I feel mother nature is interfering with her childhood... Im really not sure what to do.

Her pediatrician has told me that 9 or 10 these days is not so bad, the ones they are worried about are the 5 and 6 year olds. Does anyone else find it horrifying that so many of our little girls are fully developing way too young?

Kids tend to grow up fine, despite the fears of their parents. Try not to be horrified. If she sees that you are worried, she might get worried, too.

[JohnDalglish]

Does anyone else find it horrifying that so many of our little girls are fully developing way too young?

Hi,

Yes, but what can we do about it?

Loing days and pleasant nights

[Maddie]

Kids tend to grow up fine, despite the fears of their parents. Try not to be horrified. If she sees that you are worried, she might get worried, too.

That is excellent advice Corbin, I try to keep any and all worries free from but sometimes they can slip on through if we feel them, I try not to. :smile2:

[blunthead]

That is excellent advice Corbin, I try to keep any and all worries free from but sometimes they can slip on through if we feel them, I try not to. :smile2:

However, there's only so much any of us can keep from others, including--and maybe especially--our loved ones.

[Mookie]

Thanks for bringing it up John. :smile2: I had been meaning to, I have to say to 91rewoT in her post above that I completely agree about that teacher we were discussing, I have to followup on that and see what ever happened...

We had talked earlier in the thread about certain developements (and prematurely) of our girls, how to approach or handle it, etc, and recently this nightmare did reveal itself, I say nightmare cause that is what it has been for us, Thankful ever I am that there has been and is no fear for Miranda about it, Im afraid though that I may have to go against my own best judgements of interfering with mother nature, because I feel mother nature is interfering with her childhood... Im really not sure what to do.

Her pediatrician has told me that 9 or 10 these days is not so bad, the ones they are worried about are the 5 and 6 year olds. Does anyone else find it horrifying that so many of our little girls are fully developing way too young?

Amanda, My oldest is 10 (just turned 10 last March) She is in the onset of Puberty! Much to my horror I have already had to buy her a bra.( that's the least of the signs) When I brought up the subject to my husband his answer was to blame it on the "growth hormones" that until recently were put in eggs and milk. According to articles he has read, there is a direct link between premature puberty in girls and these hormones. ( I will see if I can find an article) I find 10 to be way too early, ( my 10 yr old is still a little girl to me) 5 & 6 is downright horrible. I am afraid that very soon Mother nature is going to fully kick in and I'm not ready for that. I also agree that it takes away from their time to be children. ( I keep hoping and praying every time I look at her that it will slow down)

[JohnDalglish]

However, there's only so much any of us can keep from others, including--and maybe especially--our loved ones.

Hi,

Yeah, how true that is, and only so much one can do to keep things from oneself as well.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Maddie]

However, there's only so much any of us can keep from others, including--and maybe especially--our loved ones.


Yes, how true that is, and while we're on this subject, If I were to express worry or alarm , my little girl will often find this very amusing, not worrisome. Sadly, some Autistic children find it amusing when people get hurt, etc, their main focus would be on facial expressions, anyone else familiar with this?

[Maddie]

Amanda, My oldest is 10 (just turned 10 last March) She is in the onset of Puberty! Much to my horror I have already had to buy her a bra.( that's the least of the signs) When I brought up the subject to my husband his answer was to blame it on the "growth hormones" that until recently were put in eggs and milk. According to articles he has read, there is a direct link between premature puberty in girls and these hormones. ( I will see if I can find an article) I find 10 to be way too early, ( my 10 yr old is still a little girl to me) 5 & 6 is downright horrible. I am afraid that very soon Mother nature is going to fully kick in and I'm not ready for that. I also agree that it takes away from their time to be children. ( I keep hoping and praying every time I look at her that it will slow down)

Thanks for sharing all that Mookie. :smile2: I know I think 10 is too early too , and then, theres nothing we can do about it, I have heard it too about milk and eggs specifically. and about 5 and 6 year olds, OMG. Our dr. said it could be another whole year before it would come, then 2 weeks later, boom. Our dilemma, she is not 'agreeable' to 'accessories'. Love to see the links when you find them. :wink2:

[Mookie]

Amanda, I found abundant links when I googled....Growth hormones in eggs and milk linked to premature puberty. Here are just two.http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100809/hl_afp/healthchildrenus

http://hubpages.com/hub/Early-Puberty-in-Girls

[JohnDalglish]

Amanda, I found abundant links when I googled....Growth hormones in eggs and milk linked to premature puberty. Here are just two.http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100809/hl_afp/healthchildrenus

http://hubpages.com/hub/Early-Puberty-in-Girls

Hi,

SCARY!

Thankee (I think), Mookie.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Maddie]

Amanda, I found abundant links when I googled....Growth hormones in eggs and milk linked to premature puberty. Here are just two.http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100809/hl_afp/healthchildrenus

http://hubpages.com/hub/Early-Puberty-in-Girls

Holy sh!t, that is worse than I thought. :eek2:

[JohnDalglish]

Holy sh!t, that is worse than I thought. :eek2:

Hi,

Yeah, me too, I wonder what it's doing to boys?

And you and I?

Thankee big-big for bringing it tio our attention, Mookie, I never knew anything about this sh*t!

Long days and pleasant nights

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

It amazed me that infants fed with soy formula (25% of infants in the US) receive the equivant oestregen (Sp) of five birth control pills per day!

Good God, I had a vasectomy because I didn't like the long term effects of the pill on my wife, and babies are getting FIVE every day!

This is appalling IMO, and what the effects are on boys isn't even taken into account, but surely that level has to eff with the natural hormonal balance in a big way?

Lactose intolerant?

I wonder how many mothers would feed the baby soy formula if they knew they were giving them 5 birth control pills a day!

I think the facts should be made far more public than they are, anyone agree?

I asked earlier what we could do about it, well, I think we'vce found the answer to that!

Long days and pleasant nights

[Mookie]

Hi,

Yeah, me too, I wonder what it's doing to boys?

And you and I?

Thankee big-big for bringing it tio our attention, Mookie, I never knew anything about this sh*t!

Long days and pleasant nights

Right on the front of my gallon of milk it says " Our Farmers pledge not to use any artificial growth hormones" They knew it was a problem, which is why they've stopped and now state it on the packaging.( too little too late) And exactly what was artificial about these growth hormones? Were they lab created? Or just artificial since they were given to the livestock and it isn't their actual hormones? And if it's affecting girls it's more than likely affecting boys. I wonder if there has been a study done on that yet? Here's another question I had, since it's given to chicken's in order for them to produce more eggs and bigger eggs and to grow bigger is it in the poultry that we eat? The beef?? It all just leads to more questions. Scary chit isn't it?

[blunthead]

Yes, how true that is, and while we're on this subject, If I were to express worry or alarm , my little girl will often find this very amusing, not worrisome. Sadly, some Autistic children find it amusing when people get hurt, etc, their main focus would be on facial expressions, anyone else familiar with this?

The little boy I take care of is blind from birth (there were complications in utero), so his hearing is apparently rather acute. He lives with his one-year old little brother, and 6-month old little sister. I've noticed that when either of them are crying, my boy becomes very quiet and listens, as if he's concerned. Also, it doesn't take very much to make him laugh--sometimes he thinks a ball being bounced, or a toy falling on the floor, for instance, is the funniest thing in the world.

[Mookie]

Yes, how true that is, and while we're on this subject, If I were to express worry or alarm , my little girl will often find this very amusing, not worrisome. Sadly, some Autistic children find it amusing when people get hurt, etc, their main focus would be on facial expressions, anyone else familiar with this?

When my sister Rachel is watching a movie with any type of violence or mishap she finds it amusing. I never thought about it being the facial expressions.( probably a big part of it as well) I have always thought that what she see's on TV ( violence etc) is amusing to her because, she does not grasp the concept that it can and does actually happen outside of TV. Therefore she has no negative associations towards what she sees, to her it only happens in the box. Does that make sense?