Newbie

[Guest guest]

Hi, welcome to the group!

One of the biggest things that has worked for us is removing as many negative

words from our language, i.e., no, don't, can't, isn't, and anything else that

can be twisted, as much as possible. Another is giving choices, limiting it to

two. Something else we do, when trying to convince our son to do the desired

activity is the " first & then " routine. First we are going to __________, and

then we can _________. " Or when it's time to go shopping, and he'd rather go do

something fun, it's first we have to stop at Target, then we can go to the park.

First we are going to do our exercises, then we can watch a show. Sometimes

it's also removing the " you " and replacing it with a we or us. We also do a lot

of how do you feel when, when we are presented with a teaching moment. One of

our therapists suggests we use good choice, bad choice and consequence in our

dialog. I'll prompt our son, when we're getting to the consequence point and

say, Nic, we can make good choices, and get rewards. Or, we can make a bad

choice, and there will be a consequence. For some, they say there are those

individuals that consequences mean nothing. Social stories are also a big help.

Talk to a special education person, autism specialist or speech therapist, and

give them specific examples of some of your household/environmental struggles.

They should be able to put together some social stories and/or cue cards to

help. You can also find some resources online or at your library. Visuals can

also be helpful, for us it's just something to fall back on. They can sometimes

help take the heat off of us. For instance, taking baths or brushing teeth can

be a struggle, so we have a visual schedule of our night time routine in the

bathroom. When a step is missed, and if there is opposition, then we can say,

oh, but it's on the schedule, and we have to finish our schedule so we can read

a book. Visual reward charts, and behavior charts are often helpers. Gives

kids something to measure their success, and build stronger trust with the

adults. When they earn a reward, say it's filling an imaginary gumball machine,

(feel free to e-mail me and I can scan the one I have and e-mail it to you.

i've covered it with contact paper, and then use smiley face stickers covered in

contact paper and use velcro to stick them to the " machine. " ), and then they get

a sucker/gumball/sticker, whatever you choose. They say let them earn the

rewards quickly the first couple of days, then as the days go on, and the

incentive is there, then the kids will begin to work to gain/earn the rewards,

along with the high fives and cheers that come from us.

Good luck, it can be a rough road, but the rewards are great!

>

> Hello-

> I am new to the list. I have an 8yr son who has not been diagnosed yet, but we

> (his parents & therapist) are certain he is on the autistic spectrum.

> I am his step parent & became involved in his life when he was 4yr.

> I have a very hard time remaining calm during his outbursts- which are very

> violent. He calls names, hits, kicks etc. I get very upset myself.

> I really need some help understanding him better & finding ways to remain calm

&

> helpful to him during an outburst.

> Any book recommendations, tips, tricks- anything would help.

> This has been a difficult struggle for me & I am hoping to find some support

> through this group.

> Thanks

> -Chelly

>

[Guest guest]

He

llo everyone - I'm new. My name is Barbara and I have a 13 year old son who has just been diagnosed with Asperger's. I've suspected it for a couple of years but FINALLY got a psychiatrist and a child development testing center to agree with me.

Now we are in the process of weaning him off of medicines that he didn't need in the first place! The doctor is talking about maybe using "Rispadral" (spelling?) for his anger - is anyone familiar with this?

Barbara

[Guest guest]

If the medication is for ADHD, you need to be aware that Aspergers

is often an additional diagnosis, not an alternative one.  You would

be surprised at how many have both.  They can interact in very

interesting ways.

On 16/03/2011 5:23 AM, Barbara wrote:

 

He

llo everyone -

I'm new.  My name is Barbara and I have a 13 year old

son who has just been diagnosed with Asperger's. I've

suspected it for a couple of years but FINALLY got a

psychiatrist and a child development testing center to

agree with me. 

Now we are in the process of weaning him off of

medicines that he didn't need in the first place!  The

doctor is talking about maybe using "Rispadral"

(spelling?) for his anger - is anyone familiar with

this?

Barbara

[Guest guest]

My son was on it ...gained weight and did little good in his case. Some people like it. Sent via DROID on Verizon Wireless Re: Re: newbie Hello everyone - I'm new. My name is Barbara and I have a 13 year old son who has just been diagnosed with Asperger's. I've suspected it for a couple of years but FINALLY got a psychiatrist and a child development testing center to agree with me. Now we are in the process of weaning him off of medicines that he didn't need in the first place! The doctor is talking about maybe using "Rispadral" (spelling?) for his anger - is anyone familiar with this?Barbara

[Guest guest]

What are the other meds for? Many AS have duel Dx. especially ADHD. My 13yr DS AS started  in Nov. ADHD meds he has had both Dx since 2nd grade but recnetly teachers were talking about the ADHD more than the AS I wish I had tried meds years ago It has really changed him for the good and homework has been about 1/10 of what it used to be. He seems so much more happy and talkative. He is taking Methalyn ER. I would be leary of Risperadol due to side effects.

On Tue, Mar 15, 2011 at 1:23 PM, Barbara <MsLeFever@...> wrote:

He llo everyone - I'm new.  My name is Barbara and I have a 13 year old son who has just been diagnosed with Asperger's. I've suspected it for a couple of years but FINALLY got a psychiatrist and a child development testing center to agree with me. 

Now we are in the process of weaning him off of medicines that he didn't need in the first place!  The doctor is talking about maybe using " Rispadral " (spelling?) for his anger - is anyone familiar with this?

Barbara

[Guest guest]

RIsperdal is mostly used as anti-psychotic. My brother who is a schizophrenic takes it and it has worked the best on him controlling his mental illness, he failed a lot of other meds before being put on it. I am not sure why they would be prescribing the risperdal unless it is to control some mood related symptoms. The one think to keep in mind is that there is a small risk of tardive dyskinesia in this class of drugs (patients develop uncontrolled motor repetitive movements (such as sticking out your tongue, blinking), which are subtle in the beginning, but if not recognized and the drug is continued, can become more prominent and permanent. My brother also developed diabetes after being on the drug for more than 10 years and also is on cholesterol medications (he is only 40) and is not obese and no one in our family has a history of

either diabetes or high cholesterol, so there is a small risk of developing both conditions with the medication if it is used long term. So you have to weight the risk and benefits. If your son's behavior is difficult to control with regular therapy and other options have been exhausted, he may benefit from an anti-psychotic, but since he is so young, you also need to think of the long term risks of staying in such a medication for a long period of time (ie: being on it for many years, not just a few months or a limited amount of years).Good luck!Liliane

He llo everyone - I'm new. My name is Barbara and I have a 13 year old son who has just been diagnosed with Asperger's. I've suspected it for a couple of years but FINALLY got a psychiatrist and a child development testing center to agree with me.

Now we are in the process of weaning him off of medicines that he didn't need in the first place! The doctor is talking about maybe using "Rispadral" (spelling?) for his anger - is anyone familiar with this?

Barbara

[Guest guest]

i would not use Risperdal. In some state care programs it is used to keep the children quiet and out of the way.Autism and Aspergers Treatment From: minl01@...Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:59:33 -0700Subject: Re: Re: newbie

RIsperdal is mostly used as anti-psychotic. My brother who is a schizophrenic takes it and it has worked the best on him controlling his mental illness, he failed a lot of other meds before being put on it. I am not sure why they would be prescribing the risperdal unless it is to control some mood related symptoms. The one think to keep in mind is that there is a small risk of tardive dyskinesia in this class of drugs (patients develop uncontrolled motor repetitive movements (such as sticking out your tongue, blinking), which are subtle in the beginning, but if not recognized and the drug is continued, can become more prominent and permanent. My brother also developed diabetes after being on the drug for more than 10 years and also is on cholesterol medications (he is only 40) and is not obese and no one in our family has a history of

either diabetes or high cholesterol, so there is a small risk of developing both conditions with the medication if it is used long term. So you have to weight the risk and benefits. If your son's behavior is difficult to control with regular therapy and other options have been exhausted, he may benefit from an anti-psychotic, but since he is so young, you also need to think of the long term risks of staying in such a medication for a long period of time (ie: being on it for many years, not just a few months or a limited amount of years).Good luck!Liliane

He llo everyone - I'm new. My name is Barbara and I have a 13 year old son who has just been diagnosed with Asperger's. I've suspected it for a couple of years but FINALLY got a psychiatrist and a child development testing center to agree with me.

Now we are in the process of weaning him off of medicines that he didn't need in the first place! The doctor is talking about maybe using "Rispadral" (spelling?) for his anger - is anyone familiar with this?

Barbara

[Guest guest]

My six year old son started Resperdal a couple of months ago and it has greatly helped. My son was violent, depressed, and our everyday life was miserable. He had frequent outbursts and was dangerous to himself and others. He has a diagnosis of ADHD, ODD, and Aspergers. He is on a very low dose of Resperdal and Focalin. His quality of life is so much better. He still gets angry and moody but not to the extremes he was before taking the meds. He hasn't had any side effects with this med.

From: Barbara <MsLeFever@...>Autism and Aspergers Treatment Sent: Tue, March 15, 2011 2:23:00 PMSubject: Re: Re: newbie

He llo everyone - I'm new. My name is Barbara and I have a 13 year old son who has just been diagnosed with Asperger's. I've suspected it for a couple of years but FINALLY got a psychiatrist and a child development testing center to agree with me. Now we are in the process of weaning him off of medicines that he didn't need in the first place! The doctor is talking about maybe using "Rispadral" (spelling?) for his anger - is anyone familiar with this?Barbara

[Guest guest]

Risperdal is used in cases where anger is an issue, but be warned- it does not

work with all kids. I have seen instances where it has worked wonders, but with

us, it made a bad situation into an unbearable situation.

My son was having melt downs in class, and the doctor prescribed that. He went

from having emotional melt downs that included kicking objects, and throwing

things, to beating up his sisters in extreme anger in a matter of just a few

days on the risperdal.

The final draw for us, was when we left my then-14 year old in charge of the

kids for 20 minutes to get gas, then pick up a pizza. We hadn't been gone even

long enough to stop at the gas station when we got a panicked call about blood.

There was screaming in the background from both the other kids, so we hauled it

back home. Our son had shoved our youngest daughter against a wall, and started

punching her in the face. He knocked out two teeth- one that was loose, and one

that wasn't.

We stopped using the risperdal immediately, and I refuse to use it on any of my

kids for any situation now.

>

> Hello everyone - I'm new. My name is Barbara and I have a 13 year old son who

has just been diagnosed with Asperger's. I've suspected it for a couple of years

but FINALLY got a psychiatrist and a child development testing center to agree

with me.

>

> Now we are in the process of weaning him off of medicines that he didn't need

in the first place! The doctor is talking about maybe using " Rispadral "

(spelling?) for his anger - is anyone familiar with this?

>

> Barbara

>

[Guest guest]

That is terrifying and I will be sure to keep a very close eye on him when and if we start the drug treatment.

We are at a point where he is just mean and nasty all of the time. I try to imagine what it would be like to feel that way and it breaks my heart. BUT it makes the rest of us pretty miserable too. My husband probably has Asperger's as well - it really explains some of his "quirks" and the two of them are terrible together right now.

I'm just SO tired of the cursing, the nastiness, the constant rejection and just plain rudeness - ya know? I feel beaten down and sad and angry. It is really a blessing to have you all here to talk to because I know that some of you have "been there" and some of you still "are there".

"herberkids3" - how long until your son recovered from the risperdal - did you find anything that worked?

Barbara

Re: newbie

Risperdal is used in cases where anger is an issue, but be warned- it does not work with all kids. I have seen instances where it has worked wonders, but with us, it made a bad situation into an unbearable situation.

My son was having melt downs in class, and the doctor prescribed that. He went from having emotional melt downs that included kicking objects, and throwing things, to beating up his sisters in extreme anger in a matter of just a few days on the risperdal. The final draw for us, was when we left my then-14 year old in charge of the kids for 20 minutes to get gas, then pick up a pizza. We hadn't been gone even long enough to stop at the gas station when we got a panicked call about blood. There was screaming in the background from both the other kids, so we hauled it back home. Our son had shoved our youngest daughter against a wall, and started punching her in the face. He knocked out two teeth- one that was loose, and one that wasn't.

We stopped using the risperdal immediately, and I refuse to use it on any of my kids for any situation now.

>

> Hello everyone - I'm new. My name is Barbara and I have a 13 year old son who has just been diagnosed with Asperger's. I've suspected it for a couple of years but FINALLY got a psychiatrist and a child development testing center to agree with me. > > Now we are in the process of weaning him off of medicines that he didn't need in the first place! The doctor is talking about maybe using "Rispadral" (spelling?) for his anger - is anyone familiar with this?

> > Barbara

>

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

My son is just mean also. We started him Intuniv about a month ago and it has helped. He is the same way alot of the time, just mean and a nasty mouth and very self-centered. It is very frustrating. He will say things like"don't piss me off". I take it as a threat, like hes saying it as a warning. Its like everything is fine with him as long as we all dont say or do anything he might not like, It's like we all have to walk on egg shells around him to keep the peace. So basically it's like he rules the mood of all of us. With the Intuniv there have been more good days than bad unlike before when they were all bad days, I would actually dread comming home. My sanity is that I have a precious 10 year old daughter who is a gift from god and proof that I am not a bad mother as I had been told in the

past by some people because of the way my son is, because she is very social and happy and completely normal and she is what keeps me going thru all this stuff with him.

Candy

From: Barbara <MsLeFever@...>Autism and Aspergers Treatment Sent: Mon, March 21, 2011 5:11:40 AMSubject: Re: Re: newbie

That is terrifying and I will be sure to keep a very close eye on him when and if we start the drug treatment.

We are at a point where he is just mean and nasty all of the time. I try to imagine what it would be like to feel that way and it breaks my heart. BUT it makes the rest of us pretty miserable too. My husband probably has Asperger's as well - it really explains some of his "quirks" and the two of them are terrible together right now.

I'm just SO tired of the cursing, the nastiness, the constant rejection and just plain rudeness - ya know? I feel beaten down and sad and angry. It is really a blessing to have you all here to talk to because I know that some of you have "been there" and some of you still "are there".

"herberkids3" - how long until your son recovered from the risperdal - did you find anything that worked?

Barbara

Re: newbie

Risperdal is used in cases where anger is an issue, but be warned- it does not work with all kids. I have seen instances where it has worked wonders, but with us, it made a bad situation into an unbearable situation.

My son was having melt downs in class, and the doctor prescribed that. He went from having emotional melt downs that included kicking objects, and throwing things, to beating up his sisters in extreme anger in a matter of just a few days on the risperdal. The final draw for us, was when we left my then-14 year old in charge of the kids for 20 minutes to get gas, then pick up a pizza. We hadn't been gone even long enough to stop at the gas station when we got a panicked call about blood. There was screaming in the background from both the other kids, so we hauled it back home. Our son had shoved our youngest daughter against a wall, and started punching her in the face. He knocked out two teeth- one that was loose, and one that wasn't.

We stopped using the risperdal immediately, and I refuse to use it on any of my kids for any situation now.

>

> Hello everyone - I'm new. My name is Barbara and I have a 13 year old son who has just been diagnosed with Asperger's. I've suspected it for a couple of years but FINALLY got a psychiatrist and a child development testing center to agree with me. > > Now we are in the process of weaning him off of medicines that he didn't need in the first place! The doctor is talking about maybe using "Rispadral" (spelling?) for his anger - is anyone familiar with this?

> > Barbara

>

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

We tried Risperdal as well for aggression. My son already had some tics but the

Risperdal made them much worse. I took him of after only two days. The tics

can become permanent. Don't want to scare anyone but also you have to be

careful with possible side effects of these meds. We then tried Lamictal which

has worked wonderfully. Recently, he missed all doses one weekend and by Monday

the aggression was rearing its ugly head. The Lamictal can cause a nasty skin

rash so our wonderful neurologist put us on a schedule where we started at a

very low dose and worked our way up to his therapeutic dose over about a month.

We did this during the summer so he wasn't in school while on the lower doses.

No problems with side effects this way for us. He is happy and cooperative -

like any other 11 year old.

My daughter used to get so upset as my son's aggression was usually directed

towards me and she was afraid he would hurt me. It was really hard on our whole

family. It is so much better now. They get along great and she is not afraid

or embarrassed by him. Mom is happier too!!

Jan

> >

> Hello everyone - I'm new. My name is Barbara and I have a 13 year old son who

> has just been diagnosed with Asperger's. I've suspected it for a couple of

years

> but FINALLY got a psychiatrist and a child development testing center to agree

> with me. > > Now we are in the process of weaning him off of medicines that

> he didn't need in the first place! The doctor is talking about maybe using

> " Rispadral " (spelling?) for his anger - is anyone familiar with this? > >

>

[Guest guest]

Oh - you So get it! I'm so very happy that someone steered me to this group. I could have written Candy's post word for word.

Barbara

Re: newbie

Risperdal is used in cases where anger is an issue, but be warned- it does not work with all kids. I have seen instances where it has worked wonders, but with us, it made a bad situation into an unbearable situation.

My son was having melt downs in class, and the doctor prescribed that. He went from having emotional melt downs that included kicking objects, and throwing things, to beating up his sisters in extreme anger in a matter of just a few days on the risperdal. The final draw for us, was when we left my then-14 year old in charge of the kids for 20 minutes to get gas, then pick up a pizza. We hadn't been gone even long enough to stop at the gas station when we got a panicked call about blood. There was screaming in the background from both the other kids, so we hauled it back home. Our son had shoved our youngest daughter against a wall, and started punching her in the face. He knocked out two teeth- one that was loose, and one that wasn't.

We stopped using the risperdal immediately, and I refuse to use it on any of my kids for any situation now.

>

> Hello everyone - I'm new. My name is Barbara and I have a 13 year old son who has just been diagnosed with Asperger's. I've suspected it for a couple of years but FINALLY got a psychiatrist and a child development testing center to agree with me. > > Now we are in the process of weaning him off of medicines that he didn't need in the first place! The doctor is talking about maybe using "Rispadral" (spelling?) for his anger - is anyone familiar with this?

> > Barbara

>

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone my name is I live in Newfoundland, Canada.

I just had a vitamix arrive on monday and I decided to join this club as well. I

had heard about this club when I was researching the vitamix. So when I decided

to buy it I thought I would check this group out and here I am.

I bought the vitamix cause of the demo on The Shopping Channel as I was very

impressed with what I seen but truth is very hesitant cause it is a pricey item

but the reviews on the website was awesome everyone basically gave it 5 stars

and I thought they have a 30 day return policy so give it a shot.

I do not eat alot of fruits and esp. vegetables and I know I should and since

last fall I have been finally doing something about eating healthier. I'm always

trying but alot of times lose interest. (I'm a junk food eater big time)

So I thought this might be a great way to eat healthier. So today I used it for

the first time and made a smoothie: strawberries, blueberries, banana ,grapes

and ice cubes and it was really good.

I like the fact that maybe I will finally stop buying fruits & vegetables and

actually not throw it in the trash cause it has spoiled. Such a great way to get

the servings of fruit and veggies each day so it can't do anything but help.

Anyway just wanted to check in and hopefully learn about lots of great ways to

use this machine.