Guest guest Posted May 29, 2007 Report Share Posted May 29, 2007 writes for my local paper the Youngstown Vindicator. Yes, his girlfriend Barb (who also had/has autism as a child) is lovely. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2007 Report Share Posted May 29, 2007 writes for my local paper the Youngstown Vindicator. Yes, his girlfriend Barb (who also had/has autism as a child) is lovely. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2007 Report Share Posted May 29, 2007 A friend of mine who was a child psych major and still receives some of the periodicals said that they are changing the criteria and would spell out HF/LF so that there would be many more individual dx. While that is a good thing, I think it may backfire for some of us too. My son was labeled with autism (meaning he met the DSM IV criteria), however, he is a very mild case and considered HF (verbal delay, eye contact, minimal sensory issues). He has the label autism though, so the services he is eligible for are greater (in CA). If they change the criteria, he will probably get less services. While I don't want to take away from other kids, I certainly want my child to get ABA, ST, etc so that he can succeed in school and go onto college and a nice life. I totally get that there are kids worse off than my child, but I really feel not investing in the HF kids only does a disservice to society in general. The HF kids have a chance to be self-sufficient, but if they aren't caught early and given the support that they need, then they too might need extra govt assistance throughout their life. Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles.Visit the Auto Green Center. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2007 Report Share Posted May 29, 2007 A friend of mine who was a child psych major and still receives some of the periodicals said that they are changing the criteria and would spell out HF/LF so that there would be many more individual dx. While that is a good thing, I think it may backfire for some of us too. My son was labeled with autism (meaning he met the DSM IV criteria), however, he is a very mild case and considered HF (verbal delay, eye contact, minimal sensory issues). He has the label autism though, so the services he is eligible for are greater (in CA). If they change the criteria, he will probably get less services. While I don't want to take away from other kids, I certainly want my child to get ABA, ST, etc so that he can succeed in school and go onto college and a nice life. I totally get that there are kids worse off than my child, but I really feel not investing in the HF kids only does a disservice to society in general. The HF kids have a chance to be self-sufficient, but if they aren't caught early and given the support that they need, then they too might need extra govt assistance throughout their life. Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles.Visit the Auto Green Center. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2007 Report Share Posted May 30, 2007 I'm working with a family whose highly intelligent, academically capable Aspie son has collapsed like a cheap lawn chair after graduating from high school - the lack of structure of junior college proved too difficult. He is now in a major depression and possibly anorexic due to the anxiety. He lost his job due to his inability to censor his conversations to appropriate office talk -- he perseverated on topics of interest only to himself. I'd say the young man needs and qualifies for as much help as my own girls - who have full blown ASD. Just a different sort of help. > > Thank you Col, so much. You get it. This > describes my son to a T. > > " Some of these kids will never sit on a board or > wear a suit to work, either. > Some may never work at all. > > Asperger's, in the media, has been depicted as > quirky kids who grow up > and do well. But there are many who will never > marry, who will never have > a friend and who will forever require supervision > and assistance. " > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2007 Report Share Posted May 30, 2007 I'm working with a family whose highly intelligent, academically capable Aspie son has collapsed like a cheap lawn chair after graduating from high school - the lack of structure of junior college proved too difficult. He is now in a major depression and possibly anorexic due to the anxiety. He lost his job due to his inability to censor his conversations to appropriate office talk -- he perseverated on topics of interest only to himself. I'd say the young man needs and qualifies for as much help as my own girls - who have full blown ASD. Just a different sort of help. > > Thank you Col, so much. You get it. This > describes my son to a T. > > " Some of these kids will never sit on a board or > wear a suit to work, either. > Some may never work at all. > > Asperger's, in the media, has been depicted as > quirky kids who grow up > and do well. But there are many who will never > marry, who will never have > a friend and who will forever require supervision > and assistance. " > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2007 Report Share Posted May 30, 2007 Changing the criteria is nothing but a loosing situation. The change from DSM-III to DSM-IV in 1994 completely obfuscated any changes in the diagnosis rate and inflated the rate at that time and wasn't that convenient for everyone. That change has made calculating an actual, accurate diagnosed population almost impossible to do. Adding the HFA/LFA will also probably artificially increase the diagnosis rate, again. Assigning services due to diagnosis or intelligence also doesn't help anyone in the long run. Individuals with High Functioning Autism (assuming that rating is based on some IQ scale) already graduate from institutions of higher learning, receiving degrees, and are still unable to secure employment due to poor socialization skills, but are too intelligent to get any service support to help them out, so their chances to be self-sufficient may be no better then other autistics. They are just more aware of their problems which may not be correctable. > > A friend of mine who was a child psych major and still receives some of the periodicals said that they are changing the criteria and would spell out HF/LF so that there would be many more individual dx. While that is a good thing, I think it may backfire for some of us too. My son was labeled with autism (meaning he met the DSM IV criteria), however, he is a very mild case and considered HF (verbal delay, eye contact, minimal sensory issues). He has the label autism though, so the services he is eligible for are greater (in CA). If they change the criteria, he will probably get less services. While I don't want to take away from other kids, I certainly want my child to get ABA, ST, etc so that he can succeed in school and go onto college and a nice life. I totally get that there are kids worse off than my child, but I really feel not investing in the HF kids only does a disservice to society in general. The HF kids have a chance to be self-sufficient, but if they > aren't caught early and given the support that they need, then they too might need extra govt assistance throughout their life. > > --------------------------------- > Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles. > Visit the Auto Green Center. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2007 Report Share Posted May 30, 2007 Changing the criteria is nothing but a loosing situation. The change from DSM-III to DSM-IV in 1994 completely obfuscated any changes in the diagnosis rate and inflated the rate at that time and wasn't that convenient for everyone. That change has made calculating an actual, accurate diagnosed population almost impossible to do. Adding the HFA/LFA will also probably artificially increase the diagnosis rate, again. Assigning services due to diagnosis or intelligence also doesn't help anyone in the long run. Individuals with High Functioning Autism (assuming that rating is based on some IQ scale) already graduate from institutions of higher learning, receiving degrees, and are still unable to secure employment due to poor socialization skills, but are too intelligent to get any service support to help them out, so their chances to be self-sufficient may be no better then other autistics. They are just more aware of their problems which may not be correctable. > > A friend of mine who was a child psych major and still receives some of the periodicals said that they are changing the criteria and would spell out HF/LF so that there would be many more individual dx. While that is a good thing, I think it may backfire for some of us too. My son was labeled with autism (meaning he met the DSM IV criteria), however, he is a very mild case and considered HF (verbal delay, eye contact, minimal sensory issues). He has the label autism though, so the services he is eligible for are greater (in CA). If they change the criteria, he will probably get less services. While I don't want to take away from other kids, I certainly want my child to get ABA, ST, etc so that he can succeed in school and go onto college and a nice life. I totally get that there are kids worse off than my child, but I really feel not investing in the HF kids only does a disservice to society in general. The HF kids have a chance to be self-sufficient, but if they > aren't caught early and given the support that they need, then they too might need extra govt assistance throughout their life. > > --------------------------------- > Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles. > Visit the Auto Green Center. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2007 Report Share Posted May 30, 2007 , is your post related to mine? If so, please re-read what I sent. Best wishes, Carolyn p.s. Maybe you need to log off, get some fresh air, and clear your head. > > > > Col, why would you not want to educate the public at large? They vote > > and they spend. > > > > If they don't " get it, " they need education. We can do that. > > > > Autism's no fun when there is constipation and head-punching > > involved. If someone can talk, drive, and hold a job w/out > > assistance, more power to them. > > > > But, that is only one end of the spectrum, > > Carolyn > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2007 Report Share Posted May 30, 2007 , is your post related to mine? If so, please re-read what I sent. Best wishes, Carolyn p.s. Maybe you need to log off, get some fresh air, and clear your head. > > > > Col, why would you not want to educate the public at large? They vote > > and they spend. > > > > If they don't " get it, " they need education. We can do that. > > > > Autism's no fun when there is constipation and head-punching > > involved. If someone can talk, drive, and hold a job w/out > > assistance, more power to them. > > > > But, that is only one end of the spectrum, > > Carolyn > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2007 Report Share Posted May 30, 2007 " I really feel not investing in the > HF kids only does a disservice to society in > general. The HF kids have a chance to be > self-sufficient, but if they > aren't caught early and given the support that > they need, then they too might need extra govt > assistance throughout their life. " > You're completely right about this . Just because some need services more than others, this doesn't mean the higher functioning kids don't need services. Afterall, if they were going to naturally learn in a home environment, they wouldn't be autistic, would they? Kim ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Answers - Check it out. http://answers./dir/?link=list & sid=396545469 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2007 Report Share Posted May 30, 2007 " I really feel not investing in the > HF kids only does a disservice to society in > general. The HF kids have a chance to be > self-sufficient, but if they > aren't caught early and given the support that > they need, then they too might need extra govt > assistance throughout their life. " > You're completely right about this . Just because some need services more than others, this doesn't mean the higher functioning kids don't need services. Afterall, if they were going to naturally learn in a home environment, they wouldn't be autistic, would they? Kim ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Answers - Check it out. http://answers./dir/?link=list & sid=396545469 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2007 Report Share Posted May 30, 2007 IMO, situations like the one you've described, are the result of our educational system's shortsightedness. They didn't want to pay for the social therapy; well now they can pay SSI for this young man for the rest of his life. And what a life that will be. What does he have to look forward to? Reruns of Law and Order, and the next installment of Final Fantasy for PS3. Kim a mother whose son is living this nightmare as we speak --- krstagliano <KRStagliano@...> wrote: > I'm working with a family whose highly > intelligent, academically > capable Aspie son has collapsed like a cheap > lawn chair after > graduating from high school - the lack of > structure of junior college > proved too difficult. He is now in a major > depression and possibly > anorexic due to the anxiety. He lost his job > due to his inability to > censor his conversations to appropriate office > talk -- he > perseverated on topics of interest only to > himself. I'd say the > young man needs and qualifies for as much help > as my own girls - who > have full blown ASD. Just a different sort of > help. > > > > > > > > Thank you Col, so much. You get it. This > > describes my son to a T. > > > > " Some of these kids will never sit on a board > or > > wear a suit to work, either. > > Some may never work at all. > > > > Asperger's, in the media, has been depicted > as > > quirky kids who grow up > > and do well. But there are many who will > never > > marry, who will never have > > a friend and who will forever require > supervision > > and assistance. " > > > > ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____Choose the right car based on your needs. Check out Autos new Car Finder tool. http://autos./carfinder/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2007 Report Share Posted May 30, 2007 IMO, situations like the one you've described, are the result of our educational system's shortsightedness. They didn't want to pay for the social therapy; well now they can pay SSI for this young man for the rest of his life. And what a life that will be. What does he have to look forward to? Reruns of Law and Order, and the next installment of Final Fantasy for PS3. Kim a mother whose son is living this nightmare as we speak --- krstagliano <KRStagliano@...> wrote: > I'm working with a family whose highly > intelligent, academically > capable Aspie son has collapsed like a cheap > lawn chair after > graduating from high school - the lack of > structure of junior college > proved too difficult. He is now in a major > depression and possibly > anorexic due to the anxiety. He lost his job > due to his inability to > censor his conversations to appropriate office > talk -- he > perseverated on topics of interest only to > himself. I'd say the > young man needs and qualifies for as much help > as my own girls - who > have full blown ASD. Just a different sort of > help. > > > > > > > > Thank you Col, so much. You get it. This > > describes my son to a T. > > > > " Some of these kids will never sit on a board > or > > wear a suit to work, either. > > Some may never work at all. > > > > Asperger's, in the media, has been depicted > as > > quirky kids who grow up > > and do well. But there are many who will > never > > marry, who will never have > > a friend and who will forever require > supervision > > and assistance. " > > > > ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____Choose the right car based on your needs. Check out Autos new Car Finder tool. http://autos./carfinder/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2007 Report Share Posted May 30, 2007 And where I used to live in Central California it is the HFA kids that get the better services. The coveted 40 hour a week in home programs designed for the children to recover. When I moved to the lost coast I had to threaten the school district with a lawsuit to replicate services. I won, but my son is still the only child here with an appropriate program. The lack of universal availability of serrvices for all of the children is maddening and unfair. Kathleen The world is not yet exhausted; let me see something tomorrow which I never saw before.- ************************************************************************* Re: Re: You Tube Video Blasts Autism Speaks "I really feel not investing in the> HF kids only does a disservice to society in> general. The HF kids have a chance to be> self-sufficient, but if they> aren't caught early and given the support that> they need, then they too might need extra govt> assistance throughout their life."> You're completely right about this . Justbecause some need services more than others, thisdoesn't mean the higher functioning kids don'tneed services. Afterall, if they were going tonaturally learn in a home environment, theywouldn't be autistic, would they?Kim ____________________________________________________________________________________Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Answers - Check it out.http://answers./dir/?link=list & sid=396545469 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2007 Report Share Posted May 30, 2007 And where I used to live in Central California it is the HFA kids that get the better services. The coveted 40 hour a week in home programs designed for the children to recover. When I moved to the lost coast I had to threaten the school district with a lawsuit to replicate services. I won, but my son is still the only child here with an appropriate program. The lack of universal availability of serrvices for all of the children is maddening and unfair. Kathleen The world is not yet exhausted; let me see something tomorrow which I never saw before.- ************************************************************************* Re: Re: You Tube Video Blasts Autism Speaks "I really feel not investing in the> HF kids only does a disservice to society in> general. The HF kids have a chance to be> self-sufficient, but if they> aren't caught early and given the support that> they need, then they too might need extra govt> assistance throughout their life."> You're completely right about this . Justbecause some need services more than others, thisdoesn't mean the higher functioning kids don'tneed services. Afterall, if they were going tonaturally learn in a home environment, theywouldn't be autistic, would they?Kim ____________________________________________________________________________________Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Answers - Check it out.http://answers./dir/?link=list & sid=396545469 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2007 Report Share Posted May 30, 2007 While I completely agree that these are all spectrum disorders, there are definitely many degrees to which one can be affected. Here are a few things we also need to consider: DSM-IV diagnostics have not been updated since 1994, and IMHO, are so ridiculously off the mark it's not even funny. I have a 7 y/o son who had severe, non-verbal autism and is now indistinguishable from his peers. I also have a 13 y/o daughter with Asperger's, who is now also indistinguishable from her peers. The differences between their disorders are unmeasurable. I am also a parent with Asperger's/ADHD myself, and we see hundreds of patients each year in our center. Like many others, this gives us somewhat of a good opportunity to see all variables within the spectrum. As we all grow and learn more within this jenre, we are finding again and again that many of the preconceived ideas from the past are incorrect in diagnostics as well as treatment areas. There are so many opinions flying around out there regarding diagnostic criteria and who does or does not meet the criteria for any particular label. The number of kids that I see on a daily basis completely misdiagnosed or undiagnosed because of inaccurate criteria makes me sick. The bottom line is that each of these kids is as individual as their fingerprint. You can line 2,000 of these kids up and not 2 of them will be exactly the same. Many similar characteristics, yet so many differences as well. I've come to the point that it really doesn't matter what " label " they are being given, they need to be addressed based on their individual needs, regardless of what the criteria calls them. I do have to throw my 2 cents in regarding the differences in autism and Asperger's. Although we all know they are both ASD's, I have been documenting some quite succinct differences in the two. Though the CURRENT diagnostic criteria limits those differences to exception of language skills, there seems to be so much more in the mix here. I have seen quite a few Asperger's kids who did in fact have significant language delays, yet had many other distinct characteristics not present in classic autism that we often see in other Aspie's. The social issues, OCD, rage, paranoia, and emotional difficulties are quite different with Asperger's as well. Though both groups are quite deficient in many of these skill areas, the deficits are noteably different between them and the approaches often need to be significantly altered. I am finding more and more there are some very clear distinctions between autism and Asperger's and there are even some clear subdivisions within Asperger's itself, leaving more than just one " type " of Asperger's. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out. I'm finishing a book covering all these topics and I'm interested to see if I get the same consensus across the board that I have received from the hundreds of families I've worked with so far. I think we all still have so much more to learn in this area. I'm finding rapidly that the more I learn, the more I know I don't know squat and have such a long way to go yet! I'm just documenting what I see, yet maintaining an open mind, as there's always a possibility any one of us can be incorrect! All I know is that what we incorporated to recover my son was light years from what I had to do with my daughter and many other Aspie's we serve. Just food for thought. > > The diagnostic criteria between aspergers and autism are IDENTICAL > with the exception of > > aquiring language skills. Since many kids with asperger's did have > delays in language > > development, it is heavily debated as to whether or not there > should be a separation at all > > as asperger's is truly High Functioning Autism. No to mention, many > kids diagnosed with > > classic autism also had language skills before they lost it and > some still have language > > skills. > > > >> > > > > I don't believe this conversation is about who is " suffering " > > more. > > > > I think it is about what words mean. ASD is not equal to > > autism. > > > > One of the problems with saying a kid with aspergers is autistic, > > or > > > > a kid with ADHD is autistic, is that eventually you have people > > > > saying that Einstein was autistic, and what the hell are these > > > > parents complaining about. > > > > > > I cannot believe this logic. The " problem " with " saying " a child > > with asperger's is autistic? > > > Are you kidding me? > > > > > > I am sorry if kids who have asperger's being called " autistic " gets > > in your way, but perhaps, > > > according to this logic, you should toss out all of the kids who > > are diagnosed with > > > PDDNOS as well. After all, they didn't meet the criteria of classic > > autism, either. > > > > > > I have no problem with distinguishing between the differences, but > > not at the expense of > > > my son or anyone else's here who didn't have enough severe symptoms > > for someone else's > > > satisfaction. > > > > > > The diagnostic criteria between aspergers and autism are IDENTICAL > > with the exception of > > > aquiring language skills. Since many kids with asperger's did have > > delays in language > > > development, it is heavily debated as to whether or not there > > should be a separation at all > > > as asperger's is truly High Functioning Autism. No to mention, many > > kids diagnosed with > > > classic autism also had language skills before they lost it and > > some still have language > > > skills. > > > > > > And no, the discussion is not about who suffers more, but it is > > also not about the 'word'. It > > > is about parents of children with classic autism not wanting or > > accepting that children with > > > asperger's have autism. > > > > > > Your post just proved the entire point. You have reduced another > > form of autism to being > > > on a level of peanut allergies, asthma and learning disabilities. I > > also believe, as you do > > > that many kids were hurt with different levels of being affected. > > But I am not here because > > > my son has a learning disability. > > > > > > If a child with a higher form of autism interferes with the best > > interest of your son, then > > > hey, that's something you are going to have to deal with. There are > > people here on this > > > board who have 'recovered' children, children who are improving and > > children who are just > > > diagnosed with PDD. Are they interfereing as well? What about kids > > who have high > > > functioning autism and are indistinguishable from low functioning > > asperger's, yet carry the > > > label of autism instead? > > > > > > Since many parents here also have more than one child diagnosed > > with different types of > > > autism, such as classic autism, PDDNOS and asperger's, should they > > only be calling the > > > one with " classic autism " their autistic child? The others don't > > fit? > > > > > > I don't think so. > > > > > > Distinguishing is fine. But please don't call it a 'problem' that a > > kid with asperger's is being > > > called 'autism' as if we parents have made this up. Our doctors > > used the word 'autism' > > > when they diagnosed our kids, just like they did when they > > diagnosed yours and kids with > > > PDDNOS. > > > > > > Instead of considering it an interference to the best interest of > > your child, why not look at > > > it from the true perspective? There is a spectrum...an entire > > spectrum of autism...and > > > some kids are more affected than others. But they are all autistic. > > Aspergers included. > > > > > > Col > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2007 Report Share Posted May 30, 2007 While I completely agree that these are all spectrum disorders, there are definitely many degrees to which one can be affected. Here are a few things we also need to consider: DSM-IV diagnostics have not been updated since 1994, and IMHO, are so ridiculously off the mark it's not even funny. I have a 7 y/o son who had severe, non-verbal autism and is now indistinguishable from his peers. I also have a 13 y/o daughter with Asperger's, who is now also indistinguishable from her peers. The differences between their disorders are unmeasurable. I am also a parent with Asperger's/ADHD myself, and we see hundreds of patients each year in our center. Like many others, this gives us somewhat of a good opportunity to see all variables within the spectrum. As we all grow and learn more within this jenre, we are finding again and again that many of the preconceived ideas from the past are incorrect in diagnostics as well as treatment areas. There are so many opinions flying around out there regarding diagnostic criteria and who does or does not meet the criteria for any particular label. The number of kids that I see on a daily basis completely misdiagnosed or undiagnosed because of inaccurate criteria makes me sick. The bottom line is that each of these kids is as individual as their fingerprint. You can line 2,000 of these kids up and not 2 of them will be exactly the same. Many similar characteristics, yet so many differences as well. I've come to the point that it really doesn't matter what " label " they are being given, they need to be addressed based on their individual needs, regardless of what the criteria calls them. I do have to throw my 2 cents in regarding the differences in autism and Asperger's. Although we all know they are both ASD's, I have been documenting some quite succinct differences in the two. Though the CURRENT diagnostic criteria limits those differences to exception of language skills, there seems to be so much more in the mix here. I have seen quite a few Asperger's kids who did in fact have significant language delays, yet had many other distinct characteristics not present in classic autism that we often see in other Aspie's. The social issues, OCD, rage, paranoia, and emotional difficulties are quite different with Asperger's as well. Though both groups are quite deficient in many of these skill areas, the deficits are noteably different between them and the approaches often need to be significantly altered. I am finding more and more there are some very clear distinctions between autism and Asperger's and there are even some clear subdivisions within Asperger's itself, leaving more than just one " type " of Asperger's. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out. I'm finishing a book covering all these topics and I'm interested to see if I get the same consensus across the board that I have received from the hundreds of families I've worked with so far. I think we all still have so much more to learn in this area. I'm finding rapidly that the more I learn, the more I know I don't know squat and have such a long way to go yet! I'm just documenting what I see, yet maintaining an open mind, as there's always a possibility any one of us can be incorrect! All I know is that what we incorporated to recover my son was light years from what I had to do with my daughter and many other Aspie's we serve. Just food for thought. > > The diagnostic criteria between aspergers and autism are IDENTICAL > with the exception of > > aquiring language skills. Since many kids with asperger's did have > delays in language > > development, it is heavily debated as to whether or not there > should be a separation at all > > as asperger's is truly High Functioning Autism. No to mention, many > kids diagnosed with > > classic autism also had language skills before they lost it and > some still have language > > skills. > > > >> > > > > I don't believe this conversation is about who is " suffering " > > more. > > > > I think it is about what words mean. ASD is not equal to > > autism. > > > > One of the problems with saying a kid with aspergers is autistic, > > or > > > > a kid with ADHD is autistic, is that eventually you have people > > > > saying that Einstein was autistic, and what the hell are these > > > > parents complaining about. > > > > > > I cannot believe this logic. The " problem " with " saying " a child > > with asperger's is autistic? > > > Are you kidding me? > > > > > > I am sorry if kids who have asperger's being called " autistic " gets > > in your way, but perhaps, > > > according to this logic, you should toss out all of the kids who > > are diagnosed with > > > PDDNOS as well. After all, they didn't meet the criteria of classic > > autism, either. > > > > > > I have no problem with distinguishing between the differences, but > > not at the expense of > > > my son or anyone else's here who didn't have enough severe symptoms > > for someone else's > > > satisfaction. > > > > > > The diagnostic criteria between aspergers and autism are IDENTICAL > > with the exception of > > > aquiring language skills. Since many kids with asperger's did have > > delays in language > > > development, it is heavily debated as to whether or not there > > should be a separation at all > > > as asperger's is truly High Functioning Autism. No to mention, many > > kids diagnosed with > > > classic autism also had language skills before they lost it and > > some still have language > > > skills. > > > > > > And no, the discussion is not about who suffers more, but it is > > also not about the 'word'. It > > > is about parents of children with classic autism not wanting or > > accepting that children with > > > asperger's have autism. > > > > > > Your post just proved the entire point. You have reduced another > > form of autism to being > > > on a level of peanut allergies, asthma and learning disabilities. I > > also believe, as you do > > > that many kids were hurt with different levels of being affected. > > But I am not here because > > > my son has a learning disability. > > > > > > If a child with a higher form of autism interferes with the best > > interest of your son, then > > > hey, that's something you are going to have to deal with. There are > > people here on this > > > board who have 'recovered' children, children who are improving and > > children who are just > > > diagnosed with PDD. Are they interfereing as well? What about kids > > who have high > > > functioning autism and are indistinguishable from low functioning > > asperger's, yet carry the > > > label of autism instead? > > > > > > Since many parents here also have more than one child diagnosed > > with different types of > > > autism, such as classic autism, PDDNOS and asperger's, should they > > only be calling the > > > one with " classic autism " their autistic child? The others don't > > fit? > > > > > > I don't think so. > > > > > > Distinguishing is fine. But please don't call it a 'problem' that a > > kid with asperger's is being > > > called 'autism' as if we parents have made this up. Our doctors > > used the word 'autism' > > > when they diagnosed our kids, just like they did when they > > diagnosed yours and kids with > > > PDDNOS. > > > > > > Instead of considering it an interference to the best interest of > > your child, why not look at > > > it from the true perspective? There is a spectrum...an entire > > spectrum of autism...and > > > some kids are more affected than others. But they are all autistic. > > Aspergers included. > > > > > > Col > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2007 Report Share Posted May 30, 2007 THE most difficult transition for these kids is college. They are rarely ever prepared. No structure, they just fall apart. And you're right Kim, the anxiety becomes paralyzing and then everything continues to crumble around them. I have had to handle my oldest like he was in kindergarten all over again. I have his desk and files organized and labeled. He often says " MOTHER, I'm not STOOPID " but then realizes that if I didn't organize HIM he wouldn't organize HIM either. Had I not been so " on top " of him from the start it would have been disaster. AND he attends a college that has an excellent learning support environment which has proven to be helpful when in need. Because I'm the perpetual student I think watching me over the years has helped him too. I'm the " study buddy " more times than not. It's often an " invisible " disability. The average folk wouldn't know it if it jumped out and bit them. Sophia --- krstagliano <KRStagliano@...> wrote: > I'm working with a family whose highly intelligent, > academically > capable Aspie son has collapsed like a cheap lawn > chair after > graduating from high school - the lack of structure > of junior college > proved too difficult. He is now in a major > depression and possibly > anorexic due to the anxiety. He lost his job due to > his inability to > censor his conversations to appropriate office talk > -- he > perseverated on topics of interest only to himself. > I'd say the > young man needs and qualifies for as much help as my > own girls - who > have full blown ASD. Just a different sort of help. > > > > > > > > > Thank you Col, so much. You get it. This > > describes my son to a T. > > > > " Some of these kids will never sit on a board or > > wear a suit to work, either. > > Some may never work at all. > > > > Asperger's, in the media, has been depicted as > > quirky kids who grow up > > and do well. But there are many who will never > > marry, who will never have > > a friend and who will forever require supervision > > and assistance. " > > > > ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ It's here! Your new message! Get new email alerts with the free Toolbar. http://tools.search./toolbar/features/mail/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2007 Report Share Posted May 30, 2007 THE most difficult transition for these kids is college. They are rarely ever prepared. No structure, they just fall apart. And you're right Kim, the anxiety becomes paralyzing and then everything continues to crumble around them. I have had to handle my oldest like he was in kindergarten all over again. I have his desk and files organized and labeled. He often says " MOTHER, I'm not STOOPID " but then realizes that if I didn't organize HIM he wouldn't organize HIM either. Had I not been so " on top " of him from the start it would have been disaster. AND he attends a college that has an excellent learning support environment which has proven to be helpful when in need. Because I'm the perpetual student I think watching me over the years has helped him too. I'm the " study buddy " more times than not. It's often an " invisible " disability. The average folk wouldn't know it if it jumped out and bit them. Sophia --- krstagliano <KRStagliano@...> wrote: > I'm working with a family whose highly intelligent, > academically > capable Aspie son has collapsed like a cheap lawn > chair after > graduating from high school - the lack of structure > of junior college > proved too difficult. He is now in a major > depression and possibly > anorexic due to the anxiety. He lost his job due to > his inability to > censor his conversations to appropriate office talk > -- he > perseverated on topics of interest only to himself. > I'd say the > young man needs and qualifies for as much help as my > own girls - who > have full blown ASD. Just a different sort of help. > > > > > > > > > Thank you Col, so much. You get it. This > > describes my son to a T. > > > > " Some of these kids will never sit on a board or > > wear a suit to work, either. > > Some may never work at all. > > > > Asperger's, in the media, has been depicted as > > quirky kids who grow up > > and do well. But there are many who will never > > marry, who will never have > > a friend and who will forever require supervision > > and assistance. " > > > > ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ It's here! Your new message! Get new email alerts with the free Toolbar. http://tools.search./toolbar/features/mail/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2007 Report Share Posted May 30, 2007 Hi Kathleen, California has some of the strongest treatment, cure parent advocacy groups in the country (TACA and FEAT) and it shows. There are FEAT board members who have kids on both ends of the spectrum, btw, so you might imagine that the fight for services goes across the spectrum, as it should. Those who have kids on the low end of the spectrum who do not also advocate for those on the rest of the spectrum are working against their own interests. After going through treatment hell and highwater to get our kids higher functioning, we would then just give up half-way fighting for services? It just doesn't make sense and no one even suggests it. Lenny > > And where I used to live in Central California it is the HFA kids that get the better services. The coveted 40 hour a week in home programs designed for the children to recover. When I moved to the lost coast I had to threaten the school district with a lawsuit to replicate services. I won, but my son is still the only child here with an appropriate program. The lack of universal availability of serrvices for all of the children is maddening and unfair. > Kathleen > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2007 Report Share Posted May 30, 2007 Hi Kathleen, California has some of the strongest treatment, cure parent advocacy groups in the country (TACA and FEAT) and it shows. There are FEAT board members who have kids on both ends of the spectrum, btw, so you might imagine that the fight for services goes across the spectrum, as it should. Those who have kids on the low end of the spectrum who do not also advocate for those on the rest of the spectrum are working against their own interests. After going through treatment hell and highwater to get our kids higher functioning, we would then just give up half-way fighting for services? It just doesn't make sense and no one even suggests it. Lenny > > And where I used to live in Central California it is the HFA kids that get the better services. The coveted 40 hour a week in home programs designed for the children to recover. When I moved to the lost coast I had to threaten the school district with a lawsuit to replicate services. I won, but my son is still the only child here with an appropriate program. The lack of universal availability of serrvices for all of the children is maddening and unfair. > Kathleen > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2007 Report Share Posted May 30, 2007 Hi Lenny, Yep, that's what I do. I was a special-ed advocate in the valley and I did this for free for parents with children on the spectrum. I was shocked when I moved to go back to school at the lack of services and ignorance of the schools here in Humboldt County (and don't ask me about the cash crop! the answer is No I don't!) Also how personally the superintendant of schools took it when I threatened a law suit. Of course that was because he personally was denying FAPE to our children! Thankfully I knew the laws and he didn't (LOL - really it was very funny! Even their lawyer made them settle with me!)and my son is doing great. But parents here don't have boards or FEAT or any of the committees that I worked on previously. I have been trying to get parents together even to teach them how to advocate if they want to do it themselves, but they aren't used to being a cohesive unit. It's been frustrating. I'm used to the autism community that is united in the valley. I won't give up on this because I think that there can be great progress made if parents would learn how to work as a team to demand services. I've only been asked to advocate for two children in a year and a half and I have felt like a slacker. And you are so right that the children at lower the end of the spectrum have required the most agressive advocacy. It does not make sense to give up on any child! Kathleen The world is not yet exhausted; let me see something tomorrow which I never saw before.- ************************************************************************* Re: You Tube Video Blasts Autism Speaks Hi Kathleen,California has some of the strongest treatment, cure parent advocacygroups in the country (TACA and FEAT) and it shows. There are FEATboard members who have kids on both ends of the spectrum, btw, so youmight imagine that the fight for services goes across the spectrum, asit should.Those who have kids on the low end of the spectrum who do not alsoadvocate for those on the rest of the spectrum are working againsttheir own interests. After going through treatment hell and highwater to get our kids higher functioning, we would then just giveup half-way fighting for services? It just doesn't make sense and noone even suggests it. Lenny>> And where I used to live in Central California it is the HFA kidsthat get the better services. The coveted 40 hour a week in homeprograms designed for the children to recover. When I moved to thelost coast I had to threaten the school district with a lawsuit toreplicate services. I won, but my son is still the only child herewith an appropriate program. The lack of universal availability ofserrvices for all of the children is maddening and unfair.> Kathleen> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2007 Report Share Posted May 30, 2007 Hi Lenny, Yep, that's what I do. I was a special-ed advocate in the valley and I did this for free for parents with children on the spectrum. I was shocked when I moved to go back to school at the lack of services and ignorance of the schools here in Humboldt County (and don't ask me about the cash crop! the answer is No I don't!) Also how personally the superintendant of schools took it when I threatened a law suit. Of course that was because he personally was denying FAPE to our children! Thankfully I knew the laws and he didn't (LOL - really it was very funny! Even their lawyer made them settle with me!)and my son is doing great. But parents here don't have boards or FEAT or any of the committees that I worked on previously. I have been trying to get parents together even to teach them how to advocate if they want to do it themselves, but they aren't used to being a cohesive unit. It's been frustrating. I'm used to the autism community that is united in the valley. I won't give up on this because I think that there can be great progress made if parents would learn how to work as a team to demand services. I've only been asked to advocate for two children in a year and a half and I have felt like a slacker. And you are so right that the children at lower the end of the spectrum have required the most agressive advocacy. It does not make sense to give up on any child! Kathleen The world is not yet exhausted; let me see something tomorrow which I never saw before.- ************************************************************************* Re: You Tube Video Blasts Autism Speaks Hi Kathleen,California has some of the strongest treatment, cure parent advocacygroups in the country (TACA and FEAT) and it shows. There are FEATboard members who have kids on both ends of the spectrum, btw, so youmight imagine that the fight for services goes across the spectrum, asit should.Those who have kids on the low end of the spectrum who do not alsoadvocate for those on the rest of the spectrum are working againsttheir own interests. After going through treatment hell and highwater to get our kids higher functioning, we would then just giveup half-way fighting for services? It just doesn't make sense and noone even suggests it. Lenny>> And where I used to live in Central California it is the HFA kidsthat get the better services. The coveted 40 hour a week in homeprograms designed for the children to recover. When I moved to thelost coast I had to threaten the school district with a lawsuit toreplicate services. I won, but my son is still the only child herewith an appropriate program. The lack of universal availability ofserrvices for all of the children is maddening and unfair.> Kathleen> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2007 Report Share Posted May 30, 2007 It's related to the entire thread. Hello? Should we stick you in an HB chamber? :-) > > > > > > Col, why would you not want to educate the public at large? They > vote > > > and they spend. > > > > > > If they don't " get it, " they need education. We can do that. > > > > > > Autism's no fun when there is constipation and head-punching > > > involved. If someone can talk, drive, and hold a job w/out > > > assistance, more power to them. > > > > > > But, that is only one end of the spectrum, > > > Carolyn > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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