Re: You Tube Video Blasts Autism Speaks

[Guest guest]

writes for my local paper the Youngstown Vindicator. Yes, his

girlfriend Barb (who also had/has autism as a child) is lovely.

> >

[Guest guest]

writes for my local paper the Youngstown Vindicator. Yes, his

girlfriend Barb (who also had/has autism as a child) is lovely.

> >

[Guest guest]

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.

[Guest guest]

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.

[Guest guest]

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. "

>

[Guest guest]

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. "

>

[Guest guest]

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.

>

[Guest guest]

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.

>

[Guest guest]

, 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

>

[Guest guest]

, 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

>

[Guest guest]

" 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

[Guest guest]

" 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

[Guest guest]

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/

[Guest guest]

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/

[Guest guest]

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

[Guest guest]

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

[Guest guest]

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

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

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

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

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. "

> >

>

>

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

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[Guest guest]

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/

[Guest guest]

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

>

[Guest guest]

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

>

[Guest guest]

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>

[Guest guest]

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>

[Guest guest]

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

> >

>