Max's symptom list - any thoughts?

July 18, 2006

Hope it's ok for me to post this. I had some opportunities this

weekend to jot down Max's symptoms and wanted to post it here so I'd

remember it and so you all could look at it and give me some ideas

about him. I understand that some behaviors may be normal 6 yr old

stuff, too.

Max is 6 yrs old (4/5/00) and about to begun first grade.

repetitive noises & mouth movements

kicks leg out when walking (not every time, but often)

obsession w/ superheroes (believes he WILL be bitten by a spider and

become Spiderman, asked where he can go to learn to be Superman)

Obsession w/ beating his video games and getting to the end - VERY

unhappy if dh can't help him RIGHT NOW)

insists that Spiderman is real and lives in NYC

distraught if required to change current activity w/o ample notice

as a Toddler, freaked out if grass touched him, would not go near it,

would not move from blanket to grass to play unless he had shoes on,

absolutely would have nothing to do with it.

facination w/ vacuum cleaner as a toddler (loves using it now)

Spankings do not phase (faze?) him one bit. He could be beaten black

and blue and I think he would still not care. Time outs & taking toys

works, however.

loud voices, music over auditorium speakers, whistling hurts his ears;

he cries and claps hands over ears so it'll be muffled

strong smells (cleaning solutions, perfumes/colognes, basically

chemicals) make him freak out and act wild and disobedient

doesn't seem to understand certain social situations require him to be

quiet and reasonably still (for instance, during religious services -

we don't do Sunday School)

Speech delay - speech ther. from ages 2-3, graduated out of program

(too old), and we moved. Final report was that he was still a few

months behind but improved

Word formation still troublesome for him

loss of words at age 2, picked them up again during therapy

Seems unable to udnerstand direction and why it must be done

very aggressive, doens't grasp that hitting HURTS ppl

aggressively affectionate - repeated hugs & kisses even after asked to

stop

repeated hugs & kisses. each cheek several times

can hook up any game or entertainment system without directions or

assistance

can only follow 1-2 directions at a time

head jerking like Barbara Eden on I Dream of Jeanie (he's never seen

that show)

unaware of danger, oblivious, doesn't care

impatient

responds to sign language better than verbal language (I will be

taking courses in the fall to be an ASL Interpreter)

Understood some ASL before spoken word

Barely engages w/ ppl he knows, even less so w/ ppl he doesn't

insists on pants and long socks (it was 105 today!!)

must wear long socks even w/ shorts (total fashion faux, pas! I really

try to let it go. lol!)

refuses to wear sandals unless we're going to the pool. Always must

have Batman sneakers and his pool sandals have to be Spiderman

Had a real issue w/ tags & socks as a toddler

minor bumps cause him to freak out like someone is beating the crap

out of him

gets out of bed up to 6 times a night before he finally falls asleep

(seems to be better w/ supplement called ZMA - zinc & magnesium)

Tongue sits toward front of mouth since babyhood (I have pics of him

like that)

Seemingly can't hear us speaking to him when we're in the same room,

we have to practically yell his name to get his attention

very focused in his activity and won't respond until we approach him

and tap him on the shoulder

fidgety unless he's drawing

reads well for his age, but doesn't like to read independently

hand flapping, usually along w/ the mouth movements and vocal tics

inappropriately in ppl's faces, even after they ask him to stop

insistent on wahsing hands after messes, even if he isn't finished w/

task (meal times especially)

July 18, 2006

Sounds just like my 9yo that we are in the process of having Dx for Aspergers.

So I know the frustration. Hang in there!

Hugs

July 18, 2006

You could describe my Steve with your list!!!! He's still like that at 18 almost 19! He won't wear anything that isn't soft, and no less than 2 shirts at the same time...one always has to have long sleeves...Even in Summer!!!!! Hyper focuses on Video games and or computer games! Talks at you rather than with you. Melts down at the drop of a hat if he can't finish what he's currently occupied with.

However we have seen great improvement with his behavior using Biofeedback via a SCIO or QXCI device.

My Size Barbie Fashions by Rainysnana can be found at my store at The Doll Pagehttp://www.rainysnana.com

July 18, 2006

My son was CONVINCED Scooby do was real

until he was over 10 years old!

He got VERY angry if you told him

otherwise! lol

Charlotte

From: Autism and Aspergers Treatment [mailto:Autism and Aspergers Treatment ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Monday, July 17, 2006 8:58

PM

Autism and Aspergers Treatment

Subject: Max's

symptom list - any thoughts?

Hope it's ok for me to post this. I had some

opportunities this

weekend to jot down Max's symptoms and wanted to post it here so I'd

remember it and so you all could look at it and give me some ideas

about him. I understand that some behaviors may be normal 6 yr old

stuff, too.

Max is 6 yrs old (4/5/00) and about to begun first grade.

repetitive noises & mouth movements

kicks leg out when walking (not every time, but often)

obsession w/ superheroes (believes he WILL be bitten by a spider and

become Spiderman, asked where he can go to learn to be Superman)

Obsession w/ beating his video games and getting to the end - VERY

unhappy if dh can't help him RIGHT NOW)

insists that Spiderman is real and lives in NYC

distraught if required to change current activity w/o ample notice

as a Toddler, freaked out if grass touched him, would not go near it,

would not move from blanket to grass to play unless he had shoes on,

absolutely would have nothing to do with it.

facination w/ vacuum cleaner as a toddler (loves using it now)

Spankings do not phase (faze?) him one bit. He could be beaten black

and blue and I think he would still not care. Time outs & taking toys

works, however.

loud voices, music over auditorium speakers, whistling hurts his ears;

he cries and claps hands over ears so it'll be muffled

strong smells (cleaning solutions, perfumes/colognes, basically

chemicals) make him freak out and act wild and disobedient

doesn't seem to understand certain social situations require him to be

quiet and reasonably still (for instance, during religious services -

we don't do Sunday School)

Speech delay - speech ther. from ages 2-3, graduated out of program

(too old), and we moved. Final report was that he was still a few

months behind but improved

Word formation still troublesome for him

loss of words at age 2, picked them up again during therapy

Seems unable to udnerstand direction and why it must be done

very aggressive, doens't grasp that hitting HURTS ppl

aggressively affectionate - repeated hugs & kisses even after asked to

stop

repeated hugs & kisses. each cheek several times

can hook up any game or entertainment system without directions or

assistance

can only follow 1-2 directions at a time

head jerking like Barbara Eden on I Dream of Jeanie (he's never seen

that show)

unaware of danger, oblivious, doesn't care

impatient

responds to sign language better than verbal language (I will be

taking courses in the fall to be an ASL Interpreter)

Understood some ASL before spoken word

Barely engages w/ ppl he knows, even less so w/ ppl he doesn't

insists on pants and long socks (it was 105 today!!)

must wear long socks even w/ shorts (total fashion faux, pas! I really

try to let it go. lol!)

refuses to wear sandals unless we're going to the pool. Always must

have Batman sneakers and his pool sandals have to be Spiderman

Had a real issue w/ tags & socks as a toddler

minor bumps cause him to freak out like someone is beating the crap

out of him

gets out of bed up to 6 times a night before he finally falls asleep

(seems to be better w/ supplement called ZMA - zinc & magnesium)

Tongue sits toward front of mouth since babyhood (I have pics of him

like that)

Seemingly can't hear us speaking to him when we're in the same room,

we have to practically yell his name to get his attention

very focused in his activity and won't respond until we approach him

and tap him on the shoulder

fidgety unless he's drawing

reads well for his age, but doesn't like to read independently

hand flapping, usually along w/ the mouth movements and vocal tics

inappropriately in ppl's faces, even after they ask him to stop

insistent on wahsing hands after messes, even if he isn't finished w/

task (meal times especially)

July 19, 2006

I feel like we could swap son's without noticing too much difference apart

from age - mine is 11. At least 80% of what you write is very familiar.

-- Max's symptom list - any thoughts?

Hope it's ok for me to post this. I had some opportunities this

weekend to jot down Max's symptoms and wanted to post it here so I'd

remember it and so you all could look at it and give me some ideas

about him. I understand that some behaviors may be normal 6 yr old

stuff, too.

Max is 6 yrs old (4/5/00) and about to begun first grade.

repetitive noises & mouth movements

kicks leg out when walking (not every time, but often)

obsession w/ superheroes (believes he WILL be bitten by a spider and

become Spiderman, asked where he can go to learn to be Superman)

Obsession w/ beating his video games and getting to the end - VERY

unhappy if dh can't help him RIGHT NOW)

insists that Spiderman is real and lives in NYC

distraught if required to change current activity w/o ample notice

as a Toddler, freaked out if grass touched him, would not go near it,

would not move from blanket to grass to play unless he had shoes on,

absolutely would have nothing to do with it.

facination w/ vacuum cleaner as a toddler (loves using it now)

Spankings do not phase (faze?) him one bit. He could be beaten black

and blue and I think he would still not care. Time outs & taking toys

works, however.

loud voices, music over auditorium speakers, whistling hurts his ears;

he cries and claps hands over ears so it'll be muffled

strong smells (cleaning solutions, perfumes/colognes, basically

chemicals) make him freak out and act wild and disobedient

doesn't seem to understand certain social situations require him to be

quiet and reasonably still (for instance, during religious services -

we don't do Sunday School)

Speech delay - speech ther. from ages 2-3, graduated out of program

(too old), and we moved. Final report was that he was still a few

months behind but improved

Word formation still troublesome for him

loss of words at age 2, picked them up again during therapy

Seems unable to udnerstand direction and why it must be done

very aggressive, doens't grasp that hitting HURTS ppl

aggressively affectionate - repeated hugs & kisses even after asked to

stop

repeated hugs & kisses. each cheek several times

can hook up any game or entertainment system without directions or

assistance

can only follow 1-2 directions at a time

head jerking like Barbara Eden on I Dream of Jeanie (he's never seen

that show)

unaware of danger, oblivious, doesn't care

impatient

responds to sign language better than verbal language (I will be

taking courses in the fall to be an ASL Interpreter)

Understood some ASL before spoken word

Barely engages w/ ppl he knows, even less so w/ ppl he doesn't

insists on pants and long socks (it was 105 today!!)

must wear long socks even w/ shorts (total fashion faux, pas! I really

try to let it go. lol!)

refuses to wear sandals unless we're going to the pool. Always must

have Batman sneakers and his pool sandals have to be Spiderman

Had a real issue w/ tags & socks as a toddler

minor bumps cause him to freak out like someone is beating the crap

out of him

gets out of bed up to 6 times a night before he finally falls asleep

(seems to be better w/ supplement called ZMA - zinc & magnesium)

Tongue sits toward front of mouth since babyhood (I have pics of him

like that)

Seemingly can't hear us speaking to him when we're in the same room,

we have to practically yell his name to get his attention

very focused in his activity and won't respond until we approach him

and tap him on the shoulder

fidgety unless he's drawing

reads well for his age, but doesn't like to read independently

hand flapping, usually along w/ the mouth movements and vocal tics

inappropriately in ppl's faces, even after they ask him to stop

insistent on wahsing hands after messes, even if he isn't finished w/

task (meal times especially)

July 19, 2006

Sure sounds like autism to me. My middle son is autistic and my

oldest son is aspergers. I too am aspergers. I will comment after

each statement:

>

> Hope it's ok for me to post this. I had some opportunities this

> weekend to jot down Max's symptoms and wanted to post it here so I'd

> remember it and so you all could look at it and give me some ideas

> about him. I understand that some behaviors may be normal 6 yr old

> stuff, too.

>

It is true that some behaviours may be what typical 6 year old would

do but you have to question the purpose behind it and the intensity.

For example, my autistic son flaps his arms. His younger brother has

done it from time to time too. There is a difference though. When

my autistic son does it, it seems like he needs to do it. He is

usually overexcited or uncomfortable in a new situation and the arm

flapping helps him cope. When his brother does it, he will do it to

amuse himself. Sometimes he will accompany it by saying, " look, I'm

acting like Jadon! "

Typical kids have fears but their fears are often due to fear of

physical harm. Autistic kids tend to be more afraid of something

that can affect the senses other than touch such as loud noises or

different textures. Sometimes their fears could be due to the fear

of change.

> Max is 6 yrs old (4/5/00) and about to begun first grade.

>

> repetitive noises & mouth movements

When I was young, I would sing the same songs over and over driving

my family crazy. My asperger son has to have noise going at all

times. He will make sound effects, crinkle a wrapper, drum on a

table, bump his head etc. He does it without realizing it. My

autistic son is non-verbal but his mouth is contantly going. He make

a sound constantly that sounds like he is gasping for air.

> kicks leg out when walking (not every time, but often)

I used to do this. The best I can remember, I think it was because

my muscles would cramp up and I was trying to relieve it.

> obsession w/ superheroes (believes he WILL be bitten by a spider and

> become Spiderman, asked where he can go to learn to be Superman)

I truly believed the birds in our yard talked to me. I spent alot to

time daydreaming as a kid and had a hard time separating fantasy from

reality.

> Obsession w/ beating his video games and getting to the end - VERY

> unhappy if dh can't help him RIGHT NOW)

My asperger son is into video games. He will play a game once and

feel he is the expert. I remember hearing him talk on the phone to a

friend about a video game and how to play it when he had never played

it before and the friend he was talking to had it for months. I did

not know at the time he was aspergers and could not for the life of

me figure out why he could think he is an expert.

> insists that Spiderman is real and lives in NYC

> distraught if required to change current activity w/o ample notice

The sensory issues those of us on the spectrum deal with makes life

so difficult. It gives us a sense of being out of control so

predictability becomes very important. I don't know anyone on the

spectrum that does not have an issue with unexpected change.

> as a Toddler, freaked out if grass touched him, would not go near

it,

> would not move from blanket to grass to play unless he had shoes on,

> absolutely would have nothing to do with it.

My autistic son used to be afraid of the grass too. I would take him

to the park and instead of happily playing, he would be freaking

out. This went away instantly when I changed his diet.

> facination w/ vacuum cleaner as a toddler (loves using it now)

I have to hide my vaccuum cleaner from my autistic son. All he wants

to do it turn it on and off.

> Spankings do not phase (faze?) him one bit. He could be beaten black

> and blue and I think he would still not care. Time outs & taking

toys

> works, however.

My autistic son also lacked the sense of pain. I remember one of my

first clues something was wrong is when in the nursery at church, he

was sitting on a rocking chair facing backwards with his hands on the

back. The chair fell backwards into the wall where his fingers were

smashed. You could see major indentations and he didn't seem to

notice. Everyone in the room was shocked. This problem is major

because how can you teach a child to avoid pain when they don't feel

it? My son's sense of pain normalized pretty quick on the diet. My

asperger son and I have the oppossite problem in that we are

oversensitive in certain parts of the body.

> loud voices, music over auditorium speakers, whistling hurts his

ears;

> he cries and claps hands over ears so it'll be muffled

Again this is a sensory issue my autistic son had pre-diet. He had

very good hearing and could determine which keyboard my husband was

playing simply by sound.

> strong smells (cleaning solutions, perfumes/colognes, basically

> chemicals) make him freak out and act wild and disobedient

My autistic son is the opposite in that he had a poor sense of smell

so he would try to sniff anything to experience the senses. Even if

the smell was nasty. When it comes to sensory issues, each person

has their own unique set of extremes. Some are hypersensitive and

others are hyposensitive.

> doesn't seem to understand certain social situations require him to

be

This is another issues that is at the core of our kids deficits.

Social situations involve a fluidity that our kids lack. They do not

have the skills necessary to get clues from their environment and

change accordingly.

> quiet and reasonably still (for instance, during religious

services -

> we don't do Sunday School)

it seems to me that kids on the autism spectrum are in one of two

categories. The hyper and the mellow. The hyper ones can't sit

still. My two boys fit that category. The mellow ones are the

dreamers. I fit that category. As a kid, I did fine in church

because it was an opportunity to let my mind wander. I didn't listen

to a word that was said but was playing out stories in my mind. I

was perfectly content and so many commented what a good kid I was.

> Speech delay - speech ther. from ages 2-3, graduated out of program

> (too old), and we moved. Final report was that he was still a few

> months behind but improved

> Word formation still troublesome for him

> loss of words at age 2, picked them up again during therapy

My autistic son had a few words that he lost. At age 7, he is still

non-verbal. My asperger son was slow at learning to talk and at age

14, he had a good vocabulary but his speech is slow. Some of the

problems he has is he will say a sentence but by the end of the

sentence, his volume will fall so I can't hear it. I will ask him

what the last word was that he said and he could not tell me without

repeating the whole sentence. My mom said I was slow at learning to

talk too. I still have problems at time keeping a consistent volume.

> Seems unable to udnerstand direction and why it must be done

I am a very logical person and have to know the why before I feel I

am capable of acting on it. Being in the dark makes me feel like I

am physically restrained from doing what I am told without having

full understanding. As an adult, I have learned to accept authority

and do it anyway but it takes great effort.

> very aggressive, doens't grasp that hitting HURTS ppl

My autistic son does this too but once he started feeling pain again

himself it got better.

> aggressively affectionate - repeated hugs & kisses even after asked

to

> stop

> repeated hugs & kisses. each cheek several times

When I first took my son to be assessed, I was told he could not be

autistic because he was so affectionate. Later he was diagnosed by

another doctor. Eventually I found out by an OT trained in sensory

integration that the reason he likes to hug is his body is craving

deep pressure. When he is kissing, he is seeking the pressure on his

face. What appears to be affection is really searching to satisfy a

sensory need.

> can hook up any game or entertainment system without directions or

> assistance

When my asperger son turned 2, he always wanted to mess with the

VCR. We decided if he is going to mess with it anyway, why not just

teach him how to use it. Before we knew it, he was put in charge of

the VCR operation in his sunday school class. Now, at age 14, he can

build a computer from scratch and wants to start his own computer

repair business. It has been so nice to have a live-in repairman.

> can only follow 1-2 directions at a time

> head jerking like Barbara Eden on I Dream of Jeanie (he's never seen

> that show)

> unaware of danger, oblivious, doesn't care

This is another major concern and really is related to the lack of

pain sensation. This got alot better for my autistic son but

sometimes he is still oblivious.

> impatient

> responds to sign language better than verbal language (I will be

> taking courses in the fall to be an ASL Interpreter)

> Understood some ASL before spoken word

It is a fact that all kids can learn some signs before speech. There

are lots of studies done on this. I have a book called Sign with

Your Baby which teaches moms to use sign language long before their

child is capable of forming words.

> Barely engages w/ ppl he knows, even less so w/ ppl he doesn't

I was terribly shy as a child then at some point everything changed

to where I would go up to any stranger and tell them everything they

didn't care to know about my current obsession. My autistic son

perferred to be by himself and even didn't care if I existed. About

a week after changing his diet, he cried for the first time because I

left the room. Over the years, he has gone from being friendy with

adults but avoiding other kids to ignoring the other kids but now he

is finally interacting with them.

> insists on pants and long socks (it was 105 today!!)

> must wear long socks even w/ shorts (total fashion faux, pas! I

really

> try to let it go. lol!)

> refuses to wear sandals unless we're going to the pool. Always must

> have Batman sneakers and his pool sandals have to be Spiderman

Demanding certain clothing is often one of two issues. It could

either be a sensory issue to where he wants those parts of the body

covered or it could be that we are creatures of habit and don't want

change.

> Had a real issue w/ tags & socks as a toddler

My asperger son had an issue with tags and if I didn't remove them

once we would get home from buying new shirts, he would tear the

shirt up to get them off. I on the other hand had a problem with

shoes. I did not want to wear shoes at all. The tops of my feet are

sensitive. I also didn't want to wear anything around my waist. It

felt like I couldn't breathe.

> minor bumps cause him to freak out like someone is beating the crap

> out of him

> gets out of bed up to 6 times a night before he finally falls asleep

> (seems to be better w/ supplement called ZMA - zinc & magnesium)

My son would also get up numerous times in the night. I have heard

it said poor sleep habits could be caused by night terrors or

discomfort due to health issues such as diarrhea and/or

constipation. I remember having difficulty sleeping as a child

because of my scary dreams. I would often avoid going to sleep

because I knew they would happen. My autistic son used to have sleep

problems until I changed his diet so I assume his problems were due

to his chronic diarrhea. Zinc really helped too which again goes

along with the digestive issues.

> Tongue sits toward front of mouth since babyhood (I have pics of him

> like that)

> Seemingly can't hear us speaking to him when we're in the same room,

> we have to practically yell his name to get his attention

> very focused in his activity and won't respond until we approach him

> and tap him on the shoulder

The issues of seeming not to hear and intense focus are one and the

same. When I enter daydreaming, I block out the world. I shut out

most of my senses and only shaking me can get my attention.

> fidgety unless he's drawing

> reads well for his age, but doesn't like to read independently

I have always been an avid reader but hated reading aloud. For the

most part, it was due to having difficulty reading aloud in class and

getting teased about it. I am dyslexic too which makes matters worse.

> hand flapping, usually along w/ the mouth movements and vocal tics

> inappropriately in ppl's faces, even after they ask him to stop

> insistent on wahsing hands after messes, even if he isn't finished

w/

> task (meal times especially)

>

Hope this answers some questions.

July 19, 2006

, Sounds like alot of sensory issues, issues with change, fixated interests...all very common with asperger's Ann <carriebeary77@...> wrote: Hope it's ok for me to post this. I had some opportunities thisweekend to jot down Max's symptoms and wanted to post it here so I'dremember it and so you all could look at it and give me some ideasabout him. I understand that some behaviors may be normal 6 yr oldstuff, too.Max is 6 yrs old

(4/5/00) and about to begun first grade.repetitive noises & mouth movementskicks leg out when walking (not every time, but often)obsession w/ superheroes (believes he WILL be bitten by a spider andbecome Spiderman, asked where he can go to learn to be Superman)Obsession w/ beating his video games and getting to the end - VERYunhappy if dh can't help him RIGHT NOW)insists that Spiderman is real and lives in NYCdistraught if required to change current activity w/o ample notice as a Toddler, freaked out if grass touched him, would not go near it,would not move from blanket to grass to play unless he had shoes on,absolutely would have nothing to do with it.facination w/ vacuum cleaner as a toddler (loves using it now)Spankings do not phase (faze?) him one bit. He could be beaten blackand blue and I think he would still not care. Time outs & taking toysworks, however.loud voices, music over auditorium

speakers, whistling hurts his ears;he cries and claps hands over ears so it'll be muffledstrong smells (cleaning solutions, perfumes/colognes, basicallychemicals) make him freak out and act wild and disobedientdoesn't seem to understand certain social situations require him to bequiet and reasonably still (for instance, during religious services -we don't do Sunday School)Speech delay - speech ther. from ages 2-3, graduated out of program(too old), and we moved. Final report was that he was still a fewmonths behind but improvedWord formation still troublesome for himloss of words at age 2, picked them up again during therapySeems unable to udnerstand direction and why it must be donevery aggressive, doens't grasp that hitting HURTS pplaggressively affectionate - repeated hugs & kisses even after asked tostoprepeated hugs & kisses. each cheek several timescan hook up any game or entertainment system

without directions orassistancecan only follow 1-2 directions at a timehead jerking like Barbara Eden on I Dream of Jeanie (he's never seenthat show)unaware of danger, oblivious, doesn't careimpatientresponds to sign language better than verbal language (I will betaking courses in the fall to be an ASL Interpreter)Understood some ASL before spoken wordBarely engages w/ ppl he knows, even less so w/ ppl he doesn'tinsists on pants and long socks (it was 105 today!!)must wear long socks even w/ shorts (total fashion faux, pas! I reallytry to let it go. lol!)refuses to wear sandals unless we're going to the pool. Always musthave Batman sneakers and his pool sandals have to be SpidermanHad a real issue w/ tags & socks as a toddlerminor bumps cause him to freak out like someone is beating the crapout of himgets out of bed up to 6 times a night before he finally falls asleep(seems to be better w/

supplement called ZMA - zinc & magnesium)Tongue sits toward front of mouth since babyhood (I have pics of himlike that)Seemingly can't hear us speaking to him when we're in the same room,we have to practically yell his name to get his attentionvery focused in his activity and won't respond until we approach himand tap him on the shoulderfidgety unless he's drawingreads well for his age, but doesn't like to read independentlyhand flapping, usually along w/ the mouth movements and vocal ticsinappropriately in ppl's faces, even after they ask him to stopinsistent on wahsing hands after messes, even if he isn't finished w/task (meal times especially)

Groups are talking. We’re listening. Check out the handy changes to .

July 19, 2006

, Sounds like alot of sensory issues, issues with change, fixated interests...all very common with asperger's Ann <carriebeary77@...> wrote: Hope it's ok for me to post this. I had some opportunities thisweekend to jot down Max's symptoms and wanted to post it here so I'dremember it and so you all could look at it and give me some ideasabout him. I understand that some behaviors may be normal 6 yr oldstuff, too.Max is 6 yrs old

(4/5/00) and about to begun first grade.repetitive noises & mouth movementskicks leg out when walking (not every time, but often)obsession w/ superheroes (believes he WILL be bitten by a spider andbecome Spiderman, asked where he can go to learn to be Superman)Obsession w/ beating his video games and getting to the end - VERYunhappy if dh can't help him RIGHT NOW)insists that Spiderman is real and lives in NYCdistraught if required to change current activity w/o ample notice as a Toddler, freaked out if grass touched him, would not go near it,would not move from blanket to grass to play unless he had shoes on,absolutely would have nothing to do with it.facination w/ vacuum cleaner as a toddler (loves using it now)Spankings do not phase (faze?) him one bit. He could be beaten blackand blue and I think he would still not care. Time outs & taking toysworks, however.loud voices, music over auditorium

speakers, whistling hurts his ears;he cries and claps hands over ears so it'll be muffledstrong smells (cleaning solutions, perfumes/colognes, basicallychemicals) make him freak out and act wild and disobedientdoesn't seem to understand certain social situations require him to bequiet and reasonably still (for instance, during religious services -we don't do Sunday School)Speech delay - speech ther. from ages 2-3, graduated out of program(too old), and we moved. Final report was that he was still a fewmonths behind but improvedWord formation still troublesome for himloss of words at age 2, picked them up again during therapySeems unable to udnerstand direction and why it must be donevery aggressive, doens't grasp that hitting HURTS pplaggressively affectionate - repeated hugs & kisses even after asked tostoprepeated hugs & kisses. each cheek several timescan hook up any game or entertainment system

without directions orassistancecan only follow 1-2 directions at a timehead jerking like Barbara Eden on I Dream of Jeanie (he's never seenthat show)unaware of danger, oblivious, doesn't careimpatientresponds to sign language better than verbal language (I will betaking courses in the fall to be an ASL Interpreter)Understood some ASL before spoken wordBarely engages w/ ppl he knows, even less so w/ ppl he doesn'tinsists on pants and long socks (it was 105 today!!)must wear long socks even w/ shorts (total fashion faux, pas! I reallytry to let it go. lol!)refuses to wear sandals unless we're going to the pool. Always musthave Batman sneakers and his pool sandals have to be SpidermanHad a real issue w/ tags & socks as a toddlerminor bumps cause him to freak out like someone is beating the crapout of himgets out of bed up to 6 times a night before he finally falls asleep(seems to be better w/

supplement called ZMA - zinc & magnesium)Tongue sits toward front of mouth since babyhood (I have pics of himlike that)Seemingly can't hear us speaking to him when we're in the same room,we have to practically yell his name to get his attentionvery focused in his activity and won't respond until we approach himand tap him on the shoulderfidgety unless he's drawingreads well for his age, but doesn't like to read independentlyhand flapping, usually along w/ the mouth movements and vocal ticsinappropriately in ppl's faces, even after they ask him to stopinsistent on wahsing hands after messes, even if he isn't finished w/task (meal times especially)

Groups are talking. We’re listening. Check out the handy changes to .

July 19, 2006

It sounds like you have come to the right place. CrystalCharlotte <scottdesigns@...> wrote: My son was CONVINCED Scooby do was real until he was over 10 years old! He got VERY angry if you told him otherwise!

lol Charlotte From: Autism and Aspergers Treatment [mailto:Autism and Aspergers Treatment ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, July 17, 2006 8:58 PMAutism and Aspergers Treatment Subject: Max's symptom list - any thoughts? Hope it's ok for me to post this. I had some opportunities thisweekend to jot down Max's symptoms and wanted to post it here so I'dremember it and so you all could look at it and give me some ideasabout him. I understand that some behaviors may be normal 6 yr oldstuff, too.Max is 6 yrs old (4/5/00) and about to begun first

grade.repetitive noises & mouth movementskicks leg out when walking (not every time, but often)obsession w/ superheroes (believes he WILL be bitten by a spider andbecome Spiderman, asked where he can go to learn to be Superman)Obsession w/ beating his video games and getting to the end - VERYunhappy if dh can't help him RIGHT NOW)insists that Spiderman is real and lives in NYCdistraught if required to change current activity w/o ample notice as a Toddler, freaked out if grass touched him, would not go near it,would not move from blanket to grass to play unless he had shoes on,absolutely would have nothing to do with it.facination w/ vacuum cleaner as a toddler (loves using it now)Spankings do not phase (faze?) him one bit. He could be beaten blackand blue and I think he would still not care. Time outs & taking toysworks, however.loud voices, music over auditorium speakers, whistling hurts his

ears;he cries and claps hands over ears so it'll be muffledstrong smells (cleaning solutions, perfumes/colognes, basicallychemicals) make him freak out and act wild and disobedientdoesn't seem to understand certain social situations require him to bequiet and reasonably still (for instance, during religious services -we don't do Sunday School)Speech delay - speech ther. from ages 2-3, graduated out of program(too old), and we moved. Final report was that he was still a fewmonths behind but improvedWord formation still troublesome for himloss of words at age 2, picked them up again during therapySeems unable to udnerstand direction and why it must be donevery aggressive, doens't grasp that hitting HURTS pplaggressively affectionate - repeated hugs & kisses even after asked tostoprepeated hugs & kisses. each cheek several timescan hook up any game or entertainment system without directions

orassistancecan only follow 1-2 directions at a timehead jerking like Barbara Eden on I Dream of Jeanie (he's never seenthat show)unaware of danger, oblivious, doesn't careimpatientresponds to sign language better than verbal language (I will betaking courses in the fall to be an ASL Interpreter)Understood some ASL before spoken wordBarely engages w/ ppl he knows, even less so w/ ppl he doesn'tinsists on pants and long socks (it was 105 today!!)must wear long socks even w/ shorts (total fashion faux, pas! I reallytry to let it go. lol!)refuses to wear sandals unless we're going to the pool. Always musthave Batman sneakers and his pool sandals have to be SpidermanHad a real issue w/ tags & socks as a toddlerminor bumps cause him to freak out like someone is beating the crapout of himgets out of bed up to 6 times a night before he finally falls asleep(seems to be better w/ supplement called

ZMA - zinc & magnesium)Tongue sits toward front of mouth since babyhood (I have pics of himlike that)Seemingly can't hear us speaking to him when we're in the same room,we have to practically yell his name to get his attentionvery focused in his activity and won't respond until we approach himand tap him on the shoulderfidgety unless he's drawingreads well for his age, but doesn't like to read independentlyhand flapping, usually along w/ the mouth movements and vocal ticsinappropriately in ppl's faces, even after they ask him to stopinsistent on wahsing hands after messes, even if he isn't finished w/task (meal times especially)

See the all-new, redesigned .com. Check it out.

July 19, 2006

It sounds like you have come to the right place. CrystalCharlotte <scottdesigns@...> wrote: My son was CONVINCED Scooby do was real until he was over 10 years old! He got VERY angry if you told him otherwise!

lol Charlotte From: Autism and Aspergers Treatment [mailto:Autism and Aspergers Treatment ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, July 17, 2006 8:58 PMAutism and Aspergers Treatment Subject: Max's symptom list - any thoughts? Hope it's ok for me to post this. I had some opportunities thisweekend to jot down Max's symptoms and wanted to post it here so I'dremember it and so you all could look at it and give me some ideasabout him. I understand that some behaviors may be normal 6 yr oldstuff, too.Max is 6 yrs old (4/5/00) and about to begun first

grade.repetitive noises & mouth movementskicks leg out when walking (not every time, but often)obsession w/ superheroes (believes he WILL be bitten by a spider andbecome Spiderman, asked where he can go to learn to be Superman)Obsession w/ beating his video games and getting to the end - VERYunhappy if dh can't help him RIGHT NOW)insists that Spiderman is real and lives in NYCdistraught if required to change current activity w/o ample notice as a Toddler, freaked out if grass touched him, would not go near it,would not move from blanket to grass to play unless he had shoes on,absolutely would have nothing to do with it.facination w/ vacuum cleaner as a toddler (loves using it now)Spankings do not phase (faze?) him one bit. He could be beaten blackand blue and I think he would still not care. Time outs & taking toysworks, however.loud voices, music over auditorium speakers, whistling hurts his

ears;he cries and claps hands over ears so it'll be muffledstrong smells (cleaning solutions, perfumes/colognes, basicallychemicals) make him freak out and act wild and disobedientdoesn't seem to understand certain social situations require him to bequiet and reasonably still (for instance, during religious services -we don't do Sunday School)Speech delay - speech ther. from ages 2-3, graduated out of program(too old), and we moved. Final report was that he was still a fewmonths behind but improvedWord formation still troublesome for himloss of words at age 2, picked them up again during therapySeems unable to udnerstand direction and why it must be donevery aggressive, doens't grasp that hitting HURTS pplaggressively affectionate - repeated hugs & kisses even after asked tostoprepeated hugs & kisses. each cheek several timescan hook up any game or entertainment system without directions

orassistancecan only follow 1-2 directions at a timehead jerking like Barbara Eden on I Dream of Jeanie (he's never seenthat show)unaware of danger, oblivious, doesn't careimpatientresponds to sign language better than verbal language (I will betaking courses in the fall to be an ASL Interpreter)Understood some ASL before spoken wordBarely engages w/ ppl he knows, even less so w/ ppl he doesn'tinsists on pants and long socks (it was 105 today!!)must wear long socks even w/ shorts (total fashion faux, pas! I reallytry to let it go. lol!)refuses to wear sandals unless we're going to the pool. Always musthave Batman sneakers and his pool sandals have to be SpidermanHad a real issue w/ tags & socks as a toddlerminor bumps cause him to freak out like someone is beating the crapout of himgets out of bed up to 6 times a night before he finally falls asleep(seems to be better w/ supplement called

ZMA - zinc & magnesium)Tongue sits toward front of mouth since babyhood (I have pics of himlike that)Seemingly can't hear us speaking to him when we're in the same room,we have to practically yell his name to get his attentionvery focused in his activity and won't respond until we approach himand tap him on the shoulderfidgety unless he's drawingreads well for his age, but doesn't like to read independentlyhand flapping, usually along w/ the mouth movements and vocal ticsinappropriately in ppl's faces, even after they ask him to stopinsistent on wahsing hands after messes, even if he isn't finished w/task (meal times especially)

See the all-new, redesigned .com. Check it out.

July 19, 2006

, THANK YOU! Wow, what a very clear way to see Max. It drives

the point home for me that something IS very different about him.

This list has been absolutely WONDERFUL for me to be a member of. I'm

so glad to have this resource. What happened before the internet????

Anyway, thank you again. Now on to read more posts!

~

> Hope this answers some questions.

>

July 21, 2006

, I have to say that I have a NT 6 yr old boy and a FEW of these things sound like typical behavior but that a much larger portion of what you are listing sounds like my DD who is 13 now and has AS. Especially the parts about spankings not working at all and not hearing you etc. I would take the list ( and Max) to someone who speicalizes in Autism/AS and have him evaluated. I feel that alot of my DD issues would be MUCH better if she had been diagnosed earlier. Good luck and God Bless! DeeDee <carriebeary77@...> wrote: Hope it's ok for me to post this. I had some opportunities thisweekend to jot down Max's symptoms and wanted to post it here so I'dremember it and so you all could look at it and give me some ideasabout him. I understand that some behaviors may be normal 6 yr oldstuff, too.Max is 6 yrs old (4/5/00) and about to begun first grade.repetitive noises & mouth movementskicks leg out when walking (not every time, but often)obsession w/ superheroes (believes he WILL be bitten by a spider andbecome Spiderman, asked where he can go to learn to be Superman)Obsession w/ beating his video games and getting to the end - VERYunhappy if dh can't help him RIGHT NOW)insists that Spiderman is real and lives in NYCdistraught if required to change current activity w/o ample notice as a Toddler, freaked out if grass touched him, would not go near it,would

not move from blanket to grass to play unless he had shoes on,absolutely would have nothing to do with it.facination w/ vacuum cleaner as a toddler (loves using it now)Spankings do not phase (faze?) him one bit. He could be beaten blackand blue and I think he would still not care. Time outs & taking toysworks, however.loud voices, music over auditorium speakers, whistling hurts his ears;he cries and claps hands over ears so it'll be muffledstrong smells (cleaning solutions, perfumes/colognes, basicallychemicals) make him freak out and act wild and disobedientdoesn't seem to understand certain social situations require him to bequiet and reasonably still (for instance, during religious services -we don't do Sunday School)Speech delay - speech ther. from ages 2-3, graduated out of program(too old), and we moved. Final report was that he was still a fewmonths behind but improvedWord formation still

troublesome for himloss of words at age 2, picked them up again during therapySeems unable to udnerstand direction and why it must be donevery aggressive, doens't grasp that hitting HURTS pplaggressively affectionate - repeated hugs & kisses even after asked tostoprepeated hugs & kisses. each cheek several timescan hook up any game or entertainment system without directions orassistancecan only follow 1-2 directions at a timehead jerking like Barbara Eden on I Dream of Jeanie (he's never seenthat show)unaware of danger, oblivious, doesn't careimpatientresponds to sign language better than verbal language (I will betaking courses in the fall to be an ASL Interpreter)Understood some ASL before spoken wordBarely engages w/ ppl he knows, even less so w/ ppl he doesn'tinsists on pants and long socks (it was 105 today!!)must wear long socks even w/ shorts (total fashion faux, pas! I reallytry

to let it go. lol!)refuses to wear sandals unless we're going to the pool. Always musthave Batman sneakers and his pool sandals have to be SpidermanHad a real issue w/ tags & socks as a toddlerminor bumps cause him to freak out like someone is beating the crapout of himgets out of bed up to 6 times a night before he finally falls asleep(seems to be better w/ supplement called ZMA - zinc & magnesium)Tongue sits toward front of mouth since babyhood (I have pics of himlike that)Seemingly can't hear us speaking to him when we're in the same room,we have to practically yell his name to get his attentionvery focused in his activity and won't respond until we approach himand tap him on the shoulderfidgety unless he's drawingreads well for his age, but doesn't like to read independentlyhand flapping, usually along w/ the mouth movements and vocal ticsinappropriately in ppl's faces, even after they ask him

to stopinsistent on wahsing hands after messes, even if he isn't finished w/task (meal times especially)

How low will we go? Check out Messenger’s low PC-to-Phone call rates.

August 20, 2006

Lol, no kidding. Now that he is almost 13

I don’t know how to handle the Santa thing, he’s still a believer!

Charlotte

From:

Autism and Aspergers Treatment [mailto:Autism and Aspergers Treatment ] On Behalf Of crystal visneski

Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2006 10:28

PM

To:

Autism and Aspergers Treatment

Subject: RE:

Max's symptom list - any thoughts?

It sounds like you have come to the right place.

Crystal

Charlotte <scottdesigns@...>

wrote:

My son was CONVINCED Scooby do was real

until he was over 10 years old!

He got VERY angry if you told him

otherwise! lol

Charlotte

From: Autism and Aspergers Treatment

[mailto:Autism and Aspergers Treatment ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Monday, July 17, 2006 8:58

PM

Autism and Aspergers Treatment

Subject: Max's

symptom list - any thoughts?

Hope it's ok for me to post this. I had some opportunities this

weekend to jot down Max's symptoms and wanted to post it here so I'd

remember it and so you all could look at it and give me some ideas

about him. I understand that some behaviors may be normal 6 yr old

stuff, too.

Max is 6 yrs old (4/5/00) and about to begun first grade.

repetitive noises & mouth movements

kicks leg out when walking (not every time, but often)

obsession w/ superheroes (believes he WILL be bitten by a spider and

become Spiderman, asked where he can go to learn to be Superman)

Obsession w/ beating his video games and getting to the end - VERY

unhappy if dh can't help him RIGHT NOW)

insists that Spiderman is real and lives in NYC

distraught if required to change current activity w/o ample notice

as a Toddler, freaked out if grass touched him, would not go near it,

would not move from blanket to grass to play unless he had shoes on,

absolutely would have nothing to do with it.

facination w/ vacuum cleaner as a toddler (loves using it now)

Spankings do not phase (faze?) him one bit. He could be beaten black

and blue and I think he would still not care. Time outs & taking toys

works, however.

loud voices, music over auditorium speakers, whistling hurts his ears;

he cries and claps hands over ears so it'll be muffled

strong smells (cleaning solutions, perfumes/colognes, basically

chemicals) make him freak out and act wild and disobedient

doesn't seem to understand certain social situations require him to be

quiet and reasonably still (for instance, during religious services -

we don't do Sunday School)

Speech delay - speech ther. from ages 2-3, graduated out of program

(too old), and we moved. Final report was that he was still a few

months behind but improved

Word formation still troublesome for him

loss of words at age 2, picked them up again during therapy

Seems unable to udnerstand direction and why it must be done

very aggressive, doens't grasp that hitting HURTS ppl

aggressively affectionate - repeated hugs & kisses even after asked to

stop

repeated hugs & kisses. each cheek several times

can hook up any game or entertainment system without directions or

assistance

can only follow 1-2 directions at a time

head jerking like Barbara Eden on I Dream of Jeanie (he's never seen

that show)

unaware of danger, oblivious, doesn't care

impatient

responds to sign language better than verbal language (I will be

taking courses in the fall to be an ASL Interpreter)

Understood some ASL before spoken word

Barely engages w/ ppl he knows, even less so w/ ppl he doesn't

insists on pants and long socks (it was 105 today!!)

must wear long socks even w/ shorts (total fashion faux, pas! I really

try to let it go. lol!)

refuses to wear sandals unless we're going to the pool. Always must

have Batman sneakers and his pool sandals have to be Spiderman

Had a real issue w/ tags & socks as a toddler

minor bumps cause him to freak out like someone is beating the crap

out of him

gets out of bed up to 6 times a night before he finally falls asleep

(seems to be better w/ supplement called ZMA - zinc & magnesium)

Tongue sits toward front of mouth since babyhood (I have pics of him

like that)

Seemingly can't hear us speaking to him when we're in the same room,

we have to practically yell his name to get his attention

very focused in his activity and won't respond until we approach him

and tap him on the shoulder

fidgety unless he's drawing

reads well for his age, but doesn't like to read independently

hand flapping, usually along w/ the mouth movements and vocal tics

inappropriately in ppl's faces, even after they ask him to stop

insistent on wahsing hands after messes, even if he isn't finished w/

task (meal times especially)

See the all-new, redesigned .com. Check it

out.

August 20, 2006

If you haven't done so, take this list to a pediatric neurologist who

knows about autism. It sounds like autism to me. If Max is unfortunate

enough to be in a brick and mortar classroom with no supports for his

obvious environmental and autidory processing difficulties, he is

going to have a seriously difficult time. Unless you have an extremely

highly qualified teacher within an extremely highly qualified school

with an extremely highly qualified autism specialist, Max and you are

in for some very painful educational experiences. At the very least he

needs an immediate IEP that adequately addresses his obvious needs. No

matter how bright he is, if he cannot function joyfully, then he will

not learn to the extent that he could learn and that would be a real loss.

I am a major advocate for homeschooling children like my grandson who

shares many of the symptoms you have listed. He is blossoming and

learning and so very bright and so, so very adversly affected by

sounds, visual input, central auditory processing, anxiety in the

wrong environment for him, etc. etc.

Many of you on this list may get sick and tired of my standard

statements: get a lawyer, see a competent pediatric neurologist for

diagnosis, see a competent audiologist who " believes " in auditory

processing disorder, become educated about sensory processing

disorder, advocate to the maximum for your child, pull your child out

of situations that are harmful to him/her. I define situations that

are harmful to him/her as any situation in which the person directly

dealing with your child lacks knowledge of your child's needs and

refuses to learn, thus continuing to provide an " unsafe "

environment/therapy. My last ongoing statement is to be ready to

homeschool if there is no other choice. I personally know many parents

who make extra-ordinary financial and personal time sacrifices to help

their autistic children. Childhood is a very short time and no time

can be wasted waiting for services, therapeutic environment, special

ed teachers, IEP's, etc. etc. to help your child to the best possible

outcome. I retired as an ICU nurse and I take the ICU view - there is

no stability, there is only getting better or getting worse, every

second counts. I believe that in autism/aspergers, this is very

definitely true.

Priscilla

>

> Hope it's ok for me to post this. I had some opportunities this

> weekend to jot down Max's symptoms and wanted to post it here so I'd

> remember it and so you all could look at it and give me some ideas

> about him. I understand that some behaviors may be normal 6 yr old

> stuff, too.

>

> Max is 6 yrs old (4/5/00) and about to begun first grade.

>

> repetitive noises & mouth movements

> kicks leg out when walking (not every time, but often)

> obsession w/ superheroes (believes he WILL be bitten by a spider and

> become Spiderman, asked where he can go to learn to be Superman)

> Obsession w/ beating his video games and getting to the end - VERY

> unhappy if dh can't help him RIGHT NOW)

> insists that Spiderman is real and lives in NYC

> distraught if required to change current activity w/o ample notice

> as a Toddler, freaked out if grass touched him, would not go near it,

> would not move from blanket to grass to play unless he had shoes on,

> absolutely would have nothing to do with it.

> facination w/ vacuum cleaner as a toddler (loves using it now)

> Spankings do not phase (faze?) him one bit. He could be beaten black

> and blue and I think he would still not care. Time outs & taking toys

> works, however.

> loud voices, music over auditorium speakers, whistling hurts his ears;

> he cries and claps hands over ears so it'll be muffled

> strong smells (cleaning solutions, perfumes/colognes, basically

> chemicals) make him freak out and act wild and disobedient

> doesn't seem to understand certain social situations require him to be

> quiet and reasonably still (for instance, during religious services -

> we don't do Sunday School)

> Speech delay - speech ther. from ages 2-3, graduated out of program

> (too old), and we moved. Final report was that he was still a few

> months behind but improved

> Word formation still troublesome for him

> loss of words at age 2, picked them up again during therapy

> Seems unable to udnerstand direction and why it must be done

> very aggressive, doens't grasp that hitting HURTS ppl

> aggressively affectionate - repeated hugs & kisses even after asked to

> stop

> repeated hugs & kisses. each cheek several times

> can hook up any game or entertainment system without directions or

> assistance

> can only follow 1-2 directions at a time

> head jerking like Barbara Eden on I Dream of Jeanie (he's never seen

> that show)

> unaware of danger, oblivious, doesn't care

> impatient

> responds to sign language better than verbal language (I will be

> taking courses in the fall to be an ASL Interpreter)

> Understood some ASL before spoken word

> Barely engages w/ ppl he knows, even less so w/ ppl he doesn't

> insists on pants and long socks (it was 105 today!!)

> must wear long socks even w/ shorts (total fashion faux, pas! I really

> try to let it go. lol!)

> refuses to wear sandals unless we're going to the pool. Always must

> have Batman sneakers and his pool sandals have to be Spiderman

> Had a real issue w/ tags & socks as a toddler

> minor bumps cause him to freak out like someone is beating the crap

> out of him

> gets out of bed up to 6 times a night before he finally falls asleep

> (seems to be better w/ supplement called ZMA - zinc & magnesium)

> Tongue sits toward front of mouth since babyhood (I have pics of him

> like that)

> Seemingly can't hear us speaking to him when we're in the same room,

> we have to practically yell his name to get his attention

> very focused in his activity and won't respond until we approach him

> and tap him on the shoulder

> fidgety unless he's drawing

> reads well for his age, but doesn't like to read independently

> hand flapping, usually along w/ the mouth movements and vocal tics

> inappropriately in ppl's faces, even after they ask him to stop

> insistent on wahsing hands after messes, even if he isn't finished w/

> task (meal times especially)

>

August 21, 2006

Charlotte wrote:

>

> Lol, no kidding. Now that he is almost 13 I don?t know how to handle

> the Santa thing, he?s still a believer!

>

Heh. I wouldn't worry about it. Louie is 26 and even though he knows

that his dad and I get his presents for us, he still believes in Santa.

And really, what's the harm? I mean, he knows the religious reason

for Christmas, but we've always told him that Santa was the human spirit

of Christmas. Especially for poor boys and girls. And that Santa has

helpers, and when you get to be an adult....you can be one! You might

never meet Santa face to face, but you'll be helping him just the same.

He believes in the Easter Bunny (Easter Bummy to him LOL) too, and in

fairies, and in all sorts of what we might call magical creatures.

Really, this is some of the only imaginative " play " he's ever indulged

in....unless you count his fantasy broadcast studios he ran out of his

bedroom with his stereo until he was 17. I always considered it a

good thing that he had that strong an imagination.

So I wouldn't worry about it. If he wants to start dis-believing, he'll

do so in his own time. And if he doesn't ever, then who cares? I mean,

geeze, there's fans of sports teams that never ever win, yet their fans

believe a miracle will happen and they will. We all have fantasies and

off-the-wall beliefs that we might not want the World at Large[tm] to

know about; these are his.

Annie, who loves ya annie@...

--

Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who

are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it. --Mark Twain

August 22, 2006

AMEN PRISCILLA!!!!!!!!! Just got our lawyer today!!!!!!!! in Lancaster, Caprisread <prisread@...> wrote: If you haven't done so, take this list to a pediatric neurologist whoknows about autism. It sounds like autism to me. If Max is unfortunateenough to be in a brick and mortar classroom with no supports for hisobvious environmental and autidory processing difficulties, he isgoing to have a seriously difficult time. Unless you have an

extremelyhighly qualified teacher within an extremely highly qualified schoolwith an extremely highly qualified autism specialist, Max and you arein for some very painful educational experiences. At the very least heneeds an immediate IEP that adequately addresses his obvious needs. Nomatter how bright he is, if he cannot function joyfully, then he willnot learn to the extent that he could learn and that would be a real loss.I am a major advocate for homeschooling children like my grandson whoshares many of the symptoms you have listed. He is blossoming andlearning and so very bright and so, so very adversly affected bysounds, visual input, central auditory processing, anxiety in thewrong environment for him, etc. etc. Many of you on this list may get sick and tired of my standardstatements: get a lawyer, see a competent pediatric neurologist fordiagnosis, see a competent audiologist who "believes" in

auditoryprocessing disorder, become educated about sensory processingdisorder, advocate to the maximum for your child, pull your child outof situations that are harmful to him/her. I define situations thatare harmful to him/her as any situation in which the person directlydealing with your child lacks knowledge of your child's needs andrefuses to learn, thus continuing to provide an "unsafe"environment/therapy. My last ongoing statement is to be ready tohomeschool if there is no other choice. I personally know many parentswho make extra-ordinary financial and personal time sacrifices to helptheir autistic children. Childhood is a very short time and no timecan be wasted waiting for services, therapeutic environment, specialed teachers, IEP's, etc. etc. to help your child to the best possibleoutcome. I retired as an ICU nurse and I take the ICU view - there isno stability, there is only getting better or getting

worse, everysecond counts. I believe that in autism/aspergers, this is verydefinitely true.Priscilla>> Hope it's ok for me to post this. I had some opportunities this> weekend to jot down Max's symptoms and wanted to post it here so I'd> remember it and so you all could look at it and give me some ideas> about him. I understand that some behaviors may be normal 6 yr old> stuff, too.> > Max is 6 yrs old (4/5/00) and about to begun first grade.> > repetitive noises & mouth movements> kicks leg out when walking (not every time, but often)> obsession w/ superheroes (believes he WILL be bitten by a spider and> become Spiderman, asked where he can go to learn to be Superman)> Obsession w/ beating his

video games and getting to the end - VERY> unhappy if dh can't help him RIGHT NOW)> insists that Spiderman is real and lives in NYC> distraught if required to change current activity w/o ample notice > as a Toddler, freaked out if grass touched him, would not go near it,> would not move from blanket to grass to play unless he had shoes on,> absolutely would have nothing to do with it.> facination w/ vacuum cleaner as a toddler (loves using it now)> Spankings do not phase (faze?) him one bit. He could be beaten black> and blue and I think he would still not care. Time outs & taking toys> works, however.> loud voices, music over auditorium speakers, whistling hurts his ears;> he cries and claps hands over ears so it'll be muffled> strong smells (cleaning solutions, perfumes/colognes, basically> chemicals) make him freak out and act wild and disobedient> doesn't seem

to understand certain social situations require him to be> quiet and reasonably still (for instance, during religious services -> we don't do Sunday School)> Speech delay - speech ther. from ages 2-3, graduated out of program> (too old), and we moved. Final report was that he was still a few> months behind but improved> Word formation still troublesome for him> loss of words at age 2, picked them up again during therapy> Seems unable to udnerstand direction and why it must be done> very aggressive, doens't grasp that hitting HURTS ppl> aggressively affectionate - repeated hugs & kisses even after asked to> stop> repeated hugs & kisses. each cheek several times> can hook up any game or entertainment system without directions or> assistance> can only follow 1-2 directions at a time> head jerking like Barbara Eden on I Dream of Jeanie (he's never

seen> that show)> unaware of danger, oblivious, doesn't care> impatient> responds to sign language better than verbal language (I will be> taking courses in the fall to be an ASL Interpreter)> Understood some ASL before spoken word> Barely engages w/ ppl he knows, even less so w/ ppl he doesn't> insists on pants and long socks (it was 105 today!!)> must wear long socks even w/ shorts (total fashion faux, pas! I really> try to let it go. lol!)> refuses to wear sandals unless we're going to the pool. Always must> have Batman sneakers and his pool sandals have to be Spiderman> Had a real issue w/ tags & socks as a toddler> minor bumps cause him to freak out like someone is beating the crap> out of him> gets out of bed up to 6 times a night before he finally falls asleep> (seems to be better w/ supplement called ZMA - zinc & magnesium)> Tongue

sits toward front of mouth since babyhood (I have pics of him> like that)> Seemingly can't hear us speaking to him when we're in the same room,> we have to practically yell his name to get his attention> very focused in his activity and won't respond until we approach him> and tap him on the shoulder> fidgety unless he's drawing> reads well for his age, but doesn't like to read independently> hand flapping, usually along w/ the mouth movements and vocal tics> inappropriately in ppl's faces, even after they ask him to stop> insistent on wahsing hands after messes, even if he isn't finished w/> task (meal times especially)> __________________________________________________

August 22, 2006

I think he finally learned last year not

to mention that he is a believer at school or it has REALLY bad results.

Poor kid.

I had to stop him from bringing in the reindeer

hoofprints “santa” left him on his 11th Christmas

because he asked for them in his note, to school to “prove to the other

kids” that santa was real.

Charlotte

From: Autism and Aspergers Treatment [mailto:Autism and Aspergers Treatment ] On Behalf Of Annie

Sent: Monday, August 21, 2006 5:00

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Autism and Aspergers Treatment

Subject: Re: