New member

[Guest guest]

Hi Terri!

1. From what I have seen the lap surgery leaves a MUCH smaller scar

than the traditional open scar (which can be from 6-12 iches long

depending on the size of the person being operated on), most lap

patients have three small one inch 0or less scars covered by band-

aids!

2. I agree, most of us are quite content with the vitamin regimen we

are on and our labs are fine with daily multivitamins and calcium and

some do need ADEKS and additional IRON. I would leave that decision

up to Dr K.......some of your supplements may not be soluble ater ds

and will pass through your system unabsorbed, so trust the doc's

judgement!

3. Yes, you will sip, sip, sip for a while, but most of us by a few

months out were able to drink normally, and at about 6 months out I

was guzzling water just like before and even now I can down a glass

of water in 10 seconds flat! I am sure many of us also can drink a

full, glass of water or juice and enjoy it, you won't have to sip

forever, remember this is NOT the RNY!!!

4. No question is too silly or two long for this board, thats why we

are here!

Cindee

Hanford

252 Feb 2002 size 26, 3X

238 Oct 2002 size 24, 2X

BMI 39.4

DS date October 15th 2002

Todays weight 137, 101 pounds gone

BMI 22.7 and way within NORMAL range!!

size 6/8 and loving life!

> Hi, my name is terri and I've never posted before, but I would like

> to meet some of you. I was at the last support meeting, but left

eary

> because our day started at 5:45am driving from San Louis Obispo and

I

> was so exausted by the time the meeting started that I could't

stay.

> I hope to be there in March.

> I have a tenative date for surgery with Dr. K on April 5th!!! After

> meeting him I feel alot more confident that I will be in good

> hands,but I am still very nervous and though I have been

researching

> and asking questions, alot of information is on the RNY. I had

> researched the RNY for months so sometimes I get confused about the

> differant procedures,or maybe my head is in the clouds now that I

> have a date.Lol

>

> Anyway I do have a couple of questions. After being post-op for a

few

> months, will I be able to drink water normally, or will I be always

> sipping? How long are the incisions for the Lap procedure? Can I

take

> all the vitamins I take now? I had breast cancer in 2001, and I

feel

> more secure taking alot of vitamin, about 10 or so. Although Amy

says

> I will only need to take a multiple and calcium I would like to

> continue taking my vitamins as soon as I can swallow them. Does

> anybody take alot of vitamins out there?

>

> I'm sorry this is so long. I don't know if I should be writing this

> much. Please forgive me if this is not proper.

>

> Anyway I hope to meet you all. I just love Dee. She is the best and

> she made me feel so good with my first visit. Thank you Dee if your

> out there. You are an angel!!!!

>

> Thank you for listening.

> Terri

[Guest guest]

Terri - It's hard to believe there actually WAS a Paso Robles meeting in

Feb., as 5 of us weren't there... and we are just the most important,

most enthusiastic, successful DS post-ops you'll ever meet!

Unfortunately, 2 of us will miss the March meeting, but hopefully the

other 3 will be there to greet you.

There is nothing you can't ask us. Nothing sounds stupid. Nothing in

petty or unimportant - if it's important to you. Welcome from a PR gal

who loves the DS!

Bobbe - <102.5 pounds> - If you can dream it... you can do it!

God, give me the dream that you planned for my life. (Don't postpone

joy.)

[Guest guest]

We're just so happy to welcome you, Kim from Buffalo! Congratulations on

your July 19 " date with Dr. K! " The time will pass so fast, so ask all those

questions, and we'll be happy to help where we can (and to be smart-mouthed, at

times)! We're sometimes a wild and whacky group, but there is a lot of

collective knowledge that can be of help to others.

Hugs and blessings,

Ann

[Guest guest]

Hi, Kim,

So you're from Buffalo - do you shuffle? Welcome to our family. I, too, am a

failed RNY who was switched by Dr. K. There are several switchers here. Ask

your questions and you'll get all the answers from this august group of

people.

Jim

_____

From: kim [mailto:skgray99@...]

Sent: Sunday, March 21, 2004 7:57 AM

Subject: new member

*

[Guest guest]

Hi, Kim,

So you're from Buffalo - do you shuffle? Welcome to our family. I, too, am a

failed RNY who was switched by Dr. K. There are several switchers here. Ask

your questions and you'll get all the answers from this august group of

people.

Jim

_____

From: kim [mailto:skgray99@...]

Sent: Sunday, March 21, 2004 7:57 AM

Subject: new member

*

[Guest guest]

welcome to the group kim and congrats on you surgery date take care amber

new member

Hello everyone my name is kim gray and I'm new to you group. A

little bit about myself, I'm from buffalo and a 34 years old wife

and mother of a 5

year old. In 2000 I suffered a minor stroke and fearing that I might

die from obesity like my younger sister at age 26. I had gastric

bypass surgery in jan. 2002(RNY). All in all the procedure was

uneventful and I lose 60 in the first 6mo. But then things change

and I just stopped, my surgeron preformed tests and ever thing

seemed fine, he thought maybe I was cheating? far from it I was

making my self throw up at times to lose the weight. This was a low

point for me.Then I got my own personal computer and the internet

and did some research on wls and discovered some things about RNY

surgery and the high failure rate, and that there was other options

other. I also discovered the DS and the possiblities of a revision

to a DS and most importantly I discovered Dr.Keshishian which

brought me here. I have a surgery date for july 19 and right now I'm

just looking for answers to so question to ease my nerves about the

revision process( before and after) and the skills of DR.K, from

what I heared he is very good.So I thank you all in advance

kim

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

[Guest guest]

welcome to the group kim and congrats on you surgery date take care amber

new member

Hello everyone my name is kim gray and I'm new to you group. A

little bit about myself, I'm from buffalo and a 34 years old wife

and mother of a 5

year old. In 2000 I suffered a minor stroke and fearing that I might

die from obesity like my younger sister at age 26. I had gastric

bypass surgery in jan. 2002(RNY). All in all the procedure was

uneventful and I lose 60 in the first 6mo. But then things change

and I just stopped, my surgeron preformed tests and ever thing

seemed fine, he thought maybe I was cheating? far from it I was

making my self throw up at times to lose the weight. This was a low

point for me.Then I got my own personal computer and the internet

and did some research on wls and discovered some things about RNY

surgery and the high failure rate, and that there was other options

other. I also discovered the DS and the possiblities of a revision

to a DS and most importantly I discovered Dr.Keshishian which

brought me here. I have a surgery date for july 19 and right now I'm

just looking for answers to so question to ease my nerves about the

revision process( before and after) and the skills of DR.K, from

what I heared he is very good.So I thank you all in advance

kim

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

[Guest guest]

Hi Kim,

Ask away. We have several revisionists (is that a word Jim?) on the

board and they can answer specific questions and the rest of us can

field general questions. I am excited for you!!

hugs, cindy lee in fort worth texas

5'8 " wearing size 8 and feeling great!

> Hello everyone my name is kim gray and I'm new to you group. A

> little bit about myself, I'm from buffalo and a 34 years old wife

> and mother of a 5

> year old. In 2000 I suffered a minor stroke and fearing that I

might

> die from obesity like my younger sister at age 26. I had gastric

> bypass surgery in jan. 2002(RNY). All in all the procedure was

> uneventful and I lose 60 in the first 6mo. But then things change

> and I just stopped, my surgeron preformed tests and ever thing

> seemed fine, he thought maybe I was cheating? far from it I was

> making my self throw up at times to lose the weight. This was a low

> point for me.Then I got my own personal computer and the internet

> and did some research on wls and discovered some things about RNY

> surgery and the high failure rate, and that there was other options

> other. I also discovered the DS and the possiblities of a revision

> to a DS and most importantly I discovered Dr.Keshishian which

> brought me here. I have a surgery date for july 19 and right now

I'm

> just looking for answers to so question to ease my nerves about the

> revision process( before and after) and the skills of DR.K, from

> what I heared he is very good.So I thank you all in advance

>

> kim

[Guest guest]

Hi Kim,

Ask away. We have several revisionists (is that a word Jim?) on the

board and they can answer specific questions and the rest of us can

field general questions. I am excited for you!!

hugs, cindy lee in fort worth texas

5'8 " wearing size 8 and feeling great!

> Hello everyone my name is kim gray and I'm new to you group. A

> little bit about myself, I'm from buffalo and a 34 years old wife

> and mother of a 5

> year old. In 2000 I suffered a minor stroke and fearing that I

might

> die from obesity like my younger sister at age 26. I had gastric

> bypass surgery in jan. 2002(RNY). All in all the procedure was

> uneventful and I lose 60 in the first 6mo. But then things change

> and I just stopped, my surgeron preformed tests and ever thing

> seemed fine, he thought maybe I was cheating? far from it I was

> making my self throw up at times to lose the weight. This was a low

> point for me.Then I got my own personal computer and the internet

> and did some research on wls and discovered some things about RNY

> surgery and the high failure rate, and that there was other options

> other. I also discovered the DS and the possiblities of a revision

> to a DS and most importantly I discovered Dr.Keshishian which

> brought me here. I have a surgery date for july 19 and right now

I'm

> just looking for answers to so question to ease my nerves about the

> revision process( before and after) and the skills of DR.K, from

> what I heared he is very good.So I thank you all in advance

>

> kim

[Guest guest]

Lori,

W TX PEN should know about the Odessa area schools. The person in that

region is :

Kathy

Regional Coordinator

mailto: wtxpen18@...

432-685-0518

or contact the main office:

Project Office

West Texas Parent Education Network (PEN)

1001 Main St. Suite 804

Lubbock, TX. 79401

Phone, Fax (806) 762 -1434

Texas Toll Free 877 -762-1435

Email: pen@...

http://www.PartnersTX.org

Tonya

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

Texas Federation of Families

Tonya Hettler

Trainer

thettler@...

Route 2 Box 181

Idalou, TX 79329

mobile: (806) 544-0347

http://www.txffcmh.org w-i-n/

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

new member

Hi! My name is Lori. My family lives in . I am a former

elementary

school teacher who is now a stay at home mom. Happily, I have two

children,

boy and girl twins who will be going into third grade this school year.

My

son has PDD and tourettes. My daughter is NT. My husband and I have

been

very pleased with the services provided at our children's school. In

particular, we have been so thankful for the teachers and administrators

at

the school who have been willing to do just about what ever we have

asked in

terms of modifications for our son. For the last 2 years he has been

mainstreamed for all but about 20 minutes of his school day. He was

successful because his teacher was full of compassion, willing to learn,

and

patient. She also did a great job of educating my son's classmates

about

autism. His classmates were truly his friends.

So now I come to the reason I have joined the network. My husband has a

terrific job opportunity in Odessa. I have been able to find nothing

out

about the Odessa schools and how they handle high functioning autistic

students. In a week or so I will be able to speak with school

personnel,

but I am actually much more interested in hearing from a parent who has

had

a child in the Odessa school system. I have yet to hear a school

employee

in any system say that their school was less than adequate. A parent, I

know, can really tell me what I need to know.

Therefore, if anyone has any info on Odessa schools, please respond. I

am

sure it will not seem odd to anyone that we are basing our decision to

move

or not to move on what we find out about the schools. Thank-you.

[Guest guest]

Lori,

W TX PEN should know about the Odessa area schools. The person in that

region is :

Kathy

Regional Coordinator

mailto: wtxpen18@...

432-685-0518

or contact the main office:

Project Office

West Texas Parent Education Network (PEN)

1001 Main St. Suite 804

Lubbock, TX. 79401

Phone, Fax (806) 762 -1434

Texas Toll Free 877 -762-1435

Email: pen@...

http://www.PartnersTX.org

Tonya

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

Texas Federation of Families

Tonya Hettler

Trainer

thettler@...

Route 2 Box 181

Idalou, TX 79329

mobile: (806) 544-0347

http://www.txffcmh.org w-i-n/

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

new member

Hi! My name is Lori. My family lives in . I am a former

elementary

school teacher who is now a stay at home mom. Happily, I have two

children,

boy and girl twins who will be going into third grade this school year.

My

son has PDD and tourettes. My daughter is NT. My husband and I have

been

very pleased with the services provided at our children's school. In

particular, we have been so thankful for the teachers and administrators

at

the school who have been willing to do just about what ever we have

asked in

terms of modifications for our son. For the last 2 years he has been

mainstreamed for all but about 20 minutes of his school day. He was

successful because his teacher was full of compassion, willing to learn,

and

patient. She also did a great job of educating my son's classmates

about

autism. His classmates were truly his friends.

So now I come to the reason I have joined the network. My husband has a

terrific job opportunity in Odessa. I have been able to find nothing

out

about the Odessa schools and how they handle high functioning autistic

students. In a week or so I will be able to speak with school

personnel,

but I am actually much more interested in hearing from a parent who has

had

a child in the Odessa school system. I have yet to hear a school

employee

in any system say that their school was less than adequate. A parent, I

know, can really tell me what I need to know.

Therefore, if anyone has any info on Odessa schools, please respond. I

am

sure it will not seem odd to anyone that we are basing our decision to

move

or not to move on what we find out about the schools. Thank-you.

[Guest guest]

Hello Lori! My name is Robin and I have two autistic boys, 11 and 7. Both

boys have been in the Odessa school system since they were three. They have

what is called structured communication units for autistic children. The

units are available from Early Education thru High School. Our boys attend

the units at LBJ Elementary. There are two units there, K thru 3rd, 4th

thru 6th. Each class has the teacher and two aides. Both teachers are

excellent. The school enivronment is very positive for our kids. We also

have an in home trainer who comes to our home twice a week to work on

challenges and any questions we have. Both our boys receive speech and OT

thru the school twice a week. We have a monthly parent support group at the

school for all autistic parents and free daycare is provided. I have also

started a newsletter this year. Our experience has been positive in this

school district but be sure to stand your ground on what you want for your

kids. If you would like more info please let me know. Welcome to Odessa!

Robin

>From: " Lori Sylvester " <lori_sylvester@...>

>Reply-Autism Treatment

> " Texas Autism Group " <texas-autism-advocacy >

>Subject: new member

>Date: Sat, 17 Jul 2004 10:22:30 -0500

>

>Hi! My name is Lori. My family lives in . I am a former elementary

>school teacher who is now a stay at home mom. Happily, I have two children,

>boy and girl twins who will be going into third grade this school year. My

>son has PDD and tourettes. My daughter is NT. My husband and I have been

>very pleased with the services provided at our children's school. In

>particular, we have been so thankful for the teachers and administrators at

>the school who have been willing to do just about what ever we have asked

>in

>terms of modifications for our son. For the last 2 years he has been

>mainstreamed for all but about 20 minutes of his school day. He was

>successful because his teacher was full of compassion, willing to learn,

>and

>patient. She also did a great job of educating my son's classmates about

>autism. His classmates were truly his friends.

>

>

>

>So now I come to the reason I have joined the network. My husband has a

>terrific job opportunity in Odessa. I have been able to find nothing out

>about the Odessa schools and how they handle high functioning autistic

>students. In a week or so I will be able to speak with school personnel,

>but I am actually much more interested in hearing from a parent who has had

>a child in the Odessa school system. I have yet to hear a school employee

>in any system say that their school was less than adequate. A parent, I

>know, can really tell me what I need to know.

>

>

>

>Therefore, if anyone has any info on Odessa schools, please respond. I am

>sure it will not seem odd to anyone that we are basing our decision to move

>or not to move on what we find out about the schools. Thank-you.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Lori. Hope you get the information you need. will miss you

terribly! Lots of love, Liz.

On 7/17/04 10:22 AM, " Lori Sylvester " <lori_sylvester@...> wrote:

> Hi! My name is Lori. My family lives in . I am a former elementary

> school teacher who is now a stay at home mom. Happily, I have two children,

> boy and girl twins who will be going into third grade this school year. My

> son has PDD and tourettes. My daughter is NT. My husband and I have been

> very pleased with the services provided at our children's school. In

> particular, we have been so thankful for the teachers and administrators at

> the school who have been willing to do just about what ever we have asked in

> terms of modifications for our son. For the last 2 years he has been

> mainstreamed for all but about 20 minutes of his school day. He was

> successful because his teacher was full of compassion, willing to learn, and

> patient. She also did a great job of educating my son's classmates about

> autism. His classmates were truly his friends.

>

>

>

> So now I come to the reason I have joined the network. My husband has a

> terrific job opportunity in Odessa. I have been able to find nothing out

> about the Odessa schools and how they handle high functioning autistic

> students. In a week or so I will be able to speak with school personnel,

> but I am actually much more interested in hearing from a parent who has had

> a child in the Odessa school system. I have yet to hear a school employee

> in any system say that their school was less than adequate. A parent, I

> know, can really tell me what I need to know.

>

>

>

> Therefore, if anyone has any info on Odessa schools, please respond. I am

> sure it will not seem odd to anyone that we are basing our decision to move

> or not to move on what we find out about the schools. Thank-you.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Lori. Hope you get the information you need. will miss you

terribly! Lots of love, Liz.

On 7/17/04 10:22 AM, " Lori Sylvester " <lori_sylvester@...> wrote:

> Hi! My name is Lori. My family lives in . I am a former elementary

> school teacher who is now a stay at home mom. Happily, I have two children,

> boy and girl twins who will be going into third grade this school year. My

> son has PDD and tourettes. My daughter is NT. My husband and I have been

> very pleased with the services provided at our children's school. In

> particular, we have been so thankful for the teachers and administrators at

> the school who have been willing to do just about what ever we have asked in

> terms of modifications for our son. For the last 2 years he has been

> mainstreamed for all but about 20 minutes of his school day. He was

> successful because his teacher was full of compassion, willing to learn, and

> patient. She also did a great job of educating my son's classmates about

> autism. His classmates were truly his friends.

>

>

>

> So now I come to the reason I have joined the network. My husband has a

> terrific job opportunity in Odessa. I have been able to find nothing out

> about the Odessa schools and how they handle high functioning autistic

> students. In a week or so I will be able to speak with school personnel,

> but I am actually much more interested in hearing from a parent who has had

> a child in the Odessa school system. I have yet to hear a school employee

> in any system say that their school was less than adequate. A parent, I

> know, can really tell me what I need to know.

>

>

>

> Therefore, if anyone has any info on Odessa schools, please respond. I am

> sure it will not seem odd to anyone that we are basing our decision to move

> or not to move on what we find out about the schools. Thank-you.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Robin,

Great information! If you're even in the Lubbock area, holler. I'd

like to see how Odessa went about getting their program going.

Thanks!

Tonya

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

Texas Federation of Families

Tonya Hettler

Trainer

thettler@...

Route 2 Box 181

Idalou, TX 79329

mobile: (806) 544-0347

http://www.txffcmh.org w-i-n/

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

new member

>Date: Sat, 17 Jul 2004 10:22:30 -0500

>

>Hi! My name is Lori. My family lives in . I am a former

elementary

>school teacher who is now a stay at home mom. Happily, I have two

children,

>boy and girl twins who will be going into third grade this school year.

My

>son has PDD and tourettes. My daughter is NT. My husband and I have

been

>very pleased with the services provided at our children's school. In

>particular, we have been so thankful for the teachers and

administrators at

>the school who have been willing to do just about what ever we have

asked

>in

>terms of modifications for our son. For the last 2 years he has been

>mainstreamed for all but about 20 minutes of his school day. He was

>successful because his teacher was full of compassion, willing to

learn,

>and

>patient. She also did a great job of educating my son's classmates

about

>autism. His classmates were truly his friends.

>

>

>

>So now I come to the reason I have joined the network. My husband has

a

>terrific job opportunity in Odessa. I have been able to find nothing

out

>about the Odessa schools and how they handle high functioning autistic

>students. In a week or so I will be able to speak with school

personnel,

>but I am actually much more interested in hearing from a parent who has

had

>a child in the Odessa school system. I have yet to hear a school

employee

>in any system say that their school was less than adequate. A parent,

I

>know, can really tell me what I need to know.

>

>

>

>Therefore, if anyone has any info on Odessa schools, please respond. I

am

>sure it will not seem odd to anyone that we are basing our decision to

move

>or not to move on what we find out about the schools. Thank-you.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Tonya! We have family in Lubbock so the next time we're up I'll let

you know. I would love to get together and talk about your programs also.

Robin

>From: " Tonya Hettler " <thettler@...>

>Reply-Autism Treatment

><Autism Treatment >

>Subject: RE: new member

>Date: Sat, 17 Jul 2004 18:55:52 -0500

>

>Robin,

>

>Great information! If you're even in the Lubbock area, holler. I'd

>like to see how Odessa went about getting their program going.

>

>Thanks!

>Tonya

>

>

>------------------------------------

>Texas Federation of Families

>Tonya Hettler

>Trainer

>thettler@...

>Route 2 Box 181

>Idalou, TX 79329

>mobile: (806) 544-0347

>http://www.txffcmh.org w-i-n/

>------------------------------------

>

> new member

> >Date: Sat, 17 Jul 2004 10:22:30 -0500

> >

> >Hi! My name is Lori. My family lives in . I am a former

>elementary

> >school teacher who is now a stay at home mom. Happily, I have two

>children,

> >boy and girl twins who will be going into third grade this school year.

>My

> >son has PDD and tourettes. My daughter is NT. My husband and I have

>been

> >very pleased with the services provided at our children's school. In

> >particular, we have been so thankful for the teachers and

>administrators at

> >the school who have been willing to do just about what ever we have

>asked

> >in

> >terms of modifications for our son. For the last 2 years he has been

> >mainstreamed for all but about 20 minutes of his school day. He was

> >successful because his teacher was full of compassion, willing to

>learn,

> >and

> >patient. She also did a great job of educating my son's classmates

>about

> >autism. His classmates were truly his friends.

> >

> >

> >

> >So now I come to the reason I have joined the network. My husband has

>a

> >terrific job opportunity in Odessa. I have been able to find nothing

>out

> >about the Odessa schools and how they handle high functioning autistic

> >students. In a week or so I will be able to speak with school

>personnel,

> >but I am actually much more interested in hearing from a parent who has

>had

> >a child in the Odessa school system. I have yet to hear a school

>employee

> >in any system say that their school was less than adequate. A parent,

>I

> >know, can really tell me what I need to know.

> >

> >

> >

> >Therefore, if anyone has any info on Odessa schools, please respond. I

>am

> >sure it will not seem odd to anyone that we are basing our decision to

>move

> >or not to move on what we find out about the schools. Thank-you.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Your son does sound like he leans more towards the Asperger side than autism.

Even if he doesn't have enough traits for that diagnosis, exploring the

characteristics and suggested intervention for Asperger could be helpful.

Here's

a great site for info. It will also lead you to an active list that

I've found very helpful. http://www.aspergerinfo.org/

Gaylen

[Guest guest]

Your son does sound like he leans more towards the Asperger side than autism.

Even if he doesn't have enough traits for that diagnosis, exploring the

characteristics and suggested intervention for Asperger could be helpful.

Here's

a great site for info. It will also lead you to an active list that

I've found very helpful. http://www.aspergerinfo.org/

Gaylen

[Guest guest]

Hey ....I am a mom with two autistic boys, 11 and 7. Did Connor show

normal development then lose skills? If so you might want to check out Dr.

Kendal in Austin Texas. He is a ENT surgeon who has come upon a

drug proctol concerning the inner ear. If you are interested let me know.

Robin Shinn

>From: " Herman " <paul.herman@...>

>Reply-Autism Treatment

><Autism Treatment >

>Subject: New Member

>Date: Sun, 5 Sep 2004 21:50:58 -0500

>

>Hey,

>

> Just wanted to introduce myself. I'm Herman, got a son,

>Connor, and am looking for resources, ideas, something. I've done just

>some research on the web, read a couple books, and don't know that I've

>learned much of use. So hence, here I am.

>

>I don't know all the vocabulary, so please excuse my less than precise

>descriptions. Connor just turned 8, and is in 2nd grade. Connor is

>generally described as " mildly " autistic, according to testing by Plano

>ISD. He does not have a lot of the more common associated

>characteristics of autism. And I guess most kids are unique. In Connor's

>case, the issues include absolutely no interest in being socially

>accepted, doesn't feel any need to be like others, which leads to

>behavior problems at school. One of those classic issues, doesn't see

>things from the perspective of others, doesn't understand why he

>shouldn't do some things, if he thinks is OK but upsets others. So, if

>the teacher tells him to do something, along with everyone else, and he

>doesn't feel like it, he just refuses. If pushed, he'll just refuse

>louder, and if pushed enough might throw something (he's only done that

>a couple times).

>

>While he can create original sentences, he also tends to use set phrases

>a lot, tending to be extreme ones, for all occasions. He does like to be

>held, and sit in our laps. Likes to be around other kids, to play with,

>a very social kid, just doesn't do well when he gets there. Can laugh.

>He still hand-flaps some when he gets excited. Very good at math, in

>certain things, as well as spelling, well ahead of age group. But has a

>very hard time with creative things, like " use a sentence with the word

>'dog' " . But he CAN do them on occasion, and we're working on them, and

>he's getting more confidence. He'll still whack himself in the forehead

>with his open palm when he's mad. He really seems to have the

>temperament of a three year old. And he always willing to go test the

>outer boundaries of what he can get away with, in areas where he wants

>to push, such as diet, or going to bed. But he won't do dangerous

>things, once told. And he doesn't throw the massive tantrums that he did

>at a younger age, doesn't slam his head into the wall, something he did

>as a toddler. Gave that up when he cracked the sheet rock, and Mom

>REALLY got mad.

>

>When he is getting way out of hand, a threat of a spanking will get him

>to stop, meaning that he CAN control the anger, it seems to be that he

>just likes to turn it lose, for whatever reason.

>

>VERY tough time eating, very, very picky eater, and will rather go

>hungry, though LOUDLY go hungry, than eat what he doesn't want. So a

>generally poor diet, though he does take a daily vitamin.

>

>We have a full-size pinball machine, and he is VERY good at it, good

>eye-hand coordination. He tends to want to do the same thing over and

>over, for maybe an hour or two a day, for days on end, then will get

>tired of it and want to get locked on something else. Has really taken

>to Nintendo, dang it. Doesn't do well at strategy games, such as

>checkers or chess, and doesn't want to play. A very poor loser, though

>if we play as a team at something and lose, no big. He is killer at

>Minesweeper, including posting a score I couldn't beat at the expert

>level, and I'm pretty good. But he doesn't understand the underlying

>mathematics, he had just memorized patterns that he saw me play,

>watching me play for days on end at his request. And he did that at age

>five. And he doesn't want to learn the mathematics. His preferences in

>food work similarly, he'll want the same thing for days on end, then

>suddenly can't stand it and wants something else for a while.

>

>He has a very keen ability to recognize patterns. A great example, when

>he was four, we had a board game that had an electronic " die " , that is,

>you'd push a button, and the numbers 1-6 would very rapidly randomly

>light up, then slowly slow down and stop. It looked completely random.

>After playing it for hours on end for a couple days with his mom (this

>was when he was four), he got to where he would calmly tell mom what the

>number was going to be while the random numbers were still flashing

>around. Scared her to death. I sat with him for a while, watched it real

>close, then started jotting down some notes. Turns out, at the instant

>when the flashing numbers first start to slow down, if you notice that

>number quickly, it will always lead to a particular final number. So if

>it was 1, it might always turn out to be a 4. There was no rhyme or

>reason for matching which starting went with which finishing number, and

>I had to generate a list to figure it out. But that was what it was.

>Other examples like that as well, an interesting trait.

>

>He wears different things every day, and generally doesn't have much

>problem with it.

>

>His speech therapist thinks its not autism, but Asberger's. But from

>what I have read, he's missing a lot of the Asberger characteristics.

>

>Right now, he reallllly into the weather. Reads it in the paper every

>morning, could watch the weather channel all the time. NO interest in

>seeing any severe weather in person, just his thing for the moment.

>

>Likes dance music, loves to jump around to it.

>

>Feel free to mention genetics. My wife and I both prefer to keep to

>ourselves, not very social, though with my job I get to visit with all

>kinds of folks, so I get my social outings. Our older son is 15, and

>normal and right as rain. I was a super shy and quiet genius at a young

>age, not shy nowadays, give lectures, negotiate deals, etc., so I got

>over it. We've been married for almost 20 years, and it is a very loving

>family existence, very supportive.

>

>We're very concerned that they aren't going to let Connor stay in

>school, if he keeps being disruptive to the class. Really looking for

>suggestions. Did read Facing Autism, that lady really talked up the

>psycho drugs, which scares us, but need something at some point. If he's

>going to grow out of it, get to where he can contain the anger and

>behave, great, if not, we gotta find a way forward.

>

>Resources, comments, questions, welcome. I realize I'm not nearly as

>challenged as a lot of others, but I don't know where to turn. Thanks.

>

> Herman

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

From your email, it sounds as if Conner is on the autism spectrum and no matter

what his specific diagnosis is--Asbergers or otherwise, he needs a school

program that first acknowledges his diagnosis and understands that these are

common behaviors associated with this diagnosis that will need some specific

types of interventions to help him manage them. I know many people with kids

like Connor who are higher functioning academically but still have significant

social and emotional behavior issues that get in the way of their learning.

It's like the " curse " of the higher functioning kids on the spectrum. Many

times the schools don't recognize the diagnosis of autism and just see them as

intellectually capable kids who are not able to control their behaviors.

I first think that your son needs a diagnosis so the school can then better

understand that he needs some modifications to help him succeed in the

classroom. Maybe he needs an assistant to attend class with him and help him

stay focused or when he has a " melt down " so to speak, can go to a designated

spot for Conner to " gain control " and then come back to do the work. I also

wonder if Conner's negative behaviors in school(like refusal to do his work)

could be changed through a reward system where you could use some of his

interests or " obsessions " as a motivator.(playing on the pinball machine, doing

something " weather related " , etc.)

a

>From: " Herman " <paul.herman@...>

>Reply-Autism Treatment

><Autism Treatment >

>Subject: New Member

>Date: Sun, 5 Sep 2004 21:50:58 -0500

>

>Hey,

>

> Just wanted to introduce myself. I'm Herman, got a son,

>Connor, and am looking for resources, ideas, something. I've done just

>some research on the web, read a couple books, and don't know that I've

>learned much of use. So hence, here I am.

>

>I don't know all the vocabulary, so please excuse my less than precise

>descriptions. Connor just turned 8, and is in 2nd grade. Connor is

>generally described as " mildly " autistic, according to testing by Plano

>ISD. He does not have a lot of the more common associated

>characteristics of autism. And I guess most kids are unique. In Connor's

>case, the issues include absolutely no interest in being socially

>accepted, doesn't feel any need to be like others, which leads to

>behavior problems at school. One of those classic issues, doesn't see

>things from the perspective of others, doesn't understand why he

>shouldn't do some things, if he thinks is OK but upsets others. So, if

>the teacher tells him to do something, along with everyone else, and he

>doesn't feel like it, he just refuses. If pushed, he'll just refuse

>louder, and if pushed enough might throw something (he's only done that

>a couple times).

>

>While he can create original sentences, he also tends to use set phrases

>a lot, tending to be extreme ones, for all occasions. He does like to be

>held, and sit in our laps. Likes to be around other kids, to play with,

>a very social kid, just doesn't do well when he gets there. Can laugh.

>He still hand-flaps some when he gets excited. Very good at math, in

>certain things, as well as spelling, well ahead of age group. But has a

>very hard time with creative things, like " use a sentence with the word

>'dog' " . But he CAN do them on occasion, and we're working on them, and

>he's getting more confidence. He'll still whack himself in the forehead

>with his open palm when he's mad. He really seems to have the

>temperament of a three year old. And he always willing to go test the

>outer boundaries of what he can get away with, in areas where he wants

>to push, such as diet, or going to bed. But he won't do dangerous

>things, once told. And he doesn't throw the massive tantrums that he did

>at a younger age, doesn't slam his head into the wall, something he did

>as a toddler. Gave that up when he cracked the sheet rock, and Mom

>REALLY got mad.

>

>When he is getting way out of hand, a threat of a spanking will get him

>to stop, meaning that he CAN control the anger, it seems to be that he

>just likes to turn it lose, for whatever reason.

>

>VERY tough time eating, very, very picky eater, and will rather go

>hungry, though LOUDLY go hungry, than eat what he doesn't want. So a

>generally poor diet, though he does take a daily vitamin.

>

>We have a full-size pinball machine, and he is VERY good at it, good

>eye-hand coordination. He tends to want to do the same thing over and

>over, for maybe an hour or two a day, for days on end, then will get

>tired of it and want to get locked on something else. Has really taken

>to Nintendo, dang it. Doesn't do well at strategy games, such as

>checkers or chess, and doesn't want to play. A very poor loser, though

>if we play as a team at something and lose, no big. He is killer at

>Minesweeper, including posting a score I couldn't beat at the expert

>level, and I'm pretty good. But he doesn't understand the underlying

>mathematics, he had just memorized patterns that he saw me play,

>watching me play for days on end at his request. And he did that at age

>five. And he doesn't want to learn the mathematics. His preferences in

>food work similarly, he'll want the same thing for days on end, then

>suddenly can't stand it and wants something else for a while.

>

>He has a very keen ability to recognize patterns. A great example, when

>he was four, we had a board game that had an electronic " die " , that is,

>you'd push a button, and the numbers 1-6 would very rapidly randomly

>light up, then slowly slow down and stop. It looked completely random.

>After playing it for hours on end for a couple days with his mom (this

>was when he was four), he got to where he would calmly tell mom what the

>number was going to be while the random numbers were still flashing

>around. Scared her to death. I sat with him for a while, watched it real

>close, then started jotting down some notes. Turns out, at the instant

>when the flashing numbers first start to slow down, if you notice that

>number quickly, it will always lead to a particular final number. So if

>it was 1, it might always turn out to be a 4. There was no rhyme or

>reason for matching which starting went with which finishing number, and

>I had to generate a list to figure it out. But that was what it was.

>Other examples like that as well, an interesting trait.

>

>He wears different things every day, and generally doesn't have much

>problem with it.

>

>His speech therapist thinks its not autism, but Asberger's. But from

>what I have read, he's missing a lot of the Asberger characteristics.

>

>Right now, he reallllly into the weather. Reads it in the paper every

>morning, could watch the weather channel all the time. NO interest in

>seeing any severe weather in person, just his thing for the moment.

>

>Likes dance music, loves to jump around to it.

>

>Feel free to mention genetics. My wife and I both prefer to keep to

>ourselves, not very social, though with my job I get to visit with all

>kinds of folks, so I get my social outings. Our older son is 15, and

>normal and right as rain. I was a super shy and quiet genius at a young

>age, not shy nowadays, give lectures, negotiate deals, etc., so I got

>over it. We've been married for almost 20 years, and it is a very loving

>family existence, very supportive.

>

>We're very concerned that they aren't going to let Connor stay in

>school, if he keeps being disruptive to the class. Really looking for

>suggestions. Did read Facing Autism, that lady really talked up the

>psycho drugs, which scares us, but need something at some point. If he's

>going to grow out of it, get to where he can contain the anger and

>behave, great, if not, we gotta find a way forward.

>

>Resources, comments, questions, welcome. I realize I'm not nearly as

>challenged as a lot of others, but I don't know where to turn. Thanks.

>

> Herman

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome, !

Has your son had a formal assessment done by the school specialists and did they

say he is on the autism spectrum? You mentioned that the teacher's opinion is

that he has Aspergers but many professionals think autism and Asperger's is the

same thing, I think. The behavior you describe might get him labled conduct

disorder, and your son may be better off getting the official ASD label for

services and behavioral supports. Others here may not agree with a thing I have

said but I know you will get some good answers to your question. My grandson

is 8 also and has moderate to severe autism. He is considered non verbal though

he does label some and is very echolaic.

Carlson

[Guest guest]

Robin,

No, he was just slow developing. Thanks for the info,

though.

Herman

Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property Practice Group

Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.

2601 Beltline Road

Carrollton, TX 75006

Phone: (972) 418-3571

Fax: (972) 418-3877

.herman@...

This email, including any attached files, may contain confidential and

privileged information for the sole use of the intended recipient(s).

Any review, use, distribution or disclosure by others is strictly

prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient (or authorized to

receive information for the recipient), please contact the sender by

reply mail and delete all copies of this message. Thank you.

New Member

>Date: Sun, 5 Sep 2004 21:50:58 -0500

>

>Hey,

>

> Just wanted to introduce myself. I'm Herman, got a

son,

>Connor, and am looking for resources, ideas, something. I've done just

>some research on the web, read a couple books, and don't know that I've

>learned much of use. So hence, here I am.

>

>I don't know all the vocabulary, so please excuse my less than precise

>descriptions. Connor just turned 8, and is in 2nd grade. Connor is

>generally described as " mildly " autistic, according to testing by Plano

>ISD. He does not have a lot of the more common associated

>characteristics of autism. And I guess most kids are unique. In

Connor's

>case, the issues include absolutely no interest in being socially

>accepted, doesn't feel any need to be like others, which leads to

>behavior problems at school. One of those classic issues, doesn't see

>things from the perspective of others, doesn't understand why he

>shouldn't do some things, if he thinks is OK but upsets others. So, if

>the teacher tells him to do something, along with everyone else, and he

>doesn't feel like it, he just refuses. If pushed, he'll just refuse

>louder, and if pushed enough might throw something (he's only done that

>a couple times).

>

>While he can create original sentences, he also tends to use set

phrases

>a lot, tending to be extreme ones, for all occasions. He does like to

be

>held, and sit in our laps. Likes to be around other kids, to play with,

>a very social kid, just doesn't do well when he gets there. Can laugh.

>He still hand-flaps some when he gets excited. Very good at math, in

>certain things, as well as spelling, well ahead of age group. But has a

>very hard time with creative things, like " use a sentence with the word

>'dog' " . But he CAN do them on occasion, and we're working on them, and

>he's getting more confidence. He'll still whack himself in the forehead

>with his open palm when he's mad. He really seems to have the

>temperament of a three year old. And he always willing to go test the

>outer boundaries of what he can get away with, in areas where he wants

>to push, such as diet, or going to bed. But he won't do dangerous

>things, once told. And he doesn't throw the massive tantrums that he

did

>at a younger age, doesn't slam his head into the wall, something he did

>as a toddler. Gave that up when he cracked the sheet rock, and Mom

>REALLY got mad.

>

>When he is getting way out of hand, a threat of a spanking will get him

>to stop, meaning that he CAN control the anger, it seems to be that he

>just likes to turn it lose, for whatever reason.

>

>VERY tough time eating, very, very picky eater, and will rather go

>hungry, though LOUDLY go hungry, than eat what he doesn't want. So a

>generally poor diet, though he does take a daily vitamin.

>

>We have a full-size pinball machine, and he is VERY good at it, good

>eye-hand coordination. He tends to want to do the same thing over and

>over, for maybe an hour or two a day, for days on end, then will get

>tired of it and want to get locked on something else. Has really taken

>to Nintendo, dang it. Doesn't do well at strategy games, such as

>checkers or chess, and doesn't want to play. A very poor loser, though

>if we play as a team at something and lose, no big. He is killer at

>Minesweeper, including posting a score I couldn't beat at the expert

>level, and I'm pretty good. But he doesn't understand the underlying

>mathematics, he had just memorized patterns that he saw me play,

>watching me play for days on end at his request. And he did that at age

>five. And he doesn't want to learn the mathematics. His preferences in

>food work similarly, he'll want the same thing for days on end, then

>suddenly can't stand it and wants something else for a while.

>

>He has a very keen ability to recognize patterns. A great example, when

>he was four, we had a board game that had an electronic " die " , that is,

>you'd push a button, and the numbers 1-6 would very rapidly randomly

>light up, then slowly slow down and stop. It looked completely random.

>After playing it for hours on end for a couple days with his mom (this

>was when he was four), he got to where he would calmly tell mom what

the

>number was going to be while the random numbers were still flashing

>around. Scared her to death. I sat with him for a while, watched it

real

>close, then started jotting down some notes. Turns out, at the instant

>when the flashing numbers first start to slow down, if you notice that

>number quickly, it will always lead to a particular final number. So if

>it was 1, it might always turn out to be a 4. There was no rhyme or

>reason for matching which starting went with which finishing number,

and

>I had to generate a list to figure it out. But that was what it was.

>Other examples like that as well, an interesting trait.

>

>He wears different things every day, and generally doesn't have much

>problem with it.

>

>His speech therapist thinks its not autism, but Asberger's. But from

>what I have read, he's missing a lot of the Asberger characteristics.

>

>Right now, he reallllly into the weather. Reads it in the paper every

>morning, could watch the weather channel all the time. NO interest in

>seeing any severe weather in person, just his thing for the moment.

>

>Likes dance music, loves to jump around to it.

>

>Feel free to mention genetics. My wife and I both prefer to keep to

>ourselves, not very social, though with my job I get to visit with all

>kinds of folks, so I get my social outings. Our older son is 15, and

>normal and right as rain. I was a super shy and quiet genius at a young

>age, not shy nowadays, give lectures, negotiate deals, etc., so I got

>over it. We've been married for almost 20 years, and it is a very

loving

>family existence, very supportive.

>

>We're very concerned that they aren't going to let Connor stay in

>school, if he keeps being disruptive to the class. Really looking for

>suggestions. Did read Facing Autism, that lady really talked up the

>psycho drugs, which scares us, but need something at some point. If

he's

>going to grow out of it, get to where he can contain the anger and

>behave, great, if not, we gotta find a way forward.

>

>Resources, comments, questions, welcome. I realize I'm not nearly as

>challenged as a lot of others, but I don't know where to turn. Thanks.

>

> Herman

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Robin,

No, he was just slow developing. Thanks for the info,

though.

Herman

Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property Practice Group

Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.

2601 Beltline Road

Carrollton, TX 75006

Phone: (972) 418-3571

Fax: (972) 418-3877

.herman@...

This email, including any attached files, may contain confidential and

privileged information for the sole use of the intended recipient(s).

Any review, use, distribution or disclosure by others is strictly

prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient (or authorized to

receive information for the recipient), please contact the sender by

reply mail and delete all copies of this message. Thank you.

New Member

>Date: Sun, 5 Sep 2004 21:50:58 -0500

>

>Hey,

>

> Just wanted to introduce myself. I'm Herman, got a

son,

>Connor, and am looking for resources, ideas, something. I've done just

>some research on the web, read a couple books, and don't know that I've

>learned much of use. So hence, here I am.

>

>I don't know all the vocabulary, so please excuse my less than precise

>descriptions. Connor just turned 8, and is in 2nd grade. Connor is

>generally described as " mildly " autistic, according to testing by Plano

>ISD. He does not have a lot of the more common associated

>characteristics of autism. And I guess most kids are unique. In

Connor's

>case, the issues include absolutely no interest in being socially

>accepted, doesn't feel any need to be like others, which leads to

>behavior problems at school. One of those classic issues, doesn't see

>things from the perspective of others, doesn't understand why he

>shouldn't do some things, if he thinks is OK but upsets others. So, if

>the teacher tells him to do something, along with everyone else, and he

>doesn't feel like it, he just refuses. If pushed, he'll just refuse

>louder, and if pushed enough might throw something (he's only done that

>a couple times).

>

>While he can create original sentences, he also tends to use set

phrases

>a lot, tending to be extreme ones, for all occasions. He does like to

be

>held, and sit in our laps. Likes to be around other kids, to play with,

>a very social kid, just doesn't do well when he gets there. Can laugh.

>He still hand-flaps some when he gets excited. Very good at math, in

>certain things, as well as spelling, well ahead of age group. But has a

>very hard time with creative things, like " use a sentence with the word

>'dog' " . But he CAN do them on occasion, and we're working on them, and

>he's getting more confidence. He'll still whack himself in the forehead

>with his open palm when he's mad. He really seems to have the

>temperament of a three year old. And he always willing to go test the

>outer boundaries of what he can get away with, in areas where he wants

>to push, such as diet, or going to bed. But he won't do dangerous

>things, once told. And he doesn't throw the massive tantrums that he

did

>at a younger age, doesn't slam his head into the wall, something he did

>as a toddler. Gave that up when he cracked the sheet rock, and Mom

>REALLY got mad.

>

>When he is getting way out of hand, a threat of a spanking will get him

>to stop, meaning that he CAN control the anger, it seems to be that he

>just likes to turn it lose, for whatever reason.

>

>VERY tough time eating, very, very picky eater, and will rather go

>hungry, though LOUDLY go hungry, than eat what he doesn't want. So a

>generally poor diet, though he does take a daily vitamin.

>

>We have a full-size pinball machine, and he is VERY good at it, good

>eye-hand coordination. He tends to want to do the same thing over and

>over, for maybe an hour or two a day, for days on end, then will get

>tired of it and want to get locked on something else. Has really taken

>to Nintendo, dang it. Doesn't do well at strategy games, such as

>checkers or chess, and doesn't want to play. A very poor loser, though

>if we play as a team at something and lose, no big. He is killer at

>Minesweeper, including posting a score I couldn't beat at the expert

>level, and I'm pretty good. But he doesn't understand the underlying

>mathematics, he had just memorized patterns that he saw me play,

>watching me play for days on end at his request. And he did that at age

>five. And he doesn't want to learn the mathematics. His preferences in

>food work similarly, he'll want the same thing for days on end, then

>suddenly can't stand it and wants something else for a while.

>

>He has a very keen ability to recognize patterns. A great example, when

>he was four, we had a board game that had an electronic " die " , that is,

>you'd push a button, and the numbers 1-6 would very rapidly randomly

>light up, then slowly slow down and stop. It looked completely random.

>After playing it for hours on end for a couple days with his mom (this

>was when he was four), he got to where he would calmly tell mom what

the

>number was going to be while the random numbers were still flashing

>around. Scared her to death. I sat with him for a while, watched it

real

>close, then started jotting down some notes. Turns out, at the instant

>when the flashing numbers first start to slow down, if you notice that

>number quickly, it will always lead to a particular final number. So if

>it was 1, it might always turn out to be a 4. There was no rhyme or

>reason for matching which starting went with which finishing number,

and

>I had to generate a list to figure it out. But that was what it was.

>Other examples like that as well, an interesting trait.

>

>He wears different things every day, and generally doesn't have much

>problem with it.

>

>His speech therapist thinks its not autism, but Asberger's. But from

>what I have read, he's missing a lot of the Asberger characteristics.

>

>Right now, he reallllly into the weather. Reads it in the paper every

>morning, could watch the weather channel all the time. NO interest in

>seeing any severe weather in person, just his thing for the moment.

>

>Likes dance music, loves to jump around to it.

>

>Feel free to mention genetics. My wife and I both prefer to keep to

>ourselves, not very social, though with my job I get to visit with all

>kinds of folks, so I get my social outings. Our older son is 15, and

>normal and right as rain. I was a super shy and quiet genius at a young

>age, not shy nowadays, give lectures, negotiate deals, etc., so I got

>over it. We've been married for almost 20 years, and it is a very

loving

>family existence, very supportive.

>

>We're very concerned that they aren't going to let Connor stay in

>school, if he keeps being disruptive to the class. Really looking for

>suggestions. Did read Facing Autism, that lady really talked up the

>psycho drugs, which scares us, but need something at some point. If

he's

>going to grow out of it, get to where he can contain the anger and

>behave, great, if not, we gotta find a way forward.

>

>Resources, comments, questions, welcome. I realize I'm not nearly as

>challenged as a lot of others, but I don't know where to turn. Thanks.

>

> Herman

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Very good website, thanks much.

Re: New Member

Your son does sound like he leans more towards the Asperger side than

autism.

Even if he doesn't have enough traits for that diagnosis, exploring the

characteristics and suggested intervention for Asperger could be

helpful. Here's

a great site for info. It will also lead you to an active list

that

I've found very helpful. http://www.aspergerinfo.org/

Gaylen

[Guest guest]

Hi , your son definitely sounds higher functioning with behavior issues.

My son is only 5 and presents with some behavior issues and rigid rituals to

sameness and after reading your first post, I am hopeful that he will

outgrow some of his quirkiness since some of his earlier odd behaviors and bad

habits have fallen by the way side with maturity. Anyway, my son is going to

begin a behavior training program through MHMR Texana Behavior Training and

Treatment Center down in Rosenberg soon, we are in the very preliminary stages

of

program development so we haven't begun working on any particular problem

behavior yet, although some have been identified. You might see if your current

school district will do a functional assessment and analyses to see what

precipitates your son's noncompliance in school. Your son sounds like he has

savant skills and strengths which could be sharpened, might point towards what

he

would like to do when he grows up. Just a thought.