Not sure if I really belong here yet, lol

[Guest guest]

My son was Dx with ADHD last sept when he was a little over 4 yrs old, put on Focalin by the Neurologist. He was put on an IEP Jan of this year, Individual Education Plan and attended a special class at public school part of the day. I finally got him in to see a Dped and he is diagnosed with ASD/PDD Nos. The school currently honors his IEP but I don't think they want to acknowledge his ASD diagnosis. They continue to say how smart he is,(which I am aware of), and that he is just non-compliant. Well if they did any researsh on Aspergers and the spectrum, they would see that those in his catagory are very intelligent and have a very hard time seeing things from another's perspective which results in non-compliance. They already see the fixations, emotional outburst (meltdowns) and problems with transitioning but they, because of being a public school, do not have to give him the ASD label. I am a little annoyed and think I should take him out of public school. I feel lost!

 

Hi there:

My son just turned 5 a few months ago and has been dx-ed with ADHD and SID but I'm having him evaluated for Autism (thinking he'd fit into " high functioning " , PDD-NOS or Asperger's) through both the school and a DPed.

Has anyone else had a similar dx for their kiddo and it turned out that they were really on the spectrum?

We didn't really notice a ton of sensory or behavior stuff until he was enrolled in preschool (they asked him to leave before the winter holiday). I had him evaluated by the local school district at that time and they placed him in the EIC preschool/PPCD. He did that for about 1.5 years.

We tried to place him in mainstream Kindy this fall but just moved him into a SAC (social adjustment class) last week b/c he was hitting and biting during unstructured activities (and louder environments) like recess and lunch in the cafeteria.

He's very vocal and tries to make friends but that never seems to go " right " and I'm just concerned he's got the wrong dx.

Thanks for your time and input! :-)

[Guest guest]

, I'm so sorry to hear you and your son are having a hard time.

Why doesn't the school have to change his OHI over to Autism with the

ASD/PDD-NOS dx from the doc? According to the DSM IV, even if your son has both

ASD and ADHD, the ASD becomes the primary dx (basically trumps ADHD) and that

should be how your child is classified in the school, especially if it

interferes with his performance.

If you give the school the DX from the doc, then they should change it. You can

call an ARD to have this accomplished. If they deny your request, they have to

give you prior written notice of refusal and you can then file a complaint. A

child with " autism " immediately qualifies for more services, although you can

turn them down if warranted.

Another approach: you can ask the school to evaluate your child for autism and

they have to do it. If you don't like their findings/it doesn't sound like your

child, you can ask for an IEE. The school is then required to either 1. allow

you to get an outside evaluation completed or 2. prove that there's was

sufficient enough (there's a process for that and if you already have docs

showing he's on the spectrum then there's no way the school can win that).

I'm a huge fan of the wrightlaw books and website. I also found my local

disability rights group and an advocate is helping me. Good luck and hope they

come around :-/

>

> > **

> >

> >

> > Hi there:

> >

> > My son just turned 5 a few months ago and has been dx-ed with ADHD and SID

> > but I'm having him evaluated for Autism (thinking he'd fit into " high

> > functioning " , PDD-NOS or Asperger's) through both the school and a DPed.

> >

> > Has anyone else had a similar dx for their kiddo and it turned out that

> > they were really on the spectrum?

> >

> > We didn't really notice a ton of sensory or behavior stuff until he was

> > enrolled in preschool (they asked him to leave before the winter holiday).

> > I had him evaluated by the local school district at that time and they

> > placed him in the EIC preschool/PPCD. He did that for about 1.5 years.

> >

> > We tried to place him in mainstream Kindy this fall but just moved him

> > into a SAC (social adjustment class) last week b/c he was hitting and

> > biting during unstructured activities (and louder environments) like recess

> > and lunch in the cafeteria.

> >

> > He's very vocal and tries to make friends but that never seems to go

> > " right " and I'm just concerned he's got the wrong dx.

> >

> > Thanks for your time and input! :-)

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

oops, typo theirs not there's ugh...

> >

> > > **

> > >

> > >

> > > Hi there:

> > >

> > > My son just turned 5 a few months ago and has been dx-ed with ADHD and SID

> > > but I'm having him evaluated for Autism (thinking he'd fit into " high

> > > functioning " , PDD-NOS or Asperger's) through both the school and a DPed.

> > >

> > > Has anyone else had a similar dx for their kiddo and it turned out that

> > > they were really on the spectrum?

> > >

> > > We didn't really notice a ton of sensory or behavior stuff until he was

> > > enrolled in preschool (they asked him to leave before the winter holiday).

> > > I had him evaluated by the local school district at that time and they

> > > placed him in the EIC preschool/PPCD. He did that for about 1.5 years.

> > >

> > > We tried to place him in mainstream Kindy this fall but just moved him

> > > into a SAC (social adjustment class) last week b/c he was hitting and

> > > biting during unstructured activities (and louder environments) like

recess

> > > and lunch in the cafeteria.

> > >

> > > He's very vocal and tries to make friends but that never seems to go

> > > " right " and I'm just concerned he's got the wrong dx.

> > >

> > > Thanks for your time and input! :-)

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

schools are so tough. Good luck and let us know how it goes..Motherknows > > > > > > > **> > > >> > > >> > > > Hi there:> > > >> > > > My son just turned 5 a few months ago and has been dx-ed with ADHD and SID> > > > but I'm having him evaluated for Autism (thinking he'd fit into "high> > > > functioning", PDD-NOS or Asperger's) through both the school and a DPed.> > > >> > > > Has anyone else had a similar dx for their kiddo and it turned out that> > > > they were really on the spectrum?> > > >> > > > We didn't really notice a ton of sensory or behavior stuff until he was> > > > enrolled in preschool (they asked him to leave before the winter holiday).> > > > I had him evaluated by the local school district at that time and they> > > > placed him in the EIC preschool/PPCD. He did that for about 1.5 years.> > > >> > > > We tried to place him in mainstream Kindy this fall but just moved him> > > > into a SAC (social adjustment class) last week b/c he was hitting and> > > > biting during unstructured activities (and louder environments) like recess> > > > and lunch in the cafeteria.> > > >> > > > He's very vocal and tries to make friends but that never seems to go> > > > "right" and I'm just concerned he's got the wrong dx.> > > >> > > > Thanks for your time and input! :-)> > > >> > > > > > > >> > > > > > > >> > >> >>

[Guest guest]

Sorry, my name is Theresa...

I know they did GARS 2 in May and again in September. The psychologist said he

was borderine in May and that may have been because it was the end of the school

year and he was comfortable being in a classroom. I had asked again at the star

of school and was denied until the teacher and psychologist recommended the

reevaluation. AFter that, we had his IEP meeting and added the class to his

speech IEP. I am still apprehensive about this class; he doesn't go to

kindergarten to do much more than art type activities and I really feel that he

needs to get used to the academic instructional setting. This is something I

will bring up in our conference in Dec.

Reading through the other posts I am now more sure that he is on the spectrum.

The similarities are shocking...Another post mentioned that their child (or

maybe it was grandchild) will not wear anything except sweatpants. My son is the

same way. He also takes his clothes off when using the bathroom or when just

peeing, he will pull his pants all the way down.

This week was especially difficult and he actualy kicked a teacher. He also spit

at kids at school and on the bus. These type of days are the hardest for me to

deal with. Usually we only have one bad school day a week, but it was up to two

this week and he was especially ornry at home.

I need to get some stuff done before school lets out and I need to referee. Oh

and I have to go shopping after and take all 3 boys with me which is so

stressful! I just wantedt o touch base while it was fresh in my mind. I do have

to say I am glad that I found this group because I am not alone and there are

other out there who know exactly what I am going through!

**Please excuse any typos. I noticed that my keyboard is not working

properly...Just another annoyance to deal with!

> > > >

> > > > Hi there:

> > > >

> > > > My son just turned 5 a few months ago and has been dx-ed with ADHD

> > > and SID but I'm having him evaluated for Autism (thinking he'd fit

> > > into " high functioning " , PDD-NOS or Asperger's) through both the

> > > school and a DPed.

> > > >

> > > > Has anyone else had a similar dx for their kiddo and it turned out

> > > that they were really on the spectrum?

> > > >

> > > > We didn't really notice a ton of sensory or behavior stuff until he

> > > was enrolled in preschool (they asked him to leave before the winter

> > > holiday). I had him evaluated by the local school district at that

> > > time and they placed him in the EIC preschool/PPCD. He did that for

> > > about 1.5 years.

> > > >

> > > > We tried to place him in mainstream Kindy this fall but just moved

> > > him into a SAC (social adjustment class) last week b/c he was hitting

> > > and biting during unstructured activities (and louder environments)

> > > like recess and lunch in the cafeteria.

> > > >

> > > > He's very vocal and tries to make friends but that never seems to go

> > > " right " and I'm just concerned he's got the wrong dx.

> > > >

> > > > Thanks for your time and input! :-)

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > No virus found in this message.

> > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com>

> > > Version: 2012.0.1872 / Virus Database: 2092/4620 - Release Date: 11/16/11

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Sorry, my name is Theresa...

I know they did GARS 2 in May and again in September. The psychologist said he

was borderine in May and that may have been because it was the end of the school

year and he was comfortable being in a classroom. I had asked again at the star

of school and was denied until the teacher and psychologist recommended the

reevaluation. AFter that, we had his IEP meeting and added the class to his

speech IEP. I am still apprehensive about this class; he doesn't go to

kindergarten to do much more than art type activities and I really feel that he

needs to get used to the academic instructional setting. This is something I

will bring up in our conference in Dec.

Reading through the other posts I am now more sure that he is on the spectrum.

The similarities are shocking...Another post mentioned that their child (or

maybe it was grandchild) will not wear anything except sweatpants. My son is the

same way. He also takes his clothes off when using the bathroom or when just

peeing, he will pull his pants all the way down.

This week was especially difficult and he actualy kicked a teacher. He also spit

at kids at school and on the bus. These type of days are the hardest for me to

deal with. Usually we only have one bad school day a week, but it was up to two

this week and he was especially ornry at home.

I need to get some stuff done before school lets out and I need to referee. Oh

and I have to go shopping after and take all 3 boys with me which is so

stressful! I just wantedt o touch base while it was fresh in my mind. I do have

to say I am glad that I found this group because I am not alone and there are

other out there who know exactly what I am going through!

**Please excuse any typos. I noticed that my keyboard is not working

properly...Just another annoyance to deal with!

> > > >

> > > > Hi there:

> > > >

> > > > My son just turned 5 a few months ago and has been dx-ed with ADHD

> > > and SID but I'm having him evaluated for Autism (thinking he'd fit

> > > into " high functioning " , PDD-NOS or Asperger's) through both the

> > > school and a DPed.

> > > >

> > > > Has anyone else had a similar dx for their kiddo and it turned out

> > > that they were really on the spectrum?

> > > >

> > > > We didn't really notice a ton of sensory or behavior stuff until he

> > > was enrolled in preschool (they asked him to leave before the winter

> > > holiday). I had him evaluated by the local school district at that

> > > time and they placed him in the EIC preschool/PPCD. He did that for

> > > about 1.5 years.

> > > >

> > > > We tried to place him in mainstream Kindy this fall but just moved

> > > him into a SAC (social adjustment class) last week b/c he was hitting

> > > and biting during unstructured activities (and louder environments)

> > > like recess and lunch in the cafeteria.

> > > >

> > > > He's very vocal and tries to make friends but that never seems to go

> > > " right " and I'm just concerned he's got the wrong dx.

> > > >

> > > > Thanks for your time and input! :-)

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > No virus found in this message.

> > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com>

> > > Version: 2012.0.1872 / Virus Database: 2092/4620 - Release Date: 11/16/11

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Theresa, it's nice to meet you. :-)

GARS 2 isn't supposed to be the best test to use to detect Autism, btw. CARS 2

got better reviews. I'm sure I'm driving the school crazy b/c I sent them an

email with the info I found, lol. So they did both. GARS 2 is okay as a basic

screening tool but it's flawed. It says the same thing about the ASDS but they

are also used to detect two different types. GARS 2 is better for detecting

autism and ASDS is better for detecting Asperger Syndrome/PDD-NOS. I'd consider

both to be a starting point and not the definitive " answer " .

Overall, the SCQ performed well, the SRS and ASSQ showed promise, and the

GARS/GARS-2 and ASDS demonstrated poor sensitivity.

Autism. 2010 Jul;14(4):263-84.

Screening accuracy of Level 2 autism spectrum disorder rating scales. A review

of selected instruments.

Norris M, Lecavalier L.

Source: Nisonger Center and Department of Psychology, Ohio State University,

Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20591956

Findings suggest that the GARS-2 subscales have limited clinical utility and

that the Autism Index should be interpreted with caution.

J Autism Dev Disord. 2010 Sep;40(9):1118-30.

Constructs assessed by the GARS-2: factor analysis of data from the

standardization sample.

Pandolfi V, Magyar CI, Dill CA.

Source: School Psychology Department, Rochester Institute of Technology,

Rochester, NY 14623, USA. vxpgla@...

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20151186

A previous review also notes that although the names of the subscales correspond

to the main DSM-IV criteria for Autistic Disorder, the items do not correspond

entirely to the behavioral characteristics listed under these criteria or to the

traits listed on the website of the Autism Society of America (Garro, 2006).

http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/search/detailmini.jsp?_nfpb=true & _ & ERICExtS\

earch_SearchValue_0=EJ816103 & ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=no & accno=EJ816103

Is your son in a mainstream Kindergarten class? In my district we also have SAC

and Life Skills. SAC is mainstreaming my son for most of the day but the

activities that overwhelmed him (lunch in the cafeteria and recess with multiple

classes) have been eliminated. They are giving him social skills type activities

daily too. Mine was biting, hitting and kicking in the mainstream class daily

but he's had 4 days this week where he was blue (best behavior for the day - no

hitting/biting/kicking). He's only been there for 2 weeks now but it seems

promising and his academics shouldn't suffer.

Does your son have any sensory issues besides the clothing? I'd ask them to give

you a screening test for that - if so, he needs to see an OT. In school, my son

is only getting 20/30 minutes every 5 weeks plus 20 mins of consult but the

school OT is basically there to help with fine motor skills. Mine has a motor

lab attached to the classroom but he had access to one in the mainstream

school/class too before moving him to this new school. We also see an OT outside

of the school.

BTW, hitting, kicking and biting can be signs of sensory overload - specifically

providing the child with proprioceptive input. Mine has a ton of sensory issues.

Have you read up on sensory processing disorder? It's a co-morbid condition

mostly seen in kiddos with Autism and/or ADHD. Think it's being added into the

DSM V but only as an associated feature of Autism.

You can ask for evaluations anytime. Right after the school does theirs, if you

don't like what they " find " , you can ask for an IEE and get the district to pay

for an outside evaluation. As long as that person meets the same criteria

(school will give you a list), then you can use them even if they are not on the

school's list. So if the school did an autism eval and you don't think it was

thorough you can write a letter requesting the IEE. s law has examples of

letters and I have one too.

Do not ever worry about typos - I tend to make them myself! And I feel your pain

about 3 boys in a grocery store. I have a hard time with two although it's

getting better ;-)

> > > > >

> > > > > Hi there:

> > > > >

> > > > > My son just turned 5 a few months ago and has been dx-ed with ADHD

> > > > and SID but I'm having him evaluated for Autism (thinking he'd fit

> > > > into " high functioning " , PDD-NOS or Asperger's) through both the

> > > > school and a DPed.

> > > > >

> > > > > Has anyone else had a similar dx for their kiddo and it turned out

> > > > that they were really on the spectrum?

> > > > >

> > > > > We didn't really notice a ton of sensory or behavior stuff until he

> > > > was enrolled in preschool (they asked him to leave before the winter

> > > > holiday). I had him evaluated by the local school district at that

> > > > time and they placed him in the EIC preschool/PPCD. He did that for

> > > > about 1.5 years.

> > > > >

> > > > > We tried to place him in mainstream Kindy this fall but just moved

> > > > him into a SAC (social adjustment class) last week b/c he was hitting

> > > > and biting during unstructured activities (and louder environments)

> > > > like recess and lunch in the cafeteria.

> > > > >

> > > > > He's very vocal and tries to make friends but that never seems to go

> > > > " right " and I'm just concerned he's got the wrong dx.

> > > > >

> > > > > Thanks for your time and input! :-)

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > No virus found in this message.

> > > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com>

> > > > Version: 2012.0.1872 / Virus Database: 2092/4620 - Release Date:

11/16/11

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Theresa, it's nice to meet you. :-)

GARS 2 isn't supposed to be the best test to use to detect Autism, btw. CARS 2

got better reviews. I'm sure I'm driving the school crazy b/c I sent them an

email with the info I found, lol. So they did both. GARS 2 is okay as a basic

screening tool but it's flawed. It says the same thing about the ASDS but they

are also used to detect two different types. GARS 2 is better for detecting

autism and ASDS is better for detecting Asperger Syndrome/PDD-NOS. I'd consider

both to be a starting point and not the definitive " answer " .

Overall, the SCQ performed well, the SRS and ASSQ showed promise, and the

GARS/GARS-2 and ASDS demonstrated poor sensitivity.

Autism. 2010 Jul;14(4):263-84.

Screening accuracy of Level 2 autism spectrum disorder rating scales. A review

of selected instruments.

Norris M, Lecavalier L.

Source: Nisonger Center and Department of Psychology, Ohio State University,

Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20591956

Findings suggest that the GARS-2 subscales have limited clinical utility and

that the Autism Index should be interpreted with caution.

J Autism Dev Disord. 2010 Sep;40(9):1118-30.

Constructs assessed by the GARS-2: factor analysis of data from the

standardization sample.

Pandolfi V, Magyar CI, Dill CA.

Source: School Psychology Department, Rochester Institute of Technology,

Rochester, NY 14623, USA. vxpgla@...

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20151186

A previous review also notes that although the names of the subscales correspond

to the main DSM-IV criteria for Autistic Disorder, the items do not correspond

entirely to the behavioral characteristics listed under these criteria or to the

traits listed on the website of the Autism Society of America (Garro, 2006).

http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/search/detailmini.jsp?_nfpb=true & _ & ERICExtS\

earch_SearchValue_0=EJ816103 & ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=no & accno=EJ816103

Is your son in a mainstream Kindergarten class? In my district we also have SAC

and Life Skills. SAC is mainstreaming my son for most of the day but the

activities that overwhelmed him (lunch in the cafeteria and recess with multiple

classes) have been eliminated. They are giving him social skills type activities

daily too. Mine was biting, hitting and kicking in the mainstream class daily

but he's had 4 days this week where he was blue (best behavior for the day - no

hitting/biting/kicking). He's only been there for 2 weeks now but it seems

promising and his academics shouldn't suffer.

Does your son have any sensory issues besides the clothing? I'd ask them to give

you a screening test for that - if so, he needs to see an OT. In school, my son

is only getting 20/30 minutes every 5 weeks plus 20 mins of consult but the

school OT is basically there to help with fine motor skills. Mine has a motor

lab attached to the classroom but he had access to one in the mainstream

school/class too before moving him to this new school. We also see an OT outside

of the school.

BTW, hitting, kicking and biting can be signs of sensory overload - specifically

providing the child with proprioceptive input. Mine has a ton of sensory issues.

Have you read up on sensory processing disorder? It's a co-morbid condition

mostly seen in kiddos with Autism and/or ADHD. Think it's being added into the

DSM V but only as an associated feature of Autism.

You can ask for evaluations anytime. Right after the school does theirs, if you

don't like what they " find " , you can ask for an IEE and get the district to pay

for an outside evaluation. As long as that person meets the same criteria

(school will give you a list), then you can use them even if they are not on the

school's list. So if the school did an autism eval and you don't think it was

thorough you can write a letter requesting the IEE. s law has examples of

letters and I have one too.

Do not ever worry about typos - I tend to make them myself! And I feel your pain

about 3 boys in a grocery store. I have a hard time with two although it's

getting better ;-)

> > > > >

> > > > > Hi there:

> > > > >

> > > > > My son just turned 5 a few months ago and has been dx-ed with ADHD

> > > > and SID but I'm having him evaluated for Autism (thinking he'd fit

> > > > into " high functioning " , PDD-NOS or Asperger's) through both the

> > > > school and a DPed.

> > > > >

> > > > > Has anyone else had a similar dx for their kiddo and it turned out

> > > > that they were really on the spectrum?

> > > > >

> > > > > We didn't really notice a ton of sensory or behavior stuff until he

> > > > was enrolled in preschool (they asked him to leave before the winter

> > > > holiday). I had him evaluated by the local school district at that

> > > > time and they placed him in the EIC preschool/PPCD. He did that for

> > > > about 1.5 years.

> > > > >

> > > > > We tried to place him in mainstream Kindy this fall but just moved

> > > > him into a SAC (social adjustment class) last week b/c he was hitting

> > > > and biting during unstructured activities (and louder environments)

> > > > like recess and lunch in the cafeteria.

> > > > >

> > > > > He's very vocal and tries to make friends but that never seems to go

> > > > " right " and I'm just concerned he's got the wrong dx.

> > > > >

> > > > > Thanks for your time and input! :-)

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > No virus found in this message.

> > > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com>

> > > > Version: 2012.0.1872 / Virus Database: 2092/4620 - Release Date:

11/16/11

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Wow, thank you for all of this info. I will have to go to the library this week

and make a copy to take in with me when I go see his teacher. I kow they are

fighting me on a lotof things, like my request for a personal aide when he was

at the other school. " We don't do that because it is the most restrictive

environment and by law he is entitled to the least restrictive " Yes, I know all

about that (just finished my BA in ECE) but to me taking him out of the class

and putting him in another at a different school with kids that vary on the

spectrum seemed more restrictive to me. I just stopped fighting that battled and

decided to give this a try. The class is for autistic or thought to be autistic

children and is headed by a teacher who has her masters in Autism teaching. She

is in and out of several classes a day, mostly in the kindy class while aides

work in that class and the others under her instruction (but no degrees in

autism, just trained by her). The aides take a few of the kids to the

mainstream kindy class daily. My son goes nearly every day but has learned that

he can decide how long to be there which isn't good in my opinion. The other day

he refused to work because they were making an Indian corn project and he didn't

like the colors that they told him to use. He was given the choice of " Do it the

teacher's way and then you can do your own way " but threw a fit and was removed

from class.

According to the school psychologist, they DO NOT diagnose children because none

of them are doctors...So I am still trying to find out how to get him diagnosed

without driving out of our area...

Others have noticed sensory issues I haven't. He allows us to touch him, but

doesn't like others to. He walsk on his " path " most of the time. Sometimes he

goes out of his way to get somewhere, like all the way on the other side of the

room just to go a few feet. It can be quite annoying, but I have gotten used to

it now. I can't think of others off hand right now...but I amsure there are

more. He has a few OCDs, none of them severe yet.

One of the reasons they moved himout of school wasn't so much of hitting or

biting, but non-compliance. He would lay on the floor during " circle time " or

whatever they call it in kindergarten. He refused to participate in those

activities. When he didn't want to work he would hide under tables or just sit

there and disturb other kids. He didn't want to sit with other kids on the

regular bus and nearly got a referral until the office staff explained to the

bus driver that he was excluded from the three kindergarteners to a seat rule.

Sometimes my older son would sit with him at his request, to keep him clamed

down. Now that he rides the " special bus " he sits with two other kids and is

fine with it. Go figure...

Oh and noises are a bother to him. He didn't ride the preschool bus because it

was too loud, but would ride on our tractor at home which was much louder. And

when he was about 3, we went to a car show and the cars would parade around and

rev their engines...he FLIPPED out hysterically. We could not get out of there

fast enough. He is okay with toilets unless they are loud. But what really gets

me is at times he will just scream, that high pitched squeak type scream.

Repeatedly. I can't find a reason for that, sometimes he is playing and will do

it or while sitting at the table.

That's all I can think of for now. Thanks again for the info. They never

volunteer information during meetings or IEPs and whenever I can get

" ammunition " I appreciate it. I just look forward to the day when I can get a

real diagnosis and some more help. We not only live in a rural area, but a low

income as well and the school are so strapped that they won't spend any money

they don't have to (although someone told me that the special education funds

are federal and not state, but they still treat them as such...)

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Hi there:

> > > > > >

> > > > > > My son just turned 5 a few months ago and has been dx-ed with ADHD

> > > > > and SID but I'm having him evaluated for Autism (thinking he'd fit

> > > > > into " high functioning " , PDD-NOS or Asperger's) through both the

> > > > > school and a DPed.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Has anyone else had a similar dx for their kiddo and it turned out

> > > > > that they were really on the spectrum?

> > > > > >

> > > > > > We didn't really notice a ton of sensory or behavior stuff until he

> > > > > was enrolled in preschool (they asked him to leave before the winter

> > > > > holiday). I had him evaluated by the local school district at that

> > > > > time and they placed him in the EIC preschool/PPCD. He did that for

> > > > > about 1.5 years.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > We tried to place him in mainstream Kindy this fall but just moved

> > > > > him into a SAC (social adjustment class) last week b/c he was hitting

> > > > > and biting during unstructured activities (and louder environments)

> > > > > like recess and lunch in the cafeteria.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > He's very vocal and tries to make friends but that never seems to go

> > > > > " right " and I'm just concerned he's got the wrong dx.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Thanks for your time and input! :-)

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > No virus found in this message.

> > > > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com>

> > > > > Version: 2012.0.1872 / Virus Database: 2092/4620 - Release Date:

11/16/11

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Wow, thank you for all of this info. I will have to go to the library this week

and make a copy to take in with me when I go see his teacher. I kow they are

fighting me on a lotof things, like my request for a personal aide when he was

at the other school. " We don't do that because it is the most restrictive

environment and by law he is entitled to the least restrictive " Yes, I know all

about that (just finished my BA in ECE) but to me taking him out of the class

and putting him in another at a different school with kids that vary on the

spectrum seemed more restrictive to me. I just stopped fighting that battled and

decided to give this a try. The class is for autistic or thought to be autistic

children and is headed by a teacher who has her masters in Autism teaching. She

is in and out of several classes a day, mostly in the kindy class while aides

work in that class and the others under her instruction (but no degrees in

autism, just trained by her). The aides take a few of the kids to the

mainstream kindy class daily. My son goes nearly every day but has learned that

he can decide how long to be there which isn't good in my opinion. The other day

he refused to work because they were making an Indian corn project and he didn't

like the colors that they told him to use. He was given the choice of " Do it the

teacher's way and then you can do your own way " but threw a fit and was removed

from class.

According to the school psychologist, they DO NOT diagnose children because none

of them are doctors...So I am still trying to find out how to get him diagnosed

without driving out of our area...

Others have noticed sensory issues I haven't. He allows us to touch him, but

doesn't like others to. He walsk on his " path " most of the time. Sometimes he

goes out of his way to get somewhere, like all the way on the other side of the

room just to go a few feet. It can be quite annoying, but I have gotten used to

it now. I can't think of others off hand right now...but I amsure there are

more. He has a few OCDs, none of them severe yet.

One of the reasons they moved himout of school wasn't so much of hitting or

biting, but non-compliance. He would lay on the floor during " circle time " or

whatever they call it in kindergarten. He refused to participate in those

activities. When he didn't want to work he would hide under tables or just sit

there and disturb other kids. He didn't want to sit with other kids on the

regular bus and nearly got a referral until the office staff explained to the

bus driver that he was excluded from the three kindergarteners to a seat rule.

Sometimes my older son would sit with him at his request, to keep him clamed

down. Now that he rides the " special bus " he sits with two other kids and is

fine with it. Go figure...

Oh and noises are a bother to him. He didn't ride the preschool bus because it

was too loud, but would ride on our tractor at home which was much louder. And

when he was about 3, we went to a car show and the cars would parade around and

rev their engines...he FLIPPED out hysterically. We could not get out of there

fast enough. He is okay with toilets unless they are loud. But what really gets

me is at times he will just scream, that high pitched squeak type scream.

Repeatedly. I can't find a reason for that, sometimes he is playing and will do

it or while sitting at the table.

That's all I can think of for now. Thanks again for the info. They never

volunteer information during meetings or IEPs and whenever I can get

" ammunition " I appreciate it. I just look forward to the day when I can get a

real diagnosis and some more help. We not only live in a rural area, but a low

income as well and the school are so strapped that they won't spend any money

they don't have to (although someone told me that the special education funds

are federal and not state, but they still treat them as such...)

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Hi there:

> > > > > >

> > > > > > My son just turned 5 a few months ago and has been dx-ed with ADHD

> > > > > and SID but I'm having him evaluated for Autism (thinking he'd fit

> > > > > into " high functioning " , PDD-NOS or Asperger's) through both the

> > > > > school and a DPed.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Has anyone else had a similar dx for their kiddo and it turned out

> > > > > that they were really on the spectrum?

> > > > > >

> > > > > > We didn't really notice a ton of sensory or behavior stuff until he

> > > > > was enrolled in preschool (they asked him to leave before the winter

> > > > > holiday). I had him evaluated by the local school district at that

> > > > > time and they placed him in the EIC preschool/PPCD. He did that for

> > > > > about 1.5 years.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > We tried to place him in mainstream Kindy this fall but just moved

> > > > > him into a SAC (social adjustment class) last week b/c he was hitting

> > > > > and biting during unstructured activities (and louder environments)

> > > > > like recess and lunch in the cafeteria.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > He's very vocal and tries to make friends but that never seems to go

> > > > > " right " and I'm just concerned he's got the wrong dx.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Thanks for your time and input! :-)

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > No virus found in this message.

> > > > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com>

> > > > > Version: 2012.0.1872 / Virus Database: 2092/4620 - Release Date:

11/16/11

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Wow, Theresa...I'd start reading about the sensory stuff.

online sites to check out:

http://spdfoundation.net/redflags.html

http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com

books:

The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder,

Revised Edition by Carol Kranowitz and Lucy Jane (Apr 4, 2006)

The Everything Parent's Guide To Sensory Integration Disorder: Get the Right

Diagnosis, Understand Treatments, And Advocate for Your Child (Everything:

Parenting and Family) [Paperback]

Terri Mauro (Author), Sharon A. Cermak (Technical Editor)

Amazon has both if you think you might need some additional info after looking

through the above sites.

The school and advocates all talk about the LRE but you really need to place

your child in an environment that supports him and his needs. Mine is not in the

LRE but it's what he needs. Did they do an FBA before moving him? Did they tell

you what the antecedents are for his behaviors? Is he having better days

(meaning does he seem happier) in the new classroom?

It is true that the school's LSSP will not diagnose your child - all they can do

is help determine eligibility. Kids listed under Autism qualify for more

services automatically but you can still ask for those services during the ARD

if you feel they are needed (even if your son is listed under OHI). It's an ARD

committee decision. If they turn down any requests for services (social skills,

OT, speech, ABA, and aid/para) then they need to give you prior written notice

of refusal. Make sure you ask them to include any denials in the minutes and to

give you the PWNR. My point about the Autism eval was that you can get him

diagnosed by a " real doctor " and have the school district pay for it if you

request the IEE based on the idea that the school did not do a thorough enough

eval in the first place. That you disagree with their findings.

Back to the sensory: the sound thing you mentioned. If he's not disturbed by the

loud engine, perhaps it's b/c it's a constant sound and not variable like the

revving of the cars at the auto show. And the bus may have been overwhelming and

noisy to him b/c he was listening to numerous voices at once - that can be hard

on some kids. Trying to filter out the noise. Some wear headphones when they

need to and some OTs try something called therapeutic listening.

The touch thing is normal if your child has something wrong with the tactile

sense. Mine has " tactile defensiveness " and is okay with his family but if the

touch is light and unexpected from others, he lashes out - If anyone " invades "

his space. He also likes " deep pressure " and we do brushing and joint

compressions at home to help him with this.

One last thought, non-compliance can be a sign of sensory overload too. Mine

also used to hide under tables. I'd ask the school if they have the sensory

checklist/parent scales. The school should have access to The Sensory Profile

series as well as the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM).

Sorry if I jumped around a bit and this doesn't flow very well. My random

thoughts, lol

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Hi there:

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > My son just turned 5 a few months ago and has been dx-ed with ADHD

> > > > > > and SID but I'm having him evaluated for Autism (thinking he'd fit

> > > > > > into " high functioning " , PDD-NOS or Asperger's) through both the

> > > > > > school and a DPed.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Has anyone else had a similar dx for their kiddo and it turned out

> > > > > > that they were really on the spectrum?

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > We didn't really notice a ton of sensory or behavior stuff until

he

> > > > > > was enrolled in preschool (they asked him to leave before the winter

> > > > > > holiday). I had him evaluated by the local school district at that

> > > > > > time and they placed him in the EIC preschool/PPCD. He did that for

> > > > > > about 1.5 years.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > We tried to place him in mainstream Kindy this fall but just moved

> > > > > > him into a SAC (social adjustment class) last week b/c he was

hitting

> > > > > > and biting during unstructured activities (and louder environments)

> > > > > > like recess and lunch in the cafeteria.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > He's very vocal and tries to make friends but that never seems to

go

> > > > > > " right " and I'm just concerned he's got the wrong dx.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Thanks for your time and input! :-)

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > No virus found in this message.

> > > > > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com>

> > > > > > Version: 2012.0.1872 / Virus Database: 2092/4620 - Release Date:

11/16/11

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Wow, Theresa...I'd start reading about the sensory stuff.

online sites to check out:

http://spdfoundation.net/redflags.html

http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com

books:

The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder,

Revised Edition by Carol Kranowitz and Lucy Jane (Apr 4, 2006)

The Everything Parent's Guide To Sensory Integration Disorder: Get the Right

Diagnosis, Understand Treatments, And Advocate for Your Child (Everything:

Parenting and Family) [Paperback]

Terri Mauro (Author), Sharon A. Cermak (Technical Editor)

Amazon has both if you think you might need some additional info after looking

through the above sites.

The school and advocates all talk about the LRE but you really need to place

your child in an environment that supports him and his needs. Mine is not in the

LRE but it's what he needs. Did they do an FBA before moving him? Did they tell

you what the antecedents are for his behaviors? Is he having better days

(meaning does he seem happier) in the new classroom?

It is true that the school's LSSP will not diagnose your child - all they can do

is help determine eligibility. Kids listed under Autism qualify for more

services automatically but you can still ask for those services during the ARD

if you feel they are needed (even if your son is listed under OHI). It's an ARD

committee decision. If they turn down any requests for services (social skills,

OT, speech, ABA, and aid/para) then they need to give you prior written notice

of refusal. Make sure you ask them to include any denials in the minutes and to

give you the PWNR. My point about the Autism eval was that you can get him

diagnosed by a " real doctor " and have the school district pay for it if you

request the IEE based on the idea that the school did not do a thorough enough

eval in the first place. That you disagree with their findings.

Back to the sensory: the sound thing you mentioned. If he's not disturbed by the

loud engine, perhaps it's b/c it's a constant sound and not variable like the

revving of the cars at the auto show. And the bus may have been overwhelming and

noisy to him b/c he was listening to numerous voices at once - that can be hard

on some kids. Trying to filter out the noise. Some wear headphones when they

need to and some OTs try something called therapeutic listening.

The touch thing is normal if your child has something wrong with the tactile

sense. Mine has " tactile defensiveness " and is okay with his family but if the

touch is light and unexpected from others, he lashes out - If anyone " invades "

his space. He also likes " deep pressure " and we do brushing and joint

compressions at home to help him with this.

One last thought, non-compliance can be a sign of sensory overload too. Mine

also used to hide under tables. I'd ask the school if they have the sensory

checklist/parent scales. The school should have access to The Sensory Profile

series as well as the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM).

Sorry if I jumped around a bit and this doesn't flow very well. My random

thoughts, lol

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Hi there:

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > My son just turned 5 a few months ago and has been dx-ed with ADHD

> > > > > > and SID but I'm having him evaluated for Autism (thinking he'd fit

> > > > > > into " high functioning " , PDD-NOS or Asperger's) through both the

> > > > > > school and a DPed.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Has anyone else had a similar dx for their kiddo and it turned out

> > > > > > that they were really on the spectrum?

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > We didn't really notice a ton of sensory or behavior stuff until

he

> > > > > > was enrolled in preschool (they asked him to leave before the winter

> > > > > > holiday). I had him evaluated by the local school district at that

> > > > > > time and they placed him in the EIC preschool/PPCD. He did that for

> > > > > > about 1.5 years.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > We tried to place him in mainstream Kindy this fall but just moved

> > > > > > him into a SAC (social adjustment class) last week b/c he was

hitting

> > > > > > and biting during unstructured activities (and louder environments)

> > > > > > like recess and lunch in the cafeteria.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > He's very vocal and tries to make friends but that never seems to

go

> > > > > > " right " and I'm just concerned he's got the wrong dx.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Thanks for your time and input! :-)

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > No virus found in this message.

> > > > > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com>

> > > > > > Version: 2012.0.1872 / Virus Database: 2092/4620 - Release Date:

11/16/11

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I'm Sure this is NOT where I started out to be!

God's a real Joker ain't he?

Cammy

http://stores.ebay.com/Cammys-Clothing-Treasures

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > Hi there:

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > My son just turned 5 a few months ago and has been dx-ed with

ADHD

> > > > > > > and SID but I'm having him evaluated for Autism (thinking he'd fit

> > > > > > > into " high functioning " , PDD-NOS or Asperger's) through both the

> > > > > > > school and a DPed.

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > Has anyone else had a similar dx for their kiddo and it turned

out

> > > > > > > that they were really on the spectrum?

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > We didn't really notice a ton of sensory or behavior stuff until

he

> > > > > > > was enrolled in preschool (they asked him to leave before the

winter

> > > > > > > holiday). I had him evaluated by the local school district at that

> > > > > > > time and they placed him in the EIC preschool/PPCD. He did that

for

> > > > > > > about 1.5 years.

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > We tried to place him in mainstream Kindy this fall but just

moved

> > > > > > > him into a SAC (social adjustment class) last week b/c he was

hitting

> > > > > > > and biting during unstructured activities (and louder

environments)

> > > > > > > like recess and lunch in the cafeteria.

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > He's very vocal and tries to make friends but that never seems

to go

> > > > > > > " right " and I'm just concerned he's got the wrong dx.

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > Thanks for your time and input! :-)

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > No virus found in this message.

> > > > > > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com>

> > > > > > > Version: 2012.0.1872 / Virus Database: 2092/4620 - Release Date:

11/16/11

> > > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I'm Sure this is NOT where I started out to be!

God's a real Joker ain't he?

Cammy

http://stores.ebay.com/Cammys-Clothing-Treasures

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > Hi there:

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > My son just turned 5 a few months ago and has been dx-ed with

ADHD

> > > > > > > and SID but I'm having him evaluated for Autism (thinking he'd fit

> > > > > > > into " high functioning " , PDD-NOS or Asperger's) through both the

> > > > > > > school and a DPed.

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > Has anyone else had a similar dx for their kiddo and it turned

out

> > > > > > > that they were really on the spectrum?

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > We didn't really notice a ton of sensory or behavior stuff until

he

> > > > > > > was enrolled in preschool (they asked him to leave before the

winter

> > > > > > > holiday). I had him evaluated by the local school district at that

> > > > > > > time and they placed him in the EIC preschool/PPCD. He did that

for

> > > > > > > about 1.5 years.

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > We tried to place him in mainstream Kindy this fall but just

moved

> > > > > > > him into a SAC (social adjustment class) last week b/c he was

hitting

> > > > > > > and biting during unstructured activities (and louder

environments)

> > > > > > > like recess and lunch in the cafeteria.

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > He's very vocal and tries to make friends but that never seems

to go

> > > > > > > " right " and I'm just concerned he's got the wrong dx.

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > Thanks for your time and input! :-)

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > No virus found in this message.

> > > > > > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com>

> > > > > > > Version: 2012.0.1872 / Virus Database: 2092/4620 - Release Date:

11/16/11

> > > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I thought this title would fit here too...Hi Group,

I’ve been reading here and I just don’t know where to start.

A little background info…

My daughter has had four children, the oldest, a girl who is now 14. She is very affectionate, has had a very good memory from the time she was little, say 3 - 4, had a little trouble in school but is an A student now.

A daughter who had complex CHDs (Congenital Heart Defect) and a genetic disorder called VCFS (Velo Cardio Facial Syndrome) and lived less than two months.

Garrett was next, then another boy who is 5 now.

Garrett is - different. He is 9 yrs old now and understanding things better but I feel like the school in this little town in Oklahoma just doesn’t “get itâ€.

When he was little we knew he was different but very smart different.

The school tested him and said it was probably ADHD, but after reading all about that, there are things that just don’t quite fit.

They said his is IQ test was low, but he doesn’t learn like the other kids so how could a standard IQ test have accurate results? We haven’t quite figured out what makes it click, pretty much, just few words and maybe images?

He started talking with real words when he was about 3 but didn’t completely have a “normal†conversation until he was 5.

My son put it best when he said “Garrett could read before he could talk†which meant, he was able to associate printed words with objects, I guess.

At age 3-4, (or that’s when I first observed it) he could reenact a short video, like a movie trailer/preview - action for action, word for word (at the time not all the words were words, but sounds like the words) for each character. Does anyone remember the “Incredibles†movie preview? That was one of his favorites. He could do any video and that’s why I say he has “video memory†I just don’t know how else to describe it.

He gets in trouble a lot from his parents because he watches Sponge Bob and “what the?†is said a lot on there, he would repeat it and get in trouble.

When he was 2 - 3, he stayed with me while his mother was at work. We had three TVs in the house with three VHS players. He would HAVE to have all three going at the same time, if one stopped (movie was over) he would have a .. well, he would start crying and fall to the floor with his head in his hands, nothing would calm him - except getting another movie started or replaying that one.

He wouldn’t eat at a table no matter how hard or what I tried. If I left crackers, cheese, fruit and veggies out on a plate on the coffee table and not say anything about it, he would eat it. If I said anything about it, he would sort of freak out and run away.

My daughter and son-in-law put such emphasis on it he is now a bit over-weight due to the “I’m eating good, see, I’m a good boyâ€.

He is super careful not to do things wrong or get in trouble, he wants to be a “good boyâ€. He has outburst of talking back and being rude to his mother (she says) so he is punished by not being allowed to have tv, video games, or going outside. He and his little brother are in trouble a lot.

As he got older, say, 5 - 6 he really liked having a calendar and refers to it all the time.

Routine is very important, if something happens (like the time his sister wasn’t riding the bus that day) he would have a melt down (the same thing, crying, his head in his hands, nothing can calm him).

He is very social, but none of the kids at school he calls his friends, like him, they make fun of him and say mean things to him.

He knows the names of everyone he comes in contact with and says hi to them when he sees them.

He can tell you all about what he got for his birthday from the time he was 3, maybe even before that.

I don’t know how far that goes, he may remember everything, I don’t know. He seems to.

Something he has done from the time he was 2 was to test us. He had a little computer type thing with a follow me game on it. He would be able to follow the game past 20 or so (it had buttons with words and pictures, you were suppose to remember them in order and each time it would add another button, like “owl, barn†“owl, barn, apple†etc.) but when he got bored with it, he would get it wrong on purpose.

He is extremely focused, whatever he is interested in at the time he goes over 100+ times. He can tell you every president, every state and the capital of that state. He knows all the animals and where they live or come from, he can tell you all about the Bakugan game he has, act out the entire video of it and many other things that will drive you crazy LOL.

My husband and I have started teaching him Spanish and he knows the words we’ve showed him already.. Okay, I’m still learning them.

If he is interested, he learns all about it. One day we were talking and I told him how smart he is, he said “Granny, if I’m so smart why is school so hard, they (the kids) call me stupid and say I’m an idiot.†I was crushed, but told him the only thing I knew to tell him… “Garrett, you are not stupid or an idiot and you have to know that! The school just doesn’t know how to teach you. You are so smart, that YOU have to figure out a way to learn what they are teaching you so you can make good grades.†He did, not long after that conversation he started making As. I don’t know how he did it, but he was determined enough to figure out a way. When he first started school, he did great, reading before the other kids, knew the math, I didn’t think he was going to have a problem. Then the kids started making fun of him for knowing everything so he started “acting†dumb, I’m not sure how he got to the point of not

knowing the work but he’s on the right track now. He still has some problems but he seems to be working through them.

He is, uh, I guess the best word for this is naïve. He wants friends so bad, he doesn’t care what they do to him as long as he can think they are his friends, so he forgives easily. Just the other day he got in a lot of trouble at school, it was the other boys plotting against him, the teacher who knows Garrett but believed the other boys so Garrett was the one to take the fall. He doesn’t do well with being in trouble and he knows this was unfair but didn’t say anything so he didn’t get the other boys in trouble.

I don’t know, this is way too long already, but there has got to be a way to help him. It’s so hard for him not fitting in with these other kids.

Oh, a few more things, he doesn’t really like to be hugged or touched really, doesn’t like animals around him, I don’t know if that makes any difference here but I thought I would throw it in. The other thing is, when his mother tried to tell anyone about how smart his is, they don’t believe her or me. I know every parent (or grandparent) likes to think their child is really smart but in my opinion, Garrett is gifted! He just doesn’t know how or isn’t able to be social in an acceptable way. The other day his “best friend†who he has known and been friends with for years told him “I’ve been keeping a secret Garrett, I think you are weird and stupidâ€. This really blew Garrett’s mind and he wants to know WHY!

Help..

Peggy,

Garrett’s Granny

[Guest guest]

I believe it would be worthwhile having him tested for autism.  He

may, probably does, also have ADHD.  Many of us have both.  I am in

the process of being tested for both.  The Dr assumes I have both,

but is testing to be sure.  My test on attention came back -6.49 /

10.  I have never 'failed' a test before, but obviously when I fail,

I do it well   I am lucky that I have been referred to one of the

best researchers on ADHD who has also done research on autism.  Not

sure how long it will take for my bank balance to recover from

paying for the tests, though.

 

I thought this title would fit here too...

Hi Group,

I’ve been reading here and I just don’t know where

to start.

A little background info…

My daughter has had four children, the oldest, a

girl who is now 14. She is very affectionate, has had

a very good memory from the time she was little, say 3

- 4, had a little trouble in school but is an A

student now.

A daughter who had complex CHDs (Congenital Heart

Defect) and a genetic disorder called VCFS (Velo

Cardio Facial Syndrome) and lived less than two

months.

Garrett was next, then another boy who is 5 now.

Garrett is - different. He is 9 yrs old now and

understanding things better but I feel like the school

in this little town in Oklahoma just doesn’t “get itâ€.

When he was little we knew he was different but

very smart different.

The school tested him and said it was probably

ADHD, but after reading all about that, there are

things that just don’t quite fit.

They said his is IQ test was low, but he doesn’t

learn like the other kids so how could a standard IQ

test have accurate results? We haven’t quite figured

out what makes it click, pretty much, just few words

and maybe images?

He started talking with real words when he was

about 3 but didn’t completely have a “normalâ€

conversation until he was 5.

My son put it best when he said “Garrett could read

before he could talk†which meant, he was able to

associate printed words with objects, I guess.

At age 3-4, (or that’s when I first observed it) he

could reenact a short video, like a movie

trailer/preview - action for action, word for word (at

the time not all the words were words, but sounds like

the words) for each character. Does anyone remember

the “Incredibles†movie preview? That was one of his

favorites. He could do any video and that’s why I say

he has “video memory†I just don’t know how else to

describe it.

He gets in trouble a lot from his parents because

he watches Sponge Bob and “what the?†is said a lot on

there, he would repeat it and get in trouble.

When he was 2 - 3, he stayed with me while his

mother was at work. We had three TVs in the house with

three VHS players. He would HAVE to have all three

going at the same time, if one stopped (movie was

over) he would have a .. well, he would start crying

and fall to the floor with his head in his hands,

nothing would calm him - except getting another movie

started or replaying that one.

He wouldn’t eat at a table no matter how hard or

what I tried. If I left crackers, cheese, fruit and

veggies out on a plate on the coffee table and not say

anything about it, he would eat it. If I said anything

about it, he would sort of freak out and run away.

My daughter and son-in-law put such emphasis on it

he is now a bit over-weight due to the “I’m eating

good, see, I’m a good boyâ€.

He is super careful not to do things wrong or get

in trouble, he wants to be a “good boyâ€. He has

outburst of talking back and being rude to his mother

(she says) so he is punished by not being allowed to

have tv, video games, or going outside. He and his

little brother are in trouble a lot.

As he got older, say, 5 - 6 he really liked having

a calendar and refers to it all the time.

Routine is very important, if something happens

(like the time his sister wasn’t riding the bus that

day) he would have a melt down (the same thing,

crying, his head in his hands, nothing can calm him).

He is very social, but none of the kids at school

he calls his friends, like him, they make fun of him

and say mean things to him.

He knows the names of everyone he comes in contact

with and says hi to them when he sees them.

He can tell you all about what he got for his

birthday from the time he was 3, maybe even before

that.

I don’t know how far that goes, he may remember

everything, I don’t know. He seems to.

Something he has done from the time he was 2 was to

test us. He had a little computer type thing with a

follow me game on it. He would be able to follow the

game past 20 or so (it had buttons with words and

pictures, you were suppose to remember them in order

and each time it would add another button, like “owl,

barn†“owl, barn, apple†etc.) but when he got bored

with it, he would get it wrong on purpose.

He is extremely focused, whatever he is interested

in at the time he goes over 100+ times. He can tell

you every president, every state and the capital of

that state. He knows all the animals and where they

live or come from, he can tell you all about the

Bakugan game he has, act out the entire video of it

and many other things that will drive you crazy LOL.

My husband and I have started teaching him Spanish

and he knows the words we’ve showed him already..

Okay, I’m still learning them.

If he is interested, he learns all about it. One

day we were talking and I told him how smart he is, he

said “Granny, if I’m so smart why is school so hard,

they (the kids) call me stupid and say I’m an idiot.â€

I was crushed, but told him the only thing I knew to

tell him… “Garrett, you are not stupid or an idiot and

you have to know that! The school just doesn’t know

how to teach you. You are so smart, that YOU have to

figure out a way to learn what they are teaching you

so you can make good grades.†He did, not long after

that conversation he started making As. I don’t know

how he did it, but he was determined enough to figure

out a way. When he first started school, he did great,

reading before the other kids, knew the math, I didn’t

think he was going to have a problem. Then the kids

started making fun of him for knowing everything so he

started “acting†dumb, I’m not sure how he got to the

point of not knowing the work but he’s on the right

track now. He still has some problems but he seems to

be working through them.

He is, uh, I guess the best word for this is naïve.

He wants friends so bad, he doesn’t care what they do

to him as long as he can think they are his friends,

so he forgives easily. Just the other day he got in a

lot of trouble at school, it was the other boys

plotting against him, the teacher who knows Garrett

but believed the other boys so Garrett was the one to

take the fall. He doesn’t do well with being in

trouble and he knows this was unfair but didn’t say

anything so he didn’t get the other boys in trouble.

I don’t know, this is way too long already, but

there has got to be a way to help him. It’s so hard

for him not fitting in with these other kids.

Oh, a few more things, he doesn’t really like to be

hugged or touched really, doesn’t like animals around

him, I don’t know if that makes any difference here

but I thought I would throw it in. The other thing is,

when his mother tried to tell anyone about how smart

his is, they don’t believe her or me. I know every

parent (or grandparent) likes to think their child is

really smart but in my opinion, Garrett is gifted! He

just doesn’t know how or isn’t able to be social in an

acceptable way. The other day his “best friend†who he

has known and been friends with for years told him

“I’ve been keeping a secret Garrett, I think you are

weird and stupidâ€. This really blew Garrett’s mind and

he wants to know WHY!

Help..

Peggy,

Garrett’s Granny

 

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[Guest guest]

I meant he got in trouble last year in first grade, hasn't yet in second

grade.

Carolyn

Carolyn wrote:

>

>

> Oh wow Peggy I really enjoyed reading your story about your grandson! I

> am also a grandmother and my grandson Lucas sound quite a bit like your

> grandson Garrett. He has gotten in trouble at school also for saying

> things out of Sponge Bob also. Also he loves War of the World movies and

> has them memorized, also Star Wars trilogy, knows everybody. He got in

> trouble last year in second grade one day for saying he was going to

> blow up the school and kill people, we know he said this from the movie

> but they were really worried about him there for awhile. He is not

> violent though and would never hurt anybody just not sure what

> terminology he should use. He used to also said he would kill you, but

> since we have taught him he cannot say any of those things or he is in

> trouble so it has helped.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I am not sure either but, only time will tell.