Re: Off the subject...

[Guest guest]

,

Again, thanks for all the great info. Actually, it sounds like your son and

mine share an issue...sensory integration, the oddest, most unusual thing I

have ever experienced. If we touch base at the conference, I could tell you

stories about a baby standing on his head before he could even sit

upright..stories only you, as the mom of a child with SI issues would

believe. I agree with concern about the intensity of SonRise. I also wonder

if that intensity is less or more warranted for a child who is so young, high

functioning, and making incredible progress without the intensity. I am even

inclined to have him tested the first of the year to see if he meets the

criteria for autism any longer. Certainly, he is delayed, but I don't know

that he is autistic. Last night while I was making dinner, he came into the

kitchen and rolled one of his trucks on my leg and when I asked him if he was

playing with his truck, he sat right down and started revving it on the floor

(and making the sound effects with his tongue), and making eye contact, as if

he was saying, " Come play. " So I sat down and opened my legs wide, as soon as

he saw me do that, he opened his wide and then he started rolling the trucks

to me and I'd roll it back. When it didn't go straight, I'd say " Boom " when

it hit my foot or the fridge and he would giggle till he couldn't breathe and

then he'd get the truck, sit back down and open his legs right back up to

play some more. We did that for 10 minutes until I had to stop and finish

making dinner. This is just one of a hundred stories I could tell you about

how he spends his day that seem like he's totally here all the time. He jus

turned 2 last month. So, I am always looking for more info, but Dear Lord,

please help my son so that I won't need the info I am seeking. Thanks, again,

. Please e-mail me privately. In addition to these issues, apparently,

you live in So. CA as well, so maybe we can see if we are within reasonable

proximity to one another.

Amber

<<veggieme@...>>

[Guest guest]

Dear Amber,

We don't have experience with the Sonrise program, but I did

just finish the first part of the book. It's an amazing story. We've

had awesome success with ABA, and I think a lot of it has to do with the fact

that the ATTITUDE reflected in SonRise is one we have encouraged in our

therapists. I think working with an autistic child takes a lot out of

ANYONE, and therapists, teachers, etc. need a lot of encouragement. It's

almost impossible not to get discouraged or feel rejected at times. I

think that's what really helped in their program - along with their ACCEPTANCE

of their son. Also the INTENSITY of the program. 75 hours /week of

ANYTHING is going to make a difference. I think 35-40 makes a difference,

too. I had a TWINGE of guilt as I read of that mom sitting with her child

for 75 hours per week. I know I couldn't do it without killing myself and

resenting my son. We found that ABA made other therapies accessible to

- he didn't respond to floortime until he actually could pay attention

and have the beginning of a repertoire of behaviors that someone could " join

with. " Sensory integration has helped a lot too - especially a weighted

vest.

I know this is more than you asked, but again, I think their

ATTITUDE and INTENSITY were the keys to what helped their son. I haven't

gotten further in the book, though, to see if there are any other

" secrets. " Also, being from California, I've never met anyone else who has

tried it.

Is your son still making progress on the enzymes? I'd

love to connect at the DAN! conference - Take care -

, Mom to (5, autistic) and (6, NT) who

are my joys

[ ] Off the

subject...

Hi everyone,

I know this board is dedicated to enzymes and their use with autists;

however

I have been very impressed with the intelligence, compassion and commitment

I

have encountered here and would like to ask if any of you have or are using

the SonRise therapy and kind of pick your brain about it. I don't want to

monopolize the board; so if anyone wants to e-mail me directly and we can

" talk " privately, I would greatly appreciate it. Just think, we can " cheat "

on the group! They'll all be gossiping and wondering what we're talking

about

and we'll never tell. That's the price you pay for not being in the loop.

LOL

All kidding aside, I would really love to hear from anyone with any input

about this program. Thanks...

Amber ;^)

veggieme@...