Re: Intro

[Guest guest]

Hi ellen !! I'm Ali, married to Iain, and we've 2 kids. Lyndsey, NT, is 7,

and Andy, who will be 5 next month, has PDD-NOS. Glad you jumped right in ! This

is a GREAT group of people here.

BTW we live in Scotland.

Ali

[Guest guest]

Hi ellen. I'm Debbie, I'm married to Rick and we have 2 year old

girl/boy twins. is NT and Jordan has autism. We live in Ohio.

This is a great group and I felt right at home from the start, I hope

you do too.

Debbie

[Guest guest]

Hi ellen!

I am a newcomer to this list too as of a few weeks ago. My son Jake is

3 (June) and also is just being diagnosed. He is exactly like your

description of (cuddler with me, very much a " roughhouser " ,

jumper, etc.) Does like to be cuddled with other people too or

just parents?

If you want to talk specifically about our kids, feel free to e-mail me

at mother@... Otherwise - I'll see you on the list! (It's a

fantastic list!)

~ Karin in Texas

Jake 3 " PDD with Autistic Tendencies " or " Autism " depending on if you're

talking to the neurologist or the school psychologist.

[Guest guest]

Hi ellen!

I'm Sara, married to Matt, and mother to , Gabe, & " Punkin. "

was 3 in September & has autism. He sound a lot like your . He has

always required a high level of touching & cuddling and is very active.

Gabe is 17 months & we will be having him evaluated. I don't think he's on

the spectrum but something is going on. Punkin will arrive at the end of

May.

Welcome to the list! I hope you love it here. Jump right in & say anything

you want or need to, and always always always feel free to ask any questions

you might have.

-Sara.

[Guest guest]

Hi Ellen~

I am Amy, married to Andy and mother to Noah(6) diagnosed with

autism Sept. 1998 and Lucas(8) diagnosed Aspergers in July 2001.

I live in McHenry County Illinois ( about 45 NW of Ohare airport)and

teach 1st and 2nd graders with severe autism. Hope you find yourself

at home here on the list....:)

Amy mom to

Noah 6 Lucas 8 ASD's

[Guest guest]

Amy,

Were you already a teacher when your own children were diagnosed? How

was that for you?

~ Karin

p.s. I'm so glad you and Raena are on this list!

Amy wrote:

> Hi Ellen~

>

> I am Amy, married to Andy and mother to Noah(6) diagnosed with

> autism Sept. 1998 and Lucas(8) diagnosed Aspergers in July 2001.

> I live in McHenry County Illinois ( about 45 NW of Ohare airport)and

> teach 1st and 2nd graders with severe autism. Hope you find yourself

> at home here on the list....:)

>

> Amy mom to

> Noah 6 Lucas 8 ASD's

[Guest guest]

> Amy,

>

> Were you already a teacher when your own children were diagnosed?

How

> was that for you?

>

> ~ Karin

>

> p.s. I'm so glad you and Raena are on this list!

>

Karin~

I was almost done with school when Noah was diagnosed for an

elementary degree, and added special ed to learn more about how to

help my child. I started teaching early childhood special ed 3-5 y/o

with developmental disabilties my first year. Then the following year

the district asked me to have their first 3-6 y/o autism class

specializing in Discrete Trial and TEACHH programming. I taught that

1 school year. THen we relocated to Florida, I took the year off. Now

i am teaching severely austistic 1st and 2nd graders. THis has been

more most challenging job yet, I am exhausted when i get home because

they are sooo draining....a lot of days I feel gulity because I don't

have much energy left for my own after my days with no therapists.

Thanks so much for the smiles :)

Amy mom to

Noah 6 Lucas 8 ASD's

[Guest guest]

Hi ellen!

I'm Sue. My husband and I are from MI and have two son's who are both high

functioning autistic. My youngest is the one that sounds like yours!

Welcome!

Sue in MI

Mom to: 12, HFA

9, HFA, ADD

IM and AOL - smg5862

[Guest guest]

ellen,

Ok if this posts twice I'm sorry, my computer is acting goofy!

Welcome to the list ellen! You will love it here. My name is

Tina W., (there are a few Tina's on this list). I am a single mom to

Mark who is also almost 3. (November 18). Your son sounds like my

sons twin. The same description could describe both of our sons.

He loves to climb on me, rough house, and he loves to cuddle, and of

course get into trouble. (Especially with the fish tank). ;o)

Tina W.

[Guest guest]

> ellen,

> Ok if this posts twice I'm sorry, my computer is acting goofy!

> Welcome to the list ellen! You will love it here. My name is

> Tina W., (there are a few Tina's on this list). I am a single mom

to Mark who is also almost 3. (November 18).

>

*waving*

Hi ellen,

) I guess I should introduce myself since you've seen me ranting

today. I'm one of the other Tina's on the list.

I have a 10, almost 11 (Dec 12) year old daughter with high

functioning autism and mental retardation. We got lucky that her

autistic behaviors have been mild, but her mental retardation is

fairly severe. She's starting into puberty. ARGH!!!!!

My middle daughter tests in the gifted range for math and science.

She's 9 going on 22. She's an angel most of the time, just wish I

could relate to her love of clothes, shoes and shopping.

My youngest is 6, will be 7 this Saturday. He had seizures from birth

to 5 years of age. He was recently taken off seizure meds and seems

to be doing well in that area. However, his behaviors are getting

worse in some ways and I'm beginning to suspect he would test in the

Aspie range. We'll find out when he goes in for evaluations with the

neuro-psychologist November 11th.

> Your son sounds like my sons twin. The same description could

describe both of our sons. He loves to climb on me, rough house, and

he loves to cuddle, and of course get into trouble. (Especially with

the fish tank). ;o)

>

does all of this too, well, with the exception of the fish

tank. ;o) He's a major cuddler, and loves to climb. He's pulled

dressers over on himself more than once until I traded his chest of

drawers for a low dresser from my mother. Now the center of balance

is too low for him to tip it. He's also climbed to the top of a 20'

mulberry tree and been swaying in the branches. He thought it was

fun. I now have a bunch of new grey hair. He's absolutely NOT allowed

outside when my husband is hanging Christmas lights or he'll be on

top of the 30' ladder. When my husband had to replace some shingles

on the family room, he turned around to grab another shingle and

was sitting there watching him.

Welcome to the group. I've only been here about 3 wks to a month and

I'm loving it. Everyone has been wonderful and I feel like I've been

part of the group for years instead of days.

Tina

[Guest guest]

Welcome, ellen.

Sissi

[Guest guest]

AHHHHHHH!!!! I don't BELIEVE it!!!

FINALLY!!!!! Someone else who lives in NEVADA!!!!

Woooo Hooooo!!!!

Welcome ellen...Nice to me you and .

I'm Penny. I ALSO live in Nevada. I have two children, one on the

spectrum. Her name is Jacqui, 7 1/2 HFA.

You'll love it here! Great bunch of people!

Intro

Hi Everybody, I'm new here. :-)

My name is ellen, and my son is almost 3 (25th of October). We

live in Nevada. We haven't gotten a firm diagnosis yet, so I don't know if

he's ASD, PDD-NOS, autistic or what, but he's definitely on the scale

somewhere.

[Guest guest]

I FOUND IT!! No, I didn't see this when you posted. :-) There's too many

emails to read them all. :-)

Matt's going to be starting preschool next week, (and I'm planning on going

nuts!) and was wondering what your experiences with the schools have been?

I must say that I love this group so far. I just wish I had more computer

time to read and respond to everything the way I'd like to!

ellen

Intro

Hi Everybody, I'm new here. :-)

My name is ellen, and my son is almost 3 (25th of October).

We

live in Nevada. We haven't gotten a firm diagnosis yet, so I don't know

if

he's ASD, PDD-NOS, autistic or what, but he's definitely on the scale

somewhere.

[Guest guest]

ellen -

My experiences with the school system has been, um, interesting. Lots of

ups and downs.

Jacqui is in full-inclusion 2nd grade with supports (OT and Speech) at a

public school.

My husband and I are VERY involved and have learned to get to know everyone

that is involved with Jacqui's education.

She has an IEP and we do as much as we can to learn the law so that we get

what we need for Jacqui.

There have been struggles, don't get me wrong...and it's been very hard

work. It still is. Daily.

Most everyone I have dealt with has been good, albeit not very knowledgeable

about Autism. WE have been the ones who have had to educate the educators.

How have you prepared for Matt's entrance to preschool? How are YOU doing

with it? (Other than going insane? LOL)

Penny

>>>>>>>>

Matt's going to be starting preschool next week, (and I'm planning on going

nuts!) and was wondering what your experiences with the schools have been?

<<<<<<<<

[Guest guest]

I'm VERY nervous. He's SO anxious, and he's always been with me, my hubby

or my MIL. I know that they have experience handling " special " kids, and

I've talked to the teacher, and feel comfortable with her, but still. He's

still my BABY, and not even 3 yet. I'm debating doing half days for a week,

and then full days, but think that may prolong the transition time. I don't

want to cause him more anxiety/trauma by putting him in, but I KNOW he needs

what they have to offer. Not sure if I should wait a week, until his

medication hopefully kicks in (starts it tomorrow) or just go with the

planned start date, and see what happens? In your experience, do they call

you if they're having a major meltdown, and they can't calm them in a little

while? I don't want him freaking out all day long, but don't want a call if

he whimpers a bit either. KWIM? I love the ratio, it's 4 kids total, with

1 teacher and 2 aides, plus the therapists they have coming in and out

during the day.

ellen

RE: Intro

ellen -

My experiences with the school system has been, um, interesting. Lots of

ups and downs.

Jacqui is in full-inclusion 2nd grade with supports (OT and Speech) at a

public school.

My husband and I are VERY involved and have learned to get to know

everyone

that is involved with Jacqui's education.

She has an IEP and we do as much as we can to learn the law so that we get

what we need for Jacqui.

There have been struggles, don't get me wrong...and it's been very hard

work. It still is. Daily.

Most everyone I have dealt with has been good, albeit not very

knowledgeable

about Autism. WE have been the ones who have had to educate the

educators.

How have you prepared for Matt's entrance to preschool? How are YOU doing

with it? (Other than going insane? LOL)

Penny

>>>>>>>>

Matt's going to be starting preschool next week, (and I'm planning on

going

nuts!) and was wondering what your experiences with the schools have been?

<<<<<<<<

[Guest guest]

>>>>>>>>

I'm VERY nervous. He's SO anxious, and he's always been with me, my hubby

or my MIL.

<<<<<<<<

I know THAT feeling...lol.... I fretted for weeks before Jacqui started

preschool...and it turned out GREAT!

>>>>>>>

I know that they have experience handling " special " kids, and

I've talked to the teacher, and feel comfortable with her, but still. He's

still my BABY, and not even 3 yet. I'm debating doing half days for a week,

and then full days, but think that may prolong the transition time. I don't

want to cause him more anxiety/trauma by putting him in, but I KNOW he needs

what they have to offer. Not sure if I should wait a week, until his

medication hopefully kicks in (starts it tomorrow) or just go with the

planned start date, and see what happens? In your experience, do they call

you if they're having a major meltdown, and they can't calm them in a little

while? I don't want him freaking out all day long, but don't want a call if

he whimpers a bit either. KWIM? I love the ratio, it's 4 kids total, with

1 teacher and 2 aides, plus the therapists they have coming in and out

during the day.

<<<<<<<

Go with your gut. It's usually the right instinct. As far as " do they

call " , YOU are the boss. Tell them what you want them to do. Ask them how

they handle a meltdown and how/when they should contact you.

Remember, you are ALWAYS in charge. He's your son, and they work for you.

Good Luck....

:-D

Penny

[Guest guest]

I needed to hear that it turned out great for Jacqui! I have a feeling that

he'll be fine, and I'll be the one having the meltdown!! LOL!

I also need to keep being reminded that I'M in charge. He is MINE!!! I have

this New England mentality that teachers, doctors, etc are ALWAYS right, and

that's starting to change, but I need to constantly work on it.

Thanks for the luck, we're going to need it. :-) Seriously though, I know

it's the best for him, and I might as well try it for the whole day and see

what happens. It will only take me 15-20 minutes to get there if need be.

Besides I NEED the break! :-)

THANKS!!!

ellen

RE: Intro

>>>>>>>>

I'm VERY nervous. He's SO anxious, and he's always been with me, my hubby

or my MIL.

<<<<<<<<

I know THAT feeling...lol.... I fretted for weeks before Jacqui started

preschool...and it turned out GREAT!

>>>>>>>

I know that they have experience handling " special " kids, and

I've talked to the teacher, and feel comfortable with her, but still.

He's

still my BABY, and not even 3 yet. I'm debating doing half days for a

week,

and then full days, but think that may prolong the transition time. I

don't

want to cause him more anxiety/trauma by putting him in, but I KNOW he

needs

what they have to offer. Not sure if I should wait a week, until his

medication hopefully kicks in (starts it tomorrow) or just go with the

planned start date, and see what happens? In your experience, do they

call

you if they're having a major meltdown, and they can't calm them in a

little

while? I don't want him freaking out all day long, but don't want a call

if

he whimpers a bit either. KWIM? I love the ratio, it's 4 kids total,

with

1 teacher and 2 aides, plus the therapists they have coming in and out

during the day.

<<<<<<<

Go with your gut. It's usually the right instinct. As far as " do they

call " , YOU are the boss. Tell them what you want them to do. Ask them

how

they handle a meltdown and how/when they should contact you.

Remember, you are ALWAYS in charge. He's your son, and they work for you.

Good Luck....

:-D

Penny

[Guest guest]

New England mentality??? Where are you from????

I am originally from New Hampshire...I've only been in Nevada for 2 years!

Penny :-D

RE: Intro

I needed to hear that it turned out great for Jacqui! I have a feeling that

he'll be fine, and I'll be the one having the meltdown!! LOL!

I also need to keep being reminded that I'M in charge. He is MINE!!! I have

this New England mentality that teachers, doctors, etc are ALWAYS right, and

that's starting to change, but I need to constantly work on it.

Thanks for the luck, we're going to need it. :-) Seriously though, I know

it's the best for him, and I might as well try it for the whole day and see

what happens. It will only take me 15-20 minutes to get there if need be.

Besides I NEED the break! :-)

THANKS!!!

ellen

[Guest guest]

Massachusetts. We've been here 4 years, but I spent several years moving

back and forth from MA to Phoenix before I met and married hubby and we

moved here. (He LOVES it here, I don't).

Where abouts in NH were you? I lived in Gloucester, and used to take rides

up to NH most weekends to go shopping where there was no sales tax. :-)

ellen

RE: Intro

I needed to hear that it turned out great for Jacqui! I have a feeling

that

he'll be fine, and I'll be the one having the meltdown!! LOL!

I also need to keep being reminded that I'M in charge. He is MINE!!! I

have

this New England mentality that teachers, doctors, etc are ALWAYS right,

and

that's starting to change, but I need to constantly work on it.

Thanks for the luck, we're going to need it. :-) Seriously though, I know

it's the best for him, and I might as well try it for the whole day and

see

what happens. It will only take me 15-20 minutes to get there if need be.

Besides I NEED the break! :-)

THANKS!!!

ellen

[Guest guest]

I lived in lin, Tilton/Northfield, Concord, a moved here from

Gilmanton....

Small world, huh?

Penny :-D

RE: Intro

Massachusetts. We've been here 4 years, but I spent several years moving

back and forth from MA to Phoenix before I met and married hubby and we

moved here. (He LOVES it here, I don't).

Where abouts in NH were you? I lived in Gloucester, and used to take rides

up to NH most weekends to go shopping where there was no sales tax. :-)

ellen

[Guest guest]

Hey, ellen, I'm in Phoenix. Want to move back? ; )

Janae

, 9, ADD

Jake, 6, autism

[Guest guest]

HEY-

Janae!

Don't try to lure her back...she's MINE!

:-)

Penny

RE: Intro

Hey, ellen, I'm in Phoenix. Want to move back? ; )

Janae

, 9, ADD

Jake, 6, autism

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi Tammy,

> Once I lost my weight, I was able to stops meds for diabetes and

also for

> blood pressure.

>

> hugs

> Eunice

Steriods are sure some nasty things but they saved my life so it was

a small price to pay in the end. I had high b/p even before the

steriods but had to go on a much stronger med during my time on

them. I personally have refused diabetes meds until the steriod

weight is off and I see where I stand at my normal weight. Didn't

make my Dr too happy but I'm stubborn.

Tammy

[Guest guest]

Rich,

My name is Debbie AKA Deb R, there are a lot of Deb's

on here, anyways I am from washington, but my husband

did the same for me. If you go to the national

fibromyalgia associations website, you can email for a

reccommended doc in your area, that would be a

alternative if you have no luck here. Please send

your wife my prayers and hugs and bless your heart for

stepping in to help her...my doc says that women on

pain meds are constantly reffered to as addicts and it

is a discriminatory additude that is taken on in the

medical field, if women go in for pain they

immediately ask her what is going on in her life!

Anyways, prayers are with you and your wife and good

luck!

Deb R

--- richrkjr wrote:

> Hi Everyone,

>

> My name is Rich. I joined this group on behalf of my

> wife who has

> chronic back pain and fibro. She asked me to make a

> post for her. So

> here I am posting for her to ask for information..

>

> My wife's name is Judy. Shes a mother of 2 and a

> Social Worker MSW

> LGSW, shes 41 and has lower curvature of the spine

> also. Her tail-bone

> and to about 4-5 inches above her tail bone curve to

> one side. That

> along with the fibro gives her daily pain and

> discomfort. She was

> being treated with anti depressants and percocet for

> both illnesses.

> She was being monitored by a doctor and was getting

> monthly scrips for

> the medication.Shes very responsible with the

> medication. The

> situation was going pretty good when we were in Ct.

>

> However now that we live in Alabama we are running

> into difficulties.

> She went to a pain clinic who before they heard her

> whole story

> refered her to a counseling clinic because they

> thought she was an

> addict. My wife is no addict if she doesn't need the

> pills she doesn't

> take them in fact most of the time she breaks the

> pills in half not

> taking the entire dosage..She tries to manage it the

> best she can.

> Shes running out of pain medication that she was

> using for her teeth

> problems and her fibro and back pain. She doesn't

> want to go back to

> that inept pain clinic who is treating like shes a

> meth addict they

> have some nerve.

>

> Is they're anybody in this group that is from

> Alabama preferably North

> Alabama. Who knows of a place that knows what they

> are doing and

> doesn't treat honest people like dishonest junkies.

>

> Rich

>

>

__________________________________________________