Re: Re: Re: This got me...I had to share!

[Guest guest]

One thing I think also may affect us on whether we want a " cure " or not

is whether we ourselves are on the spectrum. ???

I know with me, my son seems to be high functioning, and I'm very

grateful for all that he can do and that we seem to be avoiding some of

the big pitfalls of autism. (for now maybe) but he is generally a great

kid to be around, he doesn't tantrum, we can go to stores, he handles a

lot of things just great.

The thing that gets me is that his Dad and I are extremely social

people. NT to the extreme maybe? LOL... It's kind of hard for us to

have a child that we have to make say hello to people but still can't

converse with them at all. My husband talks to everyone he meets,

cashiers, sales people, strangers on the street and he has real

conversations, not just polite talk like me. I on the other hand really

enjoy a good party, I have a lot of friends and am pretty involved with

lots of people - both family and friends. It's hard for me to see Jake

not follow that considering it is in both of our personalities. In fact

most of our whole family is pretty social. (except some in-laws) We may

be a little guilty of being like Jacquie's description of the Von

Hunnius family. But I hope we are kinder and more considerate to our

quieter members ;-) I know I will work on that after hearing her

feelings about it. Our family loves to play games and is competitive in

a loving way. Will Jake ever be competitive or strategize? Will he

like card games? We are huge card players in our family.

I also really miss what I know we would be doing if he were NT. I miss

what cute little two year old things he would have said. Will he still

say those things as he learns to talk? See I don't know because I don't

know if his intelligence will stay at age level even though his speech

ability lags behind. I really miss that I can't explain things to him

and reason with him.

So that's the reason I would love a real cure. I do have a lot of hope

for the future and I don't like to dwell on this because I don't want it

to affect how I treat him or make our lives miserable. I also do enjoy

the life we have anyway. He is the biggest joy my husband and I have

ever had in our lives and I thank God for him every day.

Another thing that probably also affects this is that I don't see any

savant qualities in Jake. He doesn't appear to be hyperlexic even.

This is fine of course. But if I did see things in him like some of

y'all see, like with Boone or Byk, then I might feel very

differently. I also don't know how I will feel a few years from now.

Jake is the way he is and I love him no matter what. I have also

noticed a few convenient things about Autism compared to raising an NT

child. That hasn't escaped my notice. :-)

~ Karin

I have to echo that the experience of parenting him has been amazing and

I know I've grown in love, understanding and fellow-feeling for others.

> Message: 16 Date: Tue, 7 Jan 2003 10:57:44 -0500 From: "

> and " Subject: Re: Re: This got

> me...I had to share!

>

>

> This topic has raised a lot of response. I think that the major

> difference in whether we would take a cure for our children or not

> depends upon how affected that child is. My children are high

> functioning. I an most assuredly an Aspie. So I don't necessarily

> see it as a bad thing a challenging issue, yes but I look at it as

> things could be worse. My kids could have a horrific disease.

> But I haven't had to watch my children slip away. Mine were as

> they are from the moment they were born. We noticed " little

> differences " even then so I haven't actually lost anything, I just

> never got somethings but in other ways I got bunuses and that is

> good. If they were severe, I am certain that I would want that

> cure if there was one I would likely see this as a horrific

> disease. I haven't watched them be a vibrant bubbly child one

> day and then watch that child vanish before my eyes. I am just in

> a different situation than many here And I have to say I am glad of

> it because I honestly don't know how you cope with having a child

> who won't let you into their world (or I should say can't let you

> in). I many times force my way into their world (my kids) but I

> get in and that is a major difference beween my situation and those

> of parents who have severely affected kids.> I do hope for a cure

> too not for my children but for others affected because I know

> there would be no greater gift to those parents than to have a

> child who could respond as the parents hoped they would. That would

> be a wonderful thing and I hope someday we will see that day when

> lists like this won't be necessary (as awesome as it is) because

> there is no more autism. CHRIS

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

One thing I think also may affect us on whether we want a " cure " or not

is whether we ourselves are on the spectrum. ???

I know with me, my son seems to be high functioning, and I'm very

grateful for all that he can do and that we seem to be avoiding some of

the big pitfalls of autism. (for now maybe) but he is generally a great

kid to be around, he doesn't tantrum, we can go to stores, he handles a

lot of things just great.

The thing that gets me is that his Dad and I are extremely social

people. NT to the extreme maybe? LOL... It's kind of hard for us to

have a child that we have to make say hello to people but still can't

converse with them at all. My husband talks to everyone he meets,

cashiers, sales people, strangers on the street and he has real

conversations, not just polite talk like me. I on the other hand really

enjoy a good party, I have a lot of friends and am pretty involved with

lots of people - both family and friends. It's hard for me to see Jake

not follow that considering it is in both of our personalities. In fact

most of our whole family is pretty social. (except some in-laws) We may

be a little guilty of being like Jacquie's description of the Von

Hunnius family. But I hope we are kinder and more considerate to our

quieter members ;-) I know I will work on that after hearing her

feelings about it. Our family loves to play games and is competitive in

a loving way. Will Jake ever be competitive or strategize? Will he

like card games? We are huge card players in our family.

I also really miss what I know we would be doing if he were NT. I miss

what cute little two year old things he would have said. Will he still

say those things as he learns to talk? See I don't know because I don't

know if his intelligence will stay at age level even though his speech

ability lags behind. I really miss that I can't explain things to him

and reason with him.

So that's the reason I would love a real cure. I do have a lot of hope

for the future and I don't like to dwell on this because I don't want it

to affect how I treat him or make our lives miserable. I also do enjoy

the life we have anyway. He is the biggest joy my husband and I have

ever had in our lives and I thank God for him every day.

Another thing that probably also affects this is that I don't see any

savant qualities in Jake. He doesn't appear to be hyperlexic even.

This is fine of course. But if I did see things in him like some of

y'all see, like with Boone or Byk, then I might feel very

differently. I also don't know how I will feel a few years from now.

Jake is the way he is and I love him no matter what. I have also

noticed a few convenient things about Autism compared to raising an NT

child. That hasn't escaped my notice. :-)

~ Karin

I have to echo that the experience of parenting him has been amazing and

I know I've grown in love, understanding and fellow-feeling for others.

> Message: 16 Date: Tue, 7 Jan 2003 10:57:44 -0500 From: "

> and " Subject: Re: Re: This got

> me...I had to share!

>

>

> This topic has raised a lot of response. I think that the major

> difference in whether we would take a cure for our children or not

> depends upon how affected that child is. My children are high

> functioning. I an most assuredly an Aspie. So I don't necessarily

> see it as a bad thing a challenging issue, yes but I look at it as

> things could be worse. My kids could have a horrific disease.

> But I haven't had to watch my children slip away. Mine were as

> they are from the moment they were born. We noticed " little

> differences " even then so I haven't actually lost anything, I just

> never got somethings but in other ways I got bunuses and that is

> good. If they were severe, I am certain that I would want that

> cure if there was one I would likely see this as a horrific

> disease. I haven't watched them be a vibrant bubbly child one

> day and then watch that child vanish before my eyes. I am just in

> a different situation than many here And I have to say I am glad of

> it because I honestly don't know how you cope with having a child

> who won't let you into their world (or I should say can't let you

> in). I many times force my way into their world (my kids) but I

> get in and that is a major difference beween my situation and those

> of parents who have severely affected kids.> I do hope for a cure

> too not for my children but for others affected because I know

> there would be no greater gift to those parents than to have a

> child who could respond as the parents hoped they would. That would

> be a wonderful thing and I hope someday we will see that day when

> lists like this won't be necessary (as awesome as it is) because

> there is no more autism. CHRIS

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

One thing I think also may affect us on whether we want a " cure " or not

is whether we ourselves are on the spectrum. ???

I know with me, my son seems to be high functioning, and I'm very

grateful for all that he can do and that we seem to be avoiding some of

the big pitfalls of autism. (for now maybe) but he is generally a great

kid to be around, he doesn't tantrum, we can go to stores, he handles a

lot of things just great.

The thing that gets me is that his Dad and I are extremely social

people. NT to the extreme maybe? LOL... It's kind of hard for us to

have a child that we have to make say hello to people but still can't

converse with them at all. My husband talks to everyone he meets,

cashiers, sales people, strangers on the street and he has real

conversations, not just polite talk like me. I on the other hand really

enjoy a good party, I have a lot of friends and am pretty involved with

lots of people - both family and friends. It's hard for me to see Jake

not follow that considering it is in both of our personalities. In fact

most of our whole family is pretty social. (except some in-laws) We may

be a little guilty of being like Jacquie's description of the Von

Hunnius family. But I hope we are kinder and more considerate to our

quieter members ;-) I know I will work on that after hearing her

feelings about it. Our family loves to play games and is competitive in

a loving way. Will Jake ever be competitive or strategize? Will he

like card games? We are huge card players in our family.

I also really miss what I know we would be doing if he were NT. I miss

what cute little two year old things he would have said. Will he still

say those things as he learns to talk? See I don't know because I don't

know if his intelligence will stay at age level even though his speech

ability lags behind. I really miss that I can't explain things to him

and reason with him.

So that's the reason I would love a real cure. I do have a lot of hope

for the future and I don't like to dwell on this because I don't want it

to affect how I treat him or make our lives miserable. I also do enjoy

the life we have anyway. He is the biggest joy my husband and I have

ever had in our lives and I thank God for him every day.

Another thing that probably also affects this is that I don't see any

savant qualities in Jake. He doesn't appear to be hyperlexic even.

This is fine of course. But if I did see things in him like some of

y'all see, like with Boone or Byk, then I might feel very

differently. I also don't know how I will feel a few years from now.

Jake is the way he is and I love him no matter what. I have also

noticed a few convenient things about Autism compared to raising an NT

child. That hasn't escaped my notice. :-)

~ Karin

I have to echo that the experience of parenting him has been amazing and

I know I've grown in love, understanding and fellow-feeling for others.

> Message: 16 Date: Tue, 7 Jan 2003 10:57:44 -0500 From: "

> and " Subject: Re: Re: This got

> me...I had to share!

>

>

> This topic has raised a lot of response. I think that the major

> difference in whether we would take a cure for our children or not

> depends upon how affected that child is. My children are high

> functioning. I an most assuredly an Aspie. So I don't necessarily

> see it as a bad thing a challenging issue, yes but I look at it as

> things could be worse. My kids could have a horrific disease.

> But I haven't had to watch my children slip away. Mine were as

> they are from the moment they were born. We noticed " little

> differences " even then so I haven't actually lost anything, I just

> never got somethings but in other ways I got bunuses and that is

> good. If they were severe, I am certain that I would want that

> cure if there was one I would likely see this as a horrific

> disease. I haven't watched them be a vibrant bubbly child one

> day and then watch that child vanish before my eyes. I am just in

> a different situation than many here And I have to say I am glad of

> it because I honestly don't know how you cope with having a child

> who won't let you into their world (or I should say can't let you

> in). I many times force my way into their world (my kids) but I

> get in and that is a major difference beween my situation and those

> of parents who have severely affected kids.> I do hope for a cure

> too not for my children but for others affected because I know

> there would be no greater gift to those parents than to have a

> child who could respond as the parents hoped they would. That would

> be a wonderful thing and I hope someday we will see that day when

> lists like this won't be necessary (as awesome as it is) because

> there is no more autism. CHRIS

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

> One thing I think also may affect us on whether we want a " cure " or not

> is whether we ourselves are on the spectrum. ???

>

Well, but I am pretty darned NT myself (I am like your husband; I talk to

everyone), but the funny thing is that I realize that I really really like

people with autism which is why I stupidly married my AS husband. But I

enjoy the ASD take on things and Enrique and Putter both are very amusing

and enjoyable for me most of the time.

Looking at some of my favorite people, I can see that they were probably

somewhere on the spectrum too.

Salli

[Guest guest]

> Another thing that probably also affects this is that I don't see any

> savant qualities in Jake. He doesn't appear to be hyperlexic even.

> This is fine of course. But if I did see things in him like some of

> y'all see, like with Boone or Byk, then I might feel very

> differently.

Do remember that those qualities have their own drawbacks. Hyperlexia is a

language disorder. They read and count because those things are easier for

them to learn than speech.

It's amazing, even awe-inspiring, and those skills can be used to good

advantage -- writing something down, for example, so he can read it and

understand it (I know one mom who writes down the house rules and posts them

on the walls - tadum! the child remembers and follows them MUCH better)

instead of trying to talk to him and explain something.

But to be honest, I think his life would be easier without yet another

barrier to speech and language acquisition.

Intelligence is a difficult issue for a lot of us. 's tested IQ is

75 - borderline MR. How is that possible, when he has the academic skills

of a 5 year old? A) His deficits in all the other areas are so great that

they bring his overall score down to that level, and he is unable to

understand or respond to the tester properly.

> I have to echo that the experience of parenting him has been amazing and

> I know I've grown in love, understanding and fellow-feeling for others.

Amen.

-Sara.

[Guest guest]

Well I dunno about that Karin. I'm pretty sure I'm on the spectrum ...

aspergers syndrome explains a lot of things about my life. I'd take a

cure for myself in an instant too ... if it meant that I'd finally " get "

how to have relationships, that I wouldn't freak out before every social

engagement I force myself to attend, that I wouldn't stress over little

things that really are unimportant in the grand scheme of life, so forth

and so on. I'd like to be able to shop at my local Kmart without

getting dizzy from the high-pitched squeal the PA system makes ...

which, no one else can hear.

Ironically enough, parenting my very social NT twin is harder on me. It

means I have to take her places where she has the opportunity to

socialize. The library playtime was ... interesting. My daughter was

in all her glory, all these children & toys to play with. Moms mingled

and chatted. I sat alone, uncertain what I was supposed to do, sure I

was supposed to do something, sure people thought I was being weird or

snobby, but unwilling or unable to insert myself in these little groups

of women.

So I suppose, finding a cure for autism would, in the end, make

parenting Jordan harder. But still, I'd take it in an instant.

Debbie

Re: Re: Re: This got me...I had to share!

One thing I think also may affect us on whether we want a " cure " or not

is whether we ourselves are on the spectrum. ???

[Guest guest]

Well I dunno about that Karin. I'm pretty sure I'm on the spectrum ...

aspergers syndrome explains a lot of things about my life. I'd take a

cure for myself in an instant too ... if it meant that I'd finally " get "

how to have relationships, that I wouldn't freak out before every social

engagement I force myself to attend, that I wouldn't stress over little

things that really are unimportant in the grand scheme of life, so forth

and so on. I'd like to be able to shop at my local Kmart without

getting dizzy from the high-pitched squeal the PA system makes ...

which, no one else can hear.

Ironically enough, parenting my very social NT twin is harder on me. It

means I have to take her places where she has the opportunity to

socialize. The library playtime was ... interesting. My daughter was

in all her glory, all these children & toys to play with. Moms mingled

and chatted. I sat alone, uncertain what I was supposed to do, sure I

was supposed to do something, sure people thought I was being weird or

snobby, but unwilling or unable to insert myself in these little groups

of women.

So I suppose, finding a cure for autism would, in the end, make

parenting Jordan harder. But still, I'd take it in an instant.

Debbie

Re: Re: Re: This got me...I had to share!

One thing I think also may affect us on whether we want a " cure " or not

is whether we ourselves are on the spectrum. ???

[Guest guest]

Well I dunno about that Karin. I'm pretty sure I'm on the spectrum ...

aspergers syndrome explains a lot of things about my life. I'd take a

cure for myself in an instant too ... if it meant that I'd finally " get "

how to have relationships, that I wouldn't freak out before every social

engagement I force myself to attend, that I wouldn't stress over little

things that really are unimportant in the grand scheme of life, so forth

and so on. I'd like to be able to shop at my local Kmart without

getting dizzy from the high-pitched squeal the PA system makes ...

which, no one else can hear.

Ironically enough, parenting my very social NT twin is harder on me. It

means I have to take her places where she has the opportunity to

socialize. The library playtime was ... interesting. My daughter was

in all her glory, all these children & toys to play with. Moms mingled

and chatted. I sat alone, uncertain what I was supposed to do, sure I

was supposed to do something, sure people thought I was being weird or

snobby, but unwilling or unable to insert myself in these little groups

of women.

So I suppose, finding a cure for autism would, in the end, make

parenting Jordan harder. But still, I'd take it in an instant.

Debbie

Re: Re: Re: This got me...I had to share!

One thing I think also may affect us on whether we want a " cure " or not

is whether we ourselves are on the spectrum. ???

[Guest guest]

>>Moms mingled

and chatted. I sat alone, uncertain what I was supposed to do, sure I

was supposed to do something, sure people thought I was being weird or

snobby, but unwilling or unable to insert myself in these little groups

of women.<<

O!M!G! this describes me to a T! Never even thought about it.

debbi

[Guest guest]

>>Moms mingled

and chatted. I sat alone, uncertain what I was supposed to do, sure I

was supposed to do something, sure people thought I was being weird or

snobby, but unwilling or unable to insert myself in these little groups

of women.<<

O!M!G! this describes me to a T! Never even thought about it.

debbi

[Guest guest]

karin - i can definitely relate to some of what you are saying.

rowan doesn't seem to have any of these savant abilities or special gifts

either. he is a beautiful and delightful child with global delays and classical

autism. he is a relatively non verbal child who doesn't make eye contact who

likes to flap his hands, spin in circles and avoid " our " world to the best of

his ability.somedays that is a really fucking tough pill to swallow. somedays

my heartbreaks to even look at him. but most days i thrill to his touch, his

look, his laugh, his smile and nothing else matters. he has made so many gains

since his diagnosis (four years ago next month) but it has been slow going. i

mean desperately, trudgingly, painfully slow. despite these gains he is one

hundred times more autistic today then on the day of his diagnosis. this is

hard to come to terms with sometimes. would i take the cure? i'd certainly

give it a long hard think.

michelle mg

Re: Re: This got

> me...I had to share!

>

>

> This topic has raised a lot of response. I think that the major

> difference in whether we would take a cure for our children or not

> depends upon how affected that child is. My children are high

> functioning. I an most assuredly an Aspie. So I don't necessarily

> see it as a bad thing a challenging issue, yes but I look at it as

> things could be worse. My kids could have a horrific disease.

> But I haven't had to watch my children slip away. Mine were as

> they are from the moment they were born. We noticed " little

> differences " even then so I haven't actually lost anything, I just

> never got somethings but in other ways I got bunuses and that is

> good. If they were severe, I am certain that I would want that

> cure if there was one I would likely see this as a horrific

> disease. I haven't watched them be a vibrant bubbly child one

> day and then watch that child vanish before my eyes. I am just in

> a different situation than many here And I have to say I am glad of

> it because I honestly don't know how you cope with having a child

> who won't let you into their world (or I should say can't let you

> in). I many times force my way into their world (my kids) but I

> get in and that is a major difference beween my situation and those

> of parents who have severely affected kids.> I do hope for a cure

> too not for my children but for others affected because I know

> there would be no greater gift to those parents than to have a

> child who could respond as the parents hoped they would. That would

> be a wonderful thing and I hope someday we will see that day when

> lists like this won't be necessary (as awesome as it is) because

> there is no more autism. CHRIS

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

karin - i can definitely relate to some of what you are saying.

rowan doesn't seem to have any of these savant abilities or special gifts

either. he is a beautiful and delightful child with global delays and classical

autism. he is a relatively non verbal child who doesn't make eye contact who

likes to flap his hands, spin in circles and avoid " our " world to the best of

his ability.somedays that is a really fucking tough pill to swallow. somedays

my heartbreaks to even look at him. but most days i thrill to his touch, his

look, his laugh, his smile and nothing else matters. he has made so many gains

since his diagnosis (four years ago next month) but it has been slow going. i

mean desperately, trudgingly, painfully slow. despite these gains he is one

hundred times more autistic today then on the day of his diagnosis. this is

hard to come to terms with sometimes. would i take the cure? i'd certainly

give it a long hard think.

michelle mg

Re: Re: This got

> me...I had to share!

>

>

> This topic has raised a lot of response. I think that the major

> difference in whether we would take a cure for our children or not

> depends upon how affected that child is. My children are high

> functioning. I an most assuredly an Aspie. So I don't necessarily

> see it as a bad thing a challenging issue, yes but I look at it as

> things could be worse. My kids could have a horrific disease.

> But I haven't had to watch my children slip away. Mine were as

> they are from the moment they were born. We noticed " little

> differences " even then so I haven't actually lost anything, I just

> never got somethings but in other ways I got bunuses and that is

> good. If they were severe, I am certain that I would want that

> cure if there was one I would likely see this as a horrific

> disease. I haven't watched them be a vibrant bubbly child one

> day and then watch that child vanish before my eyes. I am just in

> a different situation than many here And I have to say I am glad of

> it because I honestly don't know how you cope with having a child

> who won't let you into their world (or I should say can't let you

> in). I many times force my way into their world (my kids) but I

> get in and that is a major difference beween my situation and those

> of parents who have severely affected kids.> I do hope for a cure

> too not for my children but for others affected because I know

> there would be no greater gift to those parents than to have a

> child who could respond as the parents hoped they would. That would

> be a wonderful thing and I hope someday we will see that day when

> lists like this won't be necessary (as awesome as it is) because

> there is no more autism. CHRIS

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

karin - i can definitely relate to some of what you are saying.

rowan doesn't seem to have any of these savant abilities or special gifts

either. he is a beautiful and delightful child with global delays and classical

autism. he is a relatively non verbal child who doesn't make eye contact who

likes to flap his hands, spin in circles and avoid " our " world to the best of

his ability.somedays that is a really fucking tough pill to swallow. somedays

my heartbreaks to even look at him. but most days i thrill to his touch, his

look, his laugh, his smile and nothing else matters. he has made so many gains

since his diagnosis (four years ago next month) but it has been slow going. i

mean desperately, trudgingly, painfully slow. despite these gains he is one

hundred times more autistic today then on the day of his diagnosis. this is

hard to come to terms with sometimes. would i take the cure? i'd certainly

give it a long hard think.

michelle mg

Re: Re: This got

> me...I had to share!

>

>

> This topic has raised a lot of response. I think that the major

> difference in whether we would take a cure for our children or not

> depends upon how affected that child is. My children are high

> functioning. I an most assuredly an Aspie. So I don't necessarily

> see it as a bad thing a challenging issue, yes but I look at it as

> things could be worse. My kids could have a horrific disease.

> But I haven't had to watch my children slip away. Mine were as

> they are from the moment they were born. We noticed " little

> differences " even then so I haven't actually lost anything, I just

> never got somethings but in other ways I got bunuses and that is

> good. If they were severe, I am certain that I would want that

> cure if there was one I would likely see this as a horrific

> disease. I haven't watched them be a vibrant bubbly child one

> day and then watch that child vanish before my eyes. I am just in

> a different situation than many here And I have to say I am glad of

> it because I honestly don't know how you cope with having a child

> who won't let you into their world (or I should say can't let you

> in). I many times force my way into their world (my kids) but I

> get in and that is a major difference beween my situation and those

> of parents who have severely affected kids.> I do hope for a cure

> too not for my children but for others affected because I know

> there would be no greater gift to those parents than to have a

> child who could respond as the parents hoped they would. That would

> be a wonderful thing and I hope someday we will see that day when

> lists like this won't be necessary (as awesome as it is) because

> there is no more autism. CHRIS

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

me too! me too! all except being stupid for marrying Jeff. lol he seems to be a

pretty decent guy. although very aspie and that can be trying to live with at

times. lol

jacquie h

Re: Re: Re: This got me...I had to share!

> One thing I think also may affect us on whether we want a " cure " or not

> is whether we ourselves are on the spectrum. ???

>

Well, but I am pretty darned NT myself (I am like your husband; I talk to

everyone), but the funny thing is that I realize that I really really like

people with autism which is why I stupidly married my AS husband. But I

enjoy the ASD take on things and Enrique and Putter both are very amusing

and enjoyable for me most of the time.

Looking at some of my favorite people, I can see that they were probably

somewhere on the spectrum too.

Salli

[Guest guest]

me too! me too! all except being stupid for marrying Jeff. lol he seems to be a

pretty decent guy. although very aspie and that can be trying to live with at

times. lol

jacquie h

Re: Re: Re: This got me...I had to share!

> One thing I think also may affect us on whether we want a " cure " or not

> is whether we ourselves are on the spectrum. ???

>

Well, but I am pretty darned NT myself (I am like your husband; I talk to

everyone), but the funny thing is that I realize that I really really like

people with autism which is why I stupidly married my AS husband. But I

enjoy the ASD take on things and Enrique and Putter both are very amusing

and enjoyable for me most of the time.

Looking at some of my favorite people, I can see that they were probably

somewhere on the spectrum too.

Salli

[Guest guest]

> Another thing that probably also affects this is that I don't see any

> savant qualities in Jake. He doesn't appear to be hyperlexic even.

> This is fine of course. But if I did see things in him like some of

> y'all see, like with Boone or Byk, then I might feel very

> differently.

Karin,

Boone's skills are kind of neat and quite a conversation piece, especially

if someone is staring at him because he's acting like the spawn of Satan. I

like to shock busy bodies by asking Boone things kids his age shouldn't

know. That's not going to have the same effect when he's older. I'm sure it

will just look strange.

Boone is not considered high-functioning. His IQ is supposedly 70 (I doubt

that) and his diagnosis is severe autism. There's a difference between

severe and low-functioning.

I've seen a lot of kids who are higher functioning and they seem to be a lot

happier than Boone. I've seen a few, but not many, who are lower-functioning

and I'd say they were happier than Boone too.

The problem with savant skills is that they are so completely obsessed with

(or should I say possessed by) whatever it is they're interested in.

He's happy when he's doing his thing. He's generally unhappy outside of our

home unless it has something to do with food. He loves Wal-Mart (now)

because they have 100 clocks and 100 watches and they're all set to 10:10.

God help me if I need to shop for anything other than clocks or vegetables.

Boone must weigh vegetables.

Boone doesn't cry. Boone screams like a banshee and hits things, hits

himself or hits me. He usually screams " No! " " Help! " or numbers. Talk about

getting weird looks? You haven't lived until a room full of people are

staring at you while you're trying to stop your screaming kid who's trying

to climb a three story indoor waterfall and screaming " 9:48! " or whatever

time it happens to be, at the top of his lungs.

Lucky me. My son has advanced motor skills and the social skills of a 2YO.

Boone hurts himself and he attacks me when he's frustrated. I've been badly

burned (accidentally), kicked, slapped, punched and jumped on while asleep

by Boone who was coming from a very high place. Boone has destroyed 3 VCRs,

1 DVD player, his bunk beds, my old bed, a television set (he pulled a chest

of drawers over on top of himself and the TV came crashing to the floor just

inches from crushing his head) and a lot of other things too numerous to

mention. Once I caught him jumping from the deck railing (about 10 feet from

the ground) onto a tiny trampoline in the back yard. He learned that from

his brother who can move the big trampoline with the help of a few friends.

It's a wonder he's still alive. Hell, it's a wonder I'm still alive.

My BIL and I got into an argument because he thinks Boone is too smart to be

autistic. Never mind the fact that Boone was sitting on the kitchen floor

spinning a spatula at the speed of light while this argument was going on

(that and he couldn't say a dozen words at the time). Most people think

autism=MR.

I guess what I'm saying is, these skills don't make it any easier and they

don't make autism any more desirable. If anything it makes it more puzzling.

I always wonder what could he have become if only ...

Damn, I didn't mean for it to sound like this. I love Boone and everything

about him. Autism and all. Sometimes I wouldn't change anything about him

and sometimes I just wish ...

well, you know.

Sissi .. rambling on again

[Guest guest]

> Another thing that probably also affects this is that I don't see any

> savant qualities in Jake. He doesn't appear to be hyperlexic even.

> This is fine of course. But if I did see things in him like some of

> y'all see, like with Boone or Byk, then I might feel very

> differently.

Karin,

Boone's skills are kind of neat and quite a conversation piece, especially

if someone is staring at him because he's acting like the spawn of Satan. I

like to shock busy bodies by asking Boone things kids his age shouldn't

know. That's not going to have the same effect when he's older. I'm sure it

will just look strange.

Boone is not considered high-functioning. His IQ is supposedly 70 (I doubt

that) and his diagnosis is severe autism. There's a difference between

severe and low-functioning.

I've seen a lot of kids who are higher functioning and they seem to be a lot

happier than Boone. I've seen a few, but not many, who are lower-functioning

and I'd say they were happier than Boone too.

The problem with savant skills is that they are so completely obsessed with

(or should I say possessed by) whatever it is they're interested in.

He's happy when he's doing his thing. He's generally unhappy outside of our

home unless it has something to do with food. He loves Wal-Mart (now)

because they have 100 clocks and 100 watches and they're all set to 10:10.

God help me if I need to shop for anything other than clocks or vegetables.

Boone must weigh vegetables.

Boone doesn't cry. Boone screams like a banshee and hits things, hits

himself or hits me. He usually screams " No! " " Help! " or numbers. Talk about

getting weird looks? You haven't lived until a room full of people are

staring at you while you're trying to stop your screaming kid who's trying

to climb a three story indoor waterfall and screaming " 9:48! " or whatever

time it happens to be, at the top of his lungs.

Lucky me. My son has advanced motor skills and the social skills of a 2YO.

Boone hurts himself and he attacks me when he's frustrated. I've been badly

burned (accidentally), kicked, slapped, punched and jumped on while asleep

by Boone who was coming from a very high place. Boone has destroyed 3 VCRs,

1 DVD player, his bunk beds, my old bed, a television set (he pulled a chest

of drawers over on top of himself and the TV came crashing to the floor just

inches from crushing his head) and a lot of other things too numerous to

mention. Once I caught him jumping from the deck railing (about 10 feet from

the ground) onto a tiny trampoline in the back yard. He learned that from

his brother who can move the big trampoline with the help of a few friends.

It's a wonder he's still alive. Hell, it's a wonder I'm still alive.

My BIL and I got into an argument because he thinks Boone is too smart to be

autistic. Never mind the fact that Boone was sitting on the kitchen floor

spinning a spatula at the speed of light while this argument was going on

(that and he couldn't say a dozen words at the time). Most people think

autism=MR.

I guess what I'm saying is, these skills don't make it any easier and they

don't make autism any more desirable. If anything it makes it more puzzling.

I always wonder what could he have become if only ...

Damn, I didn't mean for it to sound like this. I love Boone and everything

about him. Autism and all. Sometimes I wouldn't change anything about him

and sometimes I just wish ...

well, you know.

Sissi .. rambling on again

[Guest guest]

> Do remember that those qualities have their own drawbacks. Hyperlexia is

a

> language disorder. They read and count because those things are easier

for

> them to learn than speech.

Yep!

> It's amazing, even awe-inspiring, and those skills can be used to good

> advantage -- writing something down, for example, so he can read it and

> understand it (I know one mom who writes down the house rules and posts

them

> on the walls - tadum! the child remembers and follows them MUCH better)

> instead of trying to talk to him and explain something.

Exactly!

> But to be honest, I think his life would be easier without yet another

> barrier to speech and language acquisition.

I hadn't thought of it that way.

I should have just ditto-ed this post and kept my mouth shut.

Sissi

[Guest guest]

> > Do remember that those qualities have their own drawbacks.

> Hyperlexia is

> Yep!

>

> I should have just ditto-ed this post and kept my mouth shut.

Funny, I was thinking the same thing about yours, and feeling releived that

we were at least trying to say the same things.

-Sara.

[Guest guest]

> > Do remember that those qualities have their own drawbacks.

> Hyperlexia is

> Yep!

>

> I should have just ditto-ed this post and kept my mouth shut.

Funny, I was thinking the same thing about yours, and feeling releived that

we were at least trying to say the same things.

-Sara.

[Guest guest]

> > Do remember that those qualities have their own drawbacks.

> Hyperlexia is

> Yep!

>

> I should have just ditto-ed this post and kept my mouth shut.

Funny, I was thinking the same thing about yours, and feeling releived that

we were at least trying to say the same things.

-Sara.

[Guest guest]

> One thing I think also may affect us on whether we want a " cure " or not

> is whether we ourselves are on the spectrum. ???

>

Good point, Karin!

I remember the day I decided I wouldn't take a cure for MYSELF if it was

offered...that I wasn't even willing to put out the effort to TRY to fit in

anymore. So part of my feelings about it for may come from the fact

that, given the choice, I would not change myself for fear of changing those

things about me that I and those who love me value so highly.

Also, as you pointed out, I, unlike you, really don't know what he's missing

out on in terms of the NT world. I mean, it's hard to wish a busy social

life for him (for example) when the idea of one looks like hell to me! LOL

Jacquie

-who is quite sure you are MUCH kinder to your quieter family members than

the vonHunnius clan is. ;-)

[Guest guest]

> One thing I think also may affect us on whether we want a " cure " or not

> is whether we ourselves are on the spectrum. ???

>

Good point, Karin!

I remember the day I decided I wouldn't take a cure for MYSELF if it was

offered...that I wasn't even willing to put out the effort to TRY to fit in

anymore. So part of my feelings about it for may come from the fact

that, given the choice, I would not change myself for fear of changing those

things about me that I and those who love me value so highly.

Also, as you pointed out, I, unlike you, really don't know what he's missing

out on in terms of the NT world. I mean, it's hard to wish a busy social

life for him (for example) when the idea of one looks like hell to me! LOL

Jacquie

-who is quite sure you are MUCH kinder to your quieter family members than

the vonHunnius clan is. ;-)

[Guest guest]

> One thing I think also may affect us on whether we want a " cure " or not

> is whether we ourselves are on the spectrum. ???

>

Good point, Karin!

I remember the day I decided I wouldn't take a cure for MYSELF if it was

offered...that I wasn't even willing to put out the effort to TRY to fit in

anymore. So part of my feelings about it for may come from the fact

that, given the choice, I would not change myself for fear of changing those

things about me that I and those who love me value so highly.

Also, as you pointed out, I, unlike you, really don't know what he's missing

out on in terms of the NT world. I mean, it's hard to wish a busy social

life for him (for example) when the idea of one looks like hell to me! LOL

Jacquie

-who is quite sure you are MUCH kinder to your quieter family members than

the vonHunnius clan is. ;-)