autism/PDD/apraxia

[Guest guest]

hi all,

this discussion about these issues are very interesting and it has

compelled me to join in. I am no expert but.... there is always a

but right,LOL I have been working with autistic/PDD children for

about 10 years and a mom to a apraxic child for almost 5 years.

I myself have been confused about the difference between the 2 and

yes there are so many similarities and yet so many differnces.

how I viewed these children is they are children first and then they

have this disorder. I start my sessions with my clients that way and

remind myself of that with my own child. this is and he has

apraxia, you know I have this sick sense of humor sooo please I hope

this doesn't offend I sometimes see these children,including my own

are in a group like aa and there he introduces himself as my name is

and I have apraxia and everyone claps. We look for acceptance, I

feel with this thought I had about the aa group for the kids, is our

kids are looking for acceptance too. when I hear statements like

they don't like to loved, I crinch. its the disorder that makes

hugging hurt its the disorder that makes the child cry because they

can't speak, its the disorder that makes a child like to stim, it is

not child who does these things. how i handle these disorders is I

attack the disorder and blame the disorder and love and understand

the child. i look in my little clients eyes and there is something

there, a spark of love, happiness, a little devil. there is a little

boy or girl who loves to be tickled,kissed and reaches out their

little arms to be held. autism, PDD and apraxia did not have those

charateristics. who wants to love those, we just want to take those

away.

some say chris you shouldn't get so emotional involved- finally I

tell them I have to, who else is going to help them find a voice,

these are human beings they are babies.

this is dedicated to all my clients in my past and present and

darling little boy

chris