Re: New to the Group ... and saying hello!

[Guest guest]

You will learn alot here. I have learned so much by asking questions as well as

reading posts and hearing about things I haven't thought of.

L <lajsablue@...> wrote: Good afternoon all.

I'm brand new. Signed up yesterday. My name is Leeann and I have a 20 yo son

with AS. I knew he had a LD -- he was diagnosed with that at about 3 yo. He

wasn't diagnosed with AS until he moved to CA to live with me. A HS counselor

(who had a nephew with AS) suggested that this might be the disability he was

living under. was 15 yo when he finally got a proper diagnosis!

Unfortunately, he lived with his father from the age of 11 until 15 and his dad

didn't want to admit that had anything 'wrong' with him. He used to say

that was just lazy. Since the diagnosis, I have tried everything --- diet,

counseling, therapy, you name it. He had OT, PT and ST when he as small --- all

through elementary and middle school --- and that helped, but there was still so

much that I didn't understand about him.

Since moving to CA with us, we've gone through so much. He learned to travel by

himself on a plane yet he can't drive. He's had his first girlfriend and first

heartbreak. He took up tai kwon do and earned his purple belt and was featured

in a local magazine. He applied to college and was denied --- but then found a

great community college that he loves. He got fired from his very first job

because he just decided not to go back and then was hired by a supermarket and

has been there for a whole year. He opened up his own checking account and

cashed his first paycheck and then got hit with dozens of fees because he was

overdrawn and didn't track his transactions.

There is always something. But I've learned that for every difficult thing that

happens, we work through it and as he gets older, it gets a little easier. I

still worry that he won't ever be able to live on his own. He worries that he

won't ever feel like he's " grown up " . And my daughters worry that down the road

they will be responsible for their brother because I'm not around. I can't be

the only parent that feels this way and that's why I'm really grateful for any

and all advice you all have!

I have a colleague who's very young son was just diagnosed with AS and he asked

me for advice. And I told him that just when I think I have an answer, I find a

new question. So all in all...I've learned a lot and feel I know a little

something, but I'm hoping by being on this list that I will learn so much more

from all of you.

Thank you so much!

Leeann T.

('s mom)

---------------------------------

No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go

with for Mobile. Get started.

[Guest guest]

Hi Leeann, it's very nice to meet you! My son who has AS was just diagnosed

a couple years ago and is only going on 10, so I don't have advice I can

offer, but I wanted to welcome you to the group and say that yours and your

son's story is inspiring to me. My biggest worry is about his future, as I

sure most others are as well, and it's so good to be reminded that there may

come a day when he can do all that your son has. Right now, I'm just happy

when he remembers what the toilet paper is for lol

What a huge difference you must have made in your son's life by not giving

up on him and labeling him " lazy " . I can only imagine all the doors you must

have opened for him by seeking help and finding his diagnosis. I'm so glad

he has you!

-Jenn, AEP (ADD, Bi-Polar, Anxiety/Depression)

Proud Momma of Cory Albert (14yrs ADHD), h Dawn (12yrs

Anxiety/Depression)

and Jerry Lee " Trey " (9yrs ADHD, Bi-Polar, Asperger's)

-- ( ) New to the Group ... and saying hello!

Good afternoon all.

I'm brand new. Signed up yesterday. My name is Leeann and I have a 20 yo

son with AS. I knew he had a LD -- he was diagnosed with that at about 3 yo

He wasn't diagnosed with AS until he moved to CA to live with me. A HS

counselor (who had a nephew with AS) suggested that this might be the

disability he was living under. was 15 yo when he finally got a proper

diagnosis!

Unfortunately, he lived with his father from the age of 11 until 15 and

his dad didn't want to admit that had anything 'wrong' with him. He

used to say that was just lazy. Since the diagnosis, I have tried

everything --- diet, counseling, therapy, you name it. He had OT, PT and ST

when he as small --- all through elementary and middle school --- and that

helped, but there was still so much that I didn't understand about him.

Since moving to CA with us, we've gone through so much. He learned to

travel by himself on a plane yet he can't drive. He's had his first

girlfriend and first heartbreak. He took up tai kwon do and earned his

purple belt and was featured in a local magazine. He applied to college and

was denied --- but then found a great community college that he loves. He

got fired from his very first job because he just decided not to go back and

then was hired by a supermarket and has been there for a whole year. He

opened up his own checking account and cashed his first paycheck and then

got hit with dozens of fees because he was overdrawn and didn't track his

transactions.

There is always something. But I've learned that for every difficult

thing that happens, we work through it and as he gets older, it gets a

little easier. I still worry that he won't ever be able to live on his own.

He worries that he won't ever feel like he's " grown up " . And my daughters

worry that down the road they will be responsible for their brother because

I'm not around. I can't be the only parent that feels this way and that's

why I'm really grateful for any and all advice you all have!

I have a colleague who's very young son was just diagnosed with AS and he

asked me for advice. And I told him that just when I think I have an answer

I find a new question. So all in all...I've learned a lot and feel I know

a little something, but I'm hoping by being on this list that I will learn

so much more from all of you.

Thank you so much!

Leeann T.

('s mom)

---------------------------------

No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go

with for Mobile. Get started.

[Guest guest]

Hi Leeann,

Where in California do you live? I live in San Diego (except that

right now I'm on sabbatical in Boston). My ds in 19 and in college in

Boston. He had a rough start to the year, but is doing very well

academically now. There is someone in Boston who teaches people with

developmental disabilities to drive. I think we're going to take

advantage of that and have him get his license here. Despite the

crazy Boston drivers. LOL

It sounds like your son has done a lot of growing in the last couple

of years. Good for him!

Liz

On Mar 23, 2007, at 5:46 PM, L wrote:

> Good afternoon all.

> I'm brand new. Signed up yesterday. My name is Leeann and I have a

> 20 yo son with AS. I knew he had a LD -- he was diagnosed with that

> at about 3 yo. He wasn't diagnosed with AS until he moved to CA to

> live with me. A HS counselor (who had a nephew with AS) suggested

> that this might be the disability he was living under. was 15

> yo when he finally got a proper diagnosis!

>

> Unfortunately, he lived with his father from the age of 11 until 15

> and his dad didn't want to admit that had anything 'wrong'

> with him. He used to say that was just lazy. Since the

> diagnosis, I have tried everything --- diet, counseling, therapy,

> you name it. He had OT, PT and ST when he as small --- all through

> elementary and middle school --- and that helped, but there was

> still so much that I didn't understand about him.

>

> Since moving to CA with us, we've gone through so much. He learned

> to travel by himself on a plane yet he can't drive. He's had his

> first girlfriend and first heartbreak. He took up tai kwon do and

> earned his purple belt and was featured in a local magazine. He

> applied to college and was denied --- but then found a great

> community college that he loves. He got fired from his very first

> job because he just decided not to go back and then was hired by a

> supermarket and has been there for a whole year. He opened up his

> own checking account and cashed his first paycheck and then got hit

> with dozens of fees because he was overdrawn and didn't track his

> transactions.

>

> There is always something. But I've learned that for every

> difficult thing that happens, we work through it and as he gets

> older, it gets a little easier. I still worry that he won't ever be

> able to live on his own. He worries that he won't ever feel like

> he's " grown up " . And my daughters worry that down the road they

> will be responsible for their brother because I'm not around. I

> can't be the only parent that feels this way and that's why I'm

> really grateful for any and all advice you all have!

>

> I have a colleague who's very young son was just diagnosed with AS

> and he asked me for advice. And I told him that just when I think I

> have an answer, I find a new question. So all in all...I've learned

> a lot and feel I know a little something, but I'm hoping by being

> on this list that I will learn so much more from all of you.

>

> Thank you so much!

> Leeann T.

> ('s mom)

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go

> with for Mobile. Get started.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Leeann, I'm Toni mom to twin 18 yo boys that weren't diagnosed until they

were 16. I TOTALLY understand where you are coming from, I picture if something

happens to both my dh and I, that they will be living in the basement , long

facial hair, hair matted to their heads but happily playing computer until the

electricity is turned off because the bill hasn't been paid. It scares me to

death. Right now we are STILL in the process of having them evaluated by

Vocational Rehab. My boys don't drive either and have never had a job, one has

quit high school and the other is hanging on by a thin thread...Vocational rehab

sounds like a dream if your child is WILLING, they told me that they would help

them find a school that would fit them and that they would support them in

finding a job, but we haven't got passed the eval part yet... I don't have any

answers, I wish I did. Anyway, I'm glad your son has gotten some OT,PT,ST. Has

it helped? Mine have not had any as the school would not provide and I can

hardly get them out of the house for even their pdoc appt...Welcome again!

Toni: mom to Noah and n

( ) New to the Group ... and saying hello!

Good afternoon all.

I'm brand new. Signed up yesterday. My name is Leeann and I have a 20 yo son

with AS. I knew he had a LD -- he was diagnosed with that at about 3 yo. He

wasn't diagnosed with AS until he moved to CA to live with me. A HS counselor

(who had a nephew with AS) suggested that this might be the disability he was

living under. was 15 yo when he finally got a proper diagnosis!

Unfortunately, he lived with his father from the age of 11 until 15 and his

dad didn't want to admit that had anything 'wrong' with him. He used to say

that was just lazy. Since the diagnosis, I have tried everything --- diet,

counseling, therapy, you name it. He had OT, PT and ST when he as small --- all

through elementary and middle school --- and that helped, but there was still so

much that I didn't understand about him.

Since moving to CA with us, we've gone through so much. He learned to travel

by himself on a plane yet he can't drive. He's had his first girlfriend and

first heartbreak. He took up tai kwon do and earned his purple belt and was

featured in a local magazine. He applied to college and was denied --- but then

found a great community college that he loves. He got fired from his very first

job because he just decided not to go back and then was hired by a supermarket

and has been there for a whole year. He opened up his own checking account and

cashed his first paycheck and then got hit with dozens of fees because he was

overdrawn and didn't track his transactions.

There is always something. But I've learned that for every difficult thing

that happens, we work through it and as he gets older, it gets a little easier.

I still worry that he won't ever be able to live on his own. He worries that he

won't ever feel like he's " grown up " . And my daughters worry that down the road

they will be responsible for their brother because I'm not around. I can't be

the only parent that feels this way and that's why I'm really grateful for any

and all advice you all have!

I have a colleague who's very young son was just diagnosed with AS and he

asked me for advice. And I told him that just when I think I have an answer, I

find a new question. So all in all...I've learned a lot and feel I know a little

something, but I'm hoping by being on this list that I will learn so much more

from all of you.

Thank you so much!

Leeann T.

('s mom)

---------------------------------

No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go

with for Mobile. Get started.

[Guest guest]

Hello, that was lots of information. I have an almost 10 year old with AS and

I'm always interested in hearing/learning from parents with older children.

Sounds like he is doing well with his new job at the supermarket. Awesome!!!.

Checking accounts can get challenging at times. Can anyone at the bank go over

it with him? I hope you continue to keep us posted on how your son is doing.

welcome, lots of info on this site...*smile*

L <lajsablue@...> wrote: Good afternoon all.

I'm brand new. Signed up yesterday. My name is Leeann and I have a 20 yo son

with AS. I knew he had a LD -- he was diagnosed with that at about 3 yo. He

wasn't diagnosed with AS until he moved to CA to live with me. A HS counselor

(who had a nephew with AS) suggested that this might be the disability he was

living under. was 15 yo when he finally got a proper diagnosis!

Unfortunately, he lived with his father from the age of 11 until 15 and his dad

didn't want to admit that had anything 'wrong' with him. He used to say

that was just lazy. Since the diagnosis, I have tried everything --- diet,

counseling, therapy, you name it. He had OT, PT and ST when he as small --- all

through elementary and middle school --- and that helped, but there was still so

much that I didn't understand about him.

Since moving to CA with us, we've gone through so much. He learned to travel by

himself on a plane yet he can't drive. He's had his first girlfriend and first

heartbreak. He took up tai kwon do and earned his purple belt and was featured

in a local magazine. He applied to college and was denied --- but then found a

great community college that he loves. He got fired from his very first job

because he just decided not to go back and then was hired by a supermarket and

has been there for a whole year. He opened up his own checking account and

cashed his first paycheck and then got hit with dozens of fees because he was

overdrawn and didn't track his transactions.

There is always something. But I've learned that for every difficult thing that

happens, we work through it and as he gets older, it gets a little easier. I

still worry that he won't ever be able to live on his own. He worries that he

won't ever feel like he's " grown up " . And my daughters worry that down the road

they will be responsible for their brother because I'm not around. I can't be

the only parent that feels this way and that's why I'm really grateful for any

and all advice you all have!

I have a colleague who's very young son was just diagnosed with AS and he asked

me for advice. And I told him that just when I think I have an answer, I find a

new question. So all in all...I've learned a lot and feel I know a little

something, but I'm hoping by being on this list that I will learn so much more

from all of you.

Thank you so much!

Leeann T.

('s mom)

---------------------------------

No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go

with for Mobile. Get started.

[Guest guest]

Thank you to everyone for a warm welcome. I very much appreciate it. I'm

looking forward to learning from all of you!

Liz, we live up near Los Angeles. I wish there was someone near here that

helped with 's driving. I'll have to keep investigating. Fortunately,

is a genius when it comes to maps and the mass transit system around our

area. He has all the schedules memorized and has very little difficulty getting

where he needs to go. Of course, his life is a little insular in that he keeps

school, work, friends, etc. pretty close to our South Bay home. If there isn't

a bus...he is very comfortable walking or getting a lift from me!

Jenn, I totally related to your comment about remembering toilet paper! :/ I

remember my ex telling me that he could NOT get to shower. After talking

to when he moved in with us...it turned out that did not like the

feeling of bar soap on his skin! I started buying him body wash in a scent that

didn't get the " creeps " from and I haven't had any problems getting him to

shower! It's all in changing the way you look at the day to day stuff with an

AS kid.

Have a good day all!

Leeann

('s mom!)

Remember...April is Autism Awareness month.

---------------------------------

Looking for earth-friendly autos?

Browse Top Cars by " Green Rating " at Autos' Green Center.

[Guest guest]

Try contacting these agencies. Sometimes they can help with assisted

driver's training. The student would receive a little bit longer or more

supported driver's ed. Pam

STATE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AGENCY

Premo, Director

Department of Rehabilitation

830 K Street Mall, Room 307

Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 445-3971

OFFICE OF STATE COORINATOR OF VOCATIONAL

EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Department of Education

721 Capital Mall

Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 657-2451

************************************** AOL now offers free email to everyone.

Find out more about what's free from AOL at http://www.aol.com.

[Guest guest]

He's ok with the toilet paper, he just forgets to use it sometimes lol then

when he does remember, he throws it in the waste basket in the bathroom

instead of in the toilet. That stems from years ago when he used too much

toilet paper and when he flushed, the toilet overflowed. It must have really

effected him because for the longest time after that he absolutely would not

put it in the toilet. I think now it's more habit than anything because when

we remind him, he just says, " Oh yeah! " then giggles and puts it in the

toilet lol

-Jenn, AEP (ADD, Bi-Polar, Anxiety/Depression)

Proud Momma of Cory Albert (14yrs ADHD), h Dawn (12yrs

Anxiety/Depression)

and Jerry Lee " Trey " (9yrs ADHD, Bi-Polar, Asperger's)

-- ( ) Re: New to the Group ... and saying hello!

Thank you to everyone for a warm welcome. I very much appreciate it. I'm

looking forward to learning from all of you!

Liz, we live up near Los Angeles. I wish there was someone near here that

helped with 's driving. I'll have to keep investigating. Fortunately,

is a genius when it comes to maps and the mass transit system around

our area. He has all the schedules memorized and has very little difficulty

getting where he needs to go. Of course, his life is a little insular in

that he keeps school, work, friends, etc. pretty close to our South Bay home

If there isn't a bus...he is very comfortable walking or getting a lift

from me!

Jenn, I totally related to your comment about remembering toilet paper! :/

I remember my ex telling me that he could NOT get to shower. After

talking to when he moved in with us...it turned out that did not

like the feeling of bar soap on his skin! I started buying him body wash in

a scent that didn't get the " creeps " from and I haven't had any

problems getting him to shower! It's all in changing the way you look at

the day to day stuff with an AS kid.

Have a good day all!

Leeann

('s mom!)

Remember...April is Autism Awareness month.

---------------------------------

Looking for earth-friendly autos?

Browse Top Cars by " Green Rating " at Autos' Green Center.

[Guest guest]

And actually puts it in the toilet after using it!!! LOL...

Right now, I'm just happy

> when he remembers what the toilet paper is for lol

[Guest guest]

Yesss! rofl!!

-Jenn, AEP (ADD, Bi-Polar, Anxiety/Depression)

Proud Momma of Cory Albert (14yrs ADHD), h Dawn (12yrs

Anxiety/Depression)

and Jerry Lee " Trey " (9yrs ADHD, Bi-Polar, Asperger's)

-- Re: ( ) New to the Group ... and saying hello!

And actually puts it in the toilet after using it!!! LOL...

Right now, I'm just happy

> when he remembers what the toilet paper is for lol

[Guest guest]

Pam,

Thank you so much. I will!

Leeann

('s mom)

---------------------------------

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[Guest guest]

If they won't leave the house, or to get them to do any speicfic

thing you want them to do, try behavior mod with them. Take the

cords to their computers and computer games from them while they're

sleeping the day before you want them to do something. When they

freak out at you calmly tell them that you'll be happy to return the

first cord when they do X, the second cord when they do Y, etc...

Meira

>

> Hi Leeann, I'm Toni mom to twin 18 yo boys that weren't diagnosed

until they were 16. I TOTALLY understand where you are coming from, I

picture if something happens to both my dh and I, that they will be

living in the basement , long facial hair, hair matted to their heads

but happily playing computer until the electricity is turned off

because the bill hasn't been paid. It scares me to death. Right now

we are STILL in the process of having them evaluated by Vocational

Rehab. My boys don't drive either and have never had a job, one has

quit high school and the other is hanging on by a thin

thread...Vocational rehab sounds like a dream if your child is

WILLING, they told me that they would help them find a school that

would fit them and that they would support them in finding a job, but

we haven't got passed the eval part yet... I don't have any answers,

I wish I did. Anyway, I'm glad your son has gotten some OT,PT,ST.

Has it helped? Mine have not had any as the school would not provide

and I can hardly get them out of the house for even their pdoc

appt...Welcome again! Toni: mom to Noah and n

[Guest guest]

Thats what I have to do. I leave a list in front of the screen that says for

example: pick up all dirty clothes, put all coke bottles in recyclables,brush

your teeth and show me the results, put up clean clothes in proper place, come

to me when you are finished to check progress... That works for getting things

around the house done. If I take the 'electronics' totally away they will just

stay in bed all day... Toni

( ) Re: New to the Group ... and saying hello!

If they won't leave the house, or to get them to do any speicfic

thing you want them to do, try behavior mod with them. Take the

cords to their computers and computer games from them while they're

sleeping the day before you want them to do something. When they

freak out at you calmly tell them that you'll be happy to return the

first cord when they do X, the second cord when they do Y, etc...

Meira

>

> Hi Leeann, I'm Toni mom to twin 18 yo boys that weren't diagnosed

until they were 16. I TOTALLY understand where you are coming from, I

picture if something happens to both my dh and I, that they will be

living in the basement , long facial hair, hair matted to their heads

but happily playing computer until the electricity is turned off

because the bill hasn't been paid. It scares me to death. Right now

we are STILL in the process of having them evaluated by Vocational

Rehab. My boys don't drive either and have never had a job, one has

quit high school and the other is hanging on by a thin

thread...Vocational rehab sounds like a dream if your child is

WILLING, they told me that they would help them find a school that

would fit them and that they would support them in finding a job, but

we haven't got passed the eval part yet... I don't have any answers,

I wish I did. Anyway, I'm glad your son has gotten some OT,PT,ST.

Has it helped? Mine have not had any as the school would not provide

and I can hardly get them out of the house for even their pdoc

appt...Welcome again! Toni: mom to Noah and n