Hi from a newbie

[Guest guest]

Waves hi to all the new comers on my way through............ need to slow down more often................... but the kids need to be walked and fed and and and ...........................: )

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I am a stay at home mum, and a substitute teacher. I

work when I can fit it in. My story is different, as

it was my son on medication. He has been off AD's for

a few years now, but still has short time memory

problems. I work between two and three days a week. It

is just enough to keep me busy, and fulfilled. If I

feel overly stressed, or Nick is having problems, I

can take an extra day off. If I get the opportunity to

go to Washington DC, I can do that too.

Right now, my health is taking a beating. I am going

for an out patient procedure on April 13th. My hubby

has put on a lot of weight. The stress of dealing with

my Son is really taking its toll on the family. This

is the part of the story people don't see. As Nick can

see the light at the end of this long tunnel, we need

to take a step back, and handle our malady's.

Good luck in finding a part time job, and with your

continual recovery.

Maggs

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

Get your own web address.

Have a HUGE year through Small Business.

http://smallbusiness./domains/?p=BESTDEAL

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I am a stay at home mum, and a substitute teacher. I

work when I can fit it in. My story is different, as

it was my son on medication. He has been off AD's for

a few years now, but still has short time memory

problems. I work between two and three days a week. It

is just enough to keep me busy, and fulfilled. If I

feel overly stressed, or Nick is having problems, I

can take an extra day off. If I get the opportunity to

go to Washington DC, I can do that too.

Right now, my health is taking a beating. I am going

for an out patient procedure on April 13th. My hubby

has put on a lot of weight. The stress of dealing with

my Son is really taking its toll on the family. This

is the part of the story people don't see. As Nick can

see the light at the end of this long tunnel, we need

to take a step back, and handle our malady's.

Good luck in finding a part time job, and with your

continual recovery.

Maggs

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

Get your own web address.

Have a HUGE year through Small Business.

http://smallbusiness./domains/?p=BESTDEAL

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I am a stay at home mum, and a substitute teacher. I

work when I can fit it in. My story is different, as

it was my son on medication. He has been off AD's for

a few years now, but still has short time memory

problems. I work between two and three days a week. It

is just enough to keep me busy, and fulfilled. If I

feel overly stressed, or Nick is having problems, I

can take an extra day off. If I get the opportunity to

go to Washington DC, I can do that too.

Right now, my health is taking a beating. I am going

for an out patient procedure on April 13th. My hubby

has put on a lot of weight. The stress of dealing with

my Son is really taking its toll on the family. This

is the part of the story people don't see. As Nick can

see the light at the end of this long tunnel, we need

to take a step back, and handle our malady's.

Good luck in finding a part time job, and with your

continual recovery.

Maggs

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

Get your own web address.

Have a HUGE year through Small Business.

http://smallbusiness./domains/?p=BESTDEAL

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I am a stay at home mum, and a substitute teacher. I

work when I can fit it in. My story is different, as

it was my son on medication. He has been off AD's for

a few years now, but still has short time memory

problems. I work between two and three days a week. It

is just enough to keep me busy, and fulfilled. If I

feel overly stressed, or Nick is having problems, I

can take an extra day off. If I get the opportunity to

go to Washington DC, I can do that too.

Right now, my health is taking a beating. I am going

for an out patient procedure on April 13th. My hubby

has put on a lot of weight. The stress of dealing with

my Son is really taking its toll on the family. This

is the part of the story people don't see. As Nick can

see the light at the end of this long tunnel, we need

to take a step back, and handle our malady's.

Good luck in finding a part time job, and with your

continual recovery.

Maggs

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

Get your own web address.

Have a HUGE year through Small Business.

http://smallbusiness./domains/?p=BESTDEAL

[Guest guest]

Hi Maggs,

Thanks for the welcome. I hope you don't mind but I've been reading

some of your old posts to see your " story " so that I didn't have to

ask you to repeat it, probably for the 100th time. I am full of

admiration for you and Nick and all the things you have been through

together.

The impression I gathered was that he was doing well at school. You

said he was having migraines but that sounded like the main problem --

has his condition worsened? It sounds like you and your husband are

sturggling too. I was trying to make sense of the various events

involving courts, lawyers, etc -- is any of that still going on and

stressing you out?

I feel for you, and for the heartbreak and worry you must have gone

through with Nick and the drugs. You've met people who are putting

their own children on drugs, who are aware of what happened to Nick,

but will not listen to sense. I have met people like this on internet

forums. Sadly many of them will not listen to a word we say until

they experience a tragedy of their own, or until the poisonous nature

of these drugs is finally revealed plainly to the general public.

About the teaching . . . subbing may be what I end up having to

choose, though why I haven't seen a single part-time English post

advertised in the months I've been looking is mystifying -- if I'd

been willing to work full time, spend all my time planning lessons

and marking papers instead of being with my family, shooting my

cortisol to hell, then hey presto I'd probably have a job by now.

It's particularly frustrating because I've been depressed for 2 1/2

years and I think that getting a job in my chosen profession is

probably the only thing that's going to pull me out of it. It's early

days yet though, I'll keep looking. I'd be terrified to do subbing

here to be honest. I've seen how students treat the subs. In the

school where I worked as a teaching assistant last autumn the kids

gave the subs absolute hell. They wouldn't do what they were asked to

do, just acted like a zoo. I don't want that. Really really not.

I see you grew up in Scotland. (I grew up in Missouri and Nebraska,

came to the UK 13 years ago.) May I ask where? My husband and I love

Scotland and go there when we can for holidays. We'd like to live

there one day, but not near a city, which makes it kind of a pipe

dream because cities are where the jobs are. I don't think either of

us is ready to re-train as a sheep farmer, LOL.

Thanks again for the support, looking forward to chatting

Take care,

.

[Guest guest]

Hi Maggs,

Thanks for the welcome. I hope you don't mind but I've been reading

some of your old posts to see your " story " so that I didn't have to

ask you to repeat it, probably for the 100th time. I am full of

admiration for you and Nick and all the things you have been through

together.

The impression I gathered was that he was doing well at school. You

said he was having migraines but that sounded like the main problem --

has his condition worsened? It sounds like you and your husband are

sturggling too. I was trying to make sense of the various events

involving courts, lawyers, etc -- is any of that still going on and

stressing you out?

I feel for you, and for the heartbreak and worry you must have gone

through with Nick and the drugs. You've met people who are putting

their own children on drugs, who are aware of what happened to Nick,

but will not listen to sense. I have met people like this on internet

forums. Sadly many of them will not listen to a word we say until

they experience a tragedy of their own, or until the poisonous nature

of these drugs is finally revealed plainly to the general public.

About the teaching . . . subbing may be what I end up having to

choose, though why I haven't seen a single part-time English post

advertised in the months I've been looking is mystifying -- if I'd

been willing to work full time, spend all my time planning lessons

and marking papers instead of being with my family, shooting my

cortisol to hell, then hey presto I'd probably have a job by now.

It's particularly frustrating because I've been depressed for 2 1/2

years and I think that getting a job in my chosen profession is

probably the only thing that's going to pull me out of it. It's early

days yet though, I'll keep looking. I'd be terrified to do subbing

here to be honest. I've seen how students treat the subs. In the

school where I worked as a teaching assistant last autumn the kids

gave the subs absolute hell. They wouldn't do what they were asked to

do, just acted like a zoo. I don't want that. Really really not.

I see you grew up in Scotland. (I grew up in Missouri and Nebraska,

came to the UK 13 years ago.) May I ask where? My husband and I love

Scotland and go there when we can for holidays. We'd like to live

there one day, but not near a city, which makes it kind of a pipe

dream because cities are where the jobs are. I don't think either of

us is ready to re-train as a sheep farmer, LOL.

Thanks again for the support, looking forward to chatting

Take care,

.

[Guest guest]

Hi Maggs,

Thanks for the welcome. I hope you don't mind but I've been reading

some of your old posts to see your " story " so that I didn't have to

ask you to repeat it, probably for the 100th time. I am full of

admiration for you and Nick and all the things you have been through

together.

The impression I gathered was that he was doing well at school. You

said he was having migraines but that sounded like the main problem --

has his condition worsened? It sounds like you and your husband are

sturggling too. I was trying to make sense of the various events

involving courts, lawyers, etc -- is any of that still going on and

stressing you out?

I feel for you, and for the heartbreak and worry you must have gone

through with Nick and the drugs. You've met people who are putting

their own children on drugs, who are aware of what happened to Nick,

but will not listen to sense. I have met people like this on internet

forums. Sadly many of them will not listen to a word we say until

they experience a tragedy of their own, or until the poisonous nature

of these drugs is finally revealed plainly to the general public.

About the teaching . . . subbing may be what I end up having to

choose, though why I haven't seen a single part-time English post

advertised in the months I've been looking is mystifying -- if I'd

been willing to work full time, spend all my time planning lessons

and marking papers instead of being with my family, shooting my

cortisol to hell, then hey presto I'd probably have a job by now.

It's particularly frustrating because I've been depressed for 2 1/2

years and I think that getting a job in my chosen profession is

probably the only thing that's going to pull me out of it. It's early

days yet though, I'll keep looking. I'd be terrified to do subbing

here to be honest. I've seen how students treat the subs. In the

school where I worked as a teaching assistant last autumn the kids

gave the subs absolute hell. They wouldn't do what they were asked to

do, just acted like a zoo. I don't want that. Really really not.

I see you grew up in Scotland. (I grew up in Missouri and Nebraska,

came to the UK 13 years ago.) May I ask where? My husband and I love

Scotland and go there when we can for holidays. We'd like to live

there one day, but not near a city, which makes it kind of a pipe

dream because cities are where the jobs are. I don't think either of

us is ready to re-train as a sheep farmer, LOL.

Thanks again for the support, looking forward to chatting

Take care,

.

[Guest guest]

Hi Maggs,

Thanks for the welcome. I hope you don't mind but I've been reading

some of your old posts to see your " story " so that I didn't have to

ask you to repeat it, probably for the 100th time. I am full of

admiration for you and Nick and all the things you have been through

together.

The impression I gathered was that he was doing well at school. You

said he was having migraines but that sounded like the main problem --

has his condition worsened? It sounds like you and your husband are

sturggling too. I was trying to make sense of the various events

involving courts, lawyers, etc -- is any of that still going on and

stressing you out?

I feel for you, and for the heartbreak and worry you must have gone

through with Nick and the drugs. You've met people who are putting

their own children on drugs, who are aware of what happened to Nick,

but will not listen to sense. I have met people like this on internet

forums. Sadly many of them will not listen to a word we say until

they experience a tragedy of their own, or until the poisonous nature

of these drugs is finally revealed plainly to the general public.

About the teaching . . . subbing may be what I end up having to

choose, though why I haven't seen a single part-time English post

advertised in the months I've been looking is mystifying -- if I'd

been willing to work full time, spend all my time planning lessons

and marking papers instead of being with my family, shooting my

cortisol to hell, then hey presto I'd probably have a job by now.

It's particularly frustrating because I've been depressed for 2 1/2

years and I think that getting a job in my chosen profession is

probably the only thing that's going to pull me out of it. It's early

days yet though, I'll keep looking. I'd be terrified to do subbing

here to be honest. I've seen how students treat the subs. In the

school where I worked as a teaching assistant last autumn the kids

gave the subs absolute hell. They wouldn't do what they were asked to

do, just acted like a zoo. I don't want that. Really really not.

I see you grew up in Scotland. (I grew up in Missouri and Nebraska,

came to the UK 13 years ago.) May I ask where? My husband and I love

Scotland and go there when we can for holidays. We'd like to live

there one day, but not near a city, which makes it kind of a pipe

dream because cities are where the jobs are. I don't think either of

us is ready to re-train as a sheep farmer, LOL.

Thanks again for the support, looking forward to chatting

Take care,

.

[Guest guest]

Have you considered teaching English to the Eastern European migrant

workers?

There is a fair demand for it here where I live in Northern Ireland

with many schools, especially those in the integrated sector offering

remedial English to children daytime & to parents in the evenings.

Poles in particular are keen to learn

>

> Hi Maggs,

>

> Thanks for the welcome. I hope you don't mind but I've been reading

> some of your old posts to see your " story " so that I didn't have to

> ask you to repeat it, probably for the 100th time. I am full of

> admiration for you and Nick and all the things you have been

through

> together.

>

> The impression I gathered was that he was doing well at school. You

> said he was having migraines but that sounded like the main

problem --

> has his condition worsened? It sounds like you and your husband

are

> sturggling too. I was trying to make sense of the various events

> involving courts, lawyers, etc -- is any of that still going on and

> stressing you out?

>

> I feel for you, and for the heartbreak and worry you must have gone

> through with Nick and the drugs. You've met people who are putting

> their own children on drugs, who are aware of what happened to

Nick,

> but will not listen to sense. I have met people like this on

internet

> forums. Sadly many of them will not listen to a word we say until

> they experience a tragedy of their own, or until the poisonous

nature

> of these drugs is finally revealed plainly to the general public.

>

> About the teaching . . . subbing may be what I end up having to

> choose, though why I haven't seen a single part-time English post

> advertised in the months I've been looking is mystifying -- if I'd

> been willing to work full time, spend all my time planning lessons

> and marking papers instead of being with my family, shooting my

> cortisol to hell, then hey presto I'd probably have a job by now.

> It's particularly frustrating because I've been depressed for 2 1/2

> years and I think that getting a job in my chosen profession is

> probably the only thing that's going to pull me out of it. It's

early

> days yet though, I'll keep looking. I'd be terrified to do subbing

> here to be honest. I've seen how students treat the subs. In the

> school where I worked as a teaching assistant last autumn the kids

> gave the subs absolute hell. They wouldn't do what they were asked

to

> do, just acted like a zoo. I don't want that. Really really not.

>

> I see you grew up in Scotland. (I grew up in Missouri and Nebraska,

> came to the UK 13 years ago.) May I ask where? My husband and I

love

> Scotland and go there when we can for holidays. We'd like to live

> there one day, but not near a city, which makes it kind of a pipe

> dream because cities are where the jobs are. I don't think either

of

> us is ready to re-train as a sheep farmer, LOL.

>

> Thanks again for the support, looking forward to chatting

>

> Take care,

> .

>

[Guest guest]

Have you considered teaching English to the Eastern European migrant

workers?

There is a fair demand for it here where I live in Northern Ireland

with many schools, especially those in the integrated sector offering

remedial English to children daytime & to parents in the evenings.

Poles in particular are keen to learn

>

> Hi Maggs,

>

> Thanks for the welcome. I hope you don't mind but I've been reading

> some of your old posts to see your " story " so that I didn't have to

> ask you to repeat it, probably for the 100th time. I am full of

> admiration for you and Nick and all the things you have been

through

> together.

>

> The impression I gathered was that he was doing well at school. You

> said he was having migraines but that sounded like the main

problem --

> has his condition worsened? It sounds like you and your husband

are

> sturggling too. I was trying to make sense of the various events

> involving courts, lawyers, etc -- is any of that still going on and

> stressing you out?

>

> I feel for you, and for the heartbreak and worry you must have gone

> through with Nick and the drugs. You've met people who are putting

> their own children on drugs, who are aware of what happened to

Nick,

> but will not listen to sense. I have met people like this on

internet

> forums. Sadly many of them will not listen to a word we say until

> they experience a tragedy of their own, or until the poisonous

nature

> of these drugs is finally revealed plainly to the general public.

>

> About the teaching . . . subbing may be what I end up having to

> choose, though why I haven't seen a single part-time English post

> advertised in the months I've been looking is mystifying -- if I'd

> been willing to work full time, spend all my time planning lessons

> and marking papers instead of being with my family, shooting my

> cortisol to hell, then hey presto I'd probably have a job by now.

> It's particularly frustrating because I've been depressed for 2 1/2

> years and I think that getting a job in my chosen profession is

> probably the only thing that's going to pull me out of it. It's

early

> days yet though, I'll keep looking. I'd be terrified to do subbing

> here to be honest. I've seen how students treat the subs. In the

> school where I worked as a teaching assistant last autumn the kids

> gave the subs absolute hell. They wouldn't do what they were asked

to

> do, just acted like a zoo. I don't want that. Really really not.

>

> I see you grew up in Scotland. (I grew up in Missouri and Nebraska,

> came to the UK 13 years ago.) May I ask where? My husband and I

love

> Scotland and go there when we can for holidays. We'd like to live

> there one day, but not near a city, which makes it kind of a pipe

> dream because cities are where the jobs are. I don't think either

of

> us is ready to re-train as a sheep farmer, LOL.

>

> Thanks again for the support, looking forward to chatting

>

> Take care,

> .

>

[Guest guest]

Have you considered teaching English to the Eastern European migrant

workers?

There is a fair demand for it here where I live in Northern Ireland

with many schools, especially those in the integrated sector offering

remedial English to children daytime & to parents in the evenings.

Poles in particular are keen to learn

>

> Hi Maggs,

>

> Thanks for the welcome. I hope you don't mind but I've been reading

> some of your old posts to see your " story " so that I didn't have to

> ask you to repeat it, probably for the 100th time. I am full of

> admiration for you and Nick and all the things you have been

through

> together.

>

> The impression I gathered was that he was doing well at school. You

> said he was having migraines but that sounded like the main

problem --

> has his condition worsened? It sounds like you and your husband

are

> sturggling too. I was trying to make sense of the various events

> involving courts, lawyers, etc -- is any of that still going on and

> stressing you out?

>

> I feel for you, and for the heartbreak and worry you must have gone

> through with Nick and the drugs. You've met people who are putting

> their own children on drugs, who are aware of what happened to

Nick,

> but will not listen to sense. I have met people like this on

internet

> forums. Sadly many of them will not listen to a word we say until

> they experience a tragedy of their own, or until the poisonous

nature

> of these drugs is finally revealed plainly to the general public.

>

> About the teaching . . . subbing may be what I end up having to

> choose, though why I haven't seen a single part-time English post

> advertised in the months I've been looking is mystifying -- if I'd

> been willing to work full time, spend all my time planning lessons

> and marking papers instead of being with my family, shooting my

> cortisol to hell, then hey presto I'd probably have a job by now.

> It's particularly frustrating because I've been depressed for 2 1/2

> years and I think that getting a job in my chosen profession is

> probably the only thing that's going to pull me out of it. It's

early

> days yet though, I'll keep looking. I'd be terrified to do subbing

> here to be honest. I've seen how students treat the subs. In the

> school where I worked as a teaching assistant last autumn the kids

> gave the subs absolute hell. They wouldn't do what they were asked

to

> do, just acted like a zoo. I don't want that. Really really not.

>

> I see you grew up in Scotland. (I grew up in Missouri and Nebraska,

> came to the UK 13 years ago.) May I ask where? My husband and I

love

> Scotland and go there when we can for holidays. We'd like to live

> there one day, but not near a city, which makes it kind of a pipe

> dream because cities are where the jobs are. I don't think either

of

> us is ready to re-train as a sheep farmer, LOL.

>

> Thanks again for the support, looking forward to chatting

>

> Take care,

> .

>

[Guest guest]

Have you considered teaching English to the Eastern European migrant

workers?

There is a fair demand for it here where I live in Northern Ireland

with many schools, especially those in the integrated sector offering

remedial English to children daytime & to parents in the evenings.

Poles in particular are keen to learn

>

> Hi Maggs,

>

> Thanks for the welcome. I hope you don't mind but I've been reading

> some of your old posts to see your " story " so that I didn't have to

> ask you to repeat it, probably for the 100th time. I am full of

> admiration for you and Nick and all the things you have been

through

> together.

>

> The impression I gathered was that he was doing well at school. You

> said he was having migraines but that sounded like the main

problem --

> has his condition worsened? It sounds like you and your husband

are

> sturggling too. I was trying to make sense of the various events

> involving courts, lawyers, etc -- is any of that still going on and

> stressing you out?

>

> I feel for you, and for the heartbreak and worry you must have gone

> through with Nick and the drugs. You've met people who are putting

> their own children on drugs, who are aware of what happened to

Nick,

> but will not listen to sense. I have met people like this on

internet

> forums. Sadly many of them will not listen to a word we say until

> they experience a tragedy of their own, or until the poisonous

nature

> of these drugs is finally revealed plainly to the general public.

>

> About the teaching . . . subbing may be what I end up having to

> choose, though why I haven't seen a single part-time English post

> advertised in the months I've been looking is mystifying -- if I'd

> been willing to work full time, spend all my time planning lessons

> and marking papers instead of being with my family, shooting my

> cortisol to hell, then hey presto I'd probably have a job by now.

> It's particularly frustrating because I've been depressed for 2 1/2

> years and I think that getting a job in my chosen profession is

> probably the only thing that's going to pull me out of it. It's

early

> days yet though, I'll keep looking. I'd be terrified to do subbing

> here to be honest. I've seen how students treat the subs. In the

> school where I worked as a teaching assistant last autumn the kids

> gave the subs absolute hell. They wouldn't do what they were asked

to

> do, just acted like a zoo. I don't want that. Really really not.

>

> I see you grew up in Scotland. (I grew up in Missouri and Nebraska,

> came to the UK 13 years ago.) May I ask where? My husband and I

love

> Scotland and go there when we can for holidays. We'd like to live

> there one day, but not near a city, which makes it kind of a pipe

> dream because cities are where the jobs are. I don't think either

of

> us is ready to re-train as a sheep farmer, LOL.

>

> Thanks again for the support, looking forward to chatting

>

> Take care,

> .

>

[Guest guest]

Good Luck with your surgery and rehab! I took a bunch of stuff to the

hospital (book, magazines, Ipod, computer) and ended up sending it

back home with my hubby. I just could not concentrate on outside

things. You will spend most of your time exercising,

resting,sleeping, visitors and hospital related activiites. etc. I

have heard others say this too. Let us know how you get along.

Marguerite

On Nov 11, 2007 2:55 AM, Guess <dina_wayne@...> wrote:

>

>

>

>

> Hi,

>

> I am having a tkr on november 27th, my question is what to pack for

> hospital and rehab and what should I advoid packing

> Thanks!

>

>

[Guest guest]

---I am 62 having total hip replacement same date in North

Carolina...will send positive energies your way. I just joined this

group and have many anxieties. trying to think positive.

>

> >

> >

> >

> > Hi,

> >

> > I am having a tkr on november 27th, my question is what to pack for

> > hospital and rehab and what should I advoid packing

> > Thanks!

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Pack bed clothes that are easy to get on

and off..no trouser pants!

I also took books and some hand sewing, but

didn’t touch them. I was too drowsy initially, then still couldn’t concentrate

on them afterwards. I just concentrated on my exercises, walking, and resting.

Light reading (eg a magazine) was enough for me.

Drink plenty of water and take some

medication for your bowels early on! The pain meds cause problems with your

bowels!

ne

No virus found in this outgoing message.

Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.29/1124 - Release Date: 11/11/2007 10:12 AM

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi,

>

> I am having a tkr on november 27th, my question is what to pack for

> hospital and rehab and what should I advoid packing

> Thanks!

> Hello,

I would just pack the basics.Toothbrush,toothpaste,comb,or

brush,deodorant.I had rhr on October 1st.Totally overpacked.Extra

clothes,robe,underwar,etc.I had family,friends bring in jewelry after

operation.Brought in cell phone upon admission..Nurses didn't mind me

using cell.Generally,felt like crap,drugged out for 3 days.For right

hip revisions pt is not required.Good luck to you on your tkr.

[Guest guest]

Sheila,

I have no help to offer in the area of autism in older girls/adults,

because my ASD daughter is 2. But I just wanted to say how horrible

I think it is that you were blamed by that doctor when your girls

were 3.5. I can't imagine just how awful that was - not only do you

know that something isn't right with the girls, but when you seek

help, you get the blame. Ugh. You poor thing - I'm just so sorry

you had to live with that.

I am soooo thankful that the medical community now recognizes that

autism is not caused by " refrigerator mothers " or anything parents

have done or not done. When my daughter was being diagnosed, I felt

awful enough, and I think if blame had been placed on me, it would

have pushed me over the edge.

Jeanne

>

> Greetings,

>

> I'm the mother of twin girls, 18, who have had a recent diagnosis

of

> autism (and prior diagnoses of Asperger's and PDD/NOS). Now that

we

> are finally being seen by our Regional Center, I would appreciate

> input as to what programs might be beneficial for older

kids/adults.

> Do any of you have any experiences for this age group?

>

> Let me give you a brief bio of our romp through the medical and

> educational communities.

>

> There were " soft signs of autism " from infancy. The girls didn't

> look in my face when nursing, didn't explore, and didn't always

turn

> towards their name or noise.

>

> When the girls were about 3.5 yrs old, we had them evaluated for

> autism (which turned out to be one of the worst experiences of my

> life). The doctor's diagnosis was that she didn't know what the

> problem was but it must be something that I was doing.

>

> At 8 yrs, one girl was seen by a psychiatrist who diagnosed

> PDD/NOS. She was the first one to say Prozac was the treatment (with

> no further suggestions). This was also my first round of talking to

> the school, where the special ed. teacher said that my daughters

> didn't have autism, it was purely behavioral, and there would be no

> place for school assistance. I didn't know enough to realize that I

> should start at the top of the educational chain rather than the

> bottom. I think this was the first time I contacted our regional

> center, but didn't make it past the receptionist. Since we didn't

> want to do Prozac, and the school wouldn't help, I was stymied.

>

> Age 9 -- diagnosis by development expert of twin symbiosis.

>

> Age 15 -- diagnosis of anxiety with underlying autism by

psychologist

> (who sent us to a different psychiatrist) and tried hypnosis.

>

> Age 16 -- evaluation by psychiatrist with diagnosis of Asperger's

> Syndrome or PDD/NOS. He, too, only suggested Prozac. This was when

> I also really really tried to get some help from the school

district,

> but they ended up just suggesting I go to our regional center (and

> also gave extra test time). There were no transition or other

> services available in our district. Of course, at our regional

> center, I didn't get past the telephone receptionist.

>

> Age 17 -- saw a different psychiatrist who seemed to agree with the

> last one, but without giving a complete evaluation. His only

program,

> also, was for medications.

>

>

> age 18 -- thorough evaluation by a psychologist at California

> Institute of Technology because the girls signed up to be research

> subjects for autism research the school is conducting. This was

> actually the best and most thorough evaluation they've had, and the

> diagnosis was autism (not Asperger's or PDD/NOS)

>

> age 18 -- meetings with local psychologist and physician (whom I

> met through TACA), both of whom said they thought a diagnosis of

> autism and not Asperger's would be correct and that I should be

seen

> by our regional center.

>

> age 18 -- finally fought my way past the TCRC receptionist (who once

> again said that if there were no academic difficulties, then it

> wasn't a TCRC problem) and was given an intake appointment. Last

month

> we had the psychological evaluation and the diagnosis was autism

> with the suggestion of TCRC assistance (with the evaluator

wondering

> why we hadn't applied before -- ARRGGHH). So, now, 15 years after I

> first tried to get help for what I was sure from my own research

> would be considered something on the autism spectrum, I think we

> might be getting somewhere (if I continue to push and know what to

> push for!) Do I regret having lost 15 years of help? YES!

>

> Your input is appreciated.

>

> Sheila

>

[Guest guest]

Sheila,

I have no help to offer in the area of autism in older girls/adults,

because my ASD daughter is 2. But I just wanted to say how horrible

I think it is that you were blamed by that doctor when your girls

were 3.5. I can't imagine just how awful that was - not only do you

know that something isn't right with the girls, but when you seek

help, you get the blame. Ugh. You poor thing - I'm just so sorry

you had to live with that.

I am soooo thankful that the medical community now recognizes that

autism is not caused by " refrigerator mothers " or anything parents

have done or not done. When my daughter was being diagnosed, I felt

awful enough, and I think if blame had been placed on me, it would

have pushed me over the edge.

Jeanne

>

> Greetings,

>

> I'm the mother of twin girls, 18, who have had a recent diagnosis

of

> autism (and prior diagnoses of Asperger's and PDD/NOS). Now that

we

> are finally being seen by our Regional Center, I would appreciate

> input as to what programs might be beneficial for older

kids/adults.

> Do any of you have any experiences for this age group?

>

> Let me give you a brief bio of our romp through the medical and

> educational communities.

>

> There were " soft signs of autism " from infancy. The girls didn't

> look in my face when nursing, didn't explore, and didn't always

turn

> towards their name or noise.

>

> When the girls were about 3.5 yrs old, we had them evaluated for

> autism (which turned out to be one of the worst experiences of my

> life). The doctor's diagnosis was that she didn't know what the

> problem was but it must be something that I was doing.

>

> At 8 yrs, one girl was seen by a psychiatrist who diagnosed

> PDD/NOS. She was the first one to say Prozac was the treatment (with

> no further suggestions). This was also my first round of talking to

> the school, where the special ed. teacher said that my daughters

> didn't have autism, it was purely behavioral, and there would be no

> place for school assistance. I didn't know enough to realize that I

> should start at the top of the educational chain rather than the

> bottom. I think this was the first time I contacted our regional

> center, but didn't make it past the receptionist. Since we didn't

> want to do Prozac, and the school wouldn't help, I was stymied.

>

> Age 9 -- diagnosis by development expert of twin symbiosis.

>

> Age 15 -- diagnosis of anxiety with underlying autism by

psychologist

> (who sent us to a different psychiatrist) and tried hypnosis.

>

> Age 16 -- evaluation by psychiatrist with diagnosis of Asperger's

> Syndrome or PDD/NOS. He, too, only suggested Prozac. This was when

> I also really really tried to get some help from the school

district,

> but they ended up just suggesting I go to our regional center (and

> also gave extra test time). There were no transition or other

> services available in our district. Of course, at our regional

> center, I didn't get past the telephone receptionist.

>

> Age 17 -- saw a different psychiatrist who seemed to agree with the

> last one, but without giving a complete evaluation. His only

program,

> also, was for medications.

>

>

> age 18 -- thorough evaluation by a psychologist at California

> Institute of Technology because the girls signed up to be research

> subjects for autism research the school is conducting. This was

> actually the best and most thorough evaluation they've had, and the

> diagnosis was autism (not Asperger's or PDD/NOS)

>

> age 18 -- meetings with local psychologist and physician (whom I

> met through TACA), both of whom said they thought a diagnosis of

> autism and not Asperger's would be correct and that I should be

seen

> by our regional center.

>

> age 18 -- finally fought my way past the TCRC receptionist (who once

> again said that if there were no academic difficulties, then it

> wasn't a TCRC problem) and was given an intake appointment. Last

month

> we had the psychological evaluation and the diagnosis was autism

> with the suggestion of TCRC assistance (with the evaluator

wondering

> why we hadn't applied before -- ARRGGHH). So, now, 15 years after I

> first tried to get help for what I was sure from my own research

> would be considered something on the autism spectrum, I think we

> might be getting somewhere (if I continue to push and know what to

> push for!) Do I regret having lost 15 years of help? YES!

>

> Your input is appreciated.

>

> Sheila

>

[Guest guest]

Sheila,

I have no help to offer in the area of autism in older girls/adults,

because my ASD daughter is 2. But I just wanted to say how horrible

I think it is that you were blamed by that doctor when your girls

were 3.5. I can't imagine just how awful that was - not only do you

know that something isn't right with the girls, but when you seek

help, you get the blame. Ugh. You poor thing - I'm just so sorry

you had to live with that.

I am soooo thankful that the medical community now recognizes that

autism is not caused by " refrigerator mothers " or anything parents

have done or not done. When my daughter was being diagnosed, I felt

awful enough, and I think if blame had been placed on me, it would

have pushed me over the edge.

Jeanne

>

> Greetings,

>

> I'm the mother of twin girls, 18, who have had a recent diagnosis

of

> autism (and prior diagnoses of Asperger's and PDD/NOS). Now that

we

> are finally being seen by our Regional Center, I would appreciate

> input as to what programs might be beneficial for older

kids/adults.

> Do any of you have any experiences for this age group?

>

> Let me give you a brief bio of our romp through the medical and

> educational communities.

>

> There were " soft signs of autism " from infancy. The girls didn't

> look in my face when nursing, didn't explore, and didn't always

turn

> towards their name or noise.

>

> When the girls were about 3.5 yrs old, we had them evaluated for

> autism (which turned out to be one of the worst experiences of my

> life). The doctor's diagnosis was that she didn't know what the

> problem was but it must be something that I was doing.

>

> At 8 yrs, one girl was seen by a psychiatrist who diagnosed

> PDD/NOS. She was the first one to say Prozac was the treatment (with

> no further suggestions). This was also my first round of talking to

> the school, where the special ed. teacher said that my daughters

> didn't have autism, it was purely behavioral, and there would be no

> place for school assistance. I didn't know enough to realize that I

> should start at the top of the educational chain rather than the

> bottom. I think this was the first time I contacted our regional

> center, but didn't make it past the receptionist. Since we didn't

> want to do Prozac, and the school wouldn't help, I was stymied.

>

> Age 9 -- diagnosis by development expert of twin symbiosis.

>

> Age 15 -- diagnosis of anxiety with underlying autism by

psychologist

> (who sent us to a different psychiatrist) and tried hypnosis.

>

> Age 16 -- evaluation by psychiatrist with diagnosis of Asperger's

> Syndrome or PDD/NOS. He, too, only suggested Prozac. This was when

> I also really really tried to get some help from the school

district,

> but they ended up just suggesting I go to our regional center (and

> also gave extra test time). There were no transition or other

> services available in our district. Of course, at our regional

> center, I didn't get past the telephone receptionist.

>

> Age 17 -- saw a different psychiatrist who seemed to agree with the

> last one, but without giving a complete evaluation. His only

program,

> also, was for medications.

>

>

> age 18 -- thorough evaluation by a psychologist at California

> Institute of Technology because the girls signed up to be research

> subjects for autism research the school is conducting. This was

> actually the best and most thorough evaluation they've had, and the

> diagnosis was autism (not Asperger's or PDD/NOS)

>

> age 18 -- meetings with local psychologist and physician (whom I

> met through TACA), both of whom said they thought a diagnosis of

> autism and not Asperger's would be correct and that I should be

seen

> by our regional center.

>

> age 18 -- finally fought my way past the TCRC receptionist (who once

> again said that if there were no academic difficulties, then it

> wasn't a TCRC problem) and was given an intake appointment. Last

month

> we had the psychological evaluation and the diagnosis was autism

> with the suggestion of TCRC assistance (with the evaluator

wondering

> why we hadn't applied before -- ARRGGHH). So, now, 15 years after I

> first tried to get help for what I was sure from my own research

> would be considered something on the autism spectrum, I think we

> might be getting somewhere (if I continue to push and know what to

> push for!) Do I regret having lost 15 years of help? YES!

>

> Your input is appreciated.

>

> Sheila

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Sheila and welcome to the board! God bless you! You're a strong

woman! So many women would have given up after the first diagnosis,

said " Okay, this is what's wrong with my kids, thank God it wasn't

autism like I thought it was. " and gone about their lives. You're

one to be admired because you knew in your heart, mind, body and soul

what your girls had and you fought till you got the diagnosis to get

them the services they need.

I have two autistic kids, one 11 and my baby just turned 3

yesterday. I also have an older sister that is mentally handicapped

and an older brother that is autistic and mentally handicapped but

higher functioning than my sister....so I've been in this for a while

and will be in it for even longer than that!

With your girls having the diagnosis of autism and them being over

18, your girls should now qualify for state medical insurance,

habilitation services, attendant care services, respite hours (all

through the state) and possibly SSI money (through federal).

There are also all kinds of activities in the community in which you

can get them involved. Check out your city parks and recreational

centers to see what they offer. I know that we have a monthly dance

for mentally disabled adults. They also have a 3-day retreat twice a

year where they go up to a ranch that they rent out and take all of

the " kids " horse back riding and sit around a camp fire and they have

a BLAST!

I'm not sure if this information helps you at all or if it's what you

were looking for but I wish you and the twins all the best!

>

> Greetings,

>

> I'm the mother of twin girls, 18, who have had a recent diagnosis

of

> autism (and prior diagnoses of Asperger's and PDD/NOS). Now that

we

> are finally being seen by our Regional Center, I would appreciate

> input as to what programs might be beneficial for older

kids/adults.

> Do any of you have any experiences for this age group?

>

> Let me give you a brief bio of our romp through the medical and

> educational communities.

>

> There were " soft signs of autism " from infancy. The girls didn't

> look in my face when nursing, didn't explore, and didn't always

turn

> towards their name or noise.

>

> When the girls were about 3.5 yrs old, we had them evaluated for

> autism (which turned out to be one of the worst experiences of my

> life). The doctor's diagnosis was that she didn't know what the

> problem was but it must be something that I was doing.

>

> At 8 yrs, one girl was seen by a psychiatrist who diagnosed

> PDD/NOS. She was the first one to say Prozac was the treatment (with

> no further suggestions). This was also my first round of talking to

> the school, where the special ed. teacher said that my daughters

> didn't have autism, it was purely behavioral, and there would be no

> place for school assistance. I didn't know enough to realize that I

> should start at the top of the educational chain rather than the

> bottom. I think this was the first time I contacted our regional

> center, but didn't make it past the receptionist. Since we didn't

> want to do Prozac, and the school wouldn't help, I was stymied.

>

> Age 9 -- diagnosis by development expert of twin symbiosis.

>

> Age 15 -- diagnosis of anxiety with underlying autism by

psychologist

> (who sent us to a different psychiatrist) and tried hypnosis.

>

> Age 16 -- evaluation by psychiatrist with diagnosis of Asperger's

> Syndrome or PDD/NOS. He, too, only suggested Prozac. This was when

> I also really really tried to get some help from the school

district,

> but they ended up just suggesting I go to our regional center (and

> also gave extra test time). There were no transition or other

> services available in our district. Of course, at our regional

> center, I didn't get past the telephone receptionist.

>

> Age 17 -- saw a different psychiatrist who seemed to agree with the

> last one, but without giving a complete evaluation. His only

program,

> also, was for medications.

>

>

> age 18 -- thorough evaluation by a psychologist at California

> Institute of Technology because the girls signed up to be research

> subjects for autism research the school is conducting. This was

> actually the best and most thorough evaluation they've had, and the

> diagnosis was autism (not Asperger's or PDD/NOS)

>

> age 18 -- meetings with local psychologist and physician (whom I

> met through TACA), both of whom said they thought a diagnosis of

> autism and not Asperger's would be correct and that I should be

seen

> by our regional center.

>

> age 18 -- finally fought my way past the TCRC receptionist (who once

> again said that if there were no academic difficulties, then it

> wasn't a TCRC problem) and was given an intake appointment. Last

month

> we had the psychological evaluation and the diagnosis was autism

> with the suggestion of TCRC assistance (with the evaluator

wondering

> why we hadn't applied before -- ARRGGHH). So, now, 15 years after I

> first tried to get help for what I was sure from my own research

> would be considered something on the autism spectrum, I think we

> might be getting somewhere (if I continue to push and know what to

> push for!) Do I regret having lost 15 years of help? YES!

>

> Your input is appreciated.

>

> Sheila

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Sheila and welcome to the board! God bless you! You're a strong

woman! So many women would have given up after the first diagnosis,

said " Okay, this is what's wrong with my kids, thank God it wasn't

autism like I thought it was. " and gone about their lives. You're

one to be admired because you knew in your heart, mind, body and soul

what your girls had and you fought till you got the diagnosis to get

them the services they need.

I have two autistic kids, one 11 and my baby just turned 3

yesterday. I also have an older sister that is mentally handicapped

and an older brother that is autistic and mentally handicapped but

higher functioning than my sister....so I've been in this for a while

and will be in it for even longer than that!

With your girls having the diagnosis of autism and them being over

18, your girls should now qualify for state medical insurance,

habilitation services, attendant care services, respite hours (all

through the state) and possibly SSI money (through federal).

There are also all kinds of activities in the community in which you

can get them involved. Check out your city parks and recreational

centers to see what they offer. I know that we have a monthly dance

for mentally disabled adults. They also have a 3-day retreat twice a

year where they go up to a ranch that they rent out and take all of

the " kids " horse back riding and sit around a camp fire and they have

a BLAST!

I'm not sure if this information helps you at all or if it's what you

were looking for but I wish you and the twins all the best!

>

> Greetings,

>

> I'm the mother of twin girls, 18, who have had a recent diagnosis

of

> autism (and prior diagnoses of Asperger's and PDD/NOS). Now that

we

> are finally being seen by our Regional Center, I would appreciate

> input as to what programs might be beneficial for older

kids/adults.

> Do any of you have any experiences for this age group?

>

> Let me give you a brief bio of our romp through the medical and

> educational communities.

>

> There were " soft signs of autism " from infancy. The girls didn't

> look in my face when nursing, didn't explore, and didn't always

turn

> towards their name or noise.

>

> When the girls were about 3.5 yrs old, we had them evaluated for

> autism (which turned out to be one of the worst experiences of my

> life). The doctor's diagnosis was that she didn't know what the

> problem was but it must be something that I was doing.

>

> At 8 yrs, one girl was seen by a psychiatrist who diagnosed

> PDD/NOS. She was the first one to say Prozac was the treatment (with

> no further suggestions). This was also my first round of talking to

> the school, where the special ed. teacher said that my daughters

> didn't have autism, it was purely behavioral, and there would be no

> place for school assistance. I didn't know enough to realize that I

> should start at the top of the educational chain rather than the

> bottom. I think this was the first time I contacted our regional

> center, but didn't make it past the receptionist. Since we didn't

> want to do Prozac, and the school wouldn't help, I was stymied.

>

> Age 9 -- diagnosis by development expert of twin symbiosis.

>

> Age 15 -- diagnosis of anxiety with underlying autism by

psychologist

> (who sent us to a different psychiatrist) and tried hypnosis.

>

> Age 16 -- evaluation by psychiatrist with diagnosis of Asperger's

> Syndrome or PDD/NOS. He, too, only suggested Prozac. This was when

> I also really really tried to get some help from the school

district,

> but they ended up just suggesting I go to our regional center (and

> also gave extra test time). There were no transition or other

> services available in our district. Of course, at our regional

> center, I didn't get past the telephone receptionist.

>

> Age 17 -- saw a different psychiatrist who seemed to agree with the

> last one, but without giving a complete evaluation. His only

program,

> also, was for medications.

>

>

> age 18 -- thorough evaluation by a psychologist at California

> Institute of Technology because the girls signed up to be research

> subjects for autism research the school is conducting. This was

> actually the best and most thorough evaluation they've had, and the

> diagnosis was autism (not Asperger's or PDD/NOS)

>

> age 18 -- meetings with local psychologist and physician (whom I

> met through TACA), both of whom said they thought a diagnosis of

> autism and not Asperger's would be correct and that I should be

seen

> by our regional center.

>

> age 18 -- finally fought my way past the TCRC receptionist (who once

> again said that if there were no academic difficulties, then it

> wasn't a TCRC problem) and was given an intake appointment. Last

month

> we had the psychological evaluation and the diagnosis was autism

> with the suggestion of TCRC assistance (with the evaluator

wondering

> why we hadn't applied before -- ARRGGHH). So, now, 15 years after I

> first tried to get help for what I was sure from my own research

> would be considered something on the autism spectrum, I think we

> might be getting somewhere (if I continue to push and know what to

> push for!) Do I regret having lost 15 years of help? YES!

>

> Your input is appreciated.

>

> Sheila

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Sheila and welcome to the board! God bless you! You're a strong

woman! So many women would have given up after the first diagnosis,

said " Okay, this is what's wrong with my kids, thank God it wasn't

autism like I thought it was. " and gone about their lives. You're

one to be admired because you knew in your heart, mind, body and soul

what your girls had and you fought till you got the diagnosis to get

them the services they need.

I have two autistic kids, one 11 and my baby just turned 3

yesterday. I also have an older sister that is mentally handicapped

and an older brother that is autistic and mentally handicapped but

higher functioning than my sister....so I've been in this for a while

and will be in it for even longer than that!

With your girls having the diagnosis of autism and them being over

18, your girls should now qualify for state medical insurance,

habilitation services, attendant care services, respite hours (all

through the state) and possibly SSI money (through federal).

There are also all kinds of activities in the community in which you

can get them involved. Check out your city parks and recreational

centers to see what they offer. I know that we have a monthly dance

for mentally disabled adults. They also have a 3-day retreat twice a

year where they go up to a ranch that they rent out and take all of

the " kids " horse back riding and sit around a camp fire and they have

a BLAST!

I'm not sure if this information helps you at all or if it's what you

were looking for but I wish you and the twins all the best!

>

> Greetings,

>

> I'm the mother of twin girls, 18, who have had a recent diagnosis

of

> autism (and prior diagnoses of Asperger's and PDD/NOS). Now that

we

> are finally being seen by our Regional Center, I would appreciate

> input as to what programs might be beneficial for older

kids/adults.

> Do any of you have any experiences for this age group?

>

> Let me give you a brief bio of our romp through the medical and

> educational communities.

>

> There were " soft signs of autism " from infancy. The girls didn't

> look in my face when nursing, didn't explore, and didn't always

turn

> towards their name or noise.

>

> When the girls were about 3.5 yrs old, we had them evaluated for

> autism (which turned out to be one of the worst experiences of my

> life). The doctor's diagnosis was that she didn't know what the

> problem was but it must be something that I was doing.

>

> At 8 yrs, one girl was seen by a psychiatrist who diagnosed

> PDD/NOS. She was the first one to say Prozac was the treatment (with

> no further suggestions). This was also my first round of talking to

> the school, where the special ed. teacher said that my daughters

> didn't have autism, it was purely behavioral, and there would be no

> place for school assistance. I didn't know enough to realize that I

> should start at the top of the educational chain rather than the

> bottom. I think this was the first time I contacted our regional

> center, but didn't make it past the receptionist. Since we didn't

> want to do Prozac, and the school wouldn't help, I was stymied.

>

> Age 9 -- diagnosis by development expert of twin symbiosis.

>

> Age 15 -- diagnosis of anxiety with underlying autism by

psychologist

> (who sent us to a different psychiatrist) and tried hypnosis.

>

> Age 16 -- evaluation by psychiatrist with diagnosis of Asperger's

> Syndrome or PDD/NOS. He, too, only suggested Prozac. This was when

> I also really really tried to get some help from the school

district,

> but they ended up just suggesting I go to our regional center (and

> also gave extra test time). There were no transition or other

> services available in our district. Of course, at our regional

> center, I didn't get past the telephone receptionist.

>

> Age 17 -- saw a different psychiatrist who seemed to agree with the

> last one, but without giving a complete evaluation. His only

program,

> also, was for medications.

>

>

> age 18 -- thorough evaluation by a psychologist at California

> Institute of Technology because the girls signed up to be research

> subjects for autism research the school is conducting. This was

> actually the best and most thorough evaluation they've had, and the

> diagnosis was autism (not Asperger's or PDD/NOS)

>

> age 18 -- meetings with local psychologist and physician (whom I

> met through TACA), both of whom said they thought a diagnosis of

> autism and not Asperger's would be correct and that I should be

seen

> by our regional center.

>

> age 18 -- finally fought my way past the TCRC receptionist (who once

> again said that if there were no academic difficulties, then it

> wasn't a TCRC problem) and was given an intake appointment. Last

month

> we had the psychological evaluation and the diagnosis was autism

> with the suggestion of TCRC assistance (with the evaluator

wondering

> why we hadn't applied before -- ARRGGHH). So, now, 15 years after I

> first tried to get help for what I was sure from my own research

> would be considered something on the autism spectrum, I think we

> might be getting somewhere (if I continue to push and know what to

> push for!) Do I regret having lost 15 years of help? YES!

>

> Your input is appreciated.

>

> Sheila

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Looks like you're dealing with multiple layers of assistance-needing-

folks! Power and strength to you!

I have yet to find out just what is offered in my community as we

haven't qualified for ANYTHING up to now, but my regional center says

that probably all they'll be able to do is offer a social skills

group if anything can be found for my daughters' age group. I want

more. I think that an ABA type program or RDI program still stands a

chance of helping, but I would love to hear from folks who have

actually tried similar programs at this late date.

My daughters did not relate well to the handicapped meetings I

brought them to a couple of times in the past. They enjoyed the

crafts, but not the people.

Their one major interest in life is swing dancing. I am trying to

use that to be the wedge to break into other areas. Since this is

certainly a social activity, I'm trying to get help fast enough to

capitilize on this interest and help my daughters learn to interact

in a positive way that encourages other people to view them as dance

partners, and hopefully, friends.

My problem is that at this age, a parent's role becomes different and

my advice isn't necessarily what my daughters want to hear. I've got

to find an advisor who is familiar with autism that can take my

place. We tried one psychologist, but the responses she was drilling

just made her students sound like trite executives. Ah well.

Thanks,

Sheila

> There are also all kinds of activities in the community in which

you

> can get them involved. Check out your city parks and recreational

> centers to see what they offer. I know that we have a monthly

dance

> for mentally disabled adults. They also have a 3-day retreat twice

a

> year where they go up to a ranch that they rent out and take all of

> the " kids " horse back riding and sit around a camp fire and they

have

> a BLAST!

>

> I'm not sure if this information helps you at all or if it's what

you

> were looking for but I wish you and the twins all the best!

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Looks like you're dealing with multiple layers of assistance-needing-

folks! Power and strength to you!

I have yet to find out just what is offered in my community as we

haven't qualified for ANYTHING up to now, but my regional center says

that probably all they'll be able to do is offer a social skills

group if anything can be found for my daughters' age group. I want

more. I think that an ABA type program or RDI program still stands a

chance of helping, but I would love to hear from folks who have

actually tried similar programs at this late date.

My daughters did not relate well to the handicapped meetings I

brought them to a couple of times in the past. They enjoyed the

crafts, but not the people.

Their one major interest in life is swing dancing. I am trying to

use that to be the wedge to break into other areas. Since this is

certainly a social activity, I'm trying to get help fast enough to

capitilize on this interest and help my daughters learn to interact

in a positive way that encourages other people to view them as dance

partners, and hopefully, friends.

My problem is that at this age, a parent's role becomes different and

my advice isn't necessarily what my daughters want to hear. I've got

to find an advisor who is familiar with autism that can take my

place. We tried one psychologist, but the responses she was drilling

just made her students sound like trite executives. Ah well.

Thanks,

Sheila

> There are also all kinds of activities in the community in which

you

> can get them involved. Check out your city parks and recreational

> centers to see what they offer. I know that we have a monthly

dance

> for mentally disabled adults. They also have a 3-day retreat twice

a

> year where they go up to a ranch that they rent out and take all of

> the " kids " horse back riding and sit around a camp fire and they

have

> a BLAST!

>

> I'm not sure if this information helps you at all or if it's what

you

> were looking for but I wish you and the twins all the best!

>

>

>

>