April is Autism Awarness Month

[BluKitten]

What Is Autism? What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. They include autistic disorder, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome. With the May 2013 publication of the new DSM-5 diagnostic manual, these autism subtypes will be merged into one umbrella diagnosis of ASD.

ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art.

Autism appears to have its roots in very early brain development. However, the most obvious signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between 2 and 3 years of age. Autism Speaks continues to fund research on effective methods for earlier diagnosis, as early intervention with proven behavioral therapies can improve outcomes. Increasing autism awareness is a key aspect of this work and one in which our families and volunteers play an invaluable role. Learn more …http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism

 

[BluKitten]

I started this because I have a nephew who is autistic and my son has Asperger's Syndrome. I know there are people, on this site, who have or know children or know adults who are on the spectrum. If you don't, please take a few moments to learn what Autism is all about!

 

[BluKitten]

There are three main types of autism spectrum disorder, and two rare, severe autistic-like conditions:

• Asperger's syndrome
  
• Pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)
  
• Autistic disorder
  
  [*] Rett syndrome
  
  [*] Childhood disintegrative disorder

 

[perkyT]

 

[BluKitten]

So, will you wear blue for me, please?

 

[MaxSmith]

Until my cousin's son was diagnosed, I did not realize how much I didn't know about Autism n or just how varied the symptoms can be from individual to individual.

Thanks for helping spread awareness..

 

[simpletimes]

Today is my grand daughter's (squeak) 11th birthday, she was diagnosed with aspergers when she was 5, spread the blue.

 

[perkyT]

So, will you wear blue for me, please?

Of course! For you & everyone affected by autism!




This is for you...

 

[BluKitten]

Until my cousin's son was diagnosed, I did not realize how much I didn't know about Autism n or just how varied the symptoms can be from individual to individual.

Thanks for helping spread awareness..

Thank you for checking out the thread! I will be posting more about the different disorders of the spectrum each day, along with other websites, should you want to learn more!

Today is my grand daughter's (squeak) 11th birthday, she was diagnosed with aspergers when she was 5, spread the blue.

Happy Birthday to your grand daughter! My son is also 11 and was diagnosed at the same age as your grand daughter.

I think the hardest part for them is that it's a disability that no one can see!

 

[BluKitten]

Of course! For you & everyone affected by autism!




This is for you...

You are just too sweet! I am giving you (((((HUGS))))) & !

 

[simpletimes]

Thank you for checking out the thread! I will be posting more about the different disorders of the spectrum each day, along with other websites, should you want to learn more!


Happy Birthday to your grand daughter! My son is also 11 and was diagnosed at the same age as your grand daughter.

I think the hardest part for them is that it's a disability that no one can see!

Yes indeed, but when they focus on something, that thing will by gosh get done. I love all the awareness of the last few years, it has helped her so much.

 

[BluKitten]

 

[Holdingaturn]

.............

 

[Holdingaturn]

.............

 

[BluKitten]

Hey Blue....Nice thread. All of you out there who assume a child is misbehaving due to bad parenting or just being unruly, take a step back for a moment in that sometimes it is niether but much deeper rooted. Nothing makes me more angry than hearing an under the breath comments or receiving dirty looks re my wee one's behavior. Some days we are holding on by the skin of our teeth and comments like that from those who don't understand can take away weeks and months worth of progress...I always think...if they only knew the pain, struggles we go through on a daily/hourly basis they would be ashamed of "THEIR" behavior. More often than not...we hold our heads high and try to set the best example for our kids as we possibly can....as much as I would love to embarrass and humiliate them.

Although, a recent experience in a grocery store was a silent victory in that my wee one was being extra ordinarily loud while in line at the checkout. I kept trying to calm him down to quiet him, the woman in line who was in front of us had the stones to ask me if I quiet my child down because she coudln't keep track of her coupons. My little man looked up at her and said in the most serious voice..."I'm sorry for being loud. I can't always control it because I have super powers of being autistic." The woman put her hand over her mouth and could have climbed under her cart. As we were leaving the store she flagged me down while going to our car and appologized up and down and told me she was ashamed of her actions. I kindly smiled and told her...perhaps the next time you will look at things from a different view.

They are our gifts of patience.

I know what you mean about the struggle. Recently, I bought my son a t-shirt that says, "I have Asperger's Syndrome. What's your excuse?" He wears it proudly.

I don't know what it is about grocery stores, but my son goes into stimulus overload in them. He absolutely has a very hard time controlling his actions and behavior, in them. I think it might have something to do with the high electronic frequency in the stores. As soon as we leave, he is fine!

 

[starrynightin64]

Proud of you BK...

This is a great way to learn more, get support, talk and maybe find what helps with different kids & different situations.

 

[OX2]

Great thread Blu. I have a friend in Wisconsin that has two Autistic Sons. She has worked hard with Iron lung, decompression therapy. She's a nurse and started a foundation, only to see it over taken by corporate big wigs. She saw great improvements with the therapy.

 

[Holdingaturn]

.............

 

[RubenesqueAphrodite]

I have Tourette's and am a generally classic ADHD/ Reactionary case study.

In the fifth grade during quiet time, I had put my head on my desk and proceeded to bang it on my arms, as that was my preferred method of self-soothing. When quiet time was over, I looked up to see everyone in the class banging their heads and witnessed the teacher going around telling everyone quietly to copy what I was doing. I knew that's what she was doing because she was leaning down, whispering then pointing at me. I was terribly upset, and she just said, "Stop acting like a fool then."

I went on to attend boarding school and graduated Valedictorian, performed in school plays, church choir, etc.

AT this point, my tics were becoming a social issue ( I mean who wants to date someone who has the occasional twitch? ) So, we decided to go tot a specialist to see if there were meds available other than Haldol..I mean, I was going to college, after all and I didn't want to be a vegetable zombie in class..

After the intake remember the neurologist telling me he was surprised I had excelled as much as I had, and asked me if I would be interested in donating my brain to research after I died.

I was 17. That was when the depression set in, and then ensued the battle with getting medication that would would counteract the depression without overstimulating the tics and my tendency to react before thinking. They call it underdeveloped frontal lobe...

*whistles* Mix all that in with the crap that girls/women go through hormonally and I was pretty much a walking land mine. If it weren't for my super-patient father...wow.

For the longest time, I did not want to have children because I was afraid that I would pass on more than just my quirks and good looks (rimshot) So, when I did have children, and now know that I did pass on something less than desirable. I have a tough time dealing with it.

Having said that, I know exactly what goes through people's heads when they see unruliness, lack of control, what have you, because I have lived it. I've experienced first hand the "looks" and despite advances in research and society in general, ignorance ABOUNDS. I can't stand it when my child can not control his anger, his actions, his inability to focus. But, I know what he's going trough.

I also know that he's not stupid, willingly misbehaved, or violent. He's one of the sweetest children when he has those moments ("Mommy, I'm sorry your head hurts. I picked some peppermint and made you some tea.") He's bright, funny, talented, and everything a mother could hope to be proud of... he's just a handful....like his mom .

Hehe... if the people who say things only realized how much self-control I expend to not physically dismember them when they open their mouths, then they may realize just how strong we truly are as a subset of Homo sapiens...

My hugs, EMPATHY, and love to all who live with these types of challenging, but oh so rewarding individuals.

 

[BluKitten]

I have Tourette's and am a generally classic ADHD/ Reactionary case study.

In the fifth grade during quiet time, I had put my head on my desk and proceeded to bang it on my arms, as that was my preferred method of self-soothing. When quiet time was over, I looked up to see everyone in the class banging their heads and witnessed the teacher going around telling everyone quietly to copy what I was doing. I knew that's what she was doing because she was leaning down, whispering then pointing at me. I was terribly upset, and she just said, "Stop acting like a fool then."

I went on to attend boarding school and graduated Valedictorian, performed in school plays, church choir, etc.

AT this point, my tics were becoming a social issue ( I mean who wants to date someone who has the occasional twitch? ) So, we decided to go tot a specialist to see if there were meds available other than Haldol..I mean, I was going to college, after all and I didn't want to be a vegetable zombie in class..

After the intake remember the neurologist telling me he was surprised I had excelled as much as I had, and asked me if I would be interested in donating my brain to research after I died.

I was 17. That was when the depression set in, and then ensued the battle with getting medication that would would counteract the depression without overstimulating the tics and my tendency to react before thinking. They call it underdeveloped frontal lobe...

*whistles* Mix all that in with the crap that girls/women go through hormonally and I was pretty much a walking land mine. If it weren't for my super-patient father...wow.

For the longest time, I did not want to have children because I was afraid that I would pass on more than just my quirks and good looks (rimshot) So, when I did have children, and now know that I did pass on something less than desirable. I have a tough time dealing with it.

Having said that, I know exactly what goes through people's heads when they see unruliness, lack of control, what have you, because I have lived it. I've experienced first hand the "looks" and despite advances in research and society in general, ignorance ABOUNDS. I can't stand it when my child can not control his anger, his actions, his inability to focus. But, I know what he's going trough.

I also know that he's not stupid, willingly misbehaved, or violent. He's one of the sweetest children when he has those moments ("Mommy, I'm sorry your head hurts. I picked some peppermint and made you some tea.") He's bright, funny, talented, and everything a mother could hope to be proud of... he's just a handful....like his mom .

Hehe... if the people who say things only realized how much self-control I expend to not physically dismember them when they open their mouths, then they may realize just how strong we truly are as a subset of Homo sapiens...

My hugs, EMPATHY, and love to all who live with these types of challenging, but oh so rewarding individuals.

With the Asperger's my son has a bit of Tourette's as well. When he is speaking he will repeat part of a sentence over and over, like a record with a scratch, then he'll continue on. He use to get made fun of, until the teacher explained to the class what Asperger's was all about.

 

[Shagly]

Great thread to learn from.

There is a lot of research & development going into developmental disorders, I was skimming some of them in psychology classes when taking nursing.

There is only so much time in 1 semester to cover a vast wealth of human development.

A few disorders are also due to starting genetically.

 

[BluKitten]

Great thread to learn from.

There is a lot of research & development going into developmental disorders, I was skimming some of them in psychology classes when taking nursing.

There is only so much time in 1 semester to cover a vast wealth of human development.

A few disorders are also due to starting genetically.

My younger sister has a Master's Degree in Special Education. But, she is going on to get her certification to teach ASD children. She doesn't like to think of the kids as having developmental disorder, but more being enhanced developmentally.

 

[Stryderthorongil]

Hey Blue....Nice thread. All of you out there who assume a child is misbehaving due to bad parenting or just being unruly, take a step back for a moment in that sometimes it is niether but much deeper rooted. Nothing makes me more angry than hearing an under the breath comments or receiving dirty looks re my wee one's behavior. Some days we are holding on by the skin of our teeth and comments like that from those who don't understand can take away weeks and months worth of progress...I always think...if they only knew the pain, struggles we go through on a daily/hourly basis they would be ashamed of "THEIR" behavior. More often than not...we hold our heads high and try to set the best example for our kids as we possibly can....as much as I would love to embarrass and humiliate them.

Although, a recent experience in a grocery store was a silent victory in that my wee one was being extra ordinarily loud while in line at the checkout. I kept trying to calm him down to quiet him, the woman in line who was in front of us had the stones to ask me if I quiet my child down because she coudln't keep track of her coupons. My little man looked up at her and said in the most serious voice..."I'm sorry for being loud. I can't always control it because I have super powers of being autistic." The woman put her hand over her mouth and could have climbed under her cart. As we were leaving the store she flagged me down while going to our car and appologized up and down and told me she was ashamed of her actions. I kindly smiled and told her...perhaps the next time you will look at things from a different view.

They are our gifts of patience.

I adore your son. What a perfect thing to say. I have an autistic son and we have experienced all the nastiness of others. It has been an adventure, but there are many small victories. They are worth it. He has opened my eyes to many things, of which I am grateful.

 

[heartlessbytch]

HUGS Blu

My granddaughter has aspergers she was diagnosed just before her 5th birthday, she is the most amazing child. She will be 7 tomorrow.

Thanks for bringing the awareness to everyone here. I wish only the best for you and your son in all of life challenges.

 

[BluKitten]

I adore your son. What a perfect thing to say. I have an autistic son and we have experienced all the nastiness of others. It has been an adventure, but there are many small victories. They are worth it. He has opened my eyes to many things, of which I am grateful.

Love, patience and understanding are the best medicine you can give a child on the spectrum.