Thursday, December 30, 2010
My "Tales" are just beginning and I'm learning as I go. I have a 7 year old daughter and a 3 year old son.
Back in October both of my kids were tested for Asperger Syndrome. What caused me to seek out testing for them was actually because of my daughter. She has been doing Neurofeedback therapy since January to help with her (current diagnosis of) ADHD and Tourette Syndrome. Several months ago her therapist told me she had noticed that my daughter had some symptoms of AS. I began researching about Asperger's and the more I read the more it fit my daughter. So I made the appointment to see about getting testing done. They had told me that it was likely if one child has Asperger's then the other will as well. So Hubby and I decided to go ahead and have both kids tested.
Oddly enough, I went in thinking my daughter would get the diagnosis, I saw the signs with her, I didn't see them with my son.
My daughter's test came back and she has many symptoms but not enough to make a diagnosis of AS at this time. They suggested I have her reevaluated in a year or two. They confirmed again her diagnosis of ADHD and Tourette's. And recommended she be evaluated by a Occupational Therapist to confirm she has a Sensory Integration Disorder (which sensory issues are common with Aspie kids). The more I read, AS still fits her, its been proven that girls can be harder to diagnose with AS. Her therapist and I are still convinced she has AS and I have figure when she is again reevaluated she will then get a AS diagnosis as well. Her therapist also said that since she has been doing Neurofeedback for almost a year now that it has helped to mask her AS symptoms.
My son, has been diagnosed with Asperger's. His major symptoms are he's lacking social skills and has a sensitivity to sounds, textures and food (hes a ridiculously picky eater). Also, 1 in 4 kids with Asperger's have a large head (macrocephaly)... Go figure (Dr.'s got worried when he was 6 months old because his head grew too fast in a short amount of time, turned out to be nothing, he just has a big head, which he is slowly growing into)... His big head is not what diagnosed him, its just one of the many factors.
The testing also confirmed that both my kids are very smart and have advanced language skills. Which I already knew.
I don't want to "label" my children. Their individuals, there both unique, their NOT a diagnosis, a disorder, a syndrome or a label. But here, on the web, among the vast number of other bloggers, I feel its the best way to find and connect with other parents who have similar children. I need to find other parents for advice and support, so I know I'm not alone. I'm still learning about my children, about Asperger Syndrome and I think Ill continue to do that for a long time...
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
I have found someone who also raises an Aspie and she has most kindly agreed to share some of her experiences here. I continue to look for other contributors but soon, Mrs. Marine will be joining and posting a little about herself!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
My Aspie struggles with socks that have uncomfortable seams and she will have a little "tantrum" if they "hurt" her toes. Anyone else face this problem? I remember from my childhood that my brother was exactly the same way!
Thank goodness for Smartknit socks. I think I'm going to have to buy a bunch for stocking stuffers!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
The other day, my 10 year old Aspie called from school saying she had a migraine. She described the blurry vision, the sick stomache and then the pain. She also cried. So it seems she is genuinely feeling it. But, could she be having sympathy pains from her sister? My Aspie certainly has sensory issues. There is also this little problem that she now hates school because a couple of girls have been beating up on her.
So, with your Aspie, how do you know when they are genuinely ill and when they are just overwhelmed? Do you also face these kids of difficulties? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
The other day, we went to a Red Lobster for dinner and while we were waiting for the food to arrive my little Aspie piped up with this question:
"Do they have bubble gum in Iran?"
I looked at her a moment in that stunned mom silence that we sometimes get.
"I really don't know, but why do you ask?" I said.
"I was just curious."
"Oh, well I'll see what I can find out for you." I said
I then turned to some friends and facebook and got the answer that yes, they do have bubble gum in Iran, though it is rude to chew it in public and even more so for women. Which I can completely see how they'd have problems with that.
Any new little questions from your Aspie?
