parents of Special needs children support group... http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744 Genie Well, I didn't see a thread for this, but those of us with special needs children are up against even greater odds. I have two children, both are special needs, my daughter is 12 and has adhd and ocd and is currently undergoing tests because they think she has dyslexia, dysgraphia and a possible autism spectrum disorder along with learning disabilities. My son is 7 and he has PDD which is an autism spectrum disorder that he was diagnosed with when he was 3. I figure if you guys wanna talk, we can be here for eachother. Happy writing. :) Thu, 20 Oct 2011 01:10:20 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_133734 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_133734 dreamingheart I've got an eight year old daughter with PDD-NOS. I'll be right behind you in the slow mind-losing process. I'm having my twins investigated for ADD/ADHD (they literally scare their kindergarten teachers, so the doctor is finally listening to me. Wish he'd done that last year when I asked him "Hey, could my girls have ADD?") I only have daughters and I don't want to keep trying for a boy. So one scoop of "Might As Well Be Autism" for me please! Thu, 20 Oct 2011 01:17:10 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_133845 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_133845 Mikita5510 my 9 year old has AD/HD and is on meds but she still drives me nuts and I have a 17 month old son who so far seems like he missed the AD/HD gene( if there such a thing) so im hoping I can join your group. She may be on meds but she is a defiant llittle thing so yes she drives me out of my mind and it does not help that mommy has a bad case of PPD and her difiant nature kills me a little bit each time Thu, 20 Oct 2011 01:41:11 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_134262 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_134262 Genie Great to meet you guys. Mikita, what kind of meds does your daughter take? Mine is on adderal xr for her adhd. Dreamingheart, glad to hear your doctor is finally listening. Wishing the best for you and I don't blame you for opting out of trying for a boy...lol. We can do this together, so if you have questions about dealing with things, I will help as much as I can. I am pretty experienced in the adhd and ocd thing as my daughter was diagnosed when she was 5 and is now 12. My son was diagnosed when he was 3 and is now 7, so I can tell you what I know. I know we can do this together, hoping we making lasting friendships and can help eachother even after nano is over..and during the next nano too and so on...lol. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:08:10 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_134696 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_134696 Anna York I am a caretaker for children with special needs... not the same as raising a child from birth, but while they're in my care, I *am* their parent. I work with reactive-attachment, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, ADHD, conduct disorder, as well as PDD-NOS and homeschool children with learning disabilities. I also have membership to EBSCO Host so anytime anyone wants the latest research articles on anything, let me know! I can get them to you for free instead of paying big $$ for some psychology journal site :-) Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:15:44 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_134820 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_134820 Mikita5510 Genie she is on Statera.. she was on the adderal xr but it was not enough for her, by 6pm she was off the wall and climbing in and out of her brothers play pen, running around the house and not listening etc etc and it was tooo much for me. I talked to her doctor and told him there had to be a better med for her something longer lasting he told me about a 24 hour thing granted the ins company balked since most of the time they only put from ages 10 and up on it and she is only 9 but her doc said she needs it and I am insisting you supply it and whatever else they have to say to get them to cough it up LOL it helps plus giving her melantonin at night to help her sleep does as well. My Daughter would not go to sleep on her on until about 12 am until we started to give her that now she goes to sleep at about 8:30 9pm which is about her bedtime she still has her moments when she is outright defiant and that is hard but nothing as bad as it was. I still have massive issues with that defiant nature cause i sure dont recall treating my mum that way when I was 9 years old that didnt start til i was at least 16 LOL Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:36:15 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_141409 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_141409 starstealer My oldest is not-quite-diagnosed on the autism spectrum, but he has been noted as having OCD, a mood disorder, a tactile disorder and something else I'm forgetting. The doctor at the time didn't want to "label" him with Asperger's - but that's basically where he is. He's a delightful kid though, so I tend not to see it through my parent glasses. My younger two are thankfully without any of it (that I know of - but then I'm pretty oblivious). Last year during NaNo, my kids didn't impact me too much on the writing part. I had set up a progress chart that they could color in with me - so the only problem they gave me was when I didn't have enough progress to color in or when there wasn't enough to have each color one section (each section represented 1k finished). We'll see how this year goes though. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:04:16 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_144127 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_144127 dreamingheart My Adia is on Metadate XR: she was on Adderall but she gained eight pounds in a month. There was no end to her appetite: we literally found her licking the plate. It was actually quite frightening, and appeasing her that month, even with mostly fruits and vegetables, cost me another $160 in groceries. We literally could not feed her enough, and since she is eight and five foot even, there's quite a lot of little girl to start with. So we swapped drugs, and Metadate and Adia get along well until about 4 pm. Then, I have a weaker dosage of the same drug, without the extended release, to tide her over and keep her from killing her sisters. Adia has never been difficult to get to bed. She has a routine and she won't deviate from it - it's like she turns into a zombie at 9 pm and has to do all her things before climbing up her bunk bed (and there was a mistake, especially with her still sometimes-bedwetting) and collapsing into sleep. She sleeps like the dead until about 7:15 am, and then, she's pretty sunny. Honestly, I often think of her as the "easy" kid. I mean, she never cried as a baby, except during shots, she hardly even fussed. She was a very easy toddler to live with until she turned 3 and then, she was diagnosed with PDD-NOS. Even with that, she reads, writes, and does simple math very well, and we are very proud of her. I'm hoping to interest her in this for the Camp NaNo section: my summer novel was about life with her, and I'd like her opinions. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:08:38 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_148578 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_148578 Genie lol...yea, I certainly wasn't that way, lol. That's good that you found a med that is better. My daughter takes melatonin too, but in conjunction with trazadone and celexa. She has severe insomnia and never slept longer then 2 hours at a time until she was 5 and they put her on sleep meds. Luckily my daughter doesn't have the defiance that can come with ADHD. She has OCD, which means she is a stickler for rules and it irritates her to no end when people don't follow the rules. That's good for me because she is pretty good about doing what I tell her, as long as she hears me and isn't glued to her computer...lol. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 03:02:17 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_151103 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_151103 Genie That is such a great idea. My son is also delightful, lol. They told me they will probably reclassify him as aspergers when he is older. How bad is the tactile? my son doesn't like slimy or foamy textures. He also has issues with some sounds, oral (foods are very limited because there are a lot of textures he can't take), and the biggest issue is proprioceptor because when he closes his eyes his body can't tell his brain where he is in space so he feels like he is falling and jumps awake at least 10 times a night. He takes sleep meds to help him stay asleep. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 03:09:10 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_151191 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_151191 Genie That is wonderful. My son who was also diagnosed with PDD does very well in school, his only problem in school is handwriting and coloring as he has small motor function issues. he can't tie shoes, button or zip pants, but he can do some multiplication and division and he just started 2nd grade. My daughter on the other hand (who is in the process of getting tested to determine if she is in fact autistic) struggles with everything in school. But she never gives up, she has always been behind her class and she has always been in special education, but she loves going to school and tells me she wants to go to college. I love that it's so hard for her and she struggles with it, but she still loves school. She doesn't have any real friends, but she doesn't seem to be bothered by it. She's in 6th grade and she still wants me to come to the school and have lunch with her. She doesn't care if the other kids laugh (that's what she tells me all the time.) She is the sweetest person. If you get your book published about your daughter I would love to read it. My daughter has dyslexia and dysgraphia so reading and writing are hard for her, so she will probably never agree to do nano with me...lol. My son might though. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 03:17:02 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_151281 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_151281 Kristen.Ockenfels Hi all, Reading through your posts, it's nice to "meet" people who have gone through the same things. My 7yo son has autism --- somewhere on the spectrum -- PDD-NOS, Asperger's, high-functioning. He's had a lot of therapy beginning at age two and has come a long way. He's doing well in second grade, especially since we just moved 2000 miles away from friends, family and familiarity. His biggest problem is socially. The boys don't want to play with him because he's not interested in what they play. Today was the first day he came home from school and was sad that nobody would play with him at recess. Does anyone know how IEPs work? We moved from one state to another and they re-evaluated him here. I have an IEP meeting next week with the new school and I'm afraid they'll take away some of the things that were decided on in his last IEP meeting at his old school. Kristen Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:30:50 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_152207 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_152207 dreamingheart IEPs differ from district to district based on the resources available. For instance, Adia's IEP includes a hall pass that she can use at almost any time to go to the bathroom and wash her hands. She's a little OCD about her hands and it makes her happier about sticky art to know she can wash anytime. Also, her IEP includes homework assignments, and some library support. Mostly, you should have a look at it and determine what HAS to stay - like, one of the young men in Adia's class has a blood sugar issue and must have a daily snack. It's become a classroom habit, and now I wouldn't take that break out of Adia's day - she's a bear at 4 without that 2 pm snack. However, Adia is in a self-contained program - not mainstreamed. (She was very, VERY violent at 4, 5 and 6. She broke my front teeth having a temper tantrum.) Mainstream has different rules, of course, but they can still include stuff like a cool-down pass (they might have to put a table in the hall) or a bathroom pass. You might be pleasantly surprised at the resources available if you call ahead and ask about the provisions in his current IEP that you don't understand and how they can be met by existing district resources. They're really good about finding ways to meet needs up here (I'm in Washington state). If he's sad about feeling left out, how about Cub Scouts? They legally can't refuse him access to the program, and he might learn to enjoy some of the same activities - and if nothing else, he'll be spending time with boys from lots of backgrounds, including homeschool (who might not play those games either.) Or, your public library might have the same programs as ours, where (well it's mostly teens) get together to discuss books and writing/reading and other stuff. Adia's a bit of a conundrum: PDD-NOS seems to look very different in girls. Adia's a ball of sunshine everywhere she goes, but she does get some criticism from her peers, mostly for being very sensitive to emotions and teasing. Strange adults adore Adia, although most tend to ask me if she is retarded. She usually ends up turning around and asking me, "Mom, am I retarded?" "No, dear, you're autistic." "I'm AUTISTIC," she'll tell the stranger, who is usually beet red by then. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 05:28:24 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_152786 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_152786 Taisch Hi, I suppose 2 out of 3 of my kids are in here with the "probably a bit autistic but not officially" (they were officially diagnosed for their speech difficulties.) Nothing really major, so they're both mainstreamed, just taken out for 90 minutes a week or whatever. My son stopped talking literally overnight just before he turned 3. He also had some (to this day undiagnosed) weird physical condition. That was worrying, and we went through a ton of medical tests (which he endured very patiently!) Now he's 11, and does ok (but he's not very social) and is less likely to go completely blank and unresponsive when unhappy. Heh. The school is pretty good about discussing the IEP with us and what would work best. For example, my son's IEP includes giving him extra wait time for (verbal) responses and an extra set of school books to keep at home and a few other things. When he was younger, he probably had some sensory issues, but I think he figured out how to help himself (I remember he liked to stuff himself into the big plastic container while wrapped in a blanket). Still picky about his clothes, but it's not worth fighting about, and he'll wear things for special occasions if we insist. My daughter is 7 now, and enjoying school. She's happier now that people can mostly understand what she's saying. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:22:38 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_155307 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_155307 Genie Glad that everyone is here. Just wanted to share that my daughter is going to a dance today (it's during school) and there is a boy who wants to dance with her. She is 12, so it's really cute. I had lunch with her today and the boy came and sat at the table where we were but he didn't say anything, he looked like a sweet boy and seemed really shy. She said a girl in her class, "set her up on a date" with the boy and she is supposed to dance with him today at the dance. I know most parents would worry at this, but I am thinking that those of you with kids on the spectrum see it totally different. It is a social connection, a milestone for these kids. So yay, I love to see her participate in things because for the most part she has a hard time at like pep rally and stuff because of the noise, but she went to a dance earlier this year and she was fine with that, though she said no one danced with her. She didn't say it like it bothered her though, just matter of fact. She blushed when she told me that she was going to dance with the boy (which she doesn't even know his name. lol I told her she better tell me what his name is when I pick her up from school...lol) It's nice to have you guys, cause i am sure a lot of parents who don't have special needs kids would be like, "so what, no big deal." But for us, it is a big deal. :) Fri, 21 Oct 2011 19:32:17 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_159334 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_159334 Genie My daughter has an extensive IEP, she gets longer time on assignments, fewer answer choices (If there are 4 normally, they mark one out and she only has to choose from 3) Her state tests for math are all read to her, her reading tests have the questions and answers read, she gets small groups for testing. Just depends on needs and the school district. We are in texas, where are you at? Fri, 21 Oct 2011 19:36:30 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_159380 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_159380 dreamingheart *squees* Adia's still at the "I armwrestle the boys I know and I WIN" stage of life. I so can't wait for dances. She has begun making female friends though, but she has issues with other girls. She's beautiful, with widely spaced dark blue eyes and a strange haircolor - ash blonde - and I think some of the girls are a bit jealous. Well, and there are only three girls in special ed, so when one gets a bit cross, it's like World War 22 in that classroom. (No kidding: one of the other little girls has severe rage issues and has been known to let the furniture fly.) Fri, 21 Oct 2011 19:48:08 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_159525 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_159525 Genie lol...My daughter has always been a girly girl. She has long black curly hair, tan skin and golden colored eyes, so she gets a lot of compliments and daddy has already said he is gonna have the shotgun ready...lol. The boy (she forgot to get his name again...lol) made her a paper rose, and he kissed her... on the cheek...lol...she was smiling ear to ear. I told her that's all he better do (I say this with a laugh because she has no concept of sarcasm or joking so I have to smile or she will think I'm mad). It's so sweet. We know our daughter and know that all is very innocent in her eyes, but daddy worries that the boy may not see it so innocently, he's a little worried. He did say, "Well, at least she made a friend." lol Jacinthya (my daughter) has an on again off again friendship with one girl she has known since 2nd or 3rd grade. One day they are friends, the next day they aren't. She has a similar relationship with a boy, who she had a crush on, and one day she thinks he's mean, the next he has said he is sorry and he won't be mean any more. She says this new boy is much nicer then the other boy. Wow, sounds dangerous in your daughter's class...lol....Bring a helmet...lol Sat, 22 Oct 2011 02:33:50 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_164519 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_164519 Glas I too am glad this group is here even though I am not a parent. About twenty years ago I put this three year old boy in a wheelchair that I had just finished building for him. The biggest smile spread across his face with his new found freedom of mobility. It was shame it was his grandmother and not his mom or dad that saw him come to life. It's a tough road you travel but you know those moments that make a parent proud are all the more special. Sat, 22 Oct 2011 03:30:29 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_165231 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_165231 Taisch A dance! Woo-hoo! Very cool. :) Middle school dances... wow...my son is about that age. I can't imagine him going to a dance. That's great that your daughter is so willing to say "yes" to things. At the moment my son says "no" to about 90% of any activity/outing we suggest to him. He says he wants to be a "troll". Clearly he's been on the internet too much. Kids these days! LOL. Sat, 22 Oct 2011 12:58:51 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_168654 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_168654 dreamingheart It's crazed in my daughter's classroom. I often feel she is getting less education due to the jungle in there. We're going in for an IEP discussion on the 27th (Yay BEFORE Nano for once!) and I intend to ask for more homework. She seems to be sliding backwards to the place where she's comfortable, not pushing ahead. Adia needs a LOT of push and a lot of both leading and us following to grasp a new skill, and I want to see her multiplying by 4th grade. With two teachers in there (but both are new) there shouldn't be so much disaster. Sat, 22 Oct 2011 18:07:04 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_171670 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_171670 Mikita5510 you should have a say so in what goes into and comes out of the IEP at least here in NJ the parents have a say so and NJ is a shitty state LOL when you get there sit down with them before the IEP is brought out and tell them you expectations and ask them theirs and see if you all can come to a mutually beneficial decision. Sat, 22 Oct 2011 20:00:01 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_172971 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_172971 USNessie My 12yo daughter has reactive-attachment, and she's being evaluated for autism and anything else. Do you have any information about the difference between RAD and Autism? At the diagnostic level? I'm afraid of the psychiatrist stopping at RAD and saying "That's it. No need to look for anything else." Sun, 23 Oct 2011 00:14:01 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_176147 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_176147 USNessie Without the "label" of Aspergers, will he have problems as an adult if he doesn't have the "official" diagnosis so he can receive accommodations if needed? I'm also lucky that my daughter has a great PCA who works with her several hours a day, and a fantastic school team, so although her needs are always on my mind, she isn't as high-maintenance for me since I have the help I need. Sun, 23 Oct 2011 00:16:48 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_176177 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_176177 USNessie I think the IEPs can vary by state to state. I've always had great response from my daughter's school team, including anything and everything into her IEP that we all decide she needs. However I have a friend in NC (I'm in VT) who struggles with the school to get her son with Aspergers the help he needs. They've had problems with people not following the behavior plan. If you really are afraid they'll take away some of the things he needs, the only advice I have is to be prepared with the specific reasons why he needs those things, and be prepared to be an "insistent" parent if necessary. Sun, 23 Oct 2011 00:22:18 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_176236 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_176236 MermaidSirena I have a 10 year old son with an IEP. He was getting speech and language services at the age of three. He has an auditory processing disorder and dyslexia. These run in my husband's side of the family. My 13 year old son has been lucky to be able to study hard and do well in school. Special education has been my life since 1992. I have been teaching the visually impaired for the last 19 years. This past year I started working for the Florida Department of Education, in the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services. I can answer almost any legal question regarding IEPs and the federal IDEA law. Yes, every state has their own interpretation of the law so changing states can be challenging. A calm but firm parent during an IEP works much better. Feel free to ask me any questions - nano mail might be easiest. Glad to see you all in here! My son used SOLO (WriteOutloud and CoWriter) to write last year. He was a beginning reader at the age of 9 and wrote 500 words last November. We were very proud of him! MermaidSirena Sun, 23 Oct 2011 04:54:50 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_179337 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_179337 auburnfaerie My five year old son was diagnosed with autism when he was two. They told me he would likely never learn to talk or interact, but through wonderful caregivers and our family's unrelenting love and care he is a perfectly exceptional chatter box. He is still on the spectrum, but has shown incredible social interaction improvements. I don't know what I would do without him. He's got one of the biggest hearts I've ever seen and a laugh that is just magic. His laugh makes everyone around him smile. Sun, 23 Oct 2011 08:17:38 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_180722 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_180722 Genie lol...my biggest worry with her is that she is so trusting and naive, very easy to manipulate. She has a big heart and anyone can come at her with a sob story and get what they want from her. As far as activites go, she is there, around the people, but usually not actually engaging with them. so this was a big step for her, actually dancing. yay. Sun, 23 Oct 2011 14:18:19 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_182551 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_182551 Genie My kids are both mainstreamed, my daughter in special ed, but I volunteered in a classroom for autistic kids, and they tend to focus more on life skills rather then education. Being able to eat with utensils, recognizing objects, etc. There was one boy who was partially mainstreamed. He went to regular math and regular reading and writing, then came back to the autistic class for everything else. Sun, 23 Oct 2011 14:27:09 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_182618 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_182618 Genie wow, sounds like you are a good person to have around. congrats on your sons accomplishment. My daughter was like that. However she has dysgraphia and so she would probably never agree to write for nana because both reading and writing are so hard for her. Sun, 23 Oct 2011 14:29:50 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_182635 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_182635 Genie That's great. My son's occupational therapist told me that one of the mistakes parents of kids on the spectrum make is that when they are babies and don't cry to be held, the parents don't hold them, just let them be. Well, I loved touching and holding my babies, so I never let him be. lol. I held him whether he cried or not (which was almost never). The occupational therapist said that is just what they need when they have autism and I was helping him without even knowing it. He started seeing an occupaional therapist when he was 9 months old. Sun, 23 Oct 2011 14:37:01 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_182680 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_182680 dreamingheart Yeah, the one thing I knew I got right was in having a "sling baby," - it was actually that she was so close in temperament to the "ideal" for Sears' parenting book about wearing babies that made us wait so long to have her "oddities" investigated. We just thought she was incredibly mellow, and hey, WE understood her fine...but no one else did, of course. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:24:15 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_189924 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_189924 Anna York He may not be able to keep that label as an adult because the diagnostic criteria for autism will change in May 2013 when the DSM-V is released. They are proposing to eliminate the diagnosis and simply place it under "autism". The website ( http://www.dsm5.org ) is being a putz tonight, but I am sure I can locate some information as to the method to the madness for eliminating Asperger's. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 01:37:40 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_191017 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_191017 dreamingheart Oooh. Genie, I remember, I was going to tell you about this: http://nuance.com/dragon/index.htm It's a transcription software - that means, your daughter could "talk" her novel, rather than become utterly frustrated trying to "write" it. It takes care of the spelling, and with some confidence under her belt about the words getting to the screen, she might be more willing to do the editing and polishing. It's a huge boon to my dyslexic friend, and my dad (who's missing fingers) also loves it. Support is excellent, the program is somewhat intuitive about homonyms (they're/there/their) and it goes as fast as you do. I feel a lot of making progress with a kid (any kid) is first to make things easy, and then, when they're hooked, to up the ante a little. So she might well start with transcribing short stories or essays and end up someday racing us all to the finish line. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 02:17:59 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_191609 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_191609 Mikita5510 my poor 9 year old has a cold she feels awful!! she is my adhd kid and this evening she asked if she could lay down and she actually took an hour nap without being told.. then at 8 pm I told her to go to bed and she was asleep within 10 minutes and for her that is not normal!!!!! she was in tears and for once they were real tears!!!!!!!! I felt so bad for her I gave her tylenol and told her to rest her dad swears its just a cold and she does not need a doctor but her baby brother has been sick so why would I not take her to the doctor as well??? Mon, 24 Oct 2011 02:28:08 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_191764 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_191764 dreamingheart That would be kind of sensible both ways, but since she feels so worn down, the doctor visit can't hurt. Adia had both croup and pneumonia as a baby, so I always drag her in if it's worse than sniffling-while-playing. I find that using the shower for steam really helps fix breathing quickly, and if she'll let you, nasal irrigation with saline nasal spray is also pretty fast relief. Just spray them up her nose and lean her head forward, then everything should drain right out. A steaming cup of tea with honey and lemon is also helpful - steam to loosen mucus and ease breathing, honey for irritated throats and lemon for vitamin c! Mon, 24 Oct 2011 02:36:29 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_191879 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_191879 Anna York I sent you a PM and am concerned about the psychiatrist stopping there. RAD is caused by neglect or frequent changes in primary caregivers, Autism is not. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:38:32 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_193447 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_193447 Anna York BTW, this is the link I was trying to get earlier: http://www.dsm5.org/proposedrevision/pages/proposedrevision.aspx?rid=94# Asperger's is going to be simply considered "Autism Spectrum Disorder" and there are three levels of severity. The DSM5.org link is useful to anyone who wants to keep up to date on any proposed diagnostic changes Mon, 24 Oct 2011 05:46:19 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_194200 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_194200 Cat McD Soooo. I'm the oddball out. I do not have children on the autism spectrum at all. My son, who is 11, has Downs. He's got an IEP (has had since age 3, and before that it was called something else, I just can't remember what) and is mainstreamed into the regular school district, where he is in special ed classes. His twin sister doesn't have any problems at all, and goes to the same school. My two older girls (17 and 15) also have no troubles at all. I'm a 34yo stay at home mom due to my own issues. So uh hi. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:26:54 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_196820 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_196820 Anna York Hello! I have a cousin with Downs, and she's my little princess! You're not the "odd" one out at all :-) I'm not even a parent, I'm a caretaker, yet I don't feel left out at all. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:24:44 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_198741 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_198741 starstealer Thanks for the info - I'm very familiar with the classification (my wife is Bipolar 2) - so I'll be sure to check back in there. @Genie - his tactile problems are hit and miss. He was forced to do finger paints once - and we know now to NEVER DO THAT AGAIN. Otherwise, his tactile issue seems mostly in too much touching on him, but sometimes it can be the feel of his clothes even. @USNessie - that is a concern that was brought up in one of our IEP meetings for school. The school, luckily, doesn't care about the diagnosis - only cares about what services to give him based on his actual needs. They've been really great about it. We do want to get him evaluated again (as well as my youngest), but right now we're dealing with other issues. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:31:45 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_198822 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_198822 dreamingheart My first daughter would have had Down's, but her heart defect killed her before she was born. I miss her, and enjoy the company of Down's children (and the few adults with it I know of.) I find them to be like human sunshine: they're just good for everyone around them. Please don't feel left out! I know I definitely want to see more of you. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:03:30 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_199270 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_199270 Genie Cool, thanks, I will definitely look into that for her. Lol...hopefully that will work, but she actually never had any kind of imagination as a very young child, so maybe this will inspire her creativity too. :) Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:19:45 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_200330 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_200330 Genie awww, I hope they feel better too. My son threw up all last night. took him to the doctor this morning, he gave him some anti nausea meds and said it's just a bug and will pass, but he had no energy and slept most of the morning. I know he is better now though, he is back to his playful self...lol Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:21:34 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_200354 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_200354 Genie No oddballs here. We are all blessed to have special needs children in our lives. Welcome. I am also a stay at home mom, but only partly for my issues and partly for my son's issues. My daughter is kind of oblivious to who is around her if she has tv or her computer...lol. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:26:12 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_200436 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_200436 Artifact I have three children - my middle one is 5 and she has a mitochondrial disorder (specifically the NARP mutation). The result is that she is functioning on about 35% of her mitochondria, so is very short on energy - this has led to developmental delays across the board (walked at 3, is just now getting better with speech, but way behind, and generally just has poor coordination)- she is in pre-K right now with an IEP - between her and the other 2 (8 and 2) it is a busy house...so I get all the time I want to write. as long as it is after bedtime and before breakfast! Mon, 24 Oct 2011 19:30:01 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_201412 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_201412 Genie lol....all that time? wow, you should have your novel done in about a week then with all that time. lol. I know how it feels to be short on energy, glad to hear she is making progress. IEP's are great, my daughter has one and it helps tremendously. Glad to have you here in our little support group. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 19:53:20 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_201775 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=1#forum_thread_comment_201775 dreamingheart Okay, my prep for dealing with Adia in the upcoming month: --my Ipod has some of her favorite songs - she can sit next to me and not complain about my playlist. --I've printed some mazes and coloring pages, and bought a biiiig box of new crayons --I have leftover Valentine's foam stickers --I made a couple of little "books" of lined and unlined paper so she can "write a novel" too. Okay, and I have some major artillery hiding in my sleeves: a new (to her) computer game (Catz 6.0) and a margarine tub full of colored play-dough with my cookie-cutter set. What do you guys pull out when you need just a few more minutes to yourselves? Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:39:24 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_216382 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_216382 Kristen.Ockenfels I definitely break out the iPod if I need a few more minutes. I think 75% of the apps on it are to keep my kids quiet. :) And Play-dough is good because it's a treat around here -- only because I hate cleaning it up after they're done. They'll play with dough for hours! Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:06:42 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_216708 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_216708 Genie I guess my big guns is my phone. I have a DroidX and unlimited data, so when I want a few more mins, I offer it to my son (my daughter doesn't come out of her room unless I make her...lol so she is no problem). I have a ton of games on it, I downloaded just for him, so if he gets bored playing one, he can play another one. He can sit right here in my bed behind my desk and play to his hearts content, as well as watch tv, or dvd... Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:12:08 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_232541 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_232541 dreamingheart Handy! I'll be nanoing from my couch, halfway between TV and computer, but I could move out to the dining room table and the fun stuff I keep out there. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:53:49 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_249395 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_249395 Tia Nevitt I have a ten year old autistic daughter. We homeschool her, which has made it easier and more difficult. No more fights with the school! And she can now sit and do her work. It is a blessing that we are able to do this. I'm with the set who can mostly write while my daughter is asleep. I can manage to get some writing in on the weekend, though. And yes, we definitely need our own group. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 23:19:28 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_254308 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_254308 Genie welcome to our little group. I have thought about homeschooling my daughter, but she gets so many services through our school district that I don't think I can match what they do for her. I really admire you for doing it though. I know it is difficult homeshooling a child in general, but add special needs to the mix and it is a hundred times more difficult. You are a really good mommy to take that burden, a lot of parents put them in school just to have some time away from them, and I know that not every parent is like that, but I volunteered in the autism class and you wouldn't believe how many parents moaned when there was no school or an early out. It made me sad for those kids. Glad to hear she can do her work now. Fri, 28 Oct 2011 02:52:55 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_257000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_257000 dreamingheart Early outs drive me nuts because no one bothers to prep the kids for the change in routine, so like this week (conference week) I've been dealing with Adia on the brink of a meltdown every day from the major change in schedule. Her teacher made jokes about needing an exorcist at conference today - the change is that marked! She just can't take having her routine heedlessly run over, or having lunch be over an hour late because of the bus trip. She's miserable, and she's spreading it around. Thankfully there's just one more day. We considered homeschool, but I don't know if I'd need to pay for the therapies that Adia receives there, and with a mild speech impediment of my own, I couldn't do language therapy as she needs it. Indeed, we're having fun trying to clear my lisp out of her talk now - she imitates me. Fri, 28 Oct 2011 04:49:49 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_258444 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_258444 ChristinaGleason My son is 6 years old. He was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome when he was 3. After doing OT/PT for a year, he was taken off his IEP and no longer receives any services. He is in a mainstream 1st grade class. For the most part, his Asperger's is fairly invisible in public. The doctor called his case "mild." He appears to be a normal but "quirky" kid who happens to be very bright. He uses words like "distinguished" at school, which amuses his teacher. But he does have his obsessions, and he is very literal. He is very sensitive, both emotionally and physically. His meltdowns are legendary. I was a little worried about school, because he preferred talking to the adults in his preschool classroom than the kids, but he seems to have friends now. My biggest problem with him for NaNo is that I'm not going to want him reading over my shoulder. My novel will be rated R for violence, language, adult themes, sexuality, and alcohol use. I have a curious reader who always wants to know what Mommy is doing. I think writing will be confined to the school day and after bedtime. Fri, 28 Oct 2011 22:19:38 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_270242 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_270242 allynwriter Hi, I stumbled on this thread and am glad it's here. I have a 12-year-old son with autism, AND I am an online student in court reporting school. Will I start? Yes. Will I finish? Who knows? :-) Fri, 28 Oct 2011 22:44:01 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_270589 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_270589 dreamingheart The eternal mystery!! Well, I'm cheering you on. Sat, 29 Oct 2011 00:29:20 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_271985 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_271985 Tia Nevitt Thank you for the warm welcome. Our school district didn't handle girls in the program very well, and she was getting to the age where it was really getting inappropriate. She was having a lot of issues with the chaos in the classroom, and I was fearful for her mental well-being. Her last teacher was horrible. Totally unequal to the task of managing a classroom full of autistic children. All of the children were stressed. It was a nightmare and they wouldn't even try to take her to inclusion chorus. Wasn't worth the battle. We're much happier. She's a joy to be around; I could now take her to the symphony if I wanted (I'd just better remember to bring her earplugs, to mute the sound). Next time Celtic Woman comes to town, we are so going to buy tickets! Sat, 29 Oct 2011 01:33:29 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_272855 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_272855 Genie yea, my daughter doesn't like loud noise either. Sounds like a headache with your school district. I'm surprised no one else has complained. I would love to take my daughter to a symphony, but we are not close enough to a symphony to go. Glad to hear you guys are much happier. So far my daughter is adjusting well to middle school, she actually seems to be fairly happy in middle school. Sat, 29 Oct 2011 16:43:26 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_282135 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_282135 Genie aww, imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. I am pretty sure that as long as you pay taxes in your community for the school district that even if you homeschool your daughter, she can receive all the therapies in the school district that she recieves now. After all you pay taxes so you are paying for the services and have a right to receive them. At least that is how it is here. Sat, 29 Oct 2011 16:46:04 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_282175 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_282175 Genie My son is just like that too. He also uses big words that the teachers love to hear from him. He is the first one to get a joke and he is very smart, and because of that I tell him, "With being smart, comes being a smart aleck." lol cause he is a smart aleck. All the kids in his class just love him, but he seems indifferent. He is in 2nd grade and 7. Sounds like our boys have a lot in common. My son is also very sensitive, but does not want anyone to know. He wants people to think he is really tough, physcally he is very tough (He doesn't feel pain normally and ususally doesnt know he is hurt unless he sees blood), but he is super strong, and I call him my little linebacker, cause he is built like a little linebacker...lol. my writing time will also be while my kids are in school. My son will be writing as well, so I am excited to see the story he will put together. Sat, 29 Oct 2011 16:59:30 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_282385 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_282385 Genie Welcome, I was a full time college student year before last, and it definitely presents a challenge, but regardless of whether you get the 50k or not, it is still more then you started with. And I am rooting for you too... :) Sat, 29 Oct 2011 17:03:29 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_282448 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_282448 chrisdd I have a 15 year old w/asperger's. It's been interesting. Didn't have the support online and all over the place like you guys do now. It's been horrible and glorious. He's doing pretty well now. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Sun, 30 Oct 2011 23:52:15 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_307173 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_307173 Genie I hear that it gets worse during puberty, is that true? Mon, 31 Oct 2011 19:52:52 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_329400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_329400 blackroseinc I don't have a special need child, but I am very close to my 12 yr old nephew, who is autistic. In the past, I've work closely with special needs children and adults. Most of the people i've worked with were thrown into centers and forgotten about by family. I know the struggles you all face, and I applaud you for having the strength to nurture and allow your children to grow into productive adults. Some helpful links: http://www.autismspeaks.org/ http://www.beautifulmindscenterforautism.com/ (if you are in the L.A area) http://autismnow.org/ http://www.autismndi.com/ http://www.autism-society.org/ Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:27:37 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_356624 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_356624 dreamingheart I couldn't throw anyone out - everyone has the built in need for companionship and love. In a way, autism is an easier diagnosis to deal with than some others: lots of us got up to three years to grow used to our children before having an intervention where we discover that "how they are" has a name (and isn't always part of who they want to be.) I mean, I learned what was "wrong" with Adia after years of first covering up her little mistakes and then asking doctors what in the world it meant that she was behind on developmental goals. My mother pointed out that Adia didn't smile at strangers, for instance, and I simply said she was smart enough to know who to smile at. Later, I realized she never smiled at all. So when she started, it was a vast relief. Where was I going with this? LOL! Welcome to the group! It would be great to have more involved extended family up here. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:28:03 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_357744 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_357744 caldwell116 Mom of three, the middle one has CAS (childhood apraxia of speech) and dysarthria and I suspect dyspraxia and ADHD (and she's starting to show signs of dyslexia). She started kindergarten this year and it's a struggle. We're on a waitlist for the developmental ped and have been for the past two years and it looks like at least one more year until we see one. So, it's a rough time not being able to get her the help she needs. And I've got an IEP meeting this month, fun distraction from NaNo (NOT!). But, on a side note, we went out trick-or-treating last night and she talked to the people to get her candy!! A big mildstone for her! Good luck with NaNo and all the special kids we have! Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:20:08 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_369757 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_369757 dreamingheart My daughter kept asking me (loudly) if I was SURE this was how Trick or Treating worked. It had me giggling from house to house up and down our street. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:43:13 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_370623 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_370623 Genie That is great, my daughter actually felt embarrassed saying trick or treat, she said she felt silly, but did not hesitate to say thanks. my son had no problem saying it and even told some of the store employees (we went to the mall cause I feel safer then going door to door) that one piece of candy wasn't enough, I had to tell him that lots of other kids wanted candy too and he could be taking some other kids candy if he took more. He reluctantly said ok. My daughter was just the opposite and kept trying to give her candy to the smaller kids...lol. My two are certainly exact opposites, which makes cooperation a little difficult at our house...lol. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 03:32:29 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_376520 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_376520 Taisch This is the first year my son was willing to put on a costume (well, ok, just a cool hat, but in previous years, he flatly refused to participate and trudged through the school's Halloween parade with a grumpy look on his face, lol) and go trick-or-treating. So I was happy for him that he tried it this year! Did you guys have fun with pumpkins? For me, this is also the first year my kids carved their own (with the tiny pumpkin cutting saws). Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:31:52 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_387749 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_387749 Nessabutterfly My almost 5 year old son (dec 2) is in the middle of assessment for ADHD and a few other categories in the special needs screening (communication, behavior, fine and gross motor skills, etc). We don't need to be told about the ADHD though--- daddy and grandpa have it and it's pretty obvious and has been since he was a baby! He's also one of the most oppositional and defiant children I have ever met. Exhausting. At least he adores the TV, so when I'm ready to do some serious writing, I have that option. His little sister on the other hand (2.5 today!) is equally as hyper, but his opposite-- she won't go near the TV and wants to be glued to my hip. She's got less "problems" but actually causes a lot more trouble due to being firmly in the terrible twos and always in my face. She's also really sneaky. If I turn my back for even a second, she had destroyed something or found some way to injure herself. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:43:00 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_411482 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_411482 Genie welcome. My son is a lot like your daughter. He is 7 and has PDD, but he is so much a mama's boy. He has to be in the same room with me at all times, except when I am cooking because he is not allowed in the kitchen when the stove is on, so he will sit where he can see me. Luckily he will sit and watch tv or play a game, so long as we are in the same room. Good luck and if you need anything, we are here for you. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:14:18 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_434274 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_434274 Nessabutterfly she's learning to like puzzles lately, at least. She's freakishly good at them. I'll have to get the laundry off of the coffee table (but that would involve actually putting it away. Ugh, work!) and get her set up beside me with a puzzle. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:00:57 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_435756 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_435756 Genie my daughter likes puzzles too, and I have found that because reading real books (the one's without pics) is very hard for her because of her dyslexia, but she gobbles up the graphic novels. I figured out the other day why the graphic novels are so much better for her (at least she is reading something). When she was little she had no imaginary play at all. She still has very little, but she can follow my son's lead (his imagination is over the top...lol) I just got her a new graphic novel. It is a classic...dracula...lol...she has a fascination with vampires lately...lol. she's 12 though, so much older then your little princess. :) Fri, 04 Nov 2011 18:44:33 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_466089 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_466089 Genie I hope everyone is off to a good start.... Sun, 06 Nov 2011 02:45:18 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_509206 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_509206 kimberlycreates Mom of two here. Fourteen and ten, both adopted from foster care, both with behavioral and emotional issues, both with Reactive Attachment Disorder. The youngest has been officially diagnosed. The oldest has not, but I'm recognizing the signs better now. My youngest operates on the level of anywhere from a toddler child to a ten year old, depending on what's going on. She's mentally on-target, but emotionally she's still working through a lot of trauma and neglect issues. I write while they're at school, which makes days off and weekends kind of difficult for me to find time to write. Then I write either while they're asleep or while I'm waiting for them at appointments or activities. Sun, 06 Nov 2011 15:35:33 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_521419 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_521419 Genie Welcome to the group. It is wonderful that you took these two special needs kids into your family, not everyone would have enough patience to deal with special needs kids. Like you I mostly write while the kids are in school too, and weekends and holidays are much more difficult to find the time. Glad to have you here and if you need anything, we are here for you. Good luck. Sun, 06 Nov 2011 16:22:58 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_522401 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_522401 kimberlycreates I don't always have enough patience either! LOL It can be a struggle at times, but it's worth it. There's a big need out there for good foster parents. Thanks for the welcome and encouragement! Sun, 06 Nov 2011 18:28:53 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_525213 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_525213 MikeAlx My son is four and a half. He was diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder a couple of years ago. He's pretty high-functioning, but has some sensory issues - including a massive phobia of hand-driers, which makes public toilets a nightmare! Also has trouble with social interaction and social imagination. He has a huge obsession with trains, and you can't move in our house without falling over a Thomas or Percy or James etc. Even his ride-on motorbike is used as a train. We've been very lucky, with brilliant support from schools, nursery and support services from the outset, and he's doing really well at the moment. Just got his statement through, which is a massive relief - luckily his school had already put extra support in place beforehand. Sun, 06 Nov 2011 21:51:35 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_530751 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_530751 Genie Welcome, totally understand the sensory issues, my son is sensory seeking, so he is the opposite when it comes to the hand dryer, the more powerful the better for him. My son is 7 and he collects elephants, he has a whole herd in his bed...lol. Glad to hear he is doing well. We are all rooting for you and if you need anything just give a hollar. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:12:09 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_554746 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_554746 Genie Well, my son had a sleep study done last night and this morning they told me that he has moderately severe sleep apnea and that he stops breathing about once every 4 minutes. They are recommending he have his tonsils removed and his adenoids. They also said his blood oxygen level got down to 85, which is bad. It's kind of scary thinking that every four minutes your child stops breathing.... :( Mon, 07 Nov 2011 23:23:18 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_559553 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_559553 MikeAlx Thanks Genie. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 10:42:16 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_571483 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_571483 smallbananasd My eldest is on the Autistic spectrum (higher functioning end), he is currently in the process of having a multi agency assessment to find out where on the Autistic Spectrum he fits (Speech and language is the only part of the assessment that is holding back an *official* diagnosis). He has recently been assessed for Dyslexia. he attends a BSE school (Behaviour, social and emotional), they assessed everyone. I thought he would pass the test without a problem, but the fact he could read the made up words part of the test has flagged something up. I am still waiting to find out what that something is. He also has dyspraxic tendencies as opposed to Dyspraxia as a diagnosis, and all the usual things that go with these types of conditions. I have to say he has been fantastic while I have been doing NaNo. Especially as he only goes into school one day a week at the minute. Although I have kept most of the typing up until he is in bed and have been writing my story by hand during the day (which I am finding is a great way of editing without officially editing ha ha)! I also have a 3 and a half year old who thankfully is showing no signs of being on the Autistic spectrum. Who has again been surprisingly good while I have been trying to work. He did however spill ribena all over my note book which had all my story outline and character notes in it, and yesterday, managed to scribble all over everything I had written (Much to my horror). I am a bit panicky as I have psychologists and speech and language therapists coming in next week to do their parts of the assessment. But I am keeping all the balls in the air and I am really enjoying NaNo so far (it's my first year). Tue, 08 Nov 2011 11:32:34 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_571844 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_571844 Genie Welcome, glad to hear you are having success and enjoying nano...we are here if you need us. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:13:31 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_575324 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_575324 Nessabutterfly Now I have the added stress of looking for all my son's special needs assessment paperwork before my surgery tomorrow. His Grandma is taking him to his appointment since I'll be in the hospital. There was a buttload of paperwork for me to fill out for it... Gotta find that. I don't think I'm hitting 25,000 before my surgery like I hoped :( Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:06:50 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_599112 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_599112 Genie Well taking care of yourself and your family is important. I hope surgery goes well and you heal quickly. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:31:05 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_620480 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_620480 chrisdd I was wondering how everyone was doing. My youngest took the Connors test and it shows him clearly with ADHD. He needs accomodations so now I have to get a medical diagnosis. Harder than you think, for me at least. It's been a rough school year. Just wondering how everyone else is doing. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:27:02 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_735878 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_735878 vNichols I have a four year old with an autism diagnosis. He's a sweet heart. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 06:15:01 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_736336 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_736336 Nessabutterfly My son failed his special needs evaluation with the public school system yesterday. I'm so happy! That sounds weird, but it means he gets a free pre-school spot in January. He's got an extreme stutter (which hasn't presented itself AT ALL during the assessments!!), and that's why we wanted him evaluated. Well, he passed the communication evaluation with flying colours (even though at home he gets stuck on at least one or two words per sentence-- sometimes as many as 3/4 of them-- up to 10 repeats on each word-- that is NOT average for his age!! Anyway... He failed on fine motor and behavior. He passed the fine motor as a 4 year old, but his birthday is in 2 weeks, and as a 5 year old, he just barely failed. Enough that they bumped him up though. Behavior, they normally wouldn't take a kid for without an official ADHD diagnosis, but it was so obvious to them (plus daddy and grandpa have official diagnosis). We have to have his doctor evaluate him. His old doctor refused to evaluate until he was in school and the teachers requested it. Well, now they're requesting. He has a new doctor anyway and I think she'll be more willing to move forward with it. Anyway, the school he'll be going to only offers pre-school for special needs kids. They do a lot of therapy-- his "treatment" will just be being in school. But the speech therapist's office is right across the hall from the classroom-- she will keep an eye on him and even work with him a little. So hopefully he'll either stop stuttering, or get comfortable enough in the setting that they'll see it and deal with it. Win-win. And his behavior is off the charts horrible. He's been needing school SO BAD, but we moved and I didn't realize our area didin't have public pre-K and didn't get him registered in time, so he didn't have a spot. And then we couldn't afford it anyway (every penny is now being sucked up by my cancer treatments). And of course, the stress of a sick mommy can't help any almost 5 year old with already big behavior issues to feel more stable. So, school. Hopefully this will be a good thing for EVERYONE! Thu, 17 Nov 2011 07:02:07 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_736699 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_736699 Genie So far it's going great for me. I was a day behind for a while, but yesterday I got all caught up. My daughter has ADHD and we had to get a letter from her doctor so that she could be in special ed. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:28:52 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_739892 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_739892 Genie welcome to the group. Autism isn't cut and dry like a lot of diagnosis, there are so many variations and different presentations. Glad to hear yours is a sweetheart. Mine is as mammas boy. He gets very upset if he thinks I am upset with him or disappointed, or anything but happy with him, but he really doesn't care if anyone else is. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:31:10 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_739923 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_739923 Genie Congrats, our school offers preschool to special needs as well as low income, but my son was diagnosed with PDD when he was 3, so that's why he got to go to preschool. When he was 3 I took him to the school for 30 minutes every day for social therapy, interacting with other kids, and then when he was 4 he went to regular preschool. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:34:22 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_739959 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_739959 vNichols LOL. They're odd little ducks. I've really had a lot more trouble with other people and their preconceived notions, than I have with my kid. The hard part is other people. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:37:58 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_741929 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_741929 snappyssidekick My girl, 5, was born with Pierre Robin Sequence, which mostly just affects babies with cleft palate, breathing problems and heart murmurs. She really has grown out of most of it, but she has serious speech issues. She is in the inclusion program, mostly for speech, but I'm trying to get someone to help her with fine motor skills. I did get a pang of guilt the other day when I worried that all the stuff happening in November might keep me from focusing on the extra speech and small motor skill work I need to help her with. Ah! Such a hard balance. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:36:39 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_742715 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_742715 snappyssidekick Oh yes, I got free pre-school for my girl for speech issues. I had to do some smooth talking, but she really needed it! I'm hoping that by second grade she will be out of the inclusion program...but I'm also just taking it one year at a time with that. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:38:52 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_742744 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_742744 Celebrine I have two with Asperger's. My 13 yr old daughter and 12 yr old son. The hardest part is that they present in almost exactly opposite ways. This means that they are similar but different enough to absolutely 100% not understand each other. Add in 13yo girl hormones and it's like the Clash of the Titans daily over here. We homeschool too so most of the burden of working with them is on me. That is an observation, not a complaint. I know them better than anyone else and I am best equipped (with the support of a counselor) to guide them through the social situations they don't understand and know where they are coming from, where they are growing and where they aren't getting it. It certainly makes trying to NaNo an extra special adventure though! Fri, 18 Nov 2011 02:47:33 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_748043 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_748043 chrisdd Things get different. Early puberty was really bad. We found a social skills group when he was 11 and he was in it for about 4 years. It really REALLY helped. He's 15 and is doing well. But we were blessed that he is academic, you know what I mean? The bad side is that he's academic and has no accomodations other than I talk to the teachers, give them a heads up, etc. Fri, 18 Nov 2011 04:13:38 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_749083 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=2#forum_thread_comment_749083 chrisdd My 15 yo has asperger's. He's doing ok. It's not perfect, but it's ok. Fri, 18 Nov 2011 04:15:22 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_749098 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_749098 Nessabutterfly I have a feeling he'll be in a regular class next year for kindergarthen-- his "therapy" is just being in school. Today was SUCH a BAD day for behavior. Ugh. He had to go to his room so many times!! He even refused to eat his dessert because it wasn't big enough. So he had NONE! Pretty sure we've got Oppositional Defiant Disorder in the mix too, but I'll let his doctor decide when they do his official evaluation in 3 weeks. Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:15:40 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_749723 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_749723 Celebrine Anything that you've found particularly helpful in dealing with it, particularly through the teen years? Fri, 18 Nov 2011 06:24:20 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_750339 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_750339 chrisdd Yes. Social skills group. A moderated group with kids who have similar problems. I think it helped immensely. We also had a parents group while they were in their group. It was incredibly helpful. Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:05:38 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_758838 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_758838 Genie I agree....my son started going to see an occupational therapist when he was 9 months old, so we really learned early on that there was something different about him, and now for the most part he seems like a typical 7 year old (he has his little quirks, but you really don't notice them unless you are with him for an extended amount of time) He has his meltdowns with me, though he had one last month, but it turned out his teacher was out a lot of days in one week and one of the subs wrote me a note saying he just started crying and she didn't know why (he wasn't doing well with his regular teacher gone so much). But people find out he has PDD and they are surprised (first off they ask what pdd is and I have to tell them it's an autism spectrum disorder) they hear autism and say he doesn't look autistic. But its' because there are so many preconceived notions about what autism looks like. Other people give me strange looks when he has a meltdown in the store because they are out of his favorite snack, like I'm supposed to beat him or something for crying in the store, or they think he is spoiled so they give me dirty looks. They just don't understand, and that's what I keep telling myself. When he was a baby he would scream like he was being killed if anyone other then me touched him. Some people just walk up and say what a beautiful baby and touched his head or hand and he would start screaming. They'd give me dirty looks too, and when he was diagnosed with sensory processing disorder I would have to explain that his nerves don't send the right signals to his brains and a touch is physically painful to him. It gets tiring having to explain because people just assume all kinds of things. I'm with you on the other people part...lol Sat, 19 Nov 2011 01:29:52 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_759709 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_759709 Genie awww...well, here's hoping tomorrow, today actually, lol...is better. I got lucky that oppositional defiant disorder wasn't in the mix with either of my kids. Sat, 19 Nov 2011 01:31:44 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_759732 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_759732 Celebrine That's good to know. I've been toying with the idea of having them join one but wasn't sure if it would be worth the cost. Sat, 19 Nov 2011 01:35:19 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_759780 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_759780 Genie We had hoped the same thing for my daughter, she started speech therapy when she was 4, and she just this year (she's 12 now) has been put on for just speech consult, but for her language issues rather then enunciation. But she couldn't say 9 letters and she couldn't say any letter combinations (th, sh, br...etc.) so her speech issues were pretty severe...she couldn't say anything where her tongue had to touch the roof of her mouth. She started special ed when she was in kindergarten and she is still in it now in 6th, and we used to be hopeful that she could get out of special ed, but they keep finding more issues with her learning. As long as she progresses, it doesn't matter if she is in a regular classroom or in special ed. Just don't be disappointed if she doesn't get out of inclusion, and as one mother to another (I hope I am not offering advice where advice is not wanted, but feel free to ignore it, I won't be offended) I learned a long time ago not to make a big deal out of special ed (I actually saw one mother tell her son who was in my daughters special ed class, that he was dumb and him having to be in special ed proved it. I couldn't help myself, my daughter was standing there and she heard it to, so I felt it was my duty as a mother and for my daughter's sake to say something. So I told her "There's no call for that. Special ed does not mean they are any less smart then those not in special ed. It simply means they learn differently, and there is nothing wrong with learning differently." Needless to say she cursed at me and walked off with her son, My daughter was impressed with me though...lol) I also knew one mother who's son didn't get put in special ed til he was in the 4th grade and she didn't want to tell him he was in special ed and didn't want anyone else to tell him he was in special ed and he found out eventually and was very hurt. Her not telling him made him feel like she was ashamed of the fact he was in special ed. So don't be afraid to be open with her and talk about it and tell her there is nothing wrong with it and it doesn't make her any less smart then kids not in special ed. She'll need that when she gets older and the kids get crueler... :) sorry this was so long...lol Sat, 19 Nov 2011 01:46:21 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_759898 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_759898 Genie I used to have guilt over my participating, mostly over my son, but then I started including him in my nano. Maybe you could do the same, ask her opinion, or if you are stuck, ask her what you should have your character do or if you need a new character, have her help you make a new character. You'll get her talking (which will help with the speech, and maybe you can have her draw a picture or something of that nature to go with your story, that will work on fine motor skills. Just a thought. My son will tell me when I've been neglecting him (he gets particularly clingy) and he makes it hard for me to work on my novel, but when that happens, I tell him whats going on in my book and ask him what I should do next or something to include in my story and then he feels like he is helping me write my novel. :) Sat, 19 Nov 2011 01:54:18 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_759994 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_759994 chrisdd It's been 5 days. How is everyone doing? Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:50:29 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_820513 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_820513 chrisdd Very, very much worth it. The last year my son actually asked to stay in it. Can you imagine? He said that it helped him that much. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:51:21 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_820520 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_820520 axemanrj I have one son with cerebral palsy and ASD, another with Aspergers, one who's dyslexic, a toddler going through terrible two's and a teenage girl. I wouldn't like to say which one is most disruptive :) On top of that we are having walls knocked down as our house gets extended. Using a computer whilst the kids are up and about is usually a bit of a no no, so writing has to be squeeze in after their bedtimes. Good luck to everyone trying to fit words in around family and work etc. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 21:23:34 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_821700 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_821700 chrisdd Hat's off to your family. You are indeed a hero of mine if you can write 42k+ with all that you have going on in your house. Good luck and best wishes to all of you! Thu, 24 Nov 2011 01:53:15 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_824733 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_824733 axemanrj Thank you. It's a bit of a madhouse sometimes, but we all pull together. Best of luck with your novel. Nearly there now :) Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:52:22 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_828803 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_828803 MikeAlx That's pretty full on. I have a 4-year-old with ASD. I try to write before he wakes up, but he has this habit of waking at 6am at the moment. This morning he came downstairs, sat next to me and started reaching for the keyboard, saying "I'm going to press clear". That's his word for the delete key, but it scares me 'cos on my Alphasmart the 'clear' key potentially wipes the whole file! We call him the 'meddler menace' because he can't resist anything with buttons or switches. He has a habit of finding lethal key combinations on my PC that I didn't even know existed. The little b-, -er, monkey. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 12:27:42 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_829127 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_829127 axemanrj Sounds familiar, my son can't speak, and has to have assistance with lots of things, but he can figure out how to switch on and off any gadget seemingly within seconds of laying his hands on it. We have found many funny videos of himself on smartphones carelessly left around. Maybe it's a new evolutionary trait emerging! Good luck with the rest of the novel, I hope there are not technology disasters before you finish! Thu, 24 Nov 2011 13:08:41 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_829307 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_829307 chrisdd We are down to the wire. Go Go Go You can do it! Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:05:39 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_875280 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_875280 chrisdd And don't forget to validate your word count. Go to edit your novel to do it. Now let's stop reading and get writing. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:06:35 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_875291 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_875291 Genie So I see that most if not all of you are winners...congratulations. This is an extra special feat considering what we deal with at home, so give yourself a pat on the back and an extra serving of dessert....yay...you did it. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:27:23 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_916280 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_916280 Lady_Indis_Dress Hi everybody! If anybody's still here... Just joining now because I turn 30 this month. I have three boys with autism spectrum disorders, and a little girl who is not remotely autistic but is patterning after her big brothers. My oldest is an Aspie. In sixth grade, in regular classes but has a number of challenges and gets speech therapy. He's planning to be a writer. Next down has high-functioning autism. In fourth grade. With his regular class for most of the day but gets pulled out for OT, PT and Speech. Has some behavior issues. Does great at school for the most part. Not always so great at home, but he is improving in many areas. Not sure what he wants to do but he did write in school once that he wanted to be an artist. I think theater would be good for him. Or music. Then is our most autistic son. He's big (and strong) for his age--actually all our boys are--and has limited language and poor impulse control. Overall he's actually a really happy kid, but he has a nasty temper. He's our biggest challenge right now. He goes to school two hours a day, five days a week. Been doing well enough this year that we are going to increase his school day after the 1st of the year. That will be helpful for us and good for him as well. He's almost exclusively in the special education classroom and since he's there so little he barely gets any speech, and zero OT/PT right now. He's not 100% potty trained, which is really disappointing. He's 8 years old. Technically in second grade. Very sensory. I like to say that he'll either be a linebacker or a gameshow host. Loves lights and colors and sounds. Our daughter is NT, but has pretty much only been around her brothers. She's going to go to our district's preschool speech group. Too young for their 4K by one month. She's actually pretty smart but didn't feel like cooperating when we had her assessed for an exception to get her into 4K this year. No job predictions for her yet. LOL Nice to meet other parents of special needs kids. I don't get out of the house much and there isn't a support group in our area. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 03:41:05 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_934873 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_934873 Lady_Indis_Dress Sorry. Didn't mean for that to be so long. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 03:41:36 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_934877 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/age-group-30s-40s/threads/7744?page=3#forum_thread_comment_934877