Comments for FAQautism http://faqautism.com a resource for practical caregiving Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:05:06 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7 hourly 1 Comment on Broad Spectrum by Carol Ricker http://faqautism.com/2008/09/broad-spectrum/comment-page-1/#comment-366 Carol Ricker Mon, 15 Dec 2008 05:55:30 +0000 http://faqautism.com/?p=770#comment-366 It is now Dec and I just your/ found Cathy's reply. My computer has relocated three times but, unfortunately I am still fighting Vista's troubled consistancy. Thanks so much for the reply. I am working on finding a level playing field in todays economy because it looks like I am coming out of retirement (being just a mom as a career is not a fulfilling as expected), also I must add divorced, not uncommon I hear when the newborn not perfect AUTISTIC label scared dad away or embarass him non-neurotypical baby makes more than three. Funny how the baby boy grewup to funny, wiser and smarter than his father today, can descriptively and verbally build a car engine , yet has unreadable handwriting. I have an extensive education but don't feel that finishing a doctorate in neuroclinical psych, that I put on hold 11 years ago, is applicable now that the internet our new communication reality. I want to work with educating educators because I don't have the tolerance I used to when I was weighing crack babies for the courts, counseling stroke Pts families, working with head injured when the knowledge base was 20 years ago.. until tonight I booted up my computer. After surfing through 2000 plus e-mails ( mostly junk) I decided to do a little research. That is when when I self diagnosed as living in my own psudo- out of the box agoraphobia, except when I go to target practice. went three times in 3 months am a better shot than my instructors. still waiting for an eight pound no kick automatic silent sniper range m17 shotgun that is invisible and dosent hurt anyone . I am far from left or right more like an "anthropologist on mars (O.Sacks)", serotonin overloaded sleepless perimenopausal visual sundowner. A phrase from when surgeons and others daily exposed to bright light lose the ability to see when the sun sets) In reality anxious to read the history books chapters about the idiots letting unions and bail outs run the show , the televised news confuse our children about work ethics a little more.. and a new popular special needs that will be discovered..There went my rant. Looks like the government is picking on anoter culture to supress, or another revelotion is starting. any ideas? Today I am working with creating a safe space for my 11 yr old aspie having diffuiculty dealing with the changes we are facing. death in the family (my dad), monetary changes, Mom 's friend of 32 yrs now official partner, and the neighborhood bullies and drug users are out. It is now Dec and I just your/ found Cathy’s reply. My computer has relocated three times but, unfortunately I am still fighting Vista’s troubled consistancy. Thanks so much for the reply. I am working on finding a level playing field in todays economy because it looks like I am coming out of retirement (being just a mom as a career is not a fulfilling as expected), also I must add divorced, not uncommon I hear when the newborn not perfect AUTISTIC label scared dad away or embarass him non-neurotypical baby makes more than three. Funny how the baby boy grewup to funny, wiser and smarter than his father today, can descriptively and verbally build a car engine , yet has unreadable handwriting. I have an extensive education but don’t feel that finishing a doctorate in neuroclinical psych, that I put on hold 11 years ago, is applicable now that the internet our new communication reality. I want to work with educating educators because I don’t have the tolerance I used to when I was weighing crack babies for the courts, counseling stroke Pts families, working with head injured when the knowledge base was 20 years ago.. until tonight I booted up my computer. After surfing through 2000 plus e-mails ( mostly junk) I decided to do a little research. That is when when I self diagnosed as living in my own psudo- out of the box agoraphobia, except when I go to target practice. went three times in 3 months am a better shot than my instructors. still waiting for an eight pound no kick automatic silent sniper range m17 shotgun that is invisible and dosent hurt anyone . I am far from left or right more like an “anthropologist on mars (O.Sacks)”, serotonin overloaded sleepless perimenopausal visual sundowner. A phrase from when surgeons and others daily exposed to bright light lose the ability to see when the sun sets) In reality anxious to read the history books chapters about the idiots letting unions and bail outs run the show , the televised news confuse our children about work ethics a little more.. and a new popular special needs that will be discovered..There went my rant. Looks like the government is picking on anoter culture to supress, or another revelotion is starting. any ideas? Today I am working with creating a safe space for my 11 yr old aspie having diffuiculty dealing with the changes we are facing. death in the family (my dad), monetary changes, Mom ’s friend of 32 yrs now official partner, and the neighborhood bullies and drug users are out.

]]> Comment on Explosive Outbursts by Cathy http://faqautism.com/2008/06/explosive-outbursts/comment-page-1/#comment-341 Cathy Sun, 30 Nov 2008 22:41:02 +0000 http://faqautism.com/?p=586#comment-341 Dear friend - Threatened harm from one adult to another is definitely a huge problem. Is your father diagnosed on the spectrum of autism? For the sake of confidentiality for your family, please send me a private e-mail at talk@FAQautism.com + Cathy Knoll Dear friend - Threatened harm from one adult to another is definitely a huge problem. Is your father diagnosed on the spectrum of autism? For the sake of confidentiality for your family, please send me a private e-mail at talk@FAQautism.com
+ Cathy Knoll

]]> Comment on Explosive Outbursts by s dulaney http://faqautism.com/2008/06/explosive-outbursts/comment-page-1/#comment-338 s dulaney Sun, 23 Nov 2008 01:09:22 +0000 http://faqautism.com/?p=586#comment-338 my father has been having these explosive outbursts and my mother feels like he is going to harm her . that is how bad they are getting. any advise is appreciated. my father has been having these explosive outbursts and my mother feels like he is going to harm her . that is how bad they are getting.
any advise is appreciated.

]]> Comment on Learning for Non-Readers by Nicole Caldwell, M.Ed. http://faqautism.com/2008/11/learning-for-non-readers/comment-page-1/#comment-302 Nicole Caldwell, M.Ed. Sat, 08 Nov 2008 02:21:12 +0000 http://faqautism.com/?p=868#comment-302 I couldn't agree more! It is so important for ALL kids to have such enriching educational experiences. Thanks so much; your suggestions are great. Nicole Caldwell, M.Ed. http://www.PositivelyAutism.com/ "Celebrating the Sunny Side of the Spectrum!" I couldn’t agree more! It is so important for ALL kids to have such enriching educational experiences. Thanks so much; your suggestions are great.

Nicole Caldwell, M.Ed.
http://www.PositivelyAutism.com/
“Celebrating the Sunny Side of the Spectrum!”

]]> Comment on Break It Down by Andrew Brereton http://faqautism.com/2008/11/break-it-down/comment-page-1/#comment-294 Andrew Brereton Wed, 05 Nov 2008 08:32:31 +0000 http://faqautism.com/?p=862#comment-294 Excellent point, utilising many of the strategies I use myself. Breaking complex tasks down into a subset of simpler skills to be learned is very Vygotskian and is what my own approach is founded upon. Excellent point, utilising many of the strategies I use myself. Breaking complex tasks down into a subset of simpler skills to be learned is very Vygotskian and is what my own approach is founded upon.

]]> Comment on Blaming Parents by Andrew Brereton http://faqautism.com/2008/10/blaming-parents/comment-page-1/#comment-291 Andrew Brereton Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:19:35 +0000 http://faqautism.com/?p=845#comment-291 Super post. A clear, informative response to people who think children with autism are just badly behaved. Super post. A clear, informative response to people who think children with autism are just badly behaved.

]]> Comment on Language Barriers by Andrew Brereton http://faqautism.com/2008/10/language-barriers/comment-page-1/#comment-288 Andrew Brereton Thu, 23 Oct 2008 07:31:22 +0000 http://faqautism.com/?p=841#comment-288 Good post. It draws attention to the level of complexity and individual neurological variability within the spectrum of autism, which simply is not appreciated by too any people, dare I say it, - especially professionals! Good post. It draws attention to the level of complexity and individual neurological variability within the spectrum of autism, which simply is not appreciated by too any people, dare I say it, - especially professionals!

]]> Comment on Sportsmanship by cathy http://faqautism.com/2008/10/sportsmanship/comment-page-1/#comment-273 cathy Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:43:48 +0000 http://faqautism.com/?p=805#comment-273 Good morning, Houria. I have lots of friends who react in similar ways. One youngster throws everything around him, and another bites and hits like your son. I usually make up social stories, using names of familiar people in most cases. I talk about times when they were kids, but make the story match the circumstances. Send me an e-mail with a few details and we can compose a story together. My e-mail is http://talk@FAQautism.com Hope your day is full of joy! + Cathy Good morning, Houria. I have lots of friends who react in similar ways. One youngster throws everything around him, and another bites and hits like your son. I usually make up social stories, using names of familiar people in most cases. I talk about times when they were kids, but make the story match the circumstances. Send me an e-mail with a few details and we can compose a story together. My e-mail is http://talk@FAQautism.com

Hope your day is full of joy!
+ Cathy

]]> Comment on Sportsmanship by Horia http://faqautism.com/2008/10/sportsmanship/comment-page-1/#comment-272 Horia Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:21:04 +0000 http://faqautism.com/?p=805#comment-272 Dear Cathy, Thank you for bring up this issue. My son has a problem accepting failure, especially with Gamecube, and Gameboy. When he moves to higher/difficult levels, and he loses he would bite his finger, and hit anything he finds in front of him. His brother helps all the time, but Yunes does not pay attention to the steps to learn, he just wants his brother to rescue the situation so he can continue playing. So, we have the same problem repeated again and again. A social story sounds like a good idea. I will search the net for one, but I will appreciate it very much if you can e-mail me a social story dealing with Games, if it's handy. I am enjoying your post and developped a habit to looking for your message every morning. Thank you Houria Dear Cathy,
Thank you for bring up this issue. My son has a problem accepting failure, especially with Gamecube, and Gameboy. When he moves to higher/difficult levels, and he loses he would bite his finger, and hit anything he finds in front of him. His brother helps all the time, but Yunes does not pay attention to the steps to learn, he just wants his brother to rescue the situation so he can continue playing. So, we have the same problem repeated again and again. A social story sounds like a good idea. I will search the net for one, but I will appreciate it very much if you can e-mail me a social story dealing with Games, if it’s handy.
I am enjoying your post and developped a habit to looking for your message every morning.

Thank you

Houria

]]> Comment on Favorite Music by Rina http://faqautism.com/2008/09/favorite-music/comment-page-1/#comment-270 Rina Mon, 22 Sep 2008 20:14:40 +0000 http://faqautism.com/?p=787#comment-270 When Richard was 6 to 9, he wouldn't go to bed until he heard(didn't have to watch just hear) Fantasia. Even when we didn't spend the night at home neither he had to hear it or was up most the night crying. I'm so glad he outgrew that. When Richard was 6 to 9, he wouldn’t go to bed until he heard(didn’t have to watch just hear) Fantasia. Even when we didn’t spend the night at home neither he had to hear it or was up most the night crying. I’m so glad he outgrew that.

]]> Comment on Broad Spectrum by cathy http://faqautism.com/2008/09/broad-spectrum/comment-page-1/#comment-263 cathy Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:08:54 +0000 http://faqautism.com/?p=770#comment-263 Good morning, Carol. The list of labels in the field of autism can be confusing. In my humble opinion, there are two reasons that we see so many different names and labels. (1) The labels are an effort to categorize and differentiate the "sub-groups" of the spectrum of autism. It is difficult to cram different people into clear-cut categories since autism is not in levels, but rather a fairly random collection of vastly different strengths and weaknesses related to social skills, cognitive abilities, communication skills, behavior issues, sensory issues, obsessiveness and flexibility, dietary issues, etc. etc. etc. Every person I know with autism has his or her unique combination of abilities and challenges in all of these areas, so it is difficult to place them in a category. (2) Some people prefer certain terms because they find others offensive. So, for example, some individuals consider autism a condition rather than a disability, so they are not fans of the term ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders). Some people who have typical academic skills and are able to talk and function much like their typical peers prefer the term aspergers because it implies more "normal" abilities in these areas. Sometimes a label such as Rett's describes a specific, well-defined sub-category of autism, but, in many cases, it is difficult to pinpoint a certain label that clearly defines the grab bag of challenges and joys faced by different individuals with autism. Good morning, Carol. The list of labels in the field of autism can be confusing. In my humble opinion, there are two reasons that we see so many different names and labels. (1) The labels are an effort to categorize and differentiate the “sub-groups” of the spectrum of autism. It is difficult to cram different people into clear-cut categories since autism is not in levels, but rather a fairly random collection of vastly different strengths and weaknesses related to social skills, cognitive abilities, communication skills, behavior issues, sensory issues, obsessiveness and flexibility, dietary issues, etc. etc. etc. Every person I know with autism has his or her unique combination of abilities and challenges in all of these areas, so it is difficult to place them in a category. (2) Some people prefer certain terms because they find others offensive. So, for example, some individuals consider autism a condition rather than a disability, so they are not fans of the term ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders). Some people who have typical academic skills and are able to talk and function much like their typical peers prefer the term aspergers because it implies more “normal” abilities in these areas. Sometimes a label such as Rett’s describes a specific, well-defined sub-category of autism, but, in many cases, it is difficult to pinpoint a certain label that clearly defines the grab bag of challenges and joys faced by different individuals with autism.

]]> Comment on Broad Spectrum by Carol Ricker http://faqautism.com/2008/09/broad-spectrum/comment-page-1/#comment-262 Carol Ricker Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:55:00 +0000 http://faqautism.com/?p=770#comment-262 Why is it Hans Asperger identified some thing that, first, was put in with the word Autism what we use to think as low functioning children with sensory overload locked in their bodies/ now people like David Angle appear to have different names for Aspergers disorder/dpectrum syndrom/disease/autism on his minipage link and tony attwood varies too? what up thanks if you can help me Kathy Why is it Hans Asperger identified some thing that, first, was put in with the word Autism what we use to think as low functioning children with sensory overload locked in their bodies/ now people like David Angle appear to have different names for Aspergers disorder/dpectrum syndrom/disease/autism on his minipage link and tony attwood varies too? what up thanks if you can help me Kathy

]]> Comment on Following Instructions by Rina http://faqautism.com/2008/09/following-instructions/comment-page-1/#comment-258 Rina Fri, 05 Sep 2008 21:20:33 +0000 http://faqautism.com/?p=759#comment-258 I know James will put his fingers in his ears if he doesn't want to do something. But mostly the tone of voice is what they go by on weather or not they will do something. I know James will put his fingers in his ears if he doesn’t want to do something. But mostly the tone of voice is what they go by on weather or not they will do something.

]]> Comment on Autism VODcast: Back to School by cathy http://faqautism.com/2008/08/autism-vodcast-back-to-school/comment-page-1/#comment-255 cathy Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:39:38 +0000 http://faqautism.com/?p=741#comment-255 Sounds like your son is getting a great start on the new school year! Thanks for sharing your ideas. I had a call from a mom who followed some of these steps to help her sweet daughter transition into the school year, so everyone was anticipating a smooth start. But, the bottom fell out the first hour of school and things went downhill all week long. So we are looking at Plan B. Although she is walking on the edge of frustration, she still advocates taking steps like you did for your son before school started. She said, "Every little bit helps, and, anyway, it is fun!" I'm glad you like the video. My sweet son, Dwight, helps me with the technical side of FAQautism.com, and my sweet son, Thomas, who works for Seesmic, encouraged me to start adding a video segment. He said people like putting a face to people when talking about issues that effect our lives every day. Some of my friends with autism can't wait until I have time to post a video - they think I'm talking directly to them! p.s. Feel free to send more strategies - successful or unsuccessful. It is great to have everyone pitch in ideas. Sounds like your son is getting a great start on the new school year! Thanks for sharing your ideas. I had a call from a mom who followed some of these steps to help her sweet daughter transition into the school year, so everyone was anticipating a smooth start. But, the bottom fell out the first hour of school and things went downhill all week long. So we are looking at Plan B. Although she is walking on the edge of frustration, she still advocates taking steps like you did for your son before school started. She said, “Every little bit helps, and, anyway, it is fun!”

I’m glad you like the video. My sweet son, Dwight, helps me with the technical side of FAQautism.com, and my sweet son, Thomas, who works for Seesmic, encouraged me to start adding a video segment. He said people like putting a face to people when talking about issues that effect our lives every day. Some of my friends with autism can’t wait until I have time to post a video - they think I’m talking directly to them!

p.s. Feel free to send more strategies - successful or unsuccessful. It is great to have everyone pitch in ideas.

]]> Comment on Autism VODcast: Back to School by Mary Fletcher Jones http://faqautism.com/2008/08/autism-vodcast-back-to-school/comment-page-1/#comment-254 Mary Fletcher Jones Tue, 02 Sep 2008 03:13:26 +0000 http://faqautism.com/?p=741#comment-254 These were really great tips. I am going to try the homework tip this year. to help him get ready for school (I think he was more ready than I was, he really loves school), we packed his backpack with all the new school supplies. I showed him the ruler and his calculator which are new tools this year. We also found out the names of his teacher, where his class would be, and his classmates names in advance, and we talked about that. We looked at the school lunch menu which they post online. All that helped. I also drew a picture schedule. Picture schedules and calendars are important for us because I am divorced and share custody so he goes back and forth quite a bit. Tomorrow is his first day and I found a mini cookie cake at the grocery store with a school bus on it (in icing -- very cute). We have been celebrating big events by making or eating a special cake together. So that will be his surprise snack when he comes home. Also, I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate that you post content in video audio and written content. Sometimes I process one type of info better than the other -- depending on the day or time of day -- so I like having a choice and also like both reading and watching the video. These were really great tips. I am going to try the homework tip this year. to help him get ready for school (I think he was more ready than I was, he really loves school), we packed his backpack with all the new school supplies. I showed him the ruler and his calculator which are new tools this year. We also found out the names of his teacher, where his class would be, and his classmates names in advance, and we talked about that. We looked at the school lunch menu which they post online. All that helped. I also drew a picture schedule. Picture schedules and calendars are important for us because I am divorced and share custody so he goes back and forth quite a bit.

Tomorrow is his first day and I found a mini cookie cake at the grocery store with a school bus on it (in icing — very cute). We have been celebrating big events by making or eating a special cake together. So that will be his surprise snack when he comes home.

Also, I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate that you post content in video audio and written content. Sometimes I process one type of info better than the other — depending on the day or time of day — so I like having a choice and also like both reading and watching the video.

]]> Comment on FAQautism VODcast: ONLY Peanut Butter??!? by cathy http://faqautism.com/2008/08/faqautism-vodcast-only-peanut-butter/comment-page-1/#comment-252 cathy Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:04:40 +0000 http://faqautism.com/?p=730#comment-252 Hello. I appreciate your thoughtful comments about peanut allergies. Please know that I do not advocate encouraging youngsters to eat items that are potentially harmful to other kids. In this case, we are working diligently to change this youngster's "food of choice." But the parents, teachers, and therapists have not yet had success in changing this sweet girl's mind about her obsession with peanut butter. In retrospect, the parents realize that - given her extreme attachment to that one food - they should have never allowed peanut butter into her life. Short of starving her until she "gives in" and eats something else, their only choice is to very gradually help her develop and tolerate different foods. Meanwhile, they have checked with her school and with parents of all children with whom their daughter has contact. None of those children have peanut allergies. Their goal is to have changed her obsession with peanut butter before she encounters a youngster who is allergic. At FAQautism.com, we realize that every individual with autism has a very unique combination of abilities, limitations, and needs, and that any strategy must be customized to meet those needs. As a result, none of the strategies we discuss are appropriate for applying "across-the-board." If you are willing to do so, I'm sure other parents and teachers would be interested in knowing your strategies for helping your youngster know how to avoid potentially harmful foods. Hope you have time to share that as well as any other observations and comments. + Cathy Knoll Hello. I appreciate your thoughtful comments about peanut allergies. Please know that I do not advocate encouraging youngsters to eat items that are potentially harmful to other kids. In this case, we are working diligently to change this youngster’s “food of choice.” But the parents, teachers, and therapists have not yet had success in changing this sweet girl’s mind about her obsession with peanut butter. In retrospect, the parents realize that - given her extreme attachment to that one food - they should have never allowed peanut butter into her life. Short of starving her until she “gives in” and eats something else, their only choice is to very gradually help her develop and tolerate different foods. Meanwhile, they have checked with her school and with parents of all children with whom their daughter has contact. None of those children have peanut allergies. Their goal is to have changed her obsession with peanut butter before she encounters a youngster who is allergic.

At FAQautism.com, we realize that every individual with autism has a very unique combination of abilities, limitations, and needs, and that any strategy must be customized to meet those needs. As a result, none of the strategies we discuss are appropriate for applying “across-the-board.” If you are willing to do so, I’m sure other parents and teachers would be interested in knowing your strategies for helping your youngster know how to avoid potentially harmful foods. Hope you have time to share that as well as any other observations and comments.

+ Cathy Knoll

]]> Comment on FAQautism VODcast: ONLY Peanut Butter??!? by r http://faqautism.com/2008/08/faqautism-vodcast-only-peanut-butter/comment-page-1/#comment-251 r Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:19:58 +0000 http://faqautism.com/?p=730#comment-251 It really bothers me that this site seems to advocate the one-two food diet. My son is autisitc and allergic to peanuts and treenuts. At 3.5 yrs old we have had to develop a program to teach him to avoid these foods since his special ed school is not nut free. Not make a big deal out of eating one or two things when one of them is highly allegenic to a large number of children is just not responsible.... It really bothers me that this site seems to advocate the one-two food diet. My son is autisitc and allergic to peanuts and treenuts. At 3.5 yrs old we have had to develop a program to teach him to avoid these foods since his special ed school is not nut free. Not make a big deal out of eating one or two things when one of them is highly allegenic to a large number of children is just not responsible….

]]> Comment on FAQautism VODcast: ONLY Peanut Butter??!? by cathy http://faqautism.com/2008/08/faqautism-vodcast-only-peanut-butter/comment-page-1/#comment-244 cathy Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:07:14 +0000 http://faqautism.com/?p=730#comment-244 A regular FAQautism.com reader sent this message: Hi, a neighbor’s son is almost 15 and autistic. In the beginning, prognosis was good but lack of structure care Joey deteriorated. He is very strong and abusive. He lives with his single mother and grandmother (86). They own a milking farm and do not have a high education or the time to devote to Joey. Joey is sexually matured. He is abusive to family members, has no patience and destroys everything. His diet is non stop and not healthy, i.e. bottled ketchup, cool whip, and parmesan cheese. They reward him with food. He must be at least 250lbs. He needs more structure. The grandmother has suggested that Joe be put into a group home but mother feels as though she will be a bad mother if she does that. I know it is always easier to advise with out being in the same shoes. It would be nice if contact can me made with that family with advise for a family that wll have an adult autistic child. Thanks. L. A regular FAQautism.com reader sent this message:

Hi, a neighbor’s son is almost 15 and autistic. In the beginning, prognosis was good but lack of structure care Joey deteriorated. He is very strong and abusive. He lives with his single mother and grandmother (86). They own a milking farm and do not have a high education or the time to devote to Joey. Joey is sexually matured. He is abusive to family members, has no patience and destroys everything. His diet is non stop and not healthy, i.e. bottled ketchup, cool whip, and parmesan cheese. They reward him with food. He must be at least 250lbs.

He needs more structure. The grandmother has suggested that Joe be put into a group home but mother feels as though she will be a bad mother if she does that.

I know it is always easier to advise with out being in the same shoes. It would be nice if contact can me made with that family with advise for a family that wll have an adult autistic child.

Thanks. L.

]]> Comment on FAQautism VODcast: Neurology by Mary Fletcher Jones http://faqautism.com/2008/08/faqautism-vodcast-neurology/comment-page-1/#comment-236 Mary Fletcher Jones Sun, 17 Aug 2008 14:11:39 +0000 http://faqautism.com/?p=718#comment-236 This is such encouraging news. Thank you for publishing this! This is such encouraging news. Thank you for publishing this!

]]> Comment on Graphic Language by Caregivers Guide News » Blog Archive » Graphic Language http://faqautism.com/2008/08/graphic-language/comment-page-1/#comment-228 Caregivers Guide News » Blog Archive » Graphic Language Wed, 13 Aug 2008 07:20:30 +0000 http://faqautism.com/?p=724#comment-228 [...] Continue here: Graphic Language [...] [...] Continue here: Graphic Language [...]

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