My name is Autumn and Im new to this whole cafe mom stuff in general. Ive had an account for quite some time but never explored it too much. I have 3 children one of which has not been offically diagnosed with Aspergers but any of her speech, ot, or even the teachers have mentioned it more than once. After researching it more...I belive it to be as well. Ive tried for years to get the Dr.s to listen even invited/begged them to just come have dinner at my house to witness her behavior. Of course that was never going to happen lol As she got older and we moved to a new state where the dr.s didnt see her as a miracle baby (which she is being 1lb 4oz at birth) I have been able to push forward with testing. Shes a beautiful little girl who can be the sweetest most loving girl one min. then be something so mean and out of control and she doesnt make sense. I know she isnt that child but controling her meltdowns are almost impossible. I find myself slipping away and lost on what tecnique to try next because there really isnt a punishment for her if she doesnt understand herself whats going on. I cry more and more everyday. I have no friends or family with a child like her so noone can relate or help. Maybe I can make some friends here or share some stories. I know that after some of the meltdowns I can laugh and think...well that one was more on the funny side than bad :) Well geesh didnt think I would write this much but it just kindof flowed out along with the tears again...lol Thanks for listening :)
We can all understand your frustration. A couple questions, how old is she? What type of teacher has mentioned this and why hasn't she been officially tested for any of the behavioral/sensory issues?
Before you can start helping her with her meltdowns, you have to know what she is dealing with. Good for you for pushing this forward...you are a great mom and she is very lucky to have you.
Just rememeber, their brains are wired differently then ours, but when you know what your deal with (diagnosis), they can be taught to deal with the frustration. She will be so relieved and so will you. Keep advocating for her, you are all she has. :-)
Feel free to friend me on facebook, just mention Cafe Mom.. www.facebook.com/miamorbaby
She is 6 and she hasnt been offically tested because she is sooo lucky just to be alive that all her Dr.s in GA (where we moved from) had the outlook of if she isnt broken dont fix her. Every now and again I would win a fight and get a referal for a pysciatrist but all they ever did for her was put her on awful medication that made her even more emotional (which I didnt think was possible) and she developed ticks and stuttering. It was 3 months before the medication wore off and she was back to "herself" Nobody every did any testing but that will change hopefully we will have an appointment in 2 weeks. Her teacher that mentioned it first was her Kindergarten teacher who actually had a degree in Nuerolgy but found teaching more rewarding and she has 3 speech teachers and 2 OT theripists who all have said the same thing. The town I came from is very small and all our Dr.s are like family and have watched Sarah grow from 1lb 4oz to who she is today and say she is just a "special" girl. I cant help but think if she was their child they wouldnt have that outlook. Now that we are in Charleston SC Im determined to get her the help she deserves. I will never stop fighting for her! Now if I could just figure out the meltdowns I'll be fine LOL :) I did come across something that helped last night and for the first time I think I might be looking forward to the next meltdown just to see if it was a fluke or if it really works. As she was kicking and throwing stuff I started a warm bath for her and was able to get her into the tub. She calmed right down and was even able to talk to me about why she was upset. Score one for mommy :) gotta go....sissors and clothes...ahhhh lol
What is she in OT for then? Does she have an IEP through the school district? Thats how my son's diagnosis was initially found. I believe you have a right to have her tested for additional services. Its really important to first find out what is causing the meltdowns. The meltdowns could be a reaction to a number a things..sensory, emotional disturbance, ect...
I found these two organizations in SC that hopefully can lead you in the right direction..
http://www.proparents.org/#main_content
Hugs to you :-)
Check out these Tasty Treats from The Stir's partners:
I'm In Here - The Anthem For Autism
- subwife2
on Feb. 5, 2010 at 2:00 PM