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Family Matters:  New autism diagnosis  |
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mrsamy
True Blue Farmgirl
167 Posts
Amy
Milwaukee
WI
USA
167 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 22 2011 : 08:54:10 AM
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Hey Farm Girls! I can't tell you how many times that I've started and deleted posts here because I just couldn't put it out there in print. My youngest son, now four and a half was born with LOTS of special needs. We've been through the wringer with genetic tests (nothing definitive yet), MRI's, X-Rays, evaluation after evaluation with specialist after specialist. Therapies of all sorts since he was 6 months old. All those therapies have brought him a long way, but without a diagnosis we were at a loss, had few resources, and just didn't "fit" anywhere. Reading posts here was therapeutic and helped me focus on the rest of our lives as well!! Well, one week ago we did get an autism diagnosis. Only a little sad, but it really helps us focus on a direction. Still a lot more goin' on in my little man, but we'll keep fighting. I want to share a link to a walk we're doing in his honor. Please, don't feel pressured to donate, but if you're of the praying persuasion PLEASE PRAY. I'd LOVE to have any local Farmgirls come join us! It would be an awesome way to connect!
http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=443779&team=4155811
Prayer costs nothing, but is worth the most. |
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karla
True Blue Farmgirl
1308 Posts
karla
Pella
Iowa
USA
1308 Posts |
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Beverley
True Blue Farmgirl
2707 Posts
Beverley
atlanta
Michigan
USA
2707 Posts |
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embchicken
True Blue Farmgirl
1487 Posts
Elaine
Ocean
NJ
USA
1487 Posts |
Posted - Apr 22 2011 : 10:59:46 AM
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I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
~ Elaine
"Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Gandhi
Farmgirl sister #2822
http://embchicken.blogspot.com
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J.F. Brown
True Blue Farmgirl
130 Posts
Jamie
Beaverton
OR
USA
130 Posts |
Posted - Apr 22 2011 : 9:24:35 PM
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Hey, there sister! We are in another sisterhood together- I too am the mother of a son with autism. He's 31 now,and his diagnosis came more than twenty years ago, after a whole lot of heartache and hassle the diagnosis felt more like something we already knew. It was and remains a way of getting him what he needs, and helps describe him, but it surely doesn't define him! Trust that will be true for your son as well.
I just went over to your page, and wow, he is cute! My guy is a big man now, and I sometimes miss my little cuddle-bunny. In fact, 'bunny-boy' is what his father and I called him... had to change that to 'buddy'once he got taller than I am!
You are absolutely wonderful, being such a strong advocate, raising awareness, and getting him what he needs.It's a tough thing,sometimes, but ultimately this is your beautiful, wonderful, amazing, gorgeous child, and while it would be great to have it easier on him, and on you, you know he's perfect.
Many hugs, and you are in my thoughts. Wish we could sit down and have a cup of tea while he plays.
Jamie |
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laurentany
True Blue Farmgirl
3259 Posts
Laurie
Patchogue
NY
USA
3259 Posts |
Posted - Apr 24 2011 : 6:02:51 PM
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Amy,
Prayer for you and your family. I can see that you have a positive attitude- which is at least 50% of the battle each day. As you said- at least you have a definitive diagnosis now and can focus on what is going to work best for him and help him each and every day.
Farmgirl Hugs!
~Laurie
"Little Hen House on the Island"
Farmgirl Sister#1403
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.. |
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Roxy7
True Blue Farmgirl
1083 Posts
Robin
Denver
CO
USA
1083 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2011 : 5:07:14 PM
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| I am mom to Nigel who is 5 and has autism. Its a struggle some days, but dont let the label be the definition of who he is. Think of it as a way to get services that would otherwise not be offered. I know how hard it is to get that diagnosis. Hugs and prayers. You may pm me if you want to talk. |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2011 : 6:22:48 PM
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My youngest son has Aspergers as well..there are alot of us it seems. He is high functioning and most of his special needs come out in social areas. He requires alot of patience but is the sweetest kid ever. We are here for ya!
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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walkinwalkoutcattle
True Blue Farmgirl
1675 Posts
Megan
Paint Lick
KY
USA
1675 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2011 : 05:02:51 AM
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I'll keep you all in my prayers!
Farmgirl #2879 :)
Starbucks and sushi to green fried tomatoes and corn pudding-I wouldn't change it for the world.
www.cattleandcupcakes.blogspot.com
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sonshine4u
Chapter Guru
1205 Posts
April
New Prague
MN
USA
1205 Posts |
Posted - May 03 2011 : 5:24:49 PM
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I'm reading a really interesting book right now about healing from all sorts of things, but especially autism. It's called the Gut and Psychology Syndrome by dr. Natasha Campbell-mcbride . It's excellent and is a natural treatment resource for autism and other things. She is a doctor and a mother of an autistic child and specializes in treating autistic children with fantastic results. She is from England and she has a website that you can order her book from. They ship it from MI.
--hugs,
April
P.s. Sorry about the atrocious typing...I'm not at a real computer right now.
Playing in the Sonshine
http://www.homesteadblogger.com/sonshine4u |
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mrsamy
True Blue Farmgirl
167 Posts
Amy
Milwaukee
WI
USA
167 Posts |
Posted - May 04 2011 : 11:37:16 AM
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It seems there are quite a lot of us! Thank you for all your responses and prayers. Jamie that was a beautiful response and so encouraging. The thought of my little one being grown can be overwhelming but your words make it seem less daunting.
I put a lot of faith in the theory that there is a gut/brain connection. Some byproducts of digestion affect the brain similar to drugs. If there is a way to ease some of the idosyncracies of autism for my boy I am all for it. We did spend almost 9 months on a gluten free, casein free diet with no effect. But, I'll try just about anything.
Prayer costs nothing, but is worth the most. |
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bboopster
True Blue Farmgirl
1140 Posts
Betty Jo
West Bend
Wisconsin
USA
1140 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2011 : 08:24:14 AM
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Hello Amy, I have 2 children with special needs that are grown adults now but once I got a diagnosis it made life so much easier. I have also spend the last 17 years working with children with special needs either teaching or working with them living independently as adults. As a parent there will be those days but I can say when you see your child as an adult being as independent as their needs lets them you can pat your self on the back and know you have helped them become who they are. I to wish we could sit and talk with a cup of tea. When the times get tough we are all here for you and when the times are easy please also let us know of his accomplishments. God Bless 
http://www.bboopster.blogspot.com
Nana to 5
3 Blue Star Mother and Proud of it!
Pray for our troops to come home safe and soon.
Enjoying the road to the simple life :>) |
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Jessi Lynn
True Blue Farmgirl
144 Posts
New York
USA
144 Posts |
Posted - Jun 01 2011 : 10:40:03 PM
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Hi
If your doing some reading, have you heard of Temple Grandin?
She has a PhD ( bachelers degree in Phycology, a master and docotorate in animal science) and is a professor of animal science at Colorado State University, she researches and designs livestock facilities to improve animal well being, and has autism. She does talks on autism and has some great books. www.templegrandin.com |
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sherrye
True Blue Farmgirl
3775 Posts
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts |
Posted - Jun 03 2011 : 06:10:34 AM
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i just received temples book on moving livestock. i think she is amazing. hsppy days sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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letpeoplewonder
Farmgirl in Training
15 Posts
Leslie
Greensboro
NC
USA
15 Posts |
Posted - Jun 09 2011 : 11:31:56 AM
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Hi Amy, I'm new to the forum. I just wanted to share that I have a 3 year old son who was diagnosed with Autism after his second birthday. My husband has worked with individuals with special needs for ten years. I've worked in the field for five. It was how we met and now we run an agency that provides one on one support to individuals with special needs. Although people assume that our background makes it easier to deal with the diagnosis and everything that goes with it, it didn't change the fact that our son had some obstacles ahead. I just wanted to say that although the conversation surrounding autism is often saturated with ideas of disability, remember that he was given different abilities that can be used to navigate this diagnosis. We cut out all gluten/casein/soy from his diet, found a naturopath to help us treat "leaky gut syndrome" since we couldn't be seen by an expensive autism clinic for months, made sure the therapist gave us plenty of advice/instruction on how to crossover treatments/interventions to his school and at home, and we always re-evaluate his behavior and progress in order to find the window to start implementing a better way to reach him. It really helped us to change our perspective from disease/disorder to thinking about autism as a new culture with customs and a language that need translation. These are just a few things that worked for me, and I am always trying to find things that worked for others to see if they might work for our son. In my experience, if you know one kid with autism, then you know one kid with autism. They are as diverse in expression as any other neurotypical person. There are a lot of emotions, ideas, and programs out there. I hope you find a way to navigate through it all. You are in my thoughts...
Leslie
why can't i be more conventional? people talk, people stare, so i try. but that can't be, because i can't see, my strange little world just go passing me by...so let people wonder... |
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Farmer Judy
True Blue Farmgirl
433 Posts
Judy
North Aurora
IL
USA
433 Posts |
Posted - Aug 01 2011 : 09:40:43 AM
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This may be a little late, but I am a mother of a 13 year old with Aspergers. He was diagnosed in 4th grade and is now going into 8th. He is sooo smart it scares me, so does the lack of social skills. One minute he will be giving an in depth food critic description of dinner and the next he is slurping his food and it covers the plate, table, himself and the floor. We have recently had given a challenge to the kids to say please and thank you. It seems that my other two (15 and 22) lower themselves to my youngests level to complete with him. Chris has been hospitalized twice and now they are adding to his diagnosis, Aspergers, ADHD, Anxiety and possibly bi-polar. Everyday is new with him, somedays he gets frustrated from thinking faster and better than us and acts out and other days he reverts to cartoons and lots of hugs and saying he loves us nonstop. You never know. Meds do help, counseling helps more. Expect a change in your world and that you will learn a whole new volcabulary about the world of the spectrum. Prepare yourself for bad days and thank God for the good ones. Just keep looking and watching and you will see glimmers of hope. Those glimmers will turn into progress and goal achievement. Keep plodding forward. Email me anytime. Good Luck and God bless.
Judy
Born a city girl but a farm girl at heart! |
Edited by - Farmer Judy on Aug 01 2011 09:42:48 AM |
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Sheepless in Seattle
Farmgirl in Training
32 Posts
Paula
Everett
WA
USA
32 Posts |
Posted - Aug 01 2011 : 5:45:55 PM
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Hi Amy,
My daughter who is 14 received the Autism diagnosis when she was 5. It took us all a little longer to figure it out because she also has Down Syndrome. There is a lot of info out there and a lot of passion that can go with it. Take it one day at a time, bounce the info off your husband to come up with your game plan and learn what his special abilities are. You're not alone. God's there and there's lots of us too!  |
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cbyc
True Blue Farmgirl
108 Posts
Cherise
Corona
CA
USA
108 Posts |
Posted - Aug 07 2011 : 9:51:52 PM
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Hello Amy! My 16 year old son has autism. He's pretty high functioning but has a real hard time with socializing and interacting with others. He's made a lot of progress over the years. Life can be stressful at times but it's all worth it.
Cherise :) |
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Farmer Judy
True Blue Farmgirl
433 Posts
Judy
North Aurora
IL
USA
433 Posts |
Posted - Aug 08 2011 : 06:19:42 AM
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Anyone have any suggestions for orgainizational skills for teen agers with autism? School is a nightmare without some more help with this.
Amy, get a great behavioral counselor, they will help you over the bumps and help integrate your son with whatever needs he has. Mine is also helping with school, she used to be a special ed teacher and is helping with his IEP (school code for special help at school). You may want to let your local grade school know and they may be able to help with some pre-school help before he is of school age, they can also come to your home in many cases.
God bless,
Judy
Born a city girl but a farm girl at heart!
http://farmtimes.blogspot.com/ |
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Family Matters: New autism diagnosis |
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New autism diagnosis
