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lifesajourney

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Everything posted by lifesajourney

  1. When I envisioned our homeschool, I always thought we'd all be together at one big table. However, my almost five year old most likely has aspergers, and I think we are going to be better off with individual desks. Having three kiddos so close in age (and so particular about details) were at the point that it's best if everyone has the same (although they are always quick to point out even the smallest differences I never seem to notice or care about, but that's another story ;). We are moving next month, and I will be lucky enough to have a formal dining room for our homeschool space. our last chance at Ikea is here, before we move, and I was originally thinking I could just get three of those kids tables, but now I'm wondering how long that will last? My ds is almost five, but pretty small for his age, just about an inch taller than my three year old dd. anyone know about what age kids typically are outgrowing the kids tables like these? Or any reviews on the adjustable kids one (although its not my fav look) I also saw they have work spaces/desks that have adjustable legs, anyone have good luck using these on their lowest setting with little ones? Thanks! Yes, I am just a bit excited about getting it all set up as we are pretty much living in a hotel right now with all of our stuff in storage! :001_smile:
  2. I have actually taught in an autism/aspergers program at a junior high (although some of my students were mainstreamed mostly and I just served as support) and the truth is that it was not a positive, successful, good place or environment really for any of my students. They may have had 'good' days for me, but that actually usually meant they had horrid evenings at home with their family. I could see the stress of just school itself was also affecting how available they were to learn when it came to academics. I think for some individuals on the spectrum, there is not much internal motivation for appropriate behavior, and often times students were better behaved at school because they were rewarded for doing so. Sometimes reward systems can go a long way ;). Hugs to you, as I'm now on the parent side of a young (most likely) aspie, and one thing for sure, it isn't easy! Ever!
  3. Don't be afraid to ask very specific questions about how he/she will handle exact situations with your daughter (good, bad, ugly, etc). Give them scenarios and have them tell you exactly how they would respond to the entire situation and people involved (obviously working with her teacher can be just as important in this situation). You will find the person you like most may not have all the right answers, but by having them walk you through their actions in typical day to day events, you will get a better feel for their philosophy, personality, etc. Need to go, but I have more. There are also sample questions for a paraprofessional you can google, etc. good luck!
  4. I am one to also answer for my child (after waiting a bit to see if he will of course). Im not sure what else to do either.
  5. Yes, I met with a child psychiartist after our ped recommended it, and after his initial visit with only me, he was already talking about possible medications for my FOUR year old. At first I was shocked, but then I realized that I had gone in to ask for help, and that is how they help. I started to see it would be like going to a chiropractor, and then being shocked when they recommended an adjustment. So, for us, this just isn't the route we are going at this time. However, I am glad it is available if/when it becomes necessary. But I did discontinue appointments with that child psychiartist, because, after all you wouldn't continue care with a chiropractor if you didn't want an adjustment. For us, we did choose to seek care from a naturopath for now, although it isn't covered by our insurance unfortunately. As others have said, it is only a decision you can make, and there are almost all too many options out there. :grouphug:
  6. :bigear: We actually just went gfcf starting last week. Artificial colors, etc have always been a problem but with the mood swings and behaviors we are still seeing, I know there is something else there. I'm not sure if we're on the right track, so I called our old ND, and she said she could send us a finger prick test in the mail that I could do at home for food allergies. Just wondering if this is how you guys obtained your IGg food intolerance results?
  7. Merry Christmas! I was thinking and wondering about you. You started posting right about the time I came on with similar questions, and I think our boys have quite a bit in common. I have concerns about my son as well, and I read The Explosive Child last year and remember just nodding my head in agreement the whole way through! Although its funny how much and easily I forget once I've returned the book to the library. Thanks for the reminder, I think that's one I need to get for our shelves! We have also decided to wait on an evaluation. Just keep calm and carry on ;). Thanks for the update!
  8. That is fantastic, thanks for sharing. As a former special educator, I had always wondered the same things, and found most methods of assessments to be faulty. Now, as a parent, I want more for my child, and this is the direction we should be heading.
  9. Julie, thank you. Your blog is amazing and I just spent the last hour pouring over your articles (and emailing Cliff's Notes to my husband ;). You are such a gifted writer, thank you for sharing!
  10. Karen yes, it was basically an intake apt. But I had already emailed in all of the questionnaires as requested prior to the apt. He didn't even comment on them. He knows we're leaving in march, and said he would touch base with us after Xmas via phone. I should have questioned him more about the questionnaires and a treatment plan. I think I was just in a state of shock! Barbara, thank you for the recommendations! You're absolutely right, no matter what, it's obvious anxiety is also an issue, and I will focus my efforts there. Thanks!
  11. Thank you guys! Misty, yes, we will be moving to Enid in march, and would love Love LOVE your referrals! You have already helped me so much, you haven't idea! Sharon, thank you for your reply! I was debating about emailing the dev ped today because I keep thinking over several of his questions that maybe I didn't answer correctly (why is it my brain always goes blank and my blood pressure goes up around white coats!). But, what you said made perfect sense, thank you. I think I'll save my time and energy, or what little is left of it :lol: I guess part of me almost wanted some validation, like having a four year old shouldn't be this hard. I know, totally absurd and selfish. But I also just feel bad for him, he's so unhappy. Life shouldn't be this hard for him!
  12. We had an interesting day today with the dev ped. He did spend 90 minutes with us, of the first 60 my son said nothing, hardly even looked up. I mentioned he seems to have anxiety, as well as the fact he's has to deal with the birth of a sibling, daddy deployed, and a move, times two, (all three major events two years in a row). I don't think the ped heard or saw anything after that because 90 minutes later he said, 'I think he just has anxiety'. I have a bs in spec Ed and have spent five + years teaching and working with children with ASD. I swore we were seeing aspergers. Am I wrong? What am I missing? This was just an informal assessment, and after 60 min, I think my son finally started to feel 'safe' and open up. In fact, he even got rather silly at one point, but he does that. But the differences I see in him and his peers, is that typical kiddos want to be silly with you, they say funny things to you. In general my son kind of just talks at you, quite eloquently usually. But when he's silly, he doesn't care about an audience or sharing his sillyness. At the apt today he was looking past the docs towards the wall saying silly things that didn't make sense and jibberish. The doc said he was just a four year old boy. Unfortunately because he did show the ability to smile and make eye contact, he completely wrote him off. Said nothing about my sons complete lack of empathy or concern for others. He is not at all affectionate (has he ever even said I love you?). His interest is in things and their property rights, not people. He has little to no desire to play with anyone. He can not share, or seem to take another view point. He has totally out of control aggressive meltdowns. After an hour into the meeting they gave my son some Legos, and he started making this whole tow/trailer system with the cars and fence post pieces, and the doc commented on the fact he'd never seen a kiddo do that with those, and he was an out of the box thinker. But the fact is I don't think it ever occurred to my son to use those as actual fence posts for the animals (which he had stacked on the cars and fence posts themselves). Know what I mean? I'm not really sure what happened today, except that I'm tired and I should be releived, but instead feel almost disappointed. I really can't say anxiety explains even half of his symptoms. Anyways, thanks for listening (or reading). If you made it this far, I'm curious to know what other children with aspergers looked like at four and a half.
  13. As a former special educator of children with ASD, and now a parent of a child (most likely) on the spectrum (aspergers), I don't think I could ever send my son, or any of my kiddos, to public school! Ever! And I was a 'compassionate educator' in one of the top rated districts in the country :rolleyes: Misty, I love your philosophy and once again I applaud you for all that you do for your family. You are absolutely doing what is best, although it certainly isn't easiest ;)
  14. Just saw this, but still sending thoughts and prayers your way. We are in a similar situation, actually meeting with the dev ped for the first time tomorrow. We are suspecting aspergers, and part of me will feel broken if he is given that lifelong diagnosis, but the other part of me realizes it is just the starting point on the road up. Thanks for posting, it always helps me, and I'll keep thinking of you guys.
  15. I am so sorry to hear what you are going through! I've spent most of the past two years there unfortunately. It was only recently I decided I needed to visit the doc about it because there wasn't enough fantasy trips I could dream up that would make my day to day any better for me. Your job is exhausting! You are over worked and underpaid, to say the least. You do need to take care of yourself, and I hope you find what you need. Please email me if you need anything, I'll be thinking of you, contemplating joining your camping trip for Thanksgiving! ;)
  16. Jessicalady I would love the name of the person you saw. The rdi consultant we contacted partners with a dev ped in San Antonio, but their next apt is April and we move in march. She wouldn't even put me on the wait list for cancellations as they save those for u der twos apparently. Misty, I didn't get you're email, and it sounds like you didn't get mine, I wasn't sure as my computer crashed as I was sending. I'll try again right now!
  17. Well we survived the gen ped apt, and there was no doubt as to why we were there as ds refused anything and everything and resorted solely to grunts and actually screamed nonsense when I answered her questions (I know he hates me talking about him, and I tried to explain that and hand her a sheet with the symptoms and she wouldn't even take it! She said she was perfectly fine to ignore the screaming.). Anyways, she did make the referral to the army hospital here (to a dev ped i believe, was hard to hear here over the screaming) and it sounds like wilford hall like I believe a previous post mentioned, although she was not sure of the their wait. I have to wait for them to contact us. She also sent me to a psychiatrist, whom I met with tonight, but I'm not sure how much help he'd be honestly (I have a background in spec Ed/behavioral therapy and we are not interested in medication.). Maybe I'm just turned off that he was quick to mention bipolar, in a four year old child he's never met... But, anyways, I have you guys to thank honestly for carrying me through this week. I feel like we have at least gotten over a hump (even if this may have only been a small pebble on a very rocky road). At this point we are going to peruse homeopathy and possibly RDI therapy (meeting with someone this Fri) and none of those are covered by my insurance, so I'll also be praying we win the lottery ;)
  18. Thank you guys, I truly mean it, for all the great advice. We completed a CAST questionnaire last night, and it became glaringly obvious. I had been trying for days to make an appointment through the online system, to no avail. I tried again this morning and Miraclously there was an appointment for tomorrow morning. It is just our starting point at the regular ped, I'm going to ask for a referral off base for a private assessment (thanks for the advice!). I think I'm just finally moving past denial. Thanks again, wish us luck tomorrow, I have to bring all three, it's always an adventure! I'm still not sure what to even say, maybe I'll print a copy of the CAST we filled out?
  19. I'm not sure if this is what you mean, but we love our Magna-Tiles!
  20. Thank you so much for your responses. Misty I will absolutely be emailing you!!! We will be in Enid, I can't remember if it's an hour or more from OKC. While in WA he was also seen by a reg ped, and I actually brought up some of the issues At his four year (shutting down, aggression, avoidance, etc) and she did refer him for a speech and neuro eval, but other than that he is pretty much on target developmentally. Unfortunately the Neuro eval was a six month wait list, and the first three appts required both parents present, no children. At the time my husband was deployed, and I have two other little ones. We were also planning to move over the summer (we ended up moving this fall, a few weeks ago.). I did have the speech eval done only because I mistakenly thought it was ot also. But now we can confirm there are no speech issues. The (not so funny) part of it is before kids I was a special education teacher. Never did I think I would be so baffled by my four year old. I just don't know what's going on, and I guess bottom line, we need to find out. Diet is definitely another areA to consider. We were 100% dairy free for over a year, but I can't say for sure how much it helped. In his little life hes had a major stressor at least every six months (move, new baby, daddy deployed, repeat). So somehow yogurt (and now cheese unfortunately) has crept back into our diet. He does seem to crave cheese, and chocolate, and I often wonder if that's increasing his aggression. I apologize for the type os, this thing has a mind of its own!
  21. My son will be five in February, but we are finally at the point where I feel like we may benefit from seeking out a diagnosis and therapy for his behavior. Unfortunately, I am unsure how I want to proceed. My husband is in the military, we just moved here to San Antonio, but are moving again in march To Oklahoma (he is only here for training). Change and transitions are extremely hard on my son, so I felt like it was not worth starting the eval process here, knowing our stay is only temporary. However, my son has been out of control at some point everyday since we arrived two weeks ago, and the aggression is most concerning. We were under the care of a homeopath before we moved from WA, and we were seeing some benefits from the homeopathic remedies. I did get in touch with her since we've moved, and even with her 'large dose' recommendation, we only got a few 'good' days. I do prefer the natural approach, but i feel like I also kind of need to know what else is going on, as does my husband. My question is basically what to do now? We are currently on base, and if we sought out an appointment it would be with a military doctor, never my first choice. I also believe he'd be eligible for some testing through the school district (child find?). I am just not sure where to go from here, again, knowing we are leaving in a few months,and sometimes the waiting lists can be just that long. I would love and appreciate anyone's input and perspective, as the process is all new to me. Lastly, I am very interested in perusing rdi therapy, but wondering if it's ever covered by insurance? Thanks!
  22. Hi! We just found out we are moving to Enid and are pretty excited. We are new to this site (as well as homeschooling as I have a four year old, two year old, and one year old). Just wondering if anyone lives near Enid, as I could use lots of recommendations ;) Thanks!
  23. Thank you! Sometimes it's easy to lose sight of what's important (and I just keep repeating 'he's ONLY four!' :) I still have this gut feeling that A Beka is not going to work out for him (I think he will actually fall over and play dead the first time I ask him to write a cursive letter!) Since I've already ordered it, I'm just trying to decide if it's worth even trying, as I'd hate for him to be overwhelmed and turned off at our first attempts. He is not exactly an easy going kid... Now that I've looked into it a bit more (and found this site!) I'm starting to think that we would be better off with Get Ready for the Code and Handwriting Without Tears. It certainly would have been much cheaper ;) I am afraid to admit that I am actually a former teacher, and I can't believe how I am struggling and agonizing over teaching my four year old! Thanks so much for your insight, please know it is always appreciated!
  24. I just wanted to say hi, as I also have a 4 year old, 2 year old, and 1 year old and am looking to purchase our "first curriculum" :) I'd be curious to see what you've decided on and how it's going. I have yet to make any final decisions, but am still looking into Math-U-See primer or Right Start, HWT, and possibly Abeka phonics. We also read constantly, day and night! :)
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