All About Autism

[3Boys]

2ppaamm:

Hi Autumnbronze,


Thanks for letting me know, I didn't know there was another thread on this. But, I am no longer interested in the studies of whether MMR causes autism. I read through the whole thread, though. And, I got to respect some people! The fact is, EVERY vaccination has some kind of side effect nowadays. There are just too many listed companies out there trying to profit from the current and newest disease in the name of helping mankind.

Have you watched I AM LEGEND? It's fictional, but that's how the whole mankind was nearly destroyed by a scientist who claimed that her invention can cure cancer.

Have you seen this lady who just want to be vaccinated against H1N1? Look what happened to her. Are we 100% sure what we are administering is 100% safe? I'm sure all of us know the answer. But if there's a 1 in a million chance, do you still want to take that chance? Does anyone want to be that one in the million? Obviously, that number is just too small for the authorities, or the pharmaceutical companies to care. But as parents, we MUST care.

Here is the lady I mentioned above: (not sure if it was discussed in another thread.... I'm still new ma...) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1NK3Vwtj50

Last year, while everyone rushed to get their H1N1 jab before leaving the country, I refused to give those 2 jabs to my daughters who went to China for training. My rationale? The risk is too high. Flu is easier to fight.

2ppamm, read this book for a different perspective --> http://www.michaelspecter.com/denialism/

Every medicine and medical procedure carries a risk. The question one needs to ask is whether the risk of doing it is better or worse than the risk of not doing it. You chose not to take a flu vaccine, that is an ok choice. A patient with an acute appendicitis may also choose not to undergo an appendectomy because of the risk of procedure, in which case he has a high chance of a severe outcome, that is a bad choice.

One should not throw the baby out with the bathwater. Over the decades, vaccines have contributed immensely to improving the human condition. Some folk have suffered effects and some have died from it, but many many millions more have benefited by being protected from diseases that would otherwise caused them great suffering. One in a million chance of a side effect? How that that compare to a 1:1000 chance of a chronic hep B infection leading to liver cancer?

Weigh the cost carefully.

Cheers

[3Boys]

Further, I think its not fair to say that the authorities don’t care just because its a 1 in a million risk. To use a different example, every few years or so, some national serviceman will die in a training accident. Although every death is tragic and regrettable, we know that in such things, it is almost impossible to go down to zero accident rate. Does it mean that we need to suspend all national service training and do away with it altogether? The answer is obviously no. National service serves a higher order purpose for our nation, and the authorities have deemed that some sacrifices are necessary. It does not mean that they do not care.


Similarly for vaccines. There is no perfect vaccine. Sometimes they fail, sometimes they have side effects, and rarely, people die. But consider the alternative. What if we stop all vaccinations in the off chance that 1 child gets a reaction and dies every couple of years? If it stops, many more children may die. One may argue, well, I choose not to take vaccinations for my child because the risk of transmission is low. The risk is low becuase the rest of the parents have taken on that risk for your child by vaccinating their own children. Given a choice, I would also rather not take that risk for my child, but is it fair on the rest of the parents? I would say not, and that’s why the authorities make certain vaccinations compulsory. Its not that they are not aware or don’t care, but its because they do.

[2ppaamm]

3Boys:

Further, I think its not fair to say that the authorities don't care just because its a 1 in a million risk. To use a different example, every few years or so, some national serviceman will die in a training accident. Although every death is tragic and regrettable, we know that in such things, it is almost impossible to go down to zero accident rate. Does it mean that we need to suspend all national service training and do away with it altogether? The answer is obviously no. National service serves a higher order purpose for our nation, and the authorities have deemed that some sacrifices are necessary. It does not mean that they do not care.


Similarly for vaccines. There is no perfect vaccine. Sometimes they fail, sometimes they have side effects, and rarely, people die. But consider the alternative. What if we stop all vaccinations in the off chance that 1 child gets a reaction and dies every couple of years? If it stops, many more children may die. One may argue, well, I choose not to take vaccinations for my child because the risk of transmission is low. The risk is low becuase the rest of the parents have taken on that risk for your child by vaccinating their own children. Given a choice, I would also rather not take that risk for my child, but is it fair on the rest of the parents? I would say not, and that's why the authorities make certain vaccinations compulsory. Its not that they are not aware or don't care, but its because they do.

Your views are your views lah. My views are my views lah. Different, never mind. For every article or book you produce, I probably can find another 3 to counter it. Vice versa. What's the point. I rest my case.

[3Boys]

As they say, its hard to celebrate a disease you did not get (Hep B, Polio, measles, smallpox, TB) or give credit to the the medicines that prevented them in the first place, but whoa, if someone got a rash or fever from a vaccination, cor, what a bunch of corrupt and incompetent authorities and manufacturers who actually approved and made this stuff??


We have short memories. 50 years ago, TB was a big killer. Many many people were laid up and disabled by polio. Chronic Hep B is now <4% prevalence in SG, when it used to be 10%. Things have improved drastically now, to the extent we have forgotten what got us here in the first place…

Those who forget history are doomed to repeat its mistakes.

[2ppaamm]

I was in my son's school last week and met with a teacher who used to take my son under her wings. She told me she had 15 cases of learning difficulties (with paper) in her class last year. This year, she has 11 cases with diagnosis, and 3 more waiting to be diagnosed, and a couple more she is suspicious of... We are talking about a class of 30.


So I asked her if this is because the principal gave her extra responsibilities. No, it is the same across all the classes!

I don't know if this is only true in this school or across the country. It's either parents are getting more aware and getting their children diagnosed, or that these learning difficulties are increasing...

In my case, I only found out when my kid was 9. There are cases where the kid is diagnosed at 13! If anyone is suspicious of your kid's development, go get some help. Your world of support will be so different!

Well, some people, like Autumnbronze, learnt from other people's mistakes. I wished I had been a more informed mother like them. Unfortunately, I had been the others...

[WaWa]

Hi Parents,


I would like to ask parents of ASD kids between the age range of 4-6 years old what are the intervention programmes you have signed your kid up, how effective it is (in your opinion) and also which school / kindergarten did u sign your kid up? If it is mainstream , is the Principal/ teacher aware of your child's condition, how receptive are they and how do they \"work\" to \"handle\" your \"out of sync\" child during a normal daily class activity?

I have introduced myself before but i shall briefly re-intro myself again. I am mother to a 3 year old (turning 4 this year end) boy who has been clinically diagnosed to be autistic mild-moderate..

Just wanna understand from parents with similar experience the school they send their child in .. and is it effective ... Cheers ... and many thanks for sharing

[schweppes]

WaWa:

Hi Parents,


I would like to ask parents of ASD kids between the age range of 4-6 years old what are the intervention programmes you have signed your kid up, how effective it is (in your opinion) and also which school / kindergarten did u sign your kid up? If it is mainstream , is the Principal/ teacher aware of your child's condition, how receptive are they and how do they \"work\" to \"handle\" your \"out of sync\" child during a normal daily class activity?

I have introduced myself before but i shall briefly re-intro myself again. I am mother to a 3 year old (turning 4 this year end) boy who has been clinically diagnosed to be autistic mild-moderate..

Just wanna understand from parents with similar experience the school they send their child in .. and is it effective ... Cheers ... and many thanks for sharing

Hi WaWa,
One of my close friend is in a similar situation. Her son is 4yo and going on to 5 this year.

I recall her telling me that her son goes to pre-school (K1) in the morning, and for 2 or 3 times a week, he attends 2 or 3 hours sessions at the AAS Autism Childrens Centre @ Simei. Her son is also on the RDI program.

According to my friend, she found her son improving after going for early intervention progs at AAS and RDI.

If not mistaken, I think she informed the school of her son's condition. The principal and teachers are very supportive and encouraging.
It is important to be find a school which is supportive and have understanding principal and teachers. Open communication is very impt between the parents and the school. Maybe you can share with the teachers your concerns and how best to manage your child.

However, having said that, sometimes, some teachers feel \"afraid\" and \"overwhelmed\" as they feel ill-equipped or nervous about handling a special needs child. For these teachers, it is best to prepare them what to expect and what to do to help and include the child in the day-to-day activities.

Some of the other therapies which you may consider are:

- speech and language therapy (incl social skills activities as well)
- occupational therapy
- enzyme therapy => making use of enzymes and minerals for better digestion and to balance the minerals in the body

Hope the above information helps. :lol:

:celebrate:

[WaWa]

Hi Schweppes

Many Thanks for responding.

Actually my son also just started w AAS@ simei - so far so good. The teachers & principal are all very nice & patient & full of love. I cannot comment on the effectiveness since my son only just began.

Do u mean your friend's kid attend AAS twice a week, & mainstream kindy 3 times a week? Or is it mainstream kindy 5 days a week in the morning & AAS twice a week in the afternoon? Is your fren's child verbal?

At the moment, my arrangement for my boy is to attend AAS twice a week & mainstream kindy 3 times a week.... My boy needs his nap on all afternoons.... hence i can't let him attend AAS in the afternoon. Apart from that, my boy is also attending private speech therapy.... he is non-verbal. And of late, he \"scares\" me as he is displaying more autism traits, eg body-rocking, arms flapping, eyes darting to the side.... and his temper tantrums kind of \"intensified\" ... which worries me...cos it becomes quite \"hazardous\" bringing him out...cos if anything doesn't \"seem right\" to him , he starts SCREAMING v loudly & in v scary tone; much to the disgust of many onlookers i believe.

I actually wanted to ask for \"alternative\" (just in case). and how i can \"treat\" his \"social mannerisms\" such that he doesn't scream at his whim & fancy. As it is, he social mannerisms are quite bad.... sometimes when we bring him out for social gathering (eg BBQ) he screams & i can tell my friends \"kinda pity\" me cos it is quite hard to handle him. So, i really can't imagine if he gets any worse....how life would be like .... one of my fren thought maybe he is \"still in the terrible 3 phase\" ; and with time (ie once he turns 4) he will calm down....

Anyone with similar experience care to share? ie does your super cranky autistic 3 year old becomes \"more manageable\" when he/she turns 4-5 years ?

Cheers to all kind parents

[Blobbi]

Wa Wa, I’ve PMd you.

[schweppes]

WaWa:

Hi Schweppes

Many Thanks for responding.

Actually my son also just started w AAS@ simei - so far so good. The teachers & principal are all very nice & patient & full of love. I cannot comment on the effectiveness since my son only just began.

Do u mean your friend's kid attend AAS twice a week, & mainstream kindy 3 times a week? Or is it mainstream kindy 5 days a week in the morning & AAS twice a week in the afternoon? Is your fren's child verbal?

If not mistaken, my friend sends her son to kindy every morning (Mon - Fri) and attends AAS twice a week, in the afternoon.

I remembered her telling me that her son was not very verbal in his toddler years but he is gradually improving. He is able to communicate and manage his emotions better with early and regular intervention.

WaWa:

As it is, he social mannerisms are quite bad.... sometimes when we bring him out for social gathering (eg BBQ) he screams & i can tell my friends \"kinda pity\" me cos it is quite hard to handle him. So, i really can't imagine if he gets any worse....how life would be like .... one of my fren thought maybe he is \"still in the terrible 3 phase\" ; and with time (ie once he turns 4) he will calm down....

Sometimes, well-meaning friends may do more harm them good, especially since they are non the wiser.

At parties and gatherings, if your son has a meltdown or what some people see as \"bad behaviour\", it may not necessarily mean that he is \"super cranky\", \"naughty\" or \"bad\" or \"going thru a phase\".

IT cd be a sensory issue. For example, at the BBQ, the smoke may be irritaing him. Also, at parties or in a strange environment, the poor child has to cope with sensory overload. An ASD child needs structure and order. At parties, there is NO structure and order - too many strangers/ people and activities going on. So he as to deal with transitions, which an ASD child will find it difficult to cope with.

Also, you may need to consider dietary requirements/ restrictions. Some kids may be overly sensitive to sugar, sweets, chocolates. Observe his behaviour to see if he has a meltdown if he takes certain foods.


Take heart. I know it is easier said than done to manage a child with special needs. There will be days where you wonder, \"why me?\". \"What did I do wrong?\" But there are also days where your child will bring you so much joy and happiness. And those days of joy will bring you a sense of peace.

Believe and know that things will turn out for the better. The most important thing is NOT to give up - on him, on yourself and on the situation.

Stay strong... :hugs: