All About Autism
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Tamama:
Good sharing! I believe that you are a wonderful person and mother for your son.
Hi there,
I am very quiet all along but periodically I check back this forum. My boy is now 6. He is autistic, his diagnosis will be out soon...
Since few years ago we noticed my boy was different. Then we went thro similar stages as all of you have experienced. When my boy was four years old, we adopted a dog. I personally am an animal lover. And my older girl loves animal as well. So when the chance came up, we adopted.
Our beloved pet is a golden retriever. She is a darling to everyone. She was four years old when we adopted her. My girl loves her, I love her, and my boy loves her.
As day goes by, we noticed our dog is not just a dog. She is one of my boy's therapist. When I taught my boy how to react with animal nicely, my pet opened up lots if chances for him to learn. Their interaction increases everyday. The learning is never ending, and so much fun. My dog is my awesome partner to guide and teach my boy (and my girl as well). Even the ABA centre is using my dog as a topic to teach my boy pragmatic. He also learns to take care of others, to observe others feelings, which is uneasy for a lot of autistic kids.
So for me, I will say it is fantastic to have a pet. I never thought that she is hugely beneficial to my family. She is my kids' teacher indeed. She also is my psychotherapist. When I have down time as a mom, she is always by my side and offering her big golden furry body for hugging. Did you hear this before? When everything fails, hug a dog! So true!
Two years since we kept her now, the love between us is still deepening. We are inseparable now.
So if you ask me if a pet is good for our special kids? I definitely give a positive answer. Only thing is, it is a long term commitment to take care of a pet. They may only live for ten years. They aged. They weakened. Illness may invade. At the golden age of our pets, we must be there for them. Because to us, they are just dogs, but to them, we are their world, their everything. :please: -
tyeogh:
I would go for a second opinion too if my son is to show such astounding improvement that in no way I feel he is in the autism spectrum. But I have somehow come to terms with my boy's condition and sometimes I think , is not that bad too if he is autistic yet can survive mainstream curriculum because I can use his autistic condition as an excuse to get him more help. I am saying this because I have heard of cases that the child is neither here nor there. Not autistic thus can't get additional help or exemption yet have difficulties surviving in mainstream.
Yes, you are right. Usually after a formal assessment is done, the doctors will not dispute it. My child was originally diagnosed at NUH in July 2012. In Oct 2013 this year, I wanted another diagnosis. NUH refused to do it citing standard protocol. The nurses told me I could consult with the doctor to show reason why another needs to be done. So I conveniently hopped over to KKH to re-start the process. I did inform KKH of my history with NUH.Double E:
Hi, so the doctor who wrote the letter is from KKH or NUH CDU? I am abit confused why the letter was written when you boy has already done a formal assessment. Or you are actually seeking a second assessment? Because usually if a formal assessment has been done, doctors will not dispute it. If you son has done a formal assessment, it seems like this doctor is disputing it and is asking you to seek a second assessment. Did I get it right?
But nonetheless, is always happy to hear good news. I would love to get such comments from a professional too. For my boy who has diagnosis of ASD, his OT believes he is Asperger's instead. Well, both are ASD but I am happier to believe he is an Aspie cos Aspie is known to have higher IQ and more high-functioning.
So what is your plan now?
I want a separate assessment because I was astonished by the recent changes in DS and want an official confirmation. Not done to strike off medical records or stigma issues.
I plan to go along with whatever tests KKH wants to conduct on DS.
It will be better if he can achieve something outstanding because of his condition so that he can be a great example and advocate of Autism, like Temple Grandin. Haha! yes, I have such high hopes sometimes especially when I see him able to excel academically and having friends telling me he could do what their 5 year old couldn't.
Naive hor ?:P But is ok to dream big so that I can continue to help him achieve his maximum potential. Such is a mother's hope for their child, especially a special child. -
Double E:
I agree with you on this. Its because he has a formal diagnosis, we are able to get more help. Have this option to send them into pathlight.
I would go for a second opinion too if my son is to show such astounding improvement that in no way I feel he is in the autism spectrum. But I have somehow come to terms with my boy's condition and sometimes I think , is not that bad too if he is autistic yet can survive mainstream curriculum because I can use his autistic condition as an excuse to get him more help. I am saying this because I have heard of cases that the child is neither here nor there. Not autistic thus can't get additional help or exemption yet have difficulties surviving in mainstream.
I have met parents whom their kids are GDD , ADHD + speech delay they have nowhere else to go as their kids are also high functioning but will have a lot of problem coping in main stream. The rest of the SPED schools are too low function for their kids.
In a way, yes, we are \"lucky\" our kids are diagnose with ASD and they do have a chance to go pathlight if they are unable to adapt to mainstream. -
Yours was first diagnosed at 2.5yrs? That’s slightly on the early side, most are around 3 yrs. Also before embarking on EIPIC, there would have be an assessment done by the school independently, whether Govt or private. Unlikely it was a wrong diagnosis.
More importantly, there are only positives in early intervention whether the kid is really ASD or not. So the imperative bit is not to label them and think of it as giving your child an extra boost in his/her development and self-esteem. Could be that sometimes EIPIC is so effective that parents, including me; doubt their diagnosis in the first place. Suggest continuing with early intervention as it has definitely helped your son, whatever the outcome of the re-assessment.
Mine are also Dec kids btw that’s why I asked. Accordingly to teachers, even NT kids born in Dec struggle in the early years. Double whammy. -
nugget:
Sama sama thinking! *high five*
I agree with you on this. Its because he has a formal diagnosis, we are able to get more help. Have this option to send them into pathlight.
I have met parents whom their kids are GDD , ADHD + speech delay they have nowhere else to go as their kids are also high functioning but will have a lot of problem coping in main stream. The rest of the SPED schools are too low function for their kids.
In a way, yes, we are \"lucky\" our kids are diagnose with ASD and they do have a chance to go pathlight if they are unable to adapt to mainstream. -
nugget:
nugget, I agree too.
I agree with you on this. Its because he has a formal diagnosis, we are able to get more help. Have this option to send them into pathlight.
I have met parents whom their kids are GDD , ADHD + speech delay they have nowhere else to go as their kids are also high functioning but will have a lot of problem coping in main stream. The rest of the SPED schools are too low function for their kids.
In a way, yes, we are \"lucky\" our kids are diagnose with ASD and they do have a chance to go pathlight if they are unable to adapt to mainstream.
At least for me, I find it fortunate that I have found the appropriate educational pathway for my doter. And somehow I have got so used to the 'label' that it doesn't seem to sound too bad to be in the 'club'. Sadist not though, having a ASD child has taught me a lot of things.
tyeogh, having said that, please don't misunderstand that I am being sour grapes here. If the re-assessment will help you and your child in better ways, I sincerely feel happy for your case. And keep that early intervention going, I believe its science. -
Tamama:
Tamama, thanks for the touching post. :hugs:
Hi there,
I am very quiet all along but periodically I check back this forum. My boy is now 6. He is autistic, his diagnosis will be out soon...
Since few years ago we noticed my boy was different. Then we went thro similar stages as all of you have experienced. When my boy was four years old, we adopted a dog. I personally am an animal lover. And my older girl loves animal as well. So when the chance came up, we adopted.
Our beloved pet is a golden retriever. She is a darling to everyone. She was four years old when we adopted her. My girl loves her, I love her, and my boy loves her.
As day goes by, we noticed our dog is not just a dog. She is one of my boy's therapist. When I taught my boy how to react with animal nicely, my pet opened up lots if chances for him to learn. Their interaction increases everyday. The learning is never ending, and so much fun. My dog is my awesome partner to guide and teach my boy (and my girl as well). Even the ABA centre is using my dog as a topic to teach my boy pragmatic. He also learns to take care of others, to observe others feelings, which is uneasy for a lot of autistic kids.
So for me, I will say it is fantastic to have a pet. I never thought that she is hugely beneficial to my family. She is my kids' teacher indeed. She also is my psychotherapist. When I have down time as a mom, she is always by my side and offering her big golden furry body for hugging. Did you hear this before? When everything fails, hug a dog! So true!
Two years since we kept her now, the love between us is still deepening. We are inseparable now.
So if you ask me if a pet is good for our special kids? I definitely give a positive answer. Only thing is, it is a long term commitment to take care of a pet. They may only live for ten years. They aged. They weakened. Illness may invade. At the golden age of our pets, we must be there for them. Because to us, they are just dogs, but to them, we are their world, their everything. :please: -
nugget:
This is so true to me too!
I agree with you on this. Its because he has a formal diagnosis, we are able to get more help. Have this option to send them into pathlight.Double E:
I would go for a second opinion too if my son is to show such astounding improvement that in no way I feel he is in the autism spectrum. But I have somehow come to terms with my boy's condition and sometimes I think , is not that bad too if he is autistic yet can survive mainstream curriculum because I can use his autistic condition as an excuse to get him more help. I am saying this because I have heard of cases that the child is neither here nor there. Not autistic thus can't get additional help or exemption yet have difficulties surviving in mainstream.
I have met parents whom their kids are GDD , ADHD + speech delay they have nowhere else to go as their kids are also high functioning but will have a lot of problem coping in main stream. The rest of the SPED schools are too low function for their kids.
In a way, yes, we are \"lucky\" our kids are diagnose with ASD and they do have a chance to go pathlight if they are unable to adapt to mainstream.
My boy has done the assessment in jurong medical centre. We are going to receive the report next week.
At the last session of the assessment (FYI it contains of 3 sessions) I kind of asked the cp how's my boys doing in terms of his IQ, cos I understand that pathlight school is only accepting ASD kids with normal IQ. She made a quick look at his scores and told me that my boy is pretty safe to fall into normal IQ category. However she said she would need more time to look at his scores for assessment of ASD cos she suspected that he may not be into the ASD category. Wow, frankly speaking, that really worry me. :xedfingers:
For years of heart pain and tear shedding, we have accepted that my boy is on the ASD side. We have diverted our mindset for him. We have planned different ways for him. I know that he would have a hard time if he goes to mainstream school. The awesome choice is pathlight. Particularly after I worked as parent volunteer for my girls school and I see how the teachers usually reaction to kids, I don't think my boy will have happy school life in a mainstream school. So If now telling me he is not ASD... I will :? and lose my direction. Kill me...
So lucky or unlucky... We will wait and see... Keep praying... Strange la, pray that he has ASD?! Heehee... Dilemma... :spank: -
ImMeeMee:
My pleasure.
Tamama, thanks for the touching post. :hugs:
Even talking about my dog makes me happy too.
Some more tips for whoever like to keep a pet:
If possible, adopt.
Puppies are just lovely like newborns.
But Adult dogs in general are more stable in mood. And they most likely have received some kind of training already. Everything is a lot easier.
So you will save the hassle to train a puppy to pee and poo in the appropriate place (to toilet train a puppy can be tricky, and they simply just keep forgetting it haha), to get it socialize with people in a correct way (puppy loves to run around and may be jumpy and licky), to avoid the accidental biting on you or may be the kids due to teething (it may take several months to a year and they feel urge to bite in something constantly), to take care of their excessive puppy fur shedding (constantly dirty floor you may experience)......
Keep the yearly vaccination and month dose of de-flea and de-heart worm.
If you need some more advice on adoption places in singapore just feel free to pm me. I am glad to see more special kids to share their love to more lovely pets out there. It is just simply precious. :grphug: -
tyeogh:
Hi Tyeogh.. You are so different here, compared to over there (THAT thread, you know)..
What a weekend!! I have a good report ...
:
:
This song is for you, and for all the great parents here.. :hugs:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kfpE8xYBmY][/youtube]
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