All About Autism

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ImMeeMee:

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Double E


So in your list, only wee care has social programs? Looks like I've to stick to them?

Besies Wee Care, Dynamics and Kaleidoscope also offer social programs. I have spoken to the therapists from all 3 centres not long ago to make enquiries, but in the end did not place my child on any program. You may like to check these centres out too.

Thanks! I checked out the websites, they do have social group programs! One of them is nearer for me. I will call them up!

Anyway, I'm meeting Densie tomorrow. She says she will help me identify my son's needs. I hope it would not be a wasted trip. I've to lug my 1 year old, and my mom with chronic backache- no joke.

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ImMeeMee


Im not sure about professional coaching but I agree with your therapist. If you don't start teaching them to write properly from the beginning, It will create alot of problems later. And it would be difficult to correct when they are older- coz habits are hard to change. I guess unless you are confident in teaching your daughter then can put off the coaching for now? Otherwise I don't think it's a bad idea, coz starting at 3 years old is better than starting at 5.

My son was averse to writing & coloring- anything to do with picking up a pencil. He didn't even doodle. I didn't push him much though at 3 years old. He started to be Ok with it when he went to a regular school at 4- but teachers kept saying his writing is poor. So I took it upon myself and teach him. I was very very strict with him. If he doesn't write in the correct direction, or if the letters don't touch the top or bottom lines, I'll make him re-write. There was alot of frustration on both of us, needless to say. But I pushed him hard. Now His teacher thanked me, yah she actually said 'thanks!' for his improvement in handwriting.

I guess, you must know your daughter limits. Push her but don't push her beyond what she can do- otherwise she will detest writing forever. I pushed my son because I know he can. He just needs more confidence- he tends to say 'cannot' at the first try. If you think she cannot focus a long time, then do one letter a week or two etc. Don't rush through the alphabets. Very important to Follow her learning pace, coz if you don't, you will ruin her interest.

Just my two cents.

[Blokus]

Kar kar


Try to ask lots of questions before deciding to book for the first appointment. Like what exactly is to expected from the first visit? Will they help you identify his areas of needs? How? Will they play with him? Or just talk to you? Will they Ask him a set of questions & tabulate scores to see where he stands? Etc? Or is it just to see him? Will there be a report or just verbal sharing? As I shared, I expected to emerge from my visit to wee care a little wiser about my son’s needs. But I came out none the wiser & $75 poorer. Dr kelvin saw my son physically but he didn’t share any of his observations with me. Don’t wish that for you.

Actually, I’m wavering between believing my son is ok and not. Some days he shows he’s typical some days not. Few days ago he actually played UNO with my niece & I could hear some verbal exchanges between them- much to my surprise. He also joined in to play with the rest of the cousins. I suspect my son is PDD. Cause he’s at a level where he’s mid way between being on spectrum & typical. Like I shared, he has some level of joint attention but not all. He has some level of interaction but not at the normal range. He’s cognitive learning is above average even better than typical kids i’d say. He can tackle maths questions 2 levels up his age requirement & understand concepts almost instantly. Those teachers who have taught him one on one like his Montessori teachers always say he’s a fast learner & intelligent. Yet when it comes to using words to match his thoughts, he has much difficulty. He can read & understand (he can answer all questions relating to the text) but cannot describe his own feelings. Many times he’d wake up crying from his nap but say ‘I dont know’ when I asked him why. So I’m very confused. Sigh.

[crabbygal]

Hi all,


Any recommendation of dentist good in handling autistic kid? My son needs to see a dentist and he is oral sensitive. Tried googling but can’t seem to find much information, except Smilefocus at Camden Medical Centre, Dr. Ong. Help?

Thanks!

[Karkar]

ImMeeMee:

karkar, just curious as to what does isadd means. the weblink you provided refers to the EIPIC program. My daughter is currently on the program. Please let me know if you need more information.

Hi ImMeeMee,

Isadd http://www.isadd.org/is a centre where my colleague recommended. they have their therapist to go to their house. i worked out the cost to be around 2.3k a month for 2 hr x6 a week.

my bad, i post the wrong link. it should be http://www.cel.sg/uploads/PPIPServiceFeeMatrix1Mar2012.pdf which shows all other centres' cost. to me, Isadd is not too much more expensive considering it's home therpy.

[ImMeeMee]

slmkhoo


Thanks for the in-depth sharing. Good to hear your perspectives.

I do agree that from long term perspective and given the many things to catch up on, professional coaching on handwriting may not be a burning issue. As long as the handwriting is legible and serves its function, this would be about as good as it can get.

Blokus

My daughter likes writing more than coloring. Coaching her coloring is :stupid: but she is showing more interest in writing. You have done well to coach your child to proper handwriting. My plan is to continue to practise with my daughter and I like to think that they will improve over time!

[Blokus]

Mine also. He would be coloring but his eyes is set on elsewhere. I also think that’s fine. Coloring is bit tedious.

[Double E]

Blokus

How was your meeting with Denise from Weecare today?

Mummies
Are your little ones cheeky? My boy is getting cheekier now.
For example, when I ask him a question, he will purposely say the wrong answer and wait for my reaction before answering correctly. Also he starts to trick his younger sister, will pretend to offer a toy to her and only to take it back when the sister reaches out for it. And he gets the thrill of her sister running after him.

I think is consider a good progress? The only thing is I am afraid he thinks this is alright and teachers may think he is naughty, trying to test their patience or trying to be funny.

[Double E]

On handwriting, I am also asked by his teacher to coach him now, make him practice every day. So poor thing, he is only 3 but has to go through this due to our education system. He can write most of the numbers now except for the number 8 and some letters though they look ugly and the strokes are not precise. I shudder the day when he has to learn to write in Chinese.

[Karkar]

on private assessment, do the centre psychologist tend to easily confirm autistic so parents can spend their money hiring their own centre therapist?

Should i go for independent psychologist i.e thomson paediatric centre, which probably cost 200.

had a check on Kaleidoscope. shocked by the price in the web http://www.kaleidoscope.com.sg/Therapy%20fees%20May%202011.pdf

Seriously, thats what every parent is paying? i had the similar shock by Wee care pricing too. [quote][From their website]Assessments cost between $800 to $920 and this is inclusive of initial and final consultations, plus an extensive written report that can be used for future referrals, school placements, and parent-teacher meetings.[/quote]today i had a new discovery of home therapy, i think Isadd recommended by my colleague is one of the centres that practise this. Home therapy is to enable intensive hours of intervention with lower cost. Its worth exploring.
http://www.weecare.com.sg/resources/articles/n200208b.htm