All About Autism

[Double E]

I recalled wrongly. He started his writing at 9.20pm till 11pm. But still a good 1.30hrs.


Did I really expect too much from him?cos his tutor and therapist keep stressing that he must learn to do this and that. I thought I m just reinforcing what he was taught.

[mashy]

Double E:

Mummies

Thanks for all your encouragement. I will continue to try and maybe alternate the writing with some other stuff like jigsaw puzzle or ipad games so that it is not so dull for him. Yesterday, he sat at the table from 8.45pm till 11pm to practice his writing. So I think I should at least give kudos for him to be able to sit through the session without trying to run away. He was so tired after the session that he fell asleep within 20mins when it usually takes him 45mins to fall asleep on his bed.

I think I am pushing him so hard because I know that social wise and speech wise, he will never be as good as the NT kids but I hope he can at least catch up with them academically so that he will feel less inferior.

And yes, compared with say 3 mths ago, he has progressed in his motor skills and writing. He is also better in recognising phonics sounds too. I was playing scrabble with him last week and he can spell quite a number of words correctly after I read out the words to him.

Guess I just need to manage my expectations and learn when to take a break.

Oh, and one more thing to ask you mummies. My boy is slow when doing his task. He can do it but just slow. Do your kids have this problem? How do you help them to overcome it? just keep practicing?


chibi
Your daughter is really progressing very well. Couldn't believe she has special needs. Her speech and thinking skills are good.

Blokus
If you are determined to enroll your boy to mainstream primary school, then think you can still postpone the diagnosis to next Mar. Let him go thru the intervention first, give him sometime.

Wow! Until 11pm? Give him his sleep lah. Sleep is very important for growing children. My son is also slow in performing his tasks depending on motivation. If its something he likes, he finishes it quickly. If not, he drags his feet. He is usually slow even in dressing up, sleeping, eating etc. sometimes feels like I'm raising a snail. For such things, I count and he will speed up.

[mashy]

slmkhoo:

Double E:

I recalled wrongly. He started his writing at 9.20pm till 11pm. But still a good 1.30hrs.


Did I really expect too much from him?cos his tutor and therapist keep stressing that he must learn to do this and that. I thought I m just reinforcing what he was taught.

Do they require a 3yo to write? That, in my personal opinion, is crazy. Games and activities for finger strength and coordination would be more suitable than writing. I hold to the view that no child should be required to write until he is beginning to read. Of course some kids want to write because they see others do it, and that's fine. But what is the point of writing if you can't read? I can't remember either of my kids ever sitting still for an hour at 3yo - your child is exceptional in that way.

My boy was made to write from 3 yrs old because he's the youngest in the class. So he actually started nursery class at 3 yrs old. Of course he couldn't do it. But I wasn't too worried about it until when he was 4 and in k1 and we started OT. Now that his muscles have become stronger, he's able to write much better. My gal is coming 3.5 and I'm not making her write yet since she still has time. She can't even read whereas my boy could read at this age. Each will progress at their own time, so no worries. Her phonics teacher (who also taught my son) said don't worry, my boy was faster than normal and usually kids read at 5yrs old.

[Double E]

Yes, his tutor expects him to write so keep stressing that I let him practice. His OT works on activities to strengthen his hand and finger muscles. But there are sessions that she will get him to write while he is on music therapy. That’s why I felt the need to get him practice.


My boy can read though not sure if he understands all that he is reading. Probably the tutor thought he should start writing since he can read.

[mashy]

Double E:

Yes, his tutor expects him to write so keep stressing that I let him practice. His OT works on activities to strengthen his hand and finger muscles. But there are sessions that she will get him to write while he is on music therapy. That's why I felt the need to get him practice.


My boy can read though not sure if he understands all that he is reading. Probably the tutor thought he should start writing since he can read.

He has a tutor? :yikes:

[Double E]

Ehhh…yes. She is a special needs teacher and she teaches my boy English and Maths. A friend recommended her to me, her ASD boy used to be taught by her. My son enjoys the sessions, will look forward to her lessons. She used a lot of materials to teach him, and as she is a special needs teacher, she knows how to engage my boy. But I am also stressed by her cos she gives a lot of homework for me to follow up.

[Double E]

We hv the tutor for 5 mths, she comes twice a week. At that time, being desperate, I just grab any referral that can help my boy. And since my boy likes her lessons, we just continue. I also liked that she gives me tips on how to manage his behavior, a bit of ST and OT too.

[ImMeeMee]

Blokus:

Thanks sim Khoo, double E


I've decided to push it back just cause the diagnosis doesn't matter to us. What's more important is to get him the help he needs. The test is just so I can use it as a proof to his teachers for exemption etc. At this moment its not necessary. Also, it gives me more time to 'not know but know' heh heh

Good for you blokus. If its language disorders rather than autism then the support strategies could stay more focused.

[ImMeeMee]

Double E:

Ehhh...yes. She is a special needs teacher and she teaches my boy English and Maths. A friend recommended her to me, her ASD boy used to be taught by her. My son enjoys the sessions, will look forward to her lessons. She used a lot of materials to teach him, and as she is a special needs teacher, she knows how to engage my boy. But I am also stressed by her cos she gives a lot of homework for me to follow up.

Double E, I have a special needs therapist for my daughter too. She is not so much of a tutor but rather a therapist that provides support in literacy and numeric skills. She is trained in special needs and thus has the rightful strategies to engage the child and build their skills in specific areas. I sit with her at the end of every session to hear my daughter's progress and to know the things to follow up on. She too gives me tips on speech, language and behavior management.

My therapist can be quite pushy too, and she is the one that has been complaining about my daughter's handwriting and the need for professional coaching. I try to consider her words but if its not within my key focus areas at this juncture, I ignore her

[ImMeeMee]

chibi:

thnks Blokus

I am proud of her .
But there are also ups and down days .
i have to keep reminding myself too, since we have come so far, nothing can stop us

chibi, I like your expression.