Having an Autistic Brother

[ImMeeMee]

luvmum:

Hi Tamama,


My boy is at mainstream kindergarten so chinese is taught in school. To supplement on his chinese competency, I send him to a chinese enrichment school (berries). He has been there for 3 years since N2. Teacher has been patient and good to him. He has no prob reading the texts but it's the writing part. I need to teach him like 4 days in advance so that he is able to write in class. Sometimes he can write well, other times can't even figure out what is he writing. He has little retention. For instance, the word I in chinese (wo), he has written that for umpteen times but still if out of the blue I ask him to write and show me, he can't. Of course if I go thr with him, he can pick up quite fast.

He has a hundred and one thing to improve on so MT is really the first that I consider to opt out. life Journey is seriously very tough for him and me. Constant reminders on myself not to give him up but at times the harsh educational system, judgemental views of his teachers and unwelcome remarks really drag you down and make you feel lousy.

And yes, I did volunteering work in his prospective pri school too. Looking at the daily working, socialising and independency of the pri school kids, I just feel it's out of the place for my child who still need a lot of help.

luvmum, I too do not coach my doter much on Chinese, for the same reasons of juggling various priorities, even though I would love to. I hope that one day when she is older we could somehow find a way to catch up. Even if its just conversational for her to understand and speak some of the language to enable her to function in daily life would be an achievement.

There are currently a few educational routes for our kids. Don't despair. There is a lot of discussion on school placement options for ASD kids at this forum. You may like to do a search for the information.

Hope you sort out your thoughts soon.

[Double E]

Phil4v8

Great seeing you here cos I have a copy of your book too and I put in at my bed side and read it from time to time to remind myself that I am not alone. Actually, I am your fan. Haha! Cos I will try to read all interviews (print or TV) about you and your boy. I think is very brave of you to put yourself in public but we definitely need more parents like you who are not afraid to share your struggles so that more people will learn about Autism. I hope I have the courage to do the same.

Tamama, my boy who has Autism in fact love books more than his sister who is NT. In fact, my gal will ‘copy’ her brother and start asking for a book when she sees her brother reading one.

[Phil4v8]

Hi Double E, thank you for your encouraging words. Our journey is not easy but if we stay positive, it can be very enriching. Press on!

[florencetks]

Hi Ladies,


I have also discovered not long ago that my younger son has mild autism and I can relate to all of your stories due to all the similarities that were being discussed in this thread.

Phil4v8 - I chanced upon your write-up in kiasuparents, it is very well written and it is so true that the sibling benefits from having a special needs bro/sis coz they grow up to become more compassionate, I see this in my older girl but I also notice her resentment at times when she has to give in to her brother all the time.

This is going to be a long journey with my boy, now I worry about whether he can go to mainstream school, how he is going to grow up. Will my older gal have to take care of him later on in life…etc…

Anyone did EIPIC program? Is it helpful?

[Phil4v8]

Hi Florence, thank you for your encouragement. I have compiled a book of 31 autism stories in Singapore. If you have yet to read it, can find out more on http://www.come-into-my-world.com . Yes, my girl gets fed up sometimes having to give in to her brother. Once she exclaimed, \"I wish I am autistic!\" Regarding EIPIC, my boy has enjoyed and benefited from Eden Children's Centre (Simei).

[florencetks]

Hi,


Parents like us all need alot of encouragement! I’ll get your book!!

[Phil4v8]

Feel free to give me your feedback on the book. : )

[florencetks]

You bet! I live near 684 hougang & I see that Medlife clinic carries your book so I’m gonna try & buy it there.

[worried_mum08]

Just something to share: My son was diagnosed with ASD last year. We had no prior family history(from both sides) with children or any1 with this disorder. Relatives who do not understand looked at him in a ver different way. Could not follow all the instructions in the Childcare Centre that he attend. I was really upset and did not know how to cope at time. He throw tantrums also. Doctor refer him for therapy sessions and he was eventually referred to EIPIC at THK this February. Condition did not improve drastically. Until 3 months back, my SIL’s friend recommended me to try out on Essential oil, and after 3 months , we (myself, SIL, BIL, and even my mum who is taking care of him) feels that his communication skills improve a lot. He is able to sit still for a longer period of time. This makes me certain that his condition can further improve if i persist. Any1 who is interested to try, can PM me. I share more.

[worried_mum08]

Just something to share: My son was diagnosed with ASD last year. We had no prior family history(from both sides) with children or any1 with this disorder. Relatives who do not understand looked at him in a ver different way. Could not follow all the instructions in the Childcare Centre that he attend. I was really upset and did not know how to cope at time. He throw tantrums also. Doctor refer him for therapy sessions and he was eventually referred to EIPIC at THK this February. Condition did not improve drastically. Until 3 months back, my SIL’s friend recommended me to try out on Essential oil, and after 3 months , we (myself, SIL, BIL, and even my mum who is taking care of him) feels that his communication skills improve a lot. He is able to sit still for a longer period of time. This makes me certain that his condition can further improve if i persist. Any1 who is interested to try, can PM me. I share more.