|
|
| FAQ's with Author
and Speaker, Karen Leigh Simmons |
|
| Subject: psychological
evaluations |
 Question
- our 21/2 year old daughter just had a
psycholgical evaluation because of concerns
about possible HFA or Asperger's. The eval
came back that shew does have some sensory
concerns but is just a temperamental child,
however her adaptive behavior scales show
her as being delayed, I.E. Communication age
equiv 2-4, daily living skills 1-6, Socialization
1-5, and Motor skills 1-9. The diagnosis doesn't
fit the test results, what do we do now? The
psychologist is reccomending a preschool for
children with behavior problems. She doesn't
have behavior problems, she chews on string,
doesn't eat any food that she can smell, first
thing she says in the morning "I want
a pink dress", is very light sensitive,
has low muscle tone, can't stand having food
touch when on a plate, lines up her toys,
does not engage in imagintive play such as
playing with dolls, always picks up her toys
without be told to, prefers the company of
adults over children her age. The list goes
on and on. She has other problems as well
such as Reflux disease, which has caused asmtha,
has severe bouts of eczema during the summer
months ( lasts 12 weeks). Her speech was very
delayed due to a lossof hearing in her left
ear (genetic on my side my biological father
is deaf in his left ear also). I have scheduled
her to see a peditrician that specializes
in Autism, PDD, and Aspergers. I have read
quite a bit about High functioning autism
and Aspergers and Ciaran really sounds like
an Aspergers. Should I keep pushing for a
diagnosis or go with the psychologist eval.
I really could use some advice on what I do
now? I hope you can help me with this, and
I appreciate any inforamtion you can offer.
Thank you for your time.
Caroline
Answer - Keep
pushing for the diagnosis. You are your
child's best hope for success. Continue
to be persistent and get several opinions.
I would start with the local Autism Society
and ask them where the best place to start
is.
|
| Subject: Medication
for 7yr. old with Aspergers |
Question -
My 7 year old is just finishing up the
1st grade. His teacher informed me that since
about Feb. my son has had a very hard time
holding his focus. He saw a neurologist about
a year and a half ago. We have been getting
the run around for the past year to get him
back in because his neurologist has since
left the city. His appt. is for the end of
May. My son is starting to fall behind in
school and I would like to know if Ritalin
would be an option. I don't like the idea
of medication but don't see any other alternative.
His 1st neurologist suggested a different
drug but I forgot what the name of it was.
Is this common practice to medicate a child
with aspergers? Is there anyone else having
the same problems?
Deborah
Answer - Hi
Deborah, I knowwwww what you mean. Until
I put Jonny on Dexedrine, I was skeptical.
Even after putting him on it, I still didn't
know how much GOOD it was doing for his
attention span until we decided to do a
blind placeabo (sp?) test at his school.
The results: from a kid who was practically
got kicked off the bus to a much more calm,
socially appropriate kid. I swear by meds.
Of course, they must be the right kind for
the right kid. I haven't heard a great deal
of good about Ritalin. Perhaps suggest Dexedrine
to your doctor and see what they say.
|
| Subject: Could my
child have this? |
Question
- Karen, I have a 2 year daughter who is
very independent and persistent. Lately, she
has been very obsessive about doing things
herself and repeating statements...she is
very intellegent for her age, already speaking
in full sentences and saying her abc's, counting
to 10 and identifying letters of the alphabet.
We have a family history of Tourette Syndrome,
and have thought that she may be showing signs
of Obsessive Compulsiveness, but also heard
about this and wanted your opinion. The main
reason I even thought about this is because
I have mentored a young child with Tourette's
who also had a sibling with Asperger's, and
along with myself having Tourette's, my 4
year old son has been diagnosed with a tic-disorder
(which I feel will eventually be diagnosed
as Tourette's). In reading about Autism/Asperger's,
I realize that my daughter doesn't show many
symptoms...she does well in social situations
(with occasional "bashfulness" that
soon disappears), and as I said before, she
speaks very well and has no problem communicating
and expressing herself. It's just mainly that
sometimes she will get so upset or obsess
over the littlest things, and continue repeating
statements or questions. What do you think?
I only want to do what's best for my children,
and I believe it's extremely important to
handle things properly from the beginning
in order for them to be able to handle themselves
as adults. I'm sure you agree! I look forward
to hearing what you have to say. Who knows...maybe
her actions are those of a typical 2 year
old girl, but with our medical history, I
can't overlook any possibilities.
Thanks for your time.
Patty
Answer
- Good for you, Patty trying to find out
at an early age.
If you go to my site: www.autismtoday.com
and the About Autism link at the bottom
of the page is a section on characteristics.
That will give you warning signs to look
for.
Early intervention is key in the long term
outcome of these children. Of course, I
am not in the position to diagnose her though
autism/pdd can be diagnosed behaviorally.
From what you say, the social and communication
piece doesn't seem to fit for autism but
I would certainly have her checked out.
These kids have been known to be very social
and communicative.
for resources, check out: www.exceptionalresources.com
hope this helps
|
| Subject: autism |
Question
- Karen~ I am currently a teacher's aid
at a local elementary school, I work with
a first grade class. Do you have any suggestions
on how I could get the children to understand
and accept some of their classmates who have
disabilities?
Wendy
Answer
- Hi Wendy, Funny you ask that question.
That was the exact reason I wrote my book
"Little Rainman, Autism Through The
Eyes of a Child" so that the kids,
teachers and others could understand my
son, Jonny, better. Of course, there may
be too many words for their age group so
would have to be shortened a bit by the
teacher.
Another book is "Special People Special
Ways" It can be found at www.exceptionalresources.com
|
| Subject: wilbarger
brushing |
Question
- I have a 6 yo son dx with AS. We have
been doing the brushing therapy both at home
and at school. Now the Special Ed Director
is saying that he doesn't believe that it
is a valid treatment and that we should discontinue
it at school. He essentially challenged me
to find information, studies and parenting
accounts that would support the use of the
brushing technique. What information can you
give me to the above. Any links, or studied
that you could give me along with general
information would be appreciated.
Thank you
Christine
Answer
- Christine, I know we used this method
on my son and am sure there is lots of info
out there. Did you try going to www.google.com
and put the key words wilbarger brushing
in? I am sure that if you visit www.sensoryresources.com
they can steer you in the right direction.
Also, check out www.exceptionalresources.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
