Comments on: Hope for Families with Autism http://blog.drphil.com/2010/05/15/hope-for-families-with-autism/ Dr. Phil- Start A Change Reaction Sun, 19 May 2013 02:33:16 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8 hourly 1 By: Begum http://blog.drphil.com/2010/05/15/hope-for-families-with-autism/comment-page-1/#comment-131848 Begum Tue, 27 Nov 2012 03:50:01 +0000 http://blog.drphil.com/?p=2471#comment-131848 it has impacted his cvtingioe functioning, I guess college is not an option for him. his son wants to join the military but Dad says no way the military will take him. He's worrying about long-term care, because he does not believe his son can be self-sufficient. that was a hard blow and depressing. I keep looking for the crystal ball. I got excited the other day because my son said "I love you" ... SPONTANEOUSLY! But at almost 32 months we're not really having real conversations like I am with his twin brother. I say "who were easter bunny's helpers" and although he knows their names he answers "carrot." I used to obsess over language and now I obsess over reasoning ability. this past week I've been trying to figure out how come nobody talks about what the milestones are that lead to reasoning ability. do you think language and reasoning are synonomous? I don't think I do anymore. Sorry for the ramble. But sometimes I do think this: that (a) there are too many links between autism and motor issues, and my son has the latter for sure (and I think since I've focused on those there have been collateral improvements in other areas, by the way); (b) the eides say that both spd and autism involve problems with long-distance connections, I think it must be those fast-spiking interneurons; (c) it does seem sometimes like my son although sweet and affectionate, has these kind of jumping random associations between things rather than ... I can't describe what I want to, but appropriate categorization comes to mind. It also makes me wonder ... what would he have been like WITHOUT the intervention? How easy would it have been for me to LET him tune out? would he have seemed more autistic? Long before the dx, I was doing all the heavy lifting in his development. It was like I was doing floortime and didn't even know it. I'm sorry this is more of a ramble even than usual. someday I'll get it together to start my own blog. Maybe one of us should start a website devoted to PDD-NOS. (ps -- did I tell you about the blurb I read that they used to dx kids like mine anyway with a combo of adhd and something related to motor?) it has impacted his cvtingioe functioning, I guess college is not an option for him. his son wants to join the military but Dad says no way the military will take him. He’s worrying about long-term care, because he does not believe his son can be self-sufficient. that was a hard blow and depressing. I keep looking for the crystal ball. I got excited the other day because my son said “I love you” … SPONTANEOUSLY! But at almost 32 months we’re not really having real conversations like I am with his twin brother. I say “who were easter bunny’s helpers” and although he knows their names he answers “carrot.” I used to obsess over language and now I obsess over reasoning ability. this past week I’ve been trying to figure out how come nobody talks about what the milestones are that lead to reasoning ability. do you think language and reasoning are synonomous? I don’t think I do anymore. Sorry for the ramble. But sometimes I do think this: that (a) there are too many links between autism and motor issues, and my son has the latter for sure (and I think since I’ve focused on those there have been collateral improvements in other areas, by the way); (b) the eides say that both spd and autism involve problems with long-distance connections, I think it must be those fast-spiking interneurons; (c) it does seem sometimes like my son although sweet and affectionate, has these kind of jumping random associations between things rather than … I can’t describe what I want to, but appropriate categorization comes to mind. It also makes me wonder … what would he have been like WITHOUT the intervention? How easy would it have been for me to LET him tune out? would he have seemed more autistic? Long before the dx, I was doing all the heavy lifting in his development. It was like I was doing floortime and didn’t even know it. I’m sorry this is more of a ramble even than usual. someday I’ll get it together to start my own blog. Maybe one of us should start a website devoted to PDD-NOS. (ps — did I tell you about the blurb I read that they used to dx kids like mine anyway with a combo of adhd and something related to motor?)

]]> By: HILDA FONT http://blog.drphil.com/2010/05/15/hope-for-families-with-autism/comment-page-1/#comment-16269 HILDA FONT Tue, 13 Jul 2010 02:21:27 +0000 http://blog.drphil.com/?p=2471#comment-16269 DEAR DR. PHIL, TONIGHT I HAD A DISTERBING CONVERSATION WITH MY DAUGHTER WHO HAS A THIRTEEN YEAR OLD BOY (MY GRANDSON) NAMED NICO. MY NICO IS AUTISTIC, ADHD, ADD, ASPER SYNDROM. HE IS NOW BEGINING TO BECOME VERY PHYSICAL TOWARD MY DAUGHTER. TRYING TO BITE, PUNCHING, THROWING CHAIRS, PUSHING HER WHEN HE DOSE'NT GET HIS WAY MY GRANDSON IS A BIG BOY BY FRAME AND VERY STRONG. DR. PHIL MY DAUGHTER IS THE BEST MOTHER IN THE CARE SHE GIVES MY GRANDSON. SHE IS PHINOMINAL AT DIFFUSING A SITUATION WITH HIM. SHE SAYS TO ME "MOMMY I FEE IM LOOSING CONTROL" I FEEL SHE NEEDS SOME TYPE OF GROUP THERAPY OR EVEN BETTER ME DICAL ADVICE. THIS IS MY BOY DR. PHIL, PLEASE HELP ME. LOVE U P.S. I NEVER MISS YOUR SHOW. THIS IS NOT A PLUG IT IS A PLEA DEAR DR. PHIL, TONIGHT I HAD A DISTERBING CONVERSATION WITH MY DAUGHTER WHO HAS A THIRTEEN YEAR OLD BOY (MY GRANDSON) NAMED NICO. MY NICO IS AUTISTIC, ADHD, ADD, ASPER SYNDROM. HE IS NOW BEGINING TO BECOME VERY PHYSICAL TOWARD MY DAUGHTER. TRYING TO BITE, PUNCHING, THROWING CHAIRS, PUSHING HER WHEN HE DOSE’NT GET HIS WAY MY GRANDSON IS A BIG BOY BY FRAME AND VERY STRONG. DR. PHIL MY DAUGHTER IS THE BEST MOTHER IN THE CARE SHE GIVES MY GRANDSON. SHE IS PHINOMINAL AT DIFFUSING A SITUATION WITH HIM. SHE SAYS TO ME “MOMMY I FEE IM LOOSING CONTROL” I FEEL SHE NEEDS SOME TYPE OF GROUP THERAPY OR EVEN BETTER ME DICAL ADVICE. THIS IS MY BOY DR. PHIL, PLEASE HELP ME. LOVE U
P.S. I NEVER MISS YOUR SHOW. THIS IS NOT A PLUG IT IS A PLEA

]]> By: Camille Rogers http://blog.drphil.com/2010/05/15/hope-for-families-with-autism/comment-page-1/#comment-13800 Camille Rogers Tue, 11 May 2010 19:44:12 +0000 http://blog.drphil.com/?p=2471#comment-13800 My step-son Will has Aspergers Syndrome. When he was young, that diagnosis was not identified and it was difficult to find the right educational tools and resources to help him. He has a website in which he shares insights that may be valuable for others to get a glimpse of what it is like from the inside out. http://www.thestonkingsteps.com/ My step-son Will has Aspergers Syndrome. When he was young, that diagnosis was not identified and it was difficult to find the right educational tools and resources to help him. He has a website in which he shares insights that may be valuable for others to get a glimpse of what it is like from the inside out. http://www.thestonkingsteps.com/

]]> By: TG http://blog.drphil.com/2010/05/15/hope-for-families-with-autism/comment-page-1/#comment-13592 TG Mon, 10 May 2010 03:58:12 +0000 http://blog.drphil.com/?p=2471#comment-13592 Hi Dr. Phil (and others), My name is TG and I'm autistic. I'm pretty sure I was born that way. I do not "have autism". People First language does not apply in my situation because I, like many other autistic persons, consider it to be an innate trait; it is part of me. I didn't acquire autism via a vaccine injury, bad parenting, or any other quack theory du jour. I don't consider it to be a disease. It simply is. My father is also on the autism spectrum. So are my two children. It affects all of us differently. The abuse depicted on your show was absolutely horrifying. Unfortunately, it isn't anything I haven't heard before. I grew up in the time before Asperger's Syndrome was an official diagnosis, so I flew under the radar for most of my school years, but I've heard horrible accounts from the younger generation of autistic adults (let me just reiterate.. yes, autistic adults can and do speak for themselves) and I fear for my children. Honestly, I don't ask why many ASD parents choose to homeschool; I ask why not. I hope one day you'll do a show about autistic people, especially adults on the spectrum. Many of us are successful, functional members of society. We don't all live in group homes; in fact, many of us are married. Many of us have children of our own. Parents of autistic kids today are often greeted with images of despair; they need to see that we're out there. All aspects of autism awareness are important. Thank you for bringing them to the forefront. Hi Dr. Phil (and others),

My name is TG and I’m autistic.

I’m pretty sure I was born that way.

I do not “have autism”. People First language does not apply in my situation because I, like many other autistic persons, consider it to be an innate trait; it is part of me. I didn’t acquire autism via a vaccine injury, bad parenting, or any other quack theory du jour. I don’t consider it to be a disease. It simply is.

My father is also on the autism spectrum. So are my two children. It affects all of us differently.

The abuse depicted on your show was absolutely horrifying. Unfortunately, it isn’t anything I haven’t heard before. I grew up in the time before Asperger’s Syndrome was an official diagnosis, so I flew under the radar for most of my school years, but I’ve heard horrible accounts from the younger generation of autistic adults (let me just reiterate.. yes, autistic adults can and do speak for themselves) and I fear for my children. Honestly, I don’t ask why many ASD parents choose to homeschool; I ask why not.

I hope one day you’ll do a show about autistic people, especially adults on the spectrum. Many of us are successful, functional members of society. We don’t all live in group homes; in fact, many of us are married. Many of us have children of our own. Parents of autistic kids today are often greeted with images of despair; they need to see that we’re out there.

All aspects of autism awareness are important. Thank you for bringing them to the forefront.

]]> By: Linda http://blog.drphil.com/2010/05/15/hope-for-families-with-autism/comment-page-1/#comment-13439 Linda Thu, 06 May 2010 16:54:21 +0000 http://blog.drphil.com/?p=2471#comment-13439 I have not seen this, but I have been wondering does people with "autism spectrum disorders" always move with bad coordination or can for exampe a dance have something like that? I have not seen this, but I have been wondering does people with “autism spectrum disorders” always move with bad coordination or can for exampe a dance have something like that?

]]> By: catherine http://blog.drphil.com/2010/05/15/hope-for-families-with-autism/comment-page-1/#comment-13378 catherine Tue, 04 May 2010 09:34:13 +0000 http://blog.drphil.com/?p=2471#comment-13378 my question is are we as a society really takin the right steps for the safety and their rights for these wonderful ppl to really contribute, be safe, and be part of the community as a whole or are we teachin them the simple parts of life so they can merely exist? my question is are we as a society really takin the right steps for the safety and their rights for these wonderful ppl to really contribute, be safe, and be part of the community as a whole or are we teachin them the simple parts of life so they can merely exist?

]]> By: catherine http://blog.drphil.com/2010/05/15/hope-for-families-with-autism/comment-page-1/#comment-13377 catherine Tue, 04 May 2010 09:18:03 +0000 http://blog.drphil.com/?p=2471#comment-13377 hey dr phil. as a mother of a 9 year old with autism. I find she is an inspiration. To watch her learn the most simple of things that we take for granted and to fight through life harder then others. Instead of feelin sorry for these ppl we should be inspired by their fight to get through everyday life and learn from them.it might make us better ppl. hey dr phil. as a mother of a 9 year old with autism. I find she is an inspiration. To watch her learn the most simple of things that we take for granted and to fight through life harder then others. Instead of feelin sorry for these ppl we should be inspired by their fight to get through everyday life and learn from them.it might make us better ppl.

]]> By: Martha Jennings http://blog.drphil.com/2010/05/15/hope-for-families-with-autism/comment-page-1/#comment-13371 Martha Jennings Mon, 03 May 2010 22:58:58 +0000 http://blog.drphil.com/?p=2471#comment-13371 Thank you Dr.Phil for your show on Autism and restraints. I have 4 children. All 4 have Bipolar and my 12 year old daughter is Autistic. She is only on a 36-48 month level. However, she is 5'8" and weighs 179 lbs. We thought we had her meds stable....then puberty hit! I feel most of the time like I am fighting a losing battle. You see I was diagnosed Bipolar in 2003. I am unmedicated. Right now I do not have a job because I had to take off to much medical leave. I went through several surgeries last year. Now I don't have insurance and very little money. Most of the time I just try to make it through the next few minutes. I love my children dearly. I just feel like someone else could do more for them than me. I am their biggest advocate in school though. I spend alot of time there. I drop anything if there is a problem. I appreciate and am more than willing to listen to any advice. Thank you so much. Martha Thank you Dr.Phil for your show on Autism and restraints.
I have 4 children. All 4 have Bipolar and my 12 year old daughter is Autistic. She is only on a 36-48 month level. However, she is 5′8″ and weighs 179 lbs. We thought we had her meds stable….then puberty hit! I feel most of the time like I am fighting a losing battle. You see I was diagnosed Bipolar in 2003. I am unmedicated. Right now I do not have a job because I had to take off to much medical leave. I went through several surgeries last year. Now I don’t have insurance and very little money. Most of the time I just try to make it through the next few minutes. I love my children dearly. I just feel like someone else could do more for them than me. I am their biggest advocate in school though. I spend alot of time there. I drop anything if there is a problem. I appreciate and am more than willing to listen to any advice. Thank you so much. Martha

]]> By: kate http://blog.drphil.com/2010/05/15/hope-for-families-with-autism/comment-page-1/#comment-13354 kate Mon, 03 May 2010 05:49:46 +0000 http://blog.drphil.com/?p=2471#comment-13354 Dr. Phil, I forgot to mention that our boys are non verbal and fragile paraplegics. They are upset with the loud outbursts. kate Dr. Phil,
I forgot to mention that our boys are non verbal and fragile paraplegics. They are upset with the loud outbursts.
kate

]]> By: kate http://blog.drphil.com/2010/05/15/hope-for-families-with-autism/comment-page-1/#comment-13353 kate Mon, 03 May 2010 05:46:18 +0000 http://blog.drphil.com/?p=2471#comment-13353 Dear Dr. Phil, I am sorry I missed your program. My concern is for the safety of my son and his housemates who are in a group home where a teenager with autism has been admitted. I understood that specially designed homes should be provided for autistic persons. This is the second time an autistic teenager has been admitted against our wishes. What can we do to make owners understand this is not a good fit? We have witnessed scenes where 3 staff are required to restrain this individual and our boys are abandoned in their chairs or on the commode for up to 45 minutes. Are there regulations or resources that would help us? kate Dear Dr. Phil,
I am sorry I missed your program. My concern is for the safety of my son and his housemates who are in a group home where a teenager with autism has been admitted. I understood that specially designed homes should be provided for autistic persons. This is the second time an autistic teenager has been admitted against our wishes. What can we do to make owners understand this is not a good fit? We have witnessed scenes where 3 staff are required to restrain this individual and our boys are abandoned in their chairs or on the commode for up to 45 minutes. Are there regulations or resources that would help us?
kate

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