I admire you ladies. Hang in there. My great nephew I mentioned with Autism, he loves it when Wheel Of Fortune comes on, he will holler out, "E" That's what he calls the show. He is so cute. I may check and see if he has that ability with music too. Amazing the different gifts they have. Take care and lets keep each other up to date on how they progress over the school year. My daughter just started school in a new town and has adapted to it very well. I don't know if you have come across this problem or not, but in South Carolina the kids do not receive a High School Diploma from the State, they receive an Occupational Diploma. BUT in the state of Oklahoma, they receive a diploma. I really do believe they work just as hard for what they get as any other kid does and they deserve it.

Take care.

and who doesnt love wheel of fortune?


"E" that is so sweet

hello everyone...glad the school year is going resaonably well for most of y'all....I have two in regular school and one that I homeschool....I had problems with getting the school system to provide needed services, so I have homeschooled my oldest (Aspergers, Bipolar, ADHD, ODD, OCD, Sensory Integrative disorder, hearing loss, other physical, mental and emotional issues and challenges)for the past three yaers...he benefits, he is exceptionally gifted per all the testing. He does now get to attend a local Autism program two afternoons per week...it took us forever to get him in, but its soooo good for him!!

My middle child (ADHD, Conduct disorder/ODD, ADHD, Sensory Integrative disorder, possible autism spectrum disorder) attends regular school, we have been battling with the school for a few months as they always want to label children as "bad", rather than accepting that their may be other contributing factors...he was a true preemie, and it has taken years of physical, occupational, speech, and developmental therapy to get him to where he is relatively "normal" in the eyes of the rest of the world....he is now very smart, reads ona 5th grade level, can do math with ease, etc, yet because his behavior is so poor they always want to point the finger of blame somewhere!! I am close to finally getting an IEP completed, I sure hope it works to help guide their approach to him and his needs!! I have to say, of all the punishments he gets, I was most angry when they took away his scheduled daytime nutritious snack because of poor behavior earlier this week....this kiddo needs his food at regular intervals...and I let his teacher, who is actually wonderful with him, but overwhelmed, know it!! (politely, of course, I have never been rude to people about things, it gets you nowhere!!)
As for my daughter, she's got her own problems and challenges (ADHD, behavioral disorder, ODD, some physical challenges), but compared to the boys shes an angel!!
Anyway, I just want to offer my services regarding information on homeshooling if anyone is interested....hope you all have a fantastic weekend!!

mrsart4all call me girlfriend! There are no groups to help with watching my son but thats alright too. I have been doing this the entire time and thats fine too
I see the question of seizures during this time of the year. Please everyone with a youngin with seizure disorders to check with your school and the LIGHTING being used. In my sons case they have the fluorescent lighting which triggers his grandmal, petitmals, focal local and clonic seizures. His neurologist takes up the seizure medication a small amount during this time to help with the seizures. It works. I hope this helps any parent struggling with additional seizures and their child during this time. Aint that right msart4all!!!!

Britgal this one is for YOU. My lil britches has autism. I STRONGLY suggest you get him into a regular class. Why? because children are like SPONGES. They learn from other kids. I have watched many friends with autistic children place their child into a "special autistic program" or academy, etc. They go NO WHERE. My son now TALKS, reads, good eye contact, and in my honest opinion THAT is what is needed to help our children with autism. Placing them with other autistic children LEAVES them behind. Sorry ya'll! just being HONEST. Your child britgirl will progress but the wee one NEEDS to be around NORMAL CHILDREN to have this happpen. Feel free to contact me. I can say that msart4all can testify to my son. She has spoken with him many many times on the phone.
If your having troubles with your school district its time to get a copy of your RIGHTS under the IDEA ACT. Call up an IEP meeting and if the IEP set down for this year is NOT getting your child the much needed help then CALL UP ANOTHER IEP MEETING. YOU CAN DO THIS. DEMAND a change in the IEP. ONLY YOU as the PARENTS can change this but they will NOT tell you this AND THEY WANT YOU TO STAY STUPID TO THE SYSTEM. It saves THE SCHOOLS MONEY. Arm yourselves with YOUR RIGHTS and CALL UP A NEW MEETING. I am fighting AGAIN for my sons rights. The special ed teacher he has had for 4 years is out on maternity leave. His grades went from All A;s to F;s. I was told too bad. No special ed teacher until this one returns. NOT MY PROBLEM. NOT MY KIDS PROBLEM! I called up an IEP meeting and guess what? An hour before the meeting a new teacher was HIRED. He is now in special ed once again. Do NOT let your child suffer so the school districts can save a buck or TWO! they ARE entitled to a FREE APPROPRIATE EDUCATION here in America but it takes FIGHTING them and I know you can do this. If I CAN. YOU CAN!

thanks Barbiesbigsister....I appreciate your info....I homeschool my oldest (Aspergers) as well as have him attend a special Autism afterschool program, as well as attend some homeschool-sponsored programs....he does fantastic most of the time, and his IQ is like 153, so I have maintained the way we have it to keep mysanity and his....he also has RAD (Reactive Attachment disorder), just to complicate things...i keep forgetting that one!!)
My middle one, the one in the school system is there because i simply CANNOT teach him at home, i love him so much but his defiance is just past the point of my handling it all day...he is struggling at school, not because he lacks ability but because the school just wanted to label him as a "bad" child, and it is just now that we are finally getting some headway towards resolution and provision of services...but you sure do have to fight!! They cant make up their minds where they want to "stick" him because he is educationally on target (when he is behaving anyway!!)....I do think that mainstreaming is good for him, but unfortunately he is causing so much trouble in the classroom that he is impacting everyone else's ability to learn!! I understand what you are saying about making the school help, but its awful hard to get anywhere with schools these days...yet if he just had ADHD and was less educationally able he could get help immediately...makes no sense!! I am in no way minimizing the impact of ADHD and learning difficulties on a child, but Zane has a need too and its not getting met!!
Ok, I have whined and rambled lomg enough....thanks again for your kind advice...

I came on here wondering if anyone homeschools their special needs child. Noah is only three years old, but will be four in January. He has Down syndrome, sensory issues, and a very short attention span... although I think it depends on what he is doing at the time! I'm wondering where you get your material from to homeschool.

Mystique...I get my homeschool materials from a variety of places now...I used to stick to alpha omega and some of the other homeschool curriculums, but have found that my son does better with books and approaches that appeal to his learning style....try a few different books...Walmart has some relatively cheap, as does KMart...you can also try the parent teacher store or ebay, all of which will give you some options that you can then choose from based on your son's reception to the materials you present....i have a very here and now approach to homeschooling as it works best for us....if you have any questions about anything just ask...my regular email is amandaday63@hotmail.com and i would be happy to help you...

received jordan's FM machine earlier this year...and now we have a referral to the dennis developmental center for a full eval.

the little one's genetic appointment is in march.

I'm just wondering how did all of brits children end up with these disorders? are they genetic or environmentally caused? It just seems like a lot?

Now that I am in the Grandma category I tend to have a longer view of what you all are faceing as EXCEPTIONAL PARENTS (find the magazine by the same name it is a bible for you) and send high fives to all that are doing the best they can. The posts I have read are like a time warp. Fatigue, no exhaustion, anger, sometimes sadness and occasionally jubliation but often loneliness. It is tough being a CEO of your CHILD with a disability. Remember what is capitalized in that sentence and it will help keep things in balance. All the emotions are common parts of the parenting journey but often you have to look a little harder to find peers (we are here in numbers greater than you can imagine work together, spend together and vote together) and you are doing the right thing in doing just that. It is still better to be an Aerican with a Disability than any other place in the world. Look in the blue pages and you will find tons of help. School districts still dodgeing the rules of the game with the nickle child thinking when we know they are diamonds so sad but then so are the parents that still send money and don't enforce the AMERICAN'S with DISABILITYS ACT. THe law is older than many of you who post. People litterally crawled together to get that passed. Bone up Parent's You don't have to be a raveing barn burner to get them to play nice but you do have to even the odds and know the laws. Copies are provided free to you by every states DD COUNCIL, the American Bar Association, or your state senator or congressman. Invite them to your IEP meeting and watch the school fall all overthemselves to make you happy. Most laws are federal so they apply by American birthight (Yea citizenship says nothing about disabilities this country was founded by a motley crew). They are pretty simple think equal, least restrictive, most approriate. Hang the money excuse They can find it cheaper than they can pay a lawsuit. Don't let anyone convince you that you are not the second truest expert on your child; they are the first. Maybe they can't articulate but you will get the vibe when you are on the right trac. Trust your gut. Don't discount talking to older children or adults with similiar disabilities. They can tell you when your kid is coping or copping out. All states have free INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTERS and they can hook you up with people who live this and help you plan for a future. Parenting is a lifetime gig. If you don't prepare your child for the world it will eat them alive. Rape, drug addiction, incarceration, and homelessness can be prevented with preparation and socialization. As hard as it is to hear you may be Single but you are still a CO=Parent. Notice the equal sign it isn't a typo. No excuses get child support and parenting participation even if you have to get it court ordered. Forget selfpity, anger, and tears that is a luxery you can only afford in very small doses and won't impress anyone to help you. Non-custodial parents need to show up for IEP's and doctor's appointments, counseling, and special theraphy appointments ect.. One night in jail for contempt of court they get real interested or set aside their rights and then you don't have their greif. Same goes for out-laws masqueradeing as step parents. What you allow teaches your child what to expect as treatment. However you are not your CO=Parents parent or in our case their partner maybe even their friend so they are not going to get to the stage you are at at the same time you are. So what that is the "nature" of having two parents. Think of it as balance and perspective when people vested in your child oppose you. It is possible to get exhausted and over invested in the role. Lighten up you will make mistakes. You can change your mind. You can't start over but you can MOVE FORWARD.
Do I think sending kids to in residence experts and boarding placements is a good idea? Be very cautious; todays popular psycology or cure is often being tossed around by the inexperienced and the underpaid in institutions where bigots and predators abound and their are no refunds on your choices. Yes there are the angels that work wonders by toiling away day after day but the greatest loss a child can have is the loss of family. Mainsteaming is critical but if you would tire of a world filled with super humans an Einsteins be empathetic of your child needing peers. Never fool yourself Kids can be cruel. Not every teacher is a Special Ed teacher and not every Special Ed teacher an Angel or an Expert. The Parent's who say it is worth it and wonderful are not lieing but but be sure you tell your child You and They are not heroic or victim they just are. They will often feel invisable. Don't sacrifice their siblings or yourself the guilt is terrible for your child. When your patience is thin you are not getting "there" fast enough talk to and old timer and see how far you started out ahead. We survived and so will you. HUGS & BLESSINGS

Sources
UNITED WAY; First Call for Help
American Red Cross
Disability Specific organizations even those other than your own. Cross over is common and the fellowship is great
Parks and Recreations of your city and county Ask for adapted recreation for all ages
Developemental Disabilities Council at your state level Mental Health and Mental Retardation (this includes learning and attention disabilities
Mental Health Services you don't have to be crazy to get services often they sponsor Peer Support Groups or can Refer
YWCA YMCA ask about slideing scale and scholarship memberships
Easter Seals great recreation and respite
Mass Transit; even young children can ride para transit door to door services with someone riding free as aid attendant. It is acessible, saves gas and parking and often accidents when you are under stress You can own a car and hold a license and still use it.
Consumer Credit Counseling many medical debts can be prevented or managed Learn the ins and outs in your million dollar venture as a Exceptional Parent
Habitat for Humanity they build accessible homes and offer alternatives to sweat equity guidelines for income eligible prospective homebuyers If you do not qualify for them they can often find you houseing or financeing alternatives
National Council of Campgrounds fun places for special families to go
Your local community college Special Student Services co-ordinator; many campus daycares will take special needs children into their daycare population if you are a student. Can't manage being a full time student then request a special circumstances waiver
Your local WalMart, Target, and other big box retailers; they have special shopper days and can create a Angel network project for a special needs.
Ask your church or other community groups to have can a thons or diaper showers or pennies in pill bottles collectios for exceptional expenses.
Your local Lowe's, Home Depot or other builder supplier; they can have a special access wish list registry so that extended family and community groups can know what you really need to build ramps, make accessible bathrooms, fence adapted play yards, build funcioning kitchens, or even caregiver additions.
American Bar Association find you free legal clinics for setting up trust funds, appointing legal guardians, reviewing morgages, writing wills, land lord disputes, filing medical bankruptcies ect ect.
Specialty Publications; Mainstream Magazine, Accent on Living, Sports and Spokes, The Disability Rag, AARP (yea sometimes seniors do have disbilities and their magazine has specialty and durable medical equipment advertisers) but also all the disability specific newsletters and monthly publications. Also a research of Women's Day and Family Circle can usually find a first person artical
Your Mayor's, Governor's, or the Presidential Council on Disabilities.
Your local Council of Churches an innerfaith council of religious leaders that can probably match you with a peer parent or two or three confidently

The list goes on...email special interests and I probably got a list

hey my son has a social behavoir problm . He is in a residential treetment home . I miss him very much , and he is struggling so much . I am struggling with it also . He is bipolar and ADD and what ever els you can pile on a inocent sole . I wish He could be hear so much and I really hurt inside for him . I am single father struggling with my own issues . You see , I was injured in Iraq in 2003 and it has been a up hill battle on hill 12480 . can anyone ofer words of comfort or some good talk ? I could use a friend .
Ronnie

Ronnie....i cam empathise a little as my 8 year old was hospitalized, supposedly for a week to sort out his medicines, when he was almost 5...ended up staying in the facility for almost 3 months...drove me nuts and i think it took forever for him to trust me again....that is one of the reasons i have not alloed him to be hospitalized since despite ongoing challenges.....how old is your son? Do you have any support mechanisms available to you? It is always challenging when you have special needs children, doubly so when you are the main parent responsible for the child in question....please contact me if i can be of any help, its tough out there sometimes :)

i just had a little girl september 18 2007. i was in nicu for over a month. i just brought her home yesterday. she can't suck or latch. she has a g-tube and there is something wrong with her brain the base that tells you tobreath doesn't send her messages works when it wants to and she drools more than a baby normally does. i still have hopes she'll pull out of it. she has bad acid reflux to. talk to you guys later.

Hey cowgirl

I am pulling for ya here! Keep the faith. Babys minds are growing not like our adult minds that are decaying. I have heard amazing stories from many parents while I was at the Mayo. When their minds are that young they can "rewire their harddrive" sort o speak. You have my prayers as well. I know my son had a grade III brain hemerage and hydrocephalys that caused a LOT of problems when he was younger. Now youd hardly now he ever struggled.

Here if you need me!

Hey Cowgirl,
Keeping your baby and you in my prayers. Hope things turn out well. That little miracle is a miracle no matter what happens. She is an angel. They are precious.

Hey Twi,
How are things with you? I wish I could say things were super with me, but the last couple of days, my daughter has been having trouble with her blood pressure. I may have to take her to run some more test or something. One time it may be 150/78 like it was when she passed out at school Thursday morning or 130/78. Last night it ran a little high. Even took her to the fire dept to get checked out. My niece is keeping an eye on her blood pressure, so she is in good hands right now. Can't figure out what is going on. They did suggest leaving salt out of her diet, so she is doing that. Needs more exercise too.

Well, hope everyone has a nice weekend. Prayers are going up for everyone with special needs. ttyl

Hey fun,

we have been blessed lately with his developement. His asthma hasnt acted up lately, and his eye doctor is giving him a 6 week trial without his glasses! woo!
We still have alot of therapy but it is nice to see him progressing.

Blood pressure problems eh? What medication is she taking? My only advice is keep her off her feet as much as possible, and keep the temp lower in the house.

For you & your daughter

Hugs to all of you out there.

My boy has been a terror of late. Tried switching up schedules with me and his Dad. His Dad thought he could 'discipline' him better. Alas, this does not seem to be helping.

The Neurologist put him on Clonadine (sp?) hoping it would chill him out so he could focus. He is still being agressive and having night terrors from the meds. The doc said to switch the meds to mornings. Tried it this morning and he zonked on the couch for 4 hours. Now he is wide awake playing in his room upstairs at almost 11 pm EST.

Monday will be rough. Parent teacher conference, team school conference and meet with Neurologist. Oh yeah, and work in between all the appointments and class that night.

I am feeling overwhelmed and don't know which way to turn.

Everyone send prayers and happy thoughts to us, would ya?

M

hello everyone I signed up a few weeks ago. I just wanted to write and tell you my story. Cause I really could use people like you in my life. I am a Grandma of Two. A boy 10 and a girl 9. They are ADHD.What else I am not sure. The state took them away from their Mom my daughter. She wasn't taken very good care of them. She was doing drugs and not using her money for things they needed. Her parner would keep them locked up in their rooms all day.The boy isn't as bad as the girl. He is just a little motor mouth no quite time with him in the room. But a very sweet little boy.Would do anything for you. The girl she has very bad behavior problems. Sometimes she blows up wrecks things on purpose. Hits, cusses, all for no reason.They won't test her for bypolar. They won't even do a brain scan. Want do you guys think? Should I be demanding one be taken? I know she loves me but when she gets this way she tries to hit me even and the words that comes out of her mouth at me is shocking. 10 minutes later she comes to me and hugs me and says she sorry and some time she doesn't even remember saying somethings. any help?