close to autism breakthrough...article

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Registered: 03-28-2003
close to autism breakthrough...article
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Fri, 07-14-2006 - 3:18pm

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Edited 2/19/2008 7:13 pm ET by littleroses

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Registered: 02-24-2005
Fri, 07-14-2006 - 6:28pm

Littleroses,

I was just going to post this article. I live in Louisville where the study took place and watched this on the news the other day and cried during the whole segment. I've been deep in thought on this one because I'm not sure I would want my DS(8yo/AS) to be changed so completely. The way it is presented makes it sound as if his higher abilities might be affected. Would you guys give treatment that would alter your child dramatically? It's a tough one for me. For classic autism there would be absolutely no hesitation but for AS I just don't know. Regards, Vicky

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Registered: 02-20-2001
Fri, 07-14-2006 - 6:51pm
You know it depends if I had a crystal ball and could see what he was like in 20 yrs.

 


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Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 07-14-2006 - 7:22pm

Ya know, our kids are themselves no matter what. I think thier base personality shines through. I love them to death. I think they are incredibly interesting people with thier autism.

But, Like LR if the getting rid of seizures, no impulse control, not understanding social cues, no organizational skills, outbursts, overstimulation, meltdowns means getting rid of autism then sign me up too. But it is not really my decision alone. My kids are getting old enough where I would value thier input on this and by the time such a treatment is available they will likely be adults so the decision will ultimately be theirs and I would respect it.

I am just tired of watching my kids struggle and suffer. The positives I see I think would be part of their personality regardless because it is part of emily's personality.

Renee

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Registered: 02-20-2001
Fri, 07-14-2006 - 8:06pm

Renee, You said something that I couldnt think of how to say.

 


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Registered: 03-26-2003
Sat, 07-15-2006 - 12:04am

Check this out, this is a 3yo article about the same guy.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2002-02/mcog-fsd021302.php

The part about him finding that seizure meds may reduce autism symptoms when given early enough about makes me ill because NEVER EVER have I seen that mentioned anywhere. Seems it should at least be attempted early on but it is another of those hidden things.

Who knows if it would help but Cait is definitely better when on her trileptal. I assumed it was because of the mood stabilization effects, however, her hand stimming has gone WAYYYYY down since starting on the meds again.

Renee

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Registered: 10-03-2004
Sat, 07-15-2006 - 6:32am

Oh! The leaping of sudden, painful hope. I am praying and crossing my fingers. There is no question in my mind that we would go this route if and when the research and medical interventions are ever developed!

I also believe my child's personality, which certainly has been influenced by the extremity of the symptoms he has had to deal with, would shine through even if his mental gifts were somehow less, ie. photographic memory, acute math genius. He is so much more than those ablities. And I would have my dh do this as well.

I am now adding this doctor and continued study to my intense wishes and lighting of candles every morning and night, with all my heart.

Sara
ilovemalcolm

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Registered: 03-28-2003
Sat, 07-15-2006 - 1:41pm

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Registered: 02-20-2001
Sat, 07-15-2006 - 2:01pm
YOu knwo latelty amongst soem there has been a push for "acceptance" not cure.

 


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Avatar for googolplex
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Registered: 03-31-2003
Sat, 07-15-2006 - 3:16pm

I was kind of surprised at his idea about how this type of brain made be developing in order to cope with the the modern world. Maybe I misunderstood. I thought the scientific community was pretty much agreed that evolution is about random genetic mutations, and if they are helpful in an organism they have more chance of being passed on, because the organism lives long enough to reproduce. This makes it sound like he's saying that the brain is evolving towards a predetermined goal. Not that there is anything wrong with thinking that...who am I to say?...but it's surprising coming from a scientist.

But that's neither here nor there, really.

David has been on trileptal, to treat a mood disorder, since he was about six and a half. Like Renee says, it's an anti-seizure medication. It does make his "autistic" symptoms much better, although it's hard to say which symptoms are "autistic" and which are "mood disorder." In fact, on a cellular and neurological level, maybe there's not much of a difference. Who knows?

Evelyn

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Registered: 02-24-2005
Sat, 07-15-2006 - 7:19pm

I think in the end I would choose to treat Chase's AS as well. Knowing he could cope in the world would be a blessing. I've recently made the decision to homeschool Chase due to some unexpected changes in faculty at his school. My plan is for only one year but if it goes well I may continue with it.

Tina, I am a huge Big Brother fan and noticed your picture of Kaysar. Do you get the feeds too? Much to my husband's dismay this is my second year with them and I am soooo addicted to it. Vicky

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