I am making a list

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Registered: 03-26-2003
I am making a list
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Sun, 05-07-2006 - 10:54am

A list of behaviors Joiner exhibits. Things that have occurred often, his reactions to disappointment and

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Registered: 06-25-2003
Sun, 05-07-2006 - 12:37pm

Kathy,

Good idea. Rather than make a list, try to build a full profile of Joiner: His strengths and interests as well as weakness and concerning behaviours. This builds a more complete picture, and is less depressing ;).

This is something which is useful to do, not just for professionals, but for you. I reecommend you update this profile periodically, keeping each previous version, so you can read back and see his evolution over time. This may help you to pinpoint what is working what isn't as well as to catch any patterns as they emerge.

Good luck. "Alphabet soup" kids are the most difficult to quantify.

-Paula

-Paula

visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com
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Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 05-07-2006 - 12:39pm

I think you are doing the right thing. Did the Dr ask you to fill out numerous questions? When my son was being dx I swear we filled out a 100 page document that asked everything about him, my dh, myself and even our families -- very extensive and time consuming but worth it in the end.

Take everything you can possibly find to support your theory on your son -- remember you know him better than anyone else and a mother isn't wrong. If you can get your hands on his records from your family dr that helps too.

Ask a million questions too -- anything and everything you can think of truly helps.

As for your dh -- be patient with him too -- I bet he is having a tough time with the whole thing but may not want to talk about it. My dh is very emotional and was very upset at first when Adam was dx, but honestly, Adam and dh have developed a special bond that I can't even come close to -- they have similar interests and that helps a lot -- yes he gets agravated with Adam at times, but mostly he steps back and helps to change Adam's direction.

Hang in there Kathy -- it is going to be just fine. Take it one day at a time.

Keep up posted!

Amy

Amy
 
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Registered: 11-07-2004
Sun, 05-07-2006 - 12:47pm

Hi, I am new here. We are in the diagnosis process and I wanted to share my experience with you. Some family members made me aware of things my dh and I overlooked. Anyway, this lead us to a child phycologist for an evaluation. I thought that she specialized in children was good enough, but it isn't. Two appts proved worthless, I felt as though she didn't get an accurate view of my son and I also felt like what we did during the appts was useless. I got a referral for a child pych. that specializes in Autism and related disorders. We had our first appt last week. What a difference when dealing with someone who specializes in autism. The questions she asked my son were all questions that would allow her to see how he thinks. He was completely himself, so she has a good view of who he is and how he operates.

BTW, do you or your husband have a EAP program with work? I ask because that is what we are using for my sons evaluation. We pay no co-pay or deductible at all.

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Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 05-07-2006 - 3:05pm
Actually I have something for the University of Ga. Human Development Dept called the "Take a Look at Me " A strengths based profile.
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Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 05-07-2006 - 3:18pm

We have filled out papers for years on Joiner. Usually he comes up with the ADHD/ ODD

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Sun, 05-07-2006 - 3:21pm

I don't know of any program, DH works for a small locally owned company. I work 2 part time jobs, one from home.


I believe I have not been to the right type of doc and need to take him to someone who specializes in Autism.

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Registered: 11-16-1999
Mon, 05-08-2006 - 12:31pm

Hi Kathy.

I have a 17 yo son who has Asperger's. We didn't find out til a year and a half ago. We already saw a few different counselors/psychologists & psychiatrists before I found a counselor who told me he thought my son had Asperger's. I had never heard of it but when I researched it on the web I thought "BINGO!" I couldn't believe that with all the red flags and professionals we had dealt with that no one else came up with the DX.

I was afraid of how my husband would handle it, but he did fine! We had always considered our DJ "eccentric". He has the monotone voice also, always had. But it is easier once you understand why he acts certain ways. My husband also used to butt heads over certain issues. Now we just pick our battles; actually we'll let him slide on certain things that his brother and sister wouldn't have gotten away with. It's just useless to fight even though we're on the "right" end.

However, having the Asperger diagnosis has helped me understand him more. He is not difficult. He is definitely unique. I am sorry we wasted so much time believing he was EBD. Good luck in your journey.

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Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 05-08-2006 - 7:45pm
Thank you so much for your post. I am trying to fill out the paperwork to send in to request an interview to see if Joiner qualifies for testing. Like if they see he actually does have a problem and can find out what that problem is. I feel if we do get an Aspergers DX, then maybe we can (and the schools)