|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2007 12:41 pm
Well, lets see... My oldest son is Damon, is now four. I thought something might be wrong with him at about 18 months because he seemed to regress a little. I figured it was because his brother was just born, because I've heard stories of that happening. Well, then I started noticing unusual behaviors such as running off, hand flapping, wiggling his fingers in front of his face and laughing... I thought something might be wrong, but wasn't sure. Finally, his dad's mother mentioned that it could be autism, afterall, both his father and uncle had been diagnosed when they were young.
We weren't able to get him evaluated until he was nearly 3. I thought that maybe it was just ADHD, because of the way he would just zoom around non-stop like a little tornado... Well, after having 3 different people come to my house to evaluate and asses, they came to the conclusion that he was, indeed, autistic, and about a year behind in his behavior and speech. Although they weren't really sure about his intelligence, because the tests they had greatly depended on being able to communicate. (which I think is redundant if you are evaluating an autistic child...)
Damon and I drove around a lot that summer going to psychologists, speech therapists, hearing tests, etc etc. It kind of bonded us, really. I was more worried for him than disappointed. His father (my ex) had autism, and some really wild behaviors even in adulthood. He also had a lot of trouble in school, getting beat up and having teachers that did not like him. He experienced a lot of rejection and cruelty growing up... and I still worry to this day that Damon would have to experience any of it.
His little brother Kieran is going in for an evaluation soon. He doesn't have any severe symptoms except for a speech delay. He is also very sensitive to certain things, especially certain noises. I'll have to keep everyone updated as to how it goes. 3nodding
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2007 9:41 am
Kieran had a speech pathologist come to evaluate him to see that he does, in fact, have a speech delay. His speech isn't terribly delayed, but just enough to qualify him for speech therapy. She couldn't say whether or not the speech delay is because of autism, or if its simply because Damon is autistic and Kieran picks up his language cues from him. At this point, I feel a little better about Kieran's speech. But I'd like to know for sure whether or not he has a learning disorder.
Also, Damon is being advanced to a higher level preschool class! He has a friend named Anthony in his class that is also moving up with him. We're all thrilled. Damon's social development has taken a leap this year. We were at the zoo over the summer, and he suddenly started playing ring around the rosie with some of the kids there. I got so excited and started taking pictures. People were looking at me funny for getting so excited, lol. I mean, he was actually holding hands and smiling and laughing and interacting. He was so happy, and that just means the world to me. whee
So, anyway, I'll keep posting updates. I hope everyone out there is doing well!
-Sans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 9:58 pm
That's great! Yeah, I'd keep an eye on both kids. My brother had more typical symptoms, which is why I wasn't diagnosed until much later. School is hard for everyone, but it's harder for those with social disadvantages, especially problems that know one knows about or understands. I would recommend home schooling or private schooling. Not parochial schooling. I've never heard a good thing about a parochial school.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 1:00 am
Heh...Sans, I just wanted to tell you that I wish all the best for you, Damon and Keiran. It really brings a smile to my face to read how proud and understanding you are of your sons. You and Lass are doing such a great job with this guild. I was a tad confused when I first arrived, but this guild already seems like home to me. I wish you and your sons the best of luck. wink
|
|
|
|
|
|
United_Martial_Arts Captain
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 10:16 pm
Thanks! Kieran has finished his evaluation through the school district, and was denied services for special ed preschool. They said he doesn't exhibit any key autistic traits, and after running several language, social, and cognitive tests on him came to the conclusion that he's an average 3 year old. They did recommend that he attend some sort of preschool class a couple of days per week, but that's about it. He still has some evaluations with the regional center, but overall I'm optimistic. whee
Damon will be attending a special ed kindergarten class next year. It's combined with a first grade class so if he accelerates more in other areas he can participate with the first graders. He has been having a few behavioral issues lately, and his fine motor skills are still behind. His grammar and language skills are dead on for a four year old, but he is still difficult to understand. So, we are getting an OT for in class and speech therapy in school as well. He will also be getting behavioral services soon to help with his tantrums in class. Well, I guess that is it for now. I'll update with new info asap! heart
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 7:48 am
Damon started kindergarten this month and he loves it! He gets off the bus everyday in a good mood. He seems to be more socially aware now. He says that he has a friend in class named Cameron and that there is a pretty girl in his class named Yvonne haha. (oh my) So far his teacher hasn't had any complaints about his behavior in class... I'm thinking maybe his behavioral stuff had something to do with his preschool teacher.
Damon is getting OT and speech therapy at school, and it really seems to be helping. He tries harder to pronounce things correctly and word things the right way. Damon is old enough now to realize when he isn't saying something right and gets frustrated more often. Especially when he is excited and trying to tell me something. I just tell him that he needs more practice with his words and try to tell him what he meant to say if I can figure it out.
Kieran is blossoming and jibber jabbers all of the time. He says the cutest things, and has become especially interested in drawing. I still haven't found a preschool for him yet. I swear if a school isn't full then it charges an outrageous amount of money per week. *sigh* But, he is still doing pretty well.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
