Seeking Information from Moms Who Have Children with Aspergers Syndrom

Dear L. W

Any Baby Can offers seminars that focus on Aspergers. There is also the Autism Society of San Antonio. Aspergers is on the ASD(Autistic Spectrum Disorder). There is a book by Jenny McCarthy titled Louder than Words. It really helped my sister better understand my daughters label of PDD-NOS.

GOOD Luck

M. M

My son has Asperger's and like everyone else no two Aspie's are created the same. Though they tend to all have some similar characteristics.

Emotional flatness... tics (like pacing, or picking at their fingers, or rocking).... sensory issues (like my son is bothered by loud noises or multiple noises - like the tv and his sister talking at the same time).

So find out what his particular issues are and try to be understanding.

If he has food issues, like nothing can touch on his plate, don't make him eat a casserole.

If he doesn't like loud noise, don't take him to Chuck E Cheese for an outing. Don't try to "make him get over it".... like some of my relatives have tried.

Yes, it's good to help him push his limits, but don't force him.

You might read "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime" by Marc Haddon. It's a novel (short) about a 15 year old boy with classic autism. The story is really sweet though there's a lot of use of the "F" word by the Dad (he gets frustrated and he uses bad words) but if you can get over that, I think it's a good story and it is told by the boy which really helps those of us on the outside get a glimpse of what life might be like for our own kids with autism.

You might ask your daughter if she's heard of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, which I think can really help. My son just started.

If you have any specific questions, send me a pm.

First of all, kudos to you for being a supportive mom and grandmother. Parenting a child with any kind of disability or difference can be exhausting, and your daughter is lucky to have you in her corner.
I am a biological and adoptive parent of six children, four of whom have special needs of some sort. My 7 year old has autistic tendencies, but that's as close as we get to asperger's, so I'm afraid I'm not much use. However, the Children's Special Needs Network is an excellent way to find ideas and people that can help you. The web address is special-children.org. Be sure to sign up for the newsletter, and watch for upcoming conferences. Asperger's is a hot topic these days, and at the last conference there were several sessions dealing with related issues. If it is at all possible for either you or your daughter to go to one of these conferences, you won't be sorry. They provide child care, even for children with special needs, so I would encourage you both to try to make it if you can.

D2

I do not personally have a child with Aspergers however I have family members and friends who do. I have done a lot of research on the subject because my son is at risk due to the family history.
Dr. Rao in Plano is great for initial assessments. I would highly recommend a heavy metal/toxin test. This will determine if toxins are the primary cause and if so you can take steps to remove them. There is a French test kit that is the most accurate that you can get from Dr. Rao.
Also you can visit www.camsvoice.com my nephews autism spectrum awareness site to learn more about treatments and resources, parent support groups etc.
There are some great books out, 365 days with Aspergers is one.
Generally changing diet, detoxing the body, and eliminating environmental toxins as much as possible are some great ways to start reducing aspergers symptoms.
You can also visit www.LiveTotalWellness.com/texas to learn more about safer alternatives
Blessings to your family :)

My five year old was diagnosed at 2 years old with aspergers. If you have questions or need therapy refferals, drop me an email at ____@____.com

L.!
Your grandson is so blessed to have you!
Read "The World of the Autistic Child" by Brynna Siegal. Don't let the title turn you off. I have a child with Asperger's and this is my Autism bible. Also read "Asperger's Syndrome" by Tony Atwood. These are the two best books on Autism that there are. You can find them on E-bay for cheap.
My advice: Be his safe place to fall. A soft lap, a big hug, unconditional love. Learn his quirks and love him for them. Nurture his talents. Be on the same page as his parents with food and discipline though. He is a special little man - but I bet you know that already!
Big hugs!
Love, E.

I see my partner has already responded and her information will be the same or better than mine as she has more experience with it. Michelle M can help you.