Kristyn Crow's commentsComments On: Everything Articles Blogs Journals Photos created by: EveryoneKristyn Autism: Disease or Disability?11 Feb 2008 01:14 PM Thanks for your comment--there are some who would disagree with you. Autism is more recently being viewed as a whole-body disease which affects neurological functioning as part of the whole picture. Many parents of autistic children report that their kids, along with cognitive dysfunction, have gastrointestinal, autoimmune, and numerous other problems. You might be interested in this website: http://www.thoughtfulhouse.org/bio_bjepson.htm Dr. Bryan Jepson is considered a leading expert on autism, and he has treated hundreds of autistic kids. He believes that autism is a disease. It's a good idea for us to keep an open mind on this condition and be open to possibilities, so we can find the best treatments and preventitive strategies. Why Kids with Autism May Need Vitamin Supplements22 Jan 2008 10:20 AM PS--Have you read my blog, "Fun with Foods for Sensory Integration Disorder?" Here is the link: http://special-needs.families.com/blog/fun-with-foods-for-sensory-integration-dysfunction (copy and paste it into your browser). Why Kids with Autism May Need Vitamin Supplements22 Jan 2008 10:05 AM I'll be writing more about dietary considerations soon. I would assume that sensory integration disorder could be treated with the same kinds of supplements used for treating autism--since they are so closely related and even connected in many cases. The problem is that every child with DSI or autism is so unique, with different symptoms and needs. I'm a firm believer in finding an excellent, highly-recommended doctor who sees autism or DSI as a whole-child disease, and starting from there. Could a Point System Help Your Child with ADHD?10 Jan 2008 07:52 PM I understand your concern, but the point system allows for accountability. One of the difficulties kids with ADHD have is that they often act without thinking. Impulse control is hard for them. A point system helps teach them to think about consequences and make better choices. The reality is that in the real world there ARE consequences for anti-social, aggressive, or unruly behaviors. If these kids don't learn this concept now, while they're young, they'll have to learn it as adults the hard way. And the adult world will be a lot less forgiving. Also, I personally wouldn't say these kids have "no control" over their behaviors. Sure, it's harder for them to control their impulses and stay focused. MUCH harder than it is for typical kids, even. But there are all kinds of intervention strategies they can learn to calm themselves down and stay on task. In some cases, medication is helpful. But to not hold these children accountable for their behaviors is putting them at a disadvantage. The point system may not be the right strategy for every family, but many have used it with great success. The good thing about it is you can adapt it any way you want. If your daughter has certain behaviors she absolutely can't control, don't doc points for them. Or you can eliminate the point subtraction ("lose points") and only have her earn points towards privileges or rewards. Perhaps your daughter would do better earning points and not losing them. Still, I think it's vital to provide consequences to kids, and the point system helps them to "see" and predict them in a much more immediate, concrete way. When Towels Take Over30 Dec 2007 10:30 PM Sigh. I guess it's the sort of thing that has to be implemented and re-implemented. Sheesh. I'm told that someday when the kids are gone I'll miss all the stray towels. Doubtful. Do You Have BOTH Juvenile Diabetes and Autism in Your Family?09 Dec 2007 06:42 PM Thanks so much for taking time to share your situation, and I hope we'll hear from more moms and dads out there having similar experiences. It's good to lend support to each other! It sounds like you've done a lot of research and your son is in good hands. "Hey Mom, I LIKE Gifted School!"27 Nov 2007 10:56 PM I think you're absolutely right. These kids really do intellectually stimulate and motivate one another. It's been interesting to observe the class and watch how this works. Unfortunately, it's tough trying to promote socializing outside of school, since they live so far apart. Do You Have BOTH Juvenile Diabetes and Autism in Your Family?07 Nov 2007 06:39 PM Wow, Donna, you've got your hands full. Welcome and hopefully we can offer you support. I've got two boys with juvenile diabetes and one with autism. Believe it or not, it does become routine after awhile, and soon you won't know different. But in some ways the juvenile diabetes diagnosis is more intimidating than autism as far as the constant care involved. I'd like to direct you to a few of my previous blogs which might help you -- copy and paste this link in your browser: http://special-needs.families.com/blog/my-son-has-juvenile-diabetes-and-autism-a-mothers-interview Also, I wrote a new blog on this topic today. Paste this URL into your browser: http://special-needs.families.com/blog/another-look-at-the-autism-and-diabetes-connection Also, feel free to email me by visiting my website at www.kristyncrow.com. I'm sure there are some other mothers who would also be interested in corresponding. Hang in there! You're an awesome mom! In Jesse's Shoes - A Fabulous Book Giveaway!06 Nov 2007 07:16 AM Thanks for your interest! The last sentence of this article says, "To purchase your own copy of this wonderful book click here." Click on the word "here" and that should take you to the site to buy the book. Unfortunately, our free copies are now depleted. Hope you enjoy it! |
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