Sensory processing disorder - it's real.....

I'm going to apologize in advance, as this post really is out of frustration.

I betting that everyone has been touched by, knows someone, or knows somebody who knows somebody who has autism.  What amazes me, is how little research is done about it. It baffles me that people don't actually take the time to research so they can better understand, and in turn help a someone they love cope.

My son is sensative. He screams when people tickle him, doesn't handle heat or cold well. Imagine sitting in the scorching hot sun, melting. Now imagine that times 2. Imagine the coldest of cold days, wind blowing in your face and a chill through your body the instant you stop outside. Imagine that times 2. That is what it feels like for my son.

When people tickle him, and then tell him he screams like a girl, or find it amusing that he seems to *over react* to what we see as something simple, it irks me.


Sensory processing disorder (http://autism.about.com/od/alternativetreatmens/a/SPDdef.htm)

Many people with autism have sensory processing disorder. That is, they may be hyper-sensitive or under-sensitive to light, noise, and touch. For some people, these differences can be overwhelming, and as a result they are unable to take part in typical community activities. Ball games, movies, even church can feel like torture.
These differences in sensory reactiveness are labeled "sensory processing disorder" or "sensory processing dysfunction," and may be attributable to differences in brain structure. While sensory issues are not a core symptom of autism, they are very common among people with autism. As a result, many children with autism are receiving treatment for sensory issues, known as "sensory integration therapy" or SI therapy.According to the Ayres Clinic (one of the leading specialists in sensory dysfunction and sensory integration therapy), the following are signs that a child may be suffering from sensory issues - and may be aided by sensory integration therapy:

• Overly sensitive to touch, movement, sights, or sounds
• Under reactive to touch, movement, sights, or sounds
• Easily distracted
• Social and/or emotional problems
• Activity level that is unusually high or unusually low
• Physical clumsiness or apparent carelessness
• Impulsive, lacking in self-control
• Difficulty making transitions from one situation to another
• Inability to unwind or calm self
• Poor self concept
• Delays in speech, language, or motor skills
• Delays in academic achievement

Clearly, this list of issues describes many different types of children, including those with Attention Deficit Disorder, learning disabilities, and even simple moodiness. It can also describe many children with autism spectrum disorders.


So, the next you want to call child you just gave a noogie a wuss, or laugh and tell them they scream like a girl. Think again......

Saying Good bye.....

This is it. The end of the chapter.

Tomorrow was suppose to be my son's last day at his current school. He was to have the morning at his new school and a little party in the afternoon at his current school. I got a email from his teacher yesterday letting me know that she wouldn't be at the school tomorrow afternoon and due to all the upcoming changes it might be best that he just come home after being at his new school rather then go and spend his last afternoon with a supply teacher.

As much as I agree with her and the thought process, saying yes to this idea was hard. Why? Because mentally I was prepared for Friday to be his last day. The thought of today being his last day had me in tears.

Don't get me wrong - I fully know and accept that this whole change is not about me, and this is why we made the decision we did to switch schools. However, I need to have a moment of complete selfishness. I am over the moon that my son can't wait to change schools, I'm glad that this decision has made him feel lighter. That he is happy, and skipping through the hallways at school. I am sad though. I'm sad that In order to do what's best for my son, I'm letting go of my (see, told you selfish) dream to have my kids in the FI program. I'm sad that I'm loosing such an AMAZING support staff, and most of all I'm sad to be loosing one of the best things to have happened to my son. Someone who has been as big of an advocate for him as we have, someone who understands him, and communications accordingly and someone who just really loves him.

So to the following people who have forever touched our lives, I have this to say:

My son's VP and english teacher: Thank you for doing everything you could to make sure you gained my son's trust. For always being understanding but firm. Although it may not seem like it - he did really like you.

To my son's SK and grade 1 teachers and EA staff - thank you for knowing right away that there was something unique and special about my son. For being understanding and ensuring he was always placed in the right hands and care.

The gifts going to my son's EA and CYC

To my son's EA - it was wonderful that Myles felt so safe and secure with you. That you did what you could to help him and encourage him to move forward

To my son's CYC - you rock. Thank you for helping to ensure his needs were alway met. For being such a kind and loving person, who took my son under your wing from the first time you met him. For the messages letting me know you missed him. You have no idea how much it meant knowing that he had support staff that cared so much for him. I'm grateful.

To my son's current teacher: Writing this without feeling weepy isn't easy. This year was tough. Changing to a new school, I was very involved in the process. When D told me who his teacher was going to be this year, I told her - I trust you. If you think it's the best fit, then I'm on board. Well, you were the right fit. You were patient, loving, accomodating and understanding. You have touched our lives and our hearts. You made a tough change for him that much smoother. You took the time to get to know him and figure out how to best help him. It was nothing less then a pleasure to have been able to communicate with you this year and I simply cannot thank you enough for being such an amazing teacher. My son loved you, without a doubt.

PS - please enjoy your locket. (We got her a necklace with a heart locket, containing the autism ribbon, special teacher and you are my sunshine. She really was!)

This one is hard - to my son's Grade 2 teacher last year and his resource teacher this year. I don't know that I can ever fully thank you enough. To me, you were my rock at times and my ally always. Thank you for always letting me turn to you. For advice, for support and a kick in the ass when I needed it. You have become our friend and a huge part of our family. Thank you for making things happen, for being an amazing advocate. Thank you for loving my son every single day, through every ugly moment, through every accomplishment, every victory, every baby step. I firmly believe without you we would not be where we are today. You are simply an angel. *M* loves you, trusts you and I think will miss you the most. He is beyond blessed to have had you in his life and I believe will always look back fondly at the times you've shared. Don't ever stop calling for Allan and Steve. <3

And then there are days......

As you all know, Autism is unpredictable. One day can be like walking with rainbows and unicorns - the next is like the earth is shifting under neath you and you are trying not to get caught in the cracks.

This is how the morning started yesterday. He got up, in preparation to go to school. I made him breakfast and we followed our normals routine of me constantly telling him to eat his breakfast and him pretending to ignore me. On my last prompt to get him to eat, he replied. I can't go. It's too cold, Ill get wet! There is too much snow.

It wasn't long ago it had dawned on me that when he complained about the wind blowing in his face, or the heat, or the cold that it wasn't him simply complaining for the sake of complaining, but that he is just that sensative. What we feel to be hot or cold, he feels just that much more. What seems like nothing to us, has his senses working on over drive. He feels everything just that much more. It's hard to understand, not ever having to cope the way he does. It's real, and can debilatating for him.

So anyway, I tried to change the subject to avoid the conversation totally going south. I then asked him to get dressed and that's when the end of the world came. He missed the TV show Beyblade. The stomping started, his voice got louder and his whole body tightened up. I knew we were done. I quickly tried to reassure him he could watch it tomorrow. Let his know it was an episode he had already seen, trying to get him to realize that it wasn't that bad. Didn't work. The yelling got louder, the frustration was building and the tears were just seconds away from flowing.

I called the school, and emailed his teacher. I knew today was going to be one of those days and couldn't justify sending him to school for his teachers and classmates to deal with.

After what seemed like an eternity, he finally started to come back. Was ready to hear reason and prepared to wait until tomorrow to catch the next episode.

Shovelling heavy, wet winter snow almost seemed like a walk in the park after coping with that first thing in the morning.

You just never know what one day to the next will bring.....

1 week left.....

So next week marks the last week for my son at  his current school.

Monday his new resource teacher spent the day with him at his current school. He started out having a rough morning, which I was kinda glad to hear. Sounds horrible eh? But I more so wanted her to see him in action. To see what his melt downs and anxiety looks like. To see what she was in for. All in all I heard really good things from both his current resource teacher, his new resource teacher and from him.

Tuesday my son and I met his current resource teacher at his new school. We popped into the office, said hello to the secretary and principal again, and then went on a little tour of the school. He seemed to be right in his element. Happy, go lucky - taking everything in. We toured the classroom's and we popped in to say hi to the kids we already knew. He took a peek around the library, drank in his surroundings and is excited to check out his first Star Wars book! He ran a few laps around the gym and showed off his *speed*! LOL

We ended by checking out his new classroom and scooping out some of his new classmates. I think it will be easier for him knowing one of my daycare kids will be in his class. His new teacher seems nice. Asked alot of questions, which is great. I'm also wayyy beyond grateful that his current resource teacher is keeping the lines of communication with the new school team open with herself.

It's such a beautiful thing to watch my son and his current resource teacher in action. You can see the bond they share. She is amazing with him and know's him so well. He is beyond comfortable with her and responds so well to her. I'm really going to miss having her interacting with him on a daily basis.

All in all he seems to be right in his element in his new school. He can't wait to get there and as sad as I am to be loosing his current support staff, I'm thrilled to know that he is moving into a community with a great team as well. A place where he feels comfortable.

Tips for Parents

I am on a page on facebook called Asperger's Syndrome awareness worldwide and came across this info. It is far too good not to share!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Aspergers-Syndrome-awareness-worldwide/197331763678219




When your child has autism:

Tips for parents
 

Learn about autism. The more you know about autism spectrum disorders, the better equipped you’ll be to make informed decisions for your child. Educate yourself about the treatment options, ask questions, and participate in all treatment decisions.
Become an expert on your child. Figure out what triggers your kid’s “bad” or disruptive behaviors and what elicits a positive response. What does your autistic child find stressful? Calming? Uncomfortable? Enjoyable? If you understand what affects your child, you’ll be better at troubleshooting problems and preventing situations that cause difficulties.
Accept your child, quirks and all. Rather than focusing on how your autistic child is different from other children and what he or she is “missing,” practice acceptance. Enjoy your kid’s special quirks, celebrate small successes, and stop comparing your child to others. Feeling unconditionally loved and accepted will help your child more than anything else.
Don’t give up. It’s impossible to predict the course of an autism spectrum disorder. Don’t jump to conclusions about what life is going to be like for your child. Like everyone else, people with autism have an entire lifetime to grow and develop their abilities.



Another great tid bit:

The Difference Between Classic Autism and Mild Autism

The difference between classic autism and mild autism is that those with a milder form usually have normal language and intellectual development. Some even have above average language and intellect.
The other difference is that people with classic autism refrain from engaging in social situations, but mildly autistic people will seek social activities and want make friends with others. The challenge is that they just may not know how to do it.

Kerry's Place - finally seeing some light

So, last Thursday we had our appointement at Kerry's Place. For those of you that aren't familiar, Kerry's place is a autism center that provides ABA, resources and many other outlets for children and families of ASD children.

http://www.kerrysplace.org/Public/Home.aspx

For me, it was just so awesome to sit down and chat with someone who gets it. Someone who also has a child on the spectrum. Someone who knew how to interact with my son, and how to be able get the info needed in a manner my son could totally relate to.

After conversation with our son and us it was recognized that he could benefit with more social skills classes. Of course, there is a huge waiting list at the moment but it's refreshing to know he is now on the list and to also hear of other children who are involved with Kerry's place that are exactally the same as our son. Kids my son can relate to.

So, again we are left waiting until there is room for him in the class but I'm feeling so much more positive we are headed in the right direction.



Now, we had a public health nurse in the following morning to observe my daughter. I'm pleased to say that went well. We almost seemed relieved as well to hear/see that she seems to be right on target with her milestones and abilities. It was recognized that she struggles somewhat with cutting and her fine motor skills do seem to be lacking. The end result is that we are being referred to Kidsability  ( http://www.kidsability.ca/) where a OT will work with her on her fine motor and we are hoping she will also observe her for any sensory concern's that have been addressed.

It feels good to be getting things in motion. Now we just need to cross our fingers that it all happens sooner rather then later.

Education is key!!!

I just came across this and had to share! There is no better way to learn, then to ask!