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Michelle Weis
MemberTo Anon regarding school aides etc.
I wanted to make another comment…When Taylor was in preschool I had therapists going in once a week to check on him. People were wondering why and asked who the aide belonged to. I had a great excuse because my older son has autism. I used to say that we were keeping an eye on him just in case.
Most parents are nosey. You could say that your child may have had a speech delay (or whatever fits in to your child profile)and you want to watch and make sure things are ok. That you are taking a proactive approach to your child's development. Talk to the nosey parents and bring it up yourself and that way their suspicions might be put to rest.
How did they suspect autism? Who brought up autism? If your child has lost his diagnosis you do want to protect him. I completely agree. Believe me I have been their and still going through it.
Take care and good luck.
MichelleMemberI wanted to throw my 2 cents in here regarding school, playdates, etc.
My son is now 9 in grade 3 with autism. I think we all share that feeling when your child isn't invited to parties or playdates.
It's tough. You feel, almost rejected. It felt to me when my son first started school that it was them and me. We were different. As time went by, I put my guard down a little bit. I went in and talked to brad's class about him and brought pictures. Some parents showed up to listen and I had conversations with them afterward. I even ended making a good friend from that expereince.
As time went by I got less defensive and more open. To this day, when I drop Brad off at school I make sure to get there a few minutes early to chat with the kids. I talk about Brad and they ask questions. I reinforce the fact that they are good friends to Brad. They enjoy having him in class and enjoy helping hm. He has went to 2 birthday parties in the last month from kids from school and has friends over. He was not effected from autism mildly but he is "likeable" and that is important when you get into the school system.
In regards to the comment about not telling the school about diagnosis is a personal choice. My younger son lost his diagnosis 2 1/2 years ago and is in grade 1. You bet! I have not breathed a word about autism to his teacher. He just came home with an incredible report card. I was crying at the fact he GETS a report card and not an IEP. If though there was a visual problem, though, I would have to re-evaluate but I hope that day never comes.
Hang in there, talk to the kids, invite them over. But remember you are not alone. And it will get better. Most parents, I find just don't know what to say so they don't say anything. Make the first move, that way they will get more comfortable.
Good Luck!
MichelleMemberNovember 7, 2002 – Hamilton Spectator
No link between autism, MMR vaccine
A large study from Denmark offers reassuring evidence that the widely used measles, mumps and rubella vaccine does not cause autism.
Some studies have speculated that the measles portion of the vaccine might trigger autism, in part because autism often becomes apparent during the second or third year of life, around the same time the shots are given. But several large studies have found no proof of this, and the latest of these was published in today's issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Dr. Kreesten Meldgaard of the Danish Epidemiology Science Centre in Aurhus reviewed the records of 537,303 children born in Denmark in the 1990's. The risk of autism was the same for those who got the vaccine and those who did not. Autism cases have risen substantially in the last 20 years, although some speculate this is a result of better recognition of the disorder, not a true increase.MemberAmen to that Barbara! Well said.
We still have far to go. But the point (I think) is when people work together, anything can be achieved. The governments philosophy is divide and conquer. We stand united and we are moving mountains!
Cheers to everyone!MemberLouise:
I think if your social worker would come to your house and observe that would be great. If we can educate any person that is willing to be educated she might be more willing to help you. That way, in the future if she has more families after you, she will be more informed and able to deal with the situation more effectively.
My social worker came to my house to see both my kids in their programs a few of years ago and she thought it was wonderful. She agreed that what we were doing was right and she was very receptive to funding for my kids for that reason.
Good luck to you!
MichelleMemberHi Everyone
In regards to a dentist…I know a great dentist I used for my son when I lived in BC. He was in Mission. His name is Dr. Dewji. (he's in the book, and I would definitely recommend him.
In terms of the other posts that have been transpiring…I agree 100% with Barbara. We should all use Barbara as a role model because of her incredible drive to help her son. And to FEAT… they have been the only organization that doesn't blow smoke up your but. FEAT is the force behind every change that has happened in BC for children with autism. The government didn't just decide that these children need help.
My oldest child Bradley was diagnosed in 1997 and we started an ABA program right away. No he did not recover…but has made more gains through ABA than anything else available. What I also realized is that my child needs ABA first and then you can experiment if you so chose with other types of ideas. But ABA is the foundation for continual progress. I myself, before ABA had tried DMG, nutritional supplements and a few other "cure of the days" but nothing worked. That to me, was because DMG or the others could not teach my child his letters, to behave properly at McDonalds or how to shower himself. Only good teaching can do that. That's why 5 years later my son is still in an ABA program. I could not in good conscience put my son through more agony than his disorder already does by subjecting him to therapies that show no data/science behind it. Our children go through enough.
In January of 1998 we started a second program for my younger son who was diagnosed as well with autism when he was 19 months. Talk about overwhelming money issues. I knew that ABA was the right thing to do. I knew it was right the first workshop we had. Taylor (my youngest)was in his program for 2 years when he lost his diagnosis. And two years later he has only made positive gains. He is going into grade 1, has a lot of friends and for him, autism is a thing of the past. He now helps his brother to learn and has a tremendous amount of patience and understanding with Brad. I don't know if he is cured because I cannot forsee his future but I know right now he has lost his diagnosis and lives a happy, full, life.
One thing I have learned is if you want a diagnosis fast you'll get it, if you want treatment for your child, you'll get it. You need a tremendous amount of will, sacrafice, time, energy etc. But that is what FEAT is all about. No body gets paid at FEAT but the staff there work around the clock, 7 days a week, that is why things get done. FEAT does not promote other methods because the whole mandate is to provide children with autism medically necessary treatment. Last I checked there still is no other method. FEAT does not judge anyone based on assumption, if you are a true FEAT member you would know to base your judgments on facts and research. Networking is about sharing your experiences to help each other and FEAT does that well. In order to pay for our children's programs we moved into my parents house for 4 years. Talk about hitting rock bottom, but my children got treatment and it saved Taylor's life. No one from FEAT judged me. They only commended me for sacrificing what I could for my children. I feel everyone suffers and no one child deserves better treatment than the other. That is why FEAT fights so hard… for all children to receive medically necessary treatment regardless of the ability to pay. I am happy for those in programmes and sadened for those who cannot afford it. I still can't afford it that is why we moved to Ontario. The housing, etc. is cheaper and we are able to afford more for Bradley.
I was asked to put two cents in so I wanted to say on more thing. For the five plus years I have been involved with FEAT I have never seen such devoted, supportive, driven bunch of individuals. When you look at the data FEAT has accomplished more in the past 6 years than any other agency. We should take our hats off to them and support them for their tireless efforts. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Sabrina,(she's like the energizer bunny) and all the FEAT members for sticking together to provide treatment for our children. Always remember, without FEAT our children would be in a much worse state of affairs.Michelle
MemberI am responding to the Laurel group comment. Yes, I would also be very suprised if a contracted organization funded by the government would have an experienced ABA worker with them. If they did that would be wonderful, but if it smells bad it probably is. At the same time, would someone experienced in Lovaas work at the Laurel Group? I doubt not. At least not the therapists that I have known.
Ask for his Cv. See how long he worked in California and actually phone UCLA and check on his referenece. I have had that experience in the past and when I checked it out that person had never gone to school or worked in the clinic there.
Most of all, as parents we need to be educated as to what is (pardon me) crap and what isn't. Unfortunately everyone has to go through alot of crap to get to a decent treatment program. I believe when you are impowered with education on treatments for autism as well as a good network system you save your child alot of quality learning time.
FEAT does a splendid job at keeping families networked and fully informed. (much more than most provinces) Parents are much stronger when you are informed and in unity rather than divided.
Check it out and if he has been trained at the Lovaas clinic than find out why he left and why he chose to work at the Laurel group.Michelle
MemberJust another reminder about the upcoming FEAT Meeting this Wednesday, July 18th.
The presenter is Andrea Sharpe, consultant from Autism Partnership.
She will discuss research and practical information in regards to working with older children.
This is something you don't want to miss. Especially if you have an older child or in a new program.
Thanks
Michelle -
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